Razorbacks D3 Hockey Opens 2025–26 Season on the Road at Missouri

The University of Arkansas Division 3 Razorbacks are ready to hit the ice for their season opener tomorrow night against the University of Missouri in Jefferson City. Puck drop is set for 9:30 PM Friday and 8:00 PM Saturday as the Hogs look to start their campaign strong on the road.

This year’s team blends proven senior leadership with exciting new additions, all under the guidance of Head Coach Greg Betzold, who enters his second season with the program.

Seniors Leading the Way

The senior class—Zach Kilgore (#75), Thomas Verble (#43), Tanner Freeman (#48), McKane Barnes (#98), and Logan Shipley—provides the heartbeat of this roster. Each has carved their own path to Arkansas Hockey, but together they bring the experience, toughness, and commitment that Betzold believes will shape the team’s identity.

One of the most inspiring stories is McKane Barnes, a Dallas, TX native who earned his spot at tryouts after playing the last two seasons in the Jones Center Men’s League. A connection with Razorback D2 assistant coach Dan Sova, his former men’s league teammate, gave Barnes a chance—and he hasn’t looked back. “Sometimes all it takes is a chance,” Betzold said. “We’re excited to see a great kid like McKane get this opportunity to play college hockey.”

A Dangerous Line Combination

The forward group will feature an intriguing trio right out of the gate: Verble (#43), returning as a shifty veteran presence on the wing; Will Sloan (#16), a skilled transfer from ETBU; and Jack Lubhan (#63), who brings experience after finishing last season at Regionals with the Razorbacks’ Division 2 squad.

“This line has potential to do damage every shift,” Betzold said. “It’s pure joy to watch these three work together each practice wearing their traditional pink jerseys. I can’t wait to see what they do with the lights on.”

Defense and Special Teams Focus

The blue line also boasts important new talent, headlined by Darrel “Smitty” Smith (#4). With junior hockey experience from the Norwich Sea Captains, Smith has already established himself as a cornerstone on defense and a leader in the locker room.

“He’s what hockey players call a glue guy or a beauty—a guy you want to be around,” Betzold said. “I’ll ask him his thoughts before I make decisions. He’s made a huge impact.”

Betzold has also emphasized special teams and defensive-zone detail throughout training camp. Fans can expect to see a disciplined penalty kill and opportunistic power play as key elements of the Razorbacks’ approach this year.

Depth in Net – A Three-Headed Dragon

Perhaps the most exciting strength of this year’s roster is the depth in goal. Betzold calls it a “three-headed dragon,” with three capable netminders pushing each other every day.

Addison Phillips (#35) returns after a summer of training and refining habits, ready to elevate his game.

Elisha Caine (#32) arrives from Millstadt, IL, after a season in the EHL with the New Hampshire Avalanche, and is already recognizable by his long, Kid Rock–like hair.

Logan Bruns (#83), from Frankfort, IL, joins after competing in the CSDHL with the Overland Park Vikings, easily spotted by his sleek all-black goalie setup.

With three goalies of this caliber, the Razorbacks believe they can match up with anyone in the conference.

Building a Culture Through Details

For Betzold, the theme of the season is simple: details win hockey games. He sees the culture shifting in meaningful ways—like players being early to practice and setting a professional tone every day.

“The game is won and lost in the details,” Betzold said. “We’ve got talent, we’ve got grit, and now we’re developing the right habits. It’s like a lawyer dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s—finishing hits, stopping on pucks, playing within our system. That’s what will separate us.”

In his own preparation, Betzold even re-watched the iconic movie Miracle to find inspiration. “When you lead a group of 29 young men that love ice hockey and want to win, it raises your coaching to a higher level, that’s why I do it,” he said.

The Road Ahead

Optimism always runs high in the preseason, but now it’s time to test it under the lights. With senior leadership, exciting new talent, and depth across the board, the Razorbacks believe they are ready to battle shift by shift.

It all begins Friday night in Jefferson City. The stage is set, the work has been put in, and Arkansas Hockey is ready to prove itself.