Earlier this summer, Arkansas Hockey announced the news that the program would be fielding teams at both the ACHA DII and DIII level. With the the change, the team is happy to announce the coaching staff for each team for the upcoming season.
First, Arkansas Hockey is happy to welcome new DIII Head Coach Greg Betzold! This upcoming season marks his first behind the bench at the collegiate level. When asked what he was looking forward to most about joining Arkansas Hockey, he had this to say “My whole life has been dedicated to hockey, so I’m excited to continue being in the game, but in a different role. I’ve played at the highest levels and I’m looking forward to sharing my knowledge and experience with our players”. Before his career in coaching, Coach Betzold established a accomplished career as a player. In high school, he attended the famous hockey academy at Shattuck St. Marys before playing four seasons of major juniors for the Peterborough Petes in the OHL. Coach Betzold attended two St. Louis Blues NHL development camp and played five years in the ECHL prior to his retirement.
The Head Hog has high expectations for his team heading into this season: “The expectations I have for my team goes on and off the ice. To play for U of A hockey is an honor and I expect my boys treat it as such. I expect my team to bring a strong work ethic every day, to balance both being a student and an athlete, to be role models in the communities around them, and lastly, to compete for a National Championship.” In addition to his role as DIII Head Coach, he will be serving as Director of Player Development for the Program. In this role, Coach Betzold will be able to utilize his skill, knowledge, and experience to help players on both teams improve and develop their on ice skills to the highest level.
Defensive coach Dakota Gottlieb will be remaining at DIII to continue his role leading the defensive core. He will be serving as Associate Head Coach and right hand man to Coach Betzold. Director of Hockey Operations, Keller Sims, was very excited when asked about Coach Gottlieb’s new role for this season: “His experience as a Razorback and history with the program made him an obvious choice to help with the transition period of the program. Showing the new coaches and players what this program is about and the pride we all have in being a Hog was important to us when we decided to move in this direction”.
In addition to his on ice role. Coach Gottlieb will be serving as coordinator of off ice development within the program. Using his passion for nutrition, exercise, and mental growth, he will take point on helping players develop in the weight room and at the dinner table, to build themselves to be successful and high performing athletes. Coach Gottlieb has expressed his excitement for this upcoming season: “I am excited to continue my coaching journey and help lead our team to another successful season. I look forward to helping continue to grow this program and the sport in the state. The Arkansas Razorbacks have an illustrious legacy and I am proud to contribute.”
Another new face to the program, Elliot Stark, will be joining the DIII staff as an assistant coach leading the forward group. Coach Stark has an extensive history of coaching at the youth level and an extensive playing career in the club and colligate level out of St. Louis, MO. Coach Stark brings experience and knowledge to his forward group, hoping to lead by example and setting a high standard early to push the group all season.
Head Coach Keller Sims returns for his eighth season behind the bench, where he looks to continue his history of success as the team advances into the ACHA DII level. After reaching the National Tournament in six of his previous seven seasons, he looks forward to the new challenge in front of him. “I’m really excited for this opportunity. I’m hoping these guys buy in early and are as excited for the challenge as I am. We have a real opportunity to make an early name for ourselves at this level.” In addition to coaching the DII team, Coach Sims will also be serving as Director of Hockey Operations, overseeing the success and operations of both teams, as well as recruitment, and program development.
Rejoining Coach Sims, will be Assistant Coach Ryan Urban. In his third season with the team, Coach Urban has been pivotal to the growth and success of the forward group over his time with the program. Since joining in the 2022-23 season, he has helped his players reach new offensive heights and contributed to the on ice success of special teams. When asked about the move to DII, Coach Urban had this to say “I think this will be a fun season. I’m looking forward to the skill and speed that these forwards play at, and helping them reach the highest level of success possible”. Coach Urban has a history of success at the ACHA II level. He played five years at Penn State, qualifying for the National Tournament four of those five years. “I know my experiences can translate to the success of this team” Coach Urban said.
The last new addition to the program is DII Defensive Assistant Coach Dan Sova. Coach Sova brings a wealth of playing experience and hockey knowledge to the program. Growing up in Minnesota, Coach Sova was on skates by the age of three. He spent two years playing for the Waterloo Blackhawks in the USHL prior to four years at Michigan Tech at the NCAA DI level. After his collegiate career, Sova spent two years in the professional ranks prior to retiring due to injuries. When asked what he is looking forward to most about joining the program: “I am really looking forward to helping these defensemen develop their skills and harness their craft. I also look forward to contributing to the growth of these young men off the ice, to help contribute to their future success by learning to go about things the right way”.
In addition to the changes behind the bench for reach team: Goalie Coach Justin Goad returns for his third season with the program. Athletic trainer Chad Fink is back for his eighth season. Faculty Advisor Jingxian Wu is back for his fifth with the program. Strength and Conditioning Coach Corey Rees is back for his third season leading the team in the weight room.
