Razorback Hockey Team Opens Season Tonight

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The University of Arkansas Club Ice Hockey team will play its season-openers against the University of Kansas on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 10 and 11, at 7:30 p.m. at the Jones Center in Springdale. The team will raise its 2009-10 SECHC Championship banner Friday before the game, and will host Youth League Night on Saturday.

In addition to winning the SECHC Championship last season, the Ice Hogs earned a trip to the ACHA Division III National Tournament in Florida. The team also won the South Regional championship and boasted an 18-game regular season winning streak. They finished the 2009-10 season—only their second full season in the program’s history—with a 27-8-0 record.

The team began as a Division III ACHA program in the 2007-08 season, and played only four games. Created and led by then-captain Michael Bugbee, the team played a full season the following year. Bugbee graduated after the 2008-09 season and Coach Patrick Forseth accepted a coaching position with the Tulsa Rampage. Coaches Brian Gallini and Rick Desjardins took over the growing program and, in doing so, held rigorous tryouts, implemented new systems of play, and pushed the team to reach new heights.

After getting a taste of the National Tournament last year, this year’s team returns to the ice stronger and more focused on bringing a National Championship to Arkansas. Players participated in charity events, off-ice workouts, and practices throughout the summer. With nine new players and a more demanding schedule, the team is eager to prove itself as a hockey powerhouse in the south.

In addition to this weekend’s debut, the team will play 14 home games, including a “Pink the Rink” night on Oct. 1 against the University of Nebraska. In collaboration with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Organization, all Ice Hog players will wear pink jerseys that will be auctioned off during the game to benefit Komen Ozark. The team will also return to the Dallas Stars’ American Airlines Center to play Texas A&M on Jan. 15 following the Stars’ game against the Atlanta Thrashers. The schedule includes a total of 30 games, including many against ACHA Division II opponents.

Visit www.razorbackhockey.com for the schedule, roster, rankings, pictures, and contact information on the team’s progress throughout the season. Be sure also to join the team’s Facebook page for frequent updates.