This Friday and Saturday, February 17 & 18, the University of Arkansas Men’s Ice Hockey team gets on the road to St. Charles, Missouri, to take on the defending National Champion–Lindenwood University (16-11-3).  The Lions enter the weekend on a six game winning streak ranked #5 nationally and having just swept #6 Robert Morris University by 3-2 and 4-0 scores.

The Razorbacks come to Lindenwood having split their final home series against Missouri State.  Last Friday, the Hogs spotted the Ice Bears a three goal lead in the first period and never recovered.  Despite dropping the initial contest 7-3, Arkansas foreshadowed Saturday’s result by winning the third period 2-0.  Then, on Saturday, in front of a sold-out crowd, Arkansas rallied from a 3-1 deficit to score four unanswered goals including three in the third to win 5-3.  The win gave the Hogs the opportunity to send their two seniors, #22 Brandon Van Rooyen and #8 Kyle Summerford, out on a winning note.

Saturday also served as the program’s first-ever alumni night.  Alums from rosters dating back to 2009 were treated to a mid-day BBQ followed by the first-ever alum game and then an opportunity to stay both for the game and a post-game reception.

As the Division I team played at home, the Division III team was in Nashville for the SECHC Conference Playoff tournament.  As the #6 seed, the Hogs took on the #3 seed Ole Miss Rebels.  Despite jumping out to a 2-0 lead, the Razorbacks were unable to secure the upset.  Behind two second period goals, the Rebels tied the game 2-2 entering the final frame.  The teams traded goals in the third until Ole Miss potted the game winner late in the third period en route to a 5-4 win.

The Hogs faced Florida last Saturday in the fifth place consolation game.  The high scoring affair saw several changes in momentum.  After being down 3-1 at the end of 1, the Hogs rallied but found themselves down 7-5 after two and ultimately fell to the Gators by a final score of 9-7.  The loss concludes the Division III team’s season.

Fans can watch tonight’s game against Lindenwood at 7 pm by clicking here (PPV).  The teams will face-off again in the final game of the regular season tomorrow at 4 pm.  In the meantime, fans can listen to #7 Jacob Brown and #25 James Haddock talk about the program on this week’s WCHL podcast, available here.