#OldBulls Where Are They Now (April 2026)

 

By Bridget (Weide) Brooks

In February, I created a blog post to track the Omaha Hockey #oldbulls (the name for former players coined by Ryan Walters) and where they are playing professional hockey currently. This is the April update of that post.

You can check out the March 2026 edition here.

And the February 2026 edition here.

The format is player name, (the years they were with the Mavericks), and their current team.

Joey Abate (2019-22), Providence Bruins (AHL)

Cam Berg (2021-23), Bridgeport Islanders (AHL)

Kaden Bohlsen (2020-23), Hershey Bears (AHL)

– Note: Bohlsen had been on loan to the Hershey Bears (AHL) but was returned on 3/4 to the South Carolina Stingrays (ECHL). He went up to the Bears again on 3/14.

Brock Bremer (2020-25), Herlev Eagles (Denmark)

Terry Broadhurst (2009-12), Indy Fuel (ECHL)

Ryan Brushett (2019-21), Québéc Nationals (LNAH, Canada)

Kevin Conley (2018-22), Graz99ers (Austria, EIHL)

– Conley was with the Norfolk Admirals (ECHL) for 27 games, through early February. He also played 5 games with the Manitoba Moose (AHL) this season. 

Brian Cooper (2012-16), Växjö Lakers HC (SHL, Sweden)

– Note: Cooper was on the 2022 Olympic Men's Hockey team in Beijing

Aidan De La Gorgendiere (2025-26), Tahoe Knight Monsters (ECHL)

– Note: Aidan only played for the Mavericks for one year. It is believed his appeal of additional eligibility was denied by the NCAA. 

Seth Eisele (2023-24), South Carolina Stingrays (ECHL)

Colby Enns (2019-20), Utah Grizzlies (ECHL)

– Note: Enns only played one game for the Mavericks before going to the Lincoln Stars for the remainder of the season. (He retained his eligibility and went on to play four years at Northern Michigan University and one year at Merrimack College)

Jimmy Glynn (2020-25), Kansas City Mavericks (ECHL)

– Note: Glynn has been on the injury list for much of the season.

Jake Guentzel (2013-16), Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL)

– Note: Guentzel won a gold medal with the U.S. Men’s Olympic hockey team in February.

Samuel Huo (2025-26), Tahoe Knight Monsters (ECHL)

– Huo signed an ATO with the Knight Monsters on 3/12/26 and appeared in his first game on 3/13/26.

Harrison Israels (2024-25), Rockford Ice Hogs (AHL)

– Note: Israels was called up from the Indy Fuel (ECHL) on Dec. 27; He has played 18 games with the Ice Hogs this season.

Zach Jordan (2016-20), Maine Mariners (ECHL) 

Tristan Keck (2016-20), EC Kassel Huskies (DEL2, Germany)

Nolan Krenzen (2020-25), South Carolina Stingrays (ECHL)

Jesse Lansdell (2023-24), Florida Everblades (ECHL)

Simon Latkoczy (2022-26), Greenville Swamp Rabbits (ECHL)

– Note: Latkoczy signed with the Swamp Rabbits on March 25.

Griffin Ludtke (2022-2026), Cincinnati Cyclones (ECHL)

– Note: Ludtke signed an SPC with the Cyclones on March 19

Joey Martin (2007-11), Cardiff Devils (EIHL, Wales)

– Note: The “oldest” of the #oldbulls, Martin is a captain of the Devils and has played for them for 10 seasons.

Victor Mancini (2021-24), Vancouver Canucks (NHL)

– Note: Mancini was called up to from the Abbotsford Canucks (AHL) on March 3.

Lawson McDonald (2017-19), Winkler Royals (SEMHL – South Eastern Manitoba Hockey League)

Brannon McManus (2021-22), Adirondack Thunder (ECHL)

– Note: As of 3/14/26, McManus is the point leader for his team (22-31-53).

Jaycob Megna (2011-14), Henderson Silver Knights (AHL)

– Note: Jaycob Megna has also appeared in 4 games with the Vegas Golden Knights during the 2025-26 season (Jan. 2, Jan. 4, Jan. 6, and Jan. 19, 2026)

Jayson Megna (2011-12), Colorado Eagles (AHL)

– Note: Jayson Megna was playing captain in the 2026 AHL All-Star Classic (Feb. 10-11 in Rockford). He was also named MVP of the All-Star Challenge after recording four goals and three assists and leading the Pacific Division to the championship.

