The Razorback Hockey team is pleased to announce that Chris Stovall has formally committed to play at Arkansas.  A 1995 birth year, the 5’9″ 175 lb. right-handed forward from Grapevine, Texas, recently completed his final junior season with the Springfield Express (WSHL).

Stovall has amassed a substantial junior career that has included stops with the Corpus Christi Ice Rays (NAHL), Texas Jr. Brahmas (WSHL), Melville Millionaires (SJHL), Campbellton Tigers (MJAHL), Palm Beach Hawks (USPHL), and Springfield Express (WSHL).  Prior to his junior career, Stovall led his U16 Tier I AAA team as captain to an appearance in the National Championship game.  He has also twice earned USA Hockey National Camp invitations.

Among the many highlight’s of Stovall’s junior career, he was the leading scorer for his 2014-15 Palm Beach Hawks team–amassing 34 points in 31 games–where he also served as an Assistant Captain.  More recently, Stovall was chosen as an Assistant Captain for the Express this past season where he accrued 41 points in 38 games, including 18 goals and 23 assists.  He also led his team in scoring during five Express playoff games this year.

Reflecting on his time coaching Stovall, current Express Head Coach Jeremy Law said, “I am thrilled Chris chose to attend Arkansas and play for the Razorback Hockey Team. It’s a program that continues to improve every season and I have no doubt Chris will be successful under Coach Gallini’s structure and coaching philosophy.”  About Chris more specifically, Coach Law commented, “he treats the game as a professional and shows up to the rink everyday with 100% commitment and dedication to the sport.”

“I am extremely excited to be playing the next four years at the University of Arkansas,” said Stovall.  “Coaches Gallini and Desjardins have been instrumental throughout this process with me and my family.”  Stovall elaborated on his decision by noting, “I really believe in the system and culture of the program. I’ve played with some of the current players in juniors and I know the culture of the locker room and nucleus of the group is one of the best.”

Stovall becomes the fourteenth player in a 16-17 recruiting class that has ten different states represented (Texas, Mississippi, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Jersey, Kansas, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Missouri, and California) and players with experience in eight different junior leagues (NA3HL, NAHL, MnJHL, SJHL, MJAHL, WSHL, GMHL, and USPHL).  He joins the following players:

F-Drew Hill (Dallas Jr. Stars, NA3HL)
F-Garrett Jackson (McKinney Northstars)
F-Alex Kueser (Eureka High School)
F-Chris Weatherly (HC Dallas AAA, NAPHL)
F-Ben Koester (Rochester Ice Hawks, NA3HL)
F-Alec Morris (Marian University, NCAA)
D-Alex DeGuire (Skipjacks Hockey Club, USPHL)
D-Dominic De la Guardia (Portland Jr. Pirates, USPHL)
D-Jake Jones (Bobcaygeon Storm, GMHL)
D-Blake Sibley (HC Dallas AAA, NAPHL)
D-Brian Danahy (Abington Green Wave, MAHS)
G-Nick Bretzger (Springfield Express, WSHL)
G-Michael Moore (Chicago Cougars, USPHL)

The University of Arkansas is the only SEC school to field two hockey teams.  The 15-16 season marked the program’s inaugural season at Division I, which produced the highest finish in ACHA history for any team in its first DI season after moving from DIII.  Meanwhile, the Division III team boasts five SECHC conference titles and three appearances at the National Tournament.

The 2016-17 Division I & III schedules will be released in early summer.  All home games are played at The Jones Center for Families in Springdale.