FAYETTEVILLE. ARK.– The University Arkansas Men’s hockey team doesn’t play as a university recognized athletic team, but they play like one. This season’s record stands at nine and zero. An impressive streak in the shadow of today’s faltering Razorback football game.
Men’s hockey is currently a UREC club sport. They have to commute to the Jones Center in Springdale for practice. None of the players get scholarships because it’s not part of the University’s athletic program. Alex Kueser, team captain, said his teachers usually don’t know about the hockey team until he asks them to sign permission forms so he can play.
“It’s a real kick in the teeth, but it’s small and we’re growing still, ” Keuser said.
The students also have to juggle their practices and game time with their studies and extracurriculars. Bobby Rey, one of the team’s goal keepers, participates in the Air Force ROTC and is studying three languages. “You just gotta put your head down and grind through it,” Rey said.
Both Rey and Keuser said that they feel very privileged in spite of the challenges. “It’s all worth it because we have a good time. Win or lose. We have fun. That’s what we do,” Keuser said.
Their next home game takes place 7 p.m. Friday night at the Jones Center in Springdale. They have another game Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m.