Rivalries are renewed for DI and DIII this weekend

The #24 DI Razorbacks (6-9-0) take on the University of Alabama (2-5-0) at home on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm.  The Hogs enter the weekend after a successful trip to Colorado that saw the team notch wins over #4 Colorado, Metro State (DIII), and the University of Northern Colorado (DII).  The trio of wins propelled the team back into the national rankings scene after a three week hiatus.

For its part, the University of Alabama enters the weekend with two wins over West Virginia and losses to Missouri State, Illinois, and Illinois State (the only common opponent between Arkansas and Alabama).  Like Arkansas, Alabama is a first year Division I team, but the two teams are no stranger to one another.  The historically heated rivalry dates back to 2008 when the Tide swept the inaugural series.

The back and forth series last convened in November of 2014 in Pelham, Alabama, when Alabama defeated Arkansas 6-5 in game one and the two teams skated to a 4-4 tie in game two.  Friday night’s game will feature a “Pink Out” with the University of Arkansas School of Law.  Fans will have the opportunity to purchase commemorative limited edition pink team t-shirts when purchasing tickets.

2008-09

January 17, 2009:  Alabama 5, Arkansas 1

January 30, 2009:  Alabama 5, Arkansas 2

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Current goalie coach Brendan Desjardins (’12) faces an Alabama shot in 2009

2009-10

October 30, 2009:  Arkansas 10, Alabama 4

October 31, 2009:  Arkansas 3, Alabama 0

December 19, 2009:  Arkansas 5, Alabama 3

December 20, 2009:  Arkansas 7, Alabama 0

February 27, 2010:  Arkansas 5, Alabama 1 (SECHC Conference Semi-Final)

2010-11

November 5, 2011:  Alabama 1, Arkansas 0

November 6, 2011: Arkansas 6, Alabama 4

A look at the crowd out to see Alabama in 2012
A look at the sellout crowd out to see the Alabama games in 2012

2011-12

February 2, 2012:  Arkansas 4, Alabama 2

February 3, 2012:  Arkansas 3, Alabama 2

2012-13

November 10, 2012:  Arkansas 6, Alabama 1

December 2, 2012:  Arkansas 5, Alabama 1

February 16, 2013:  Alabama 4, Arkansas 3 (South Regional Game 2)

February 24, 2013:  Arkansas 8, Alabama 0 (SECHC Conference Championship)

Alums Marty Sundstedt & Johnny Stromp take a draw during the 2013 SECHC championship game against Alabama
Alums Marty Sundstedt (’14) & Johnny Stromp (’14) take a draw during the 2014 SECHC championship game against Alabama

2013-14

November 1, 2013: Arkansas 5, Alabama 2

November 2, 2013: Arkansas 4, Alabama 1

February 9, 2014: Arkansas 2, Alabama 1 (SECHC Conference Championship)

2014-15

November 7, 2014: Alabama 6, Arkansas 5

November 8, 2014: Arkansas 4, Alabama 4

Meanwhile, the DIII Razorbacks get on the road to renew acquaintances with another familiar rival, Ole Miss.  The DIII Hogs take on the Rebels at 9:15 pm on Friday and 4:15 pm on Saturday, both in Olive Branch, MS.  The 10-1-1 DIII Razorbacks enter the weekend after an unexpected TCU two-game forfeit.

The Rebels enter the weekend with an uncharacteristic 2-6-0 record.  A three-time Nationals qualifier, the Rebels last notched a pair of wins against Georgia Tech by identical 6-4 scores on October 16 & 17.  The Rebels are led in scoring by Dan Warnecke (8G, 5A) and Conor Silk (4G, 2A).

The two teams last met on October 24 & 25, 2014 when the Razorbacks earned 8-2 and 3-1 wins.  Ole Miss last defeated Arkansas on November 30, 2012, by a 4-1 score.  The DIII Hogs close out their road trip on Sunday with an early morning (8am) tilt against Mississippi State.