From Arkansas Money & Politics
By AMP Staff
The University of Arkansas Razorback Hockey Club’s Division III team is set to begin its 2024-2025 season with a highly anticipated home series against Dallas Baptist University Friday and Saturday in northwest Arkansas. The games will take place at the Jones Center in Springdale, with the first faceoff on Friday, Sept. 20, at 7:30 p.m. and the second game on Saturday, Sept. 21, at 3:15 p.m. The Razorbacks, under expanded leadership, are eager to start the season strong on home ice.
Greg Betzold, Razorback hockey’s new D3 head coach and director of player development, brings a renewed energy and focus to the program. Betzold, who has a wealth of experience from his playing days in the Ontario Hockey League and East Coast Hockey League, aims to build on the team’s established success while guiding it toward a competitive and exciting season.
“We’re ready to hit the ice and give our fans a season to remember,” said Betzold. “Our players have worked hard in the offseason, and we’re prepared to bring fast-paced, high-intensity hockey back to the Jones Center. This weekend’s series is just the beginning, and we’re focused on making an impact right from the start.”
In addition to the excitement surrounding the D3 team, the Razorback Hockey Club has expanded its program for the 2024-2025 season with the introduction of a Division II team. This marks a significant moment in the program’s history as it continues to grow in both size and competitiveness within the American Collegiate Hockey Association.
The D2 team, led by Keller Sims, has already had an impressive start to its inaugural season, winning two thrilling overtime games against the University of Oklahoma and splitting a series with Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. Sims, who also serves as the director of hockey operations, is enthusiastic about the growth of the program.
“The expansion into Division II reflects how far Razorback hockey has come,” said Sims. “We’ve built a strong program at the D3 level, and this is the next step in our journey. Both teams are poised for success, and we’re excited about what this season will bring.”
The Razorbacks’ D3 and D2 teams will face a challenging schedule this season, competing against some of the top programs in collegiate hockey, including the University of Missouri, Oklahoma State University and the University of Kansas.
Founded in 2007, the Razorback Hockey Club has become an integral part of the University of Arkansas’ overall club sports program. Competing in the ACHA, the Razorbacks emphasize the development of student-athletes both on and off the ice.
(Originally published at https://armoneyandpolitics.com/razorback-hockey-club-expands/)
