The Razorback Hockey team is pleased to announce that F-Sam Weidenbaum has committed to the University of Arkansas. The 6’2” 200 lbs right-shooting forward comes to Arkansas after completing his junior hockey career.
Weidenbaum finished his 2016-17 campaign by helping the Decatur Blaze in the USPHL earn a National Tournament bid as one of two Midwest Division representatives. In 7 regular season games with the Blaze, Weidenbaum recorded 9 total points (5 goals and 4 assists). During Decatur’s playoff run, Weidenbaum chipped in 2 goals and 2 assists across 9 games. Before his time with the Blaze, he played for the Dells Ducks in the USPHL Elite and the Long Beach Sharks in the NA3HL.
Weidenbaum spent his 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons with the Marquette Royals in the MnJHL and then the USPHL Midwest. In 78 games with the Royals, he contributed 18 points (9 goals and 9 assists).
Weidenbaum, a native of Phoenix, AZ, started skating at 8 years old with some friends from school. Says Weidenbaum, “once I realized that hockey was a great way to get out of the Arizona heat I was hooked.” He describes playing hockey as “the best feeling in the world” whether he’s skating “on a pond, in a big game, or even practice.”
When the USPHL announced Weidenbaum’s commitment to Arkansas (read here), Decatur Blaze Coach/GM Zac Pearson said, “Sam came to us late in the season and really made an impact with our team. He’s one heck of a hockey player and Arkansas will see that immediately.”
Said Weidenbaum, “Attending a top school like the University of Arkansas is a great opportunity for me. Coach Gallini made my decision to commit to the University very easy. After talking with him about the program, over the last few months, it is hard not to get excited about the opportunity I have been given to play here. I can’t wait to get on the ice next season wearing cardinal and white.”
“The size keeps rolling into Fayetteville and we could not be more excited,” said Brian Gallini, Head Coach of the Division I team. “We predict that Sam will contribute to the aggressive style we expect from this season’s roster.”
Weidenbaum becomes the eleventh in the 2017-18 recruiting class that features players from seven different states and two countries. Weidenbaum joins the following players:
F-Sine Chadi (Long Beach Bombers, WSHL)
F-Triston Wilson (Euless Stars, NA3HL)
F/D-Paiute Morrison (Southern Oregon Spartans, WSHL)
D-Corey Rees (Long Beach Sharks, NA3HL)
D-Kyle Dudley (Euless Jr. Stars, NA3HL)
D-Shaun Foster (SUNY-Canton, NCAA)
D-Kenatae Medure (Atlanta Capitals, NA3HL)
G-Max Barr (Long Beach Bombers, WSHL)
G-Brock Thompson (Connecticut Nighthawks, EHL)
G-Rio Virgoe (Jersey Shore Wildcats, NA3HL)
The University of Arkansas is the only SEC school to field two hockey teams. The Division I team has, since 2015, competed in the Western Collegiate Hockey Conference (learn more here). The Division III team will in 2017-18 begin its eleventh season competing in the Southeastern Collegiate Hockey Conference (learn more here). All home games are played at The Jones Center for Families in Springdale.