Greg Betzold: Bringing His Brand of Hockey to Arkansas

Greg Betzold, a former top All-American hockey prospect, is making a unique impact on the sport in Arkansas. Now the head coach of the University of Arkansas hockey team and the founder of the Arkansas Kings, Betzold is focused on instilling confidence in his players.

“My game was always built around confidence—that was my skill. I had an inner belief,” Betzold shared when asked about his style of hockey. After years in the game, he has developed a keen ability to gauge a player’s confidence just by watching them. It’s in the details.

The talent is here. The skill is undeniable. Now, the next step is building belief and confidence.

The Northwest Arkansas Hockey Association (NWAHA) has been steadily producing high-level talent. Kenny Dufault (2007), a local standout, is coming off a strong season at the national powerhouse Shattuck-St. Mary’s. Giovanni Woods (2006), who played AAA hockey in Indianapolis this past season, is preparing for a BCHL tryout this summer. Players like Kenny and Giovanni are paving the way for others, serving as modern-day trailblazers for Arkansas hockey.

The Arkansas Kings are just the beginning—a seed that will grow into something great. As Betzold and his team continue to develop young talent, they remain committed to serving the game and fostering a new generation of confident hockey players.