The University Recreation Ice Hockey club has claimed the Southeastern Collegiate Hockey Conference West Championship title for the third consecutive year.

The club entered the series ranked No. 2 in the SECHC West against No. 1-ranked Alabama. The club defeated the University of Alabama Frozen Tide on Friday evening 4-2 and again on Saturday with a final score of 3-2.

The hockey team members could feel the electric energy in the arena with over 500 Arkansas fans in attendance at each game. “It was a rush playing in front of such a great crowd,” explained Trent Ritchie, junior left wing. “The fans really helped us on the ice. It was one of the best atmospheres I’ve played in during the three years I have been on the team.”

The “Ice Hogs” are now ranked No. 1 in the SECHC West and are waiting for the results of the American Collegiate Hockey Association D3 Southern rankings on Friday, Feb. 10. A No. 2 ranking will allow the club to bypass the SECHC tournament and compete in the National Championship March 14-17 in Vineland, N.J.

University of Arkansas seniors Brendan Desjardins, Justin Gaddy and Garth Derry were recognized Saturday at Senior Night where they played their last home game. 

The Razorbacks hold an impressive 9-1-0 record for the SECHC and 22-6-0 overall.

The Arkansas Ice Hockey club is one of 27 active University of Arkansas club sports teams operated by the department of University Recreation. The club sports program provides opportunities for individuals who share a common interest in a specific sport. Club sports are regulated by program and university policy but retain the characteristic of self-administration and self-regulation through student officers who run the club.

Support University Recreation club sports like Arkansas Ice Hockey by purchasing apparel online or at the Razorback Shop in the Arkansas Union. Both short-sleeve and long-sleeve styles in a variety of colors are available for purchase for nine different clubs. A portion of the proceeds will go to the individual club sports teams supported by the sale.

For questions, please contact Shannon Dere at 575-6736 or sdere@uark.edu.