First semester winds down

Photo credit: Edward Matthews

The University of Arkansas Men’s Hockey program concluded play earlier this month, closing down an uneven first semester of play.  After a strong start that saw the Division I team sweep its first opponent of the season, the Hogs struggled on the road for a large part of the semester.  The combination of numerous road games, a double-digit number of new faces, and one of the most competitive schedules in the nation produced a program record eight-game losing streak.

But despite the semester’s challenges, the young Razorback squad saw numerous positive moments including a 5-2 road win against Illinois State, a 5-4 come from behind road win against Midland, and an overtime shootout win against arch-rival Alabama.  And, as the semester progressed, so too did the team’s offensive development; the Hogs produced three or more goals in six of the final seven games of the semester.

The second semester promises the friendly confines of a packed Jones Center.  After a three game swing through Arizona to start the second semester, Arkansas returns home for a critical nine game stretch–all against ranked opponents.  The season’s second half kicks off in the New Year on January 12 against conference-rival Arizona at 9:30 pm.

For its part, the Division III Hogs finished the semester with an overall 10-15-0 record.  First semester highlights for the DIII squad included a season opening victory against SEC foe Ole Miss, a sweep of Division II Texas State, a sweep of Pacific Region rival McKendree University, and a 6-4 win over Vanderbilt.  Division III resumes play on the road on January 13 against McKendree.  The DIII Hogs will play eight total remaining regular season games before traveling to Nashville, Tennessee, for the SECHC Conference Playoffs on February 10-12.