Ice Hogs Capture Second Consecutive SECHC Title

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Ice Hogs celebrate after receiving the Thrasher Cup

The University of Arkansas Men's Ice Hockey Club returned from the SECHC Conference playoffs as champions for the second consecutive year. The Razorbacks entered the tournament as the No. 1 seed and defeated Auburn in the first round on Friday evening by a lopsided score of 10-1.

The Ice Hogs faced the University of Georgia in the semifinals on Saturday night. Leading 3-2 after the first period, Arkansas scored twice in the second and four times in the third for a 9-3 win and a spot opposite Florida in the championship game. Before the semifinal game, four Arkansas players were honored for their selection to the All-Academic Team (Garret Meier, Brendan Desjardins, Garth Derry and Marcus Parsons) and five players were selected for All-Conference honors (Garrett Meier, Brendan Desjardins, Taylor Shea, Billy Dolan and Easton Oliver).

Sunday's championship game against the Florida Gators was a rematch of the 2010 title game. With the score tied 1-1 at the end of the first period, the Ice Hogs scored four of the final five total goals en route to a 5-2 victory and the end of another record-setting season. In addition to becoming back-to-back conference champions, the team also recorded its highest number of victories in a season (27) and recorded its best ever overall record (27-7-1). "In the past two seasons, this program has recorded 52 wins," noted coach Brian Gallini. "At this pace, I think it's fair to say we're starting to build college hockey's southern capital right here in Fayetteville."

The ice hockey team is one of several active club sports operated by the intramural and recreational sports department in the College of Education and Health Professions. The club sports program provides opportunities for individuals who share a common interest in a specific sport to enjoy the benefits of a group experience. Clubs are regulated by program and university policy but retain the characteristic of self-administration and self-regulation. Members assume a variety of roles within the club and are called upon to assist in all aspects of club operations.

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