Joel Messner (2014-18), Fehérvár AV19 (ICEHL, Hungary) 

Matt Miller (2020-24), Fort Wayne Komets (ECHL)

Cam Mitchell (2022-2026), Wichita Thunder (ECHL)

– Note: Mitchell signed to an ATO with the Thunder on March 12

Mason Morelli (2015-19), Barys Astaną (KHL, Kazakhstan) 

Ty Mueller (2021-24), Vancouver Canucks

– Note: Mueller was called up from the Abbotsford Canucks (AHL) on 4/1

Fredrik Olofsson (2015-19), Rögle BK (SHL, Sweden)

Austin Ortega (2013-17), Dresdner Eislöwen (DEL, Germany)

Davis Pennington (2021-23), Kalamazoo Wings (ECHL)

Kirby Proctor (2019-24), Wichita Thunder (ECHL)

Jack Randl (2020-24), Kansas City Mavericks (ECHL)

– Note: Randl was named Inglasco ECHL Player of the Week for the week of Jan. 12-18 (and also for the week of Oct. 20-26, 2025)

Brady Risk (2024-25), Glasgow Clan (EIHL, Scotland)

Alex Roy (2019-21), Donnacona Metal Perreault (LHSAAAQ, Canada)

Isaiah Saville (2019-22), Greenville Swamp Rabbits (ECHL)

– Note: Saville has also been called up to the Ontario Reign (AHL) this season

Brandon Scanlin (2019-22), Hartford Wolf Pack (AHL)

Nick Seeler (2012-14), Philadelphia Flyers (NHL)

Jacob Slipec (2022-26), Adirondack Thunder (ECHL)

– Note: Slipec signed an SPC with the Thunder on March 20. 

– #oldbull Brannon McManus also plays with the Thunder.

– Slipec was placed on reserve by the Thunder on March 29.

Sam Stange (2024-25), Florida Everblades (ECHL).

– Stange played 31 games with the Springfield Thunderbirds (AHL) before being assigned to the Allen Americans (ECHL) on Feb. 13. He started the 2025-26 season with the Florida Everblades (ECHL). He was loaned from the Springfield Thunderbirds to the Florida Everblades on March 10.

Dean Stewart (2016-20), Salavat Yulaev Ufa (KHL, Russia) 

Anthony Stolarz (2012-13), Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL)

Nolan Sullivan (2019-24), Kansas City Mavericks (ECHL)

Andrej Sustr (2010-13), Kalmar HC (HockeyAllsvenskan, Sweden)

Note: Sustr also played 11 games in the 2025-26 season for the Bridgeport Islanders (AHL)

Matej Tomek (2018-19), HC Litvinov (Czechia)

Zach Urdahl (2023-25), Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (AHL)

– Urdahl was called up from the Penguins’ ECHL affiliate, the Wheeling Nailers, on March 2.

Tyler Vesel (2014-18), Brynäs IF (SHL)

Jonny Tychonick (2020-23), ESV Kaufbeuren (DEL2, Germany) 

– Note: He also played 18 games for HK Spassky Nova Ves (Slovakia) in the 2025-26 season

Dom Vidoli (2023-24), Les Diables Rouges de Valenciennes – VHHC (France)

Taylor Ward (2018-22), Los Angeles Kings (NHL)

– Note: Ward also played for the Kings’ AHL affiliate, the Ontario Reign, this season. Ward was signed to a two-year contract with the Kings in February.

Tyler Weiss (2018-23), Indy Fuel (ECHL)

– Note: Weiss was called up to the Chicago Wolves (AHL) and played his first AHL game on Jan. 22 before being reassigned back to the Greensboro Gargoyles (ECHL). On 3/5/26, he was recalled/reassigned to the Indy Fuel (ECHL).

Evan Weninger (2015-19), Manchester Storm (EIHL, United Kingdom)

Note: Updated 4/1/2026

The Omaha Hockey Blue Line Club is Changing: What We Know (and What We Don’t)

By Bridget (Weide) Brooks

For nearly 30 years, the Blue Line Club has been a central part of Omaha Hockey. The BLC started before the first UNO Hockey game was played. It was a fan-driven group, a community that existed not only to provide financial support for the hockey program, but a way for supporters to feel connected to the program beyond game day.

The mission of the club, as outlined in a 2024-25 handout from the Omaha Athletic Department was: “Founded in 1996, the UNO Blue Line Club supports all things Maverick Hockey. It’s ongoing mission is to support UNO hockey through fundraising activities, promote enthusiastic fan support through a variety of membership activities and build a greater interest in the sport of hockey throughout Omaha and the State of Nebraska.”

In the early years of the program, the Blue Line Club hosted pre-season gatherings for fans to get to know players at picnics, grill-outs, and on the River City Star riverboat. 

For several years, there was a “Bowl With the Mavs” event, where fans could bowl with a player and purchase the player’s “shirt off their back” for $25 (featuring the player name and number). We ended up with several of these. 

There were pre-game parties — like one in 2009 at Barley’s Tip Top before the UNO vs. Notre Dame game at the Civic Auditorium. The event details said “The first keg is free and snacks will be provided.” 

There were weekly hockey luncheons featuring Coach Kemp, the visiting team coach, a guest speaker, and a player or two along with highlight videos from the previous series. These luncheons, modeled on the Big Red Breakfasts, drew hundreds of fans to a Friday lunch. Blue Line Club members could purchase a book of tickets and attend the luncheons of their choosing, with no RSVP required.

There was an end-of-season banquet (“The UNO Hockey Awards Banquet”) for fans to celebrate the players and their accomplishments. 

From the March 2003 ceremony:

Here was the program from the 2007 awards ceremony.

The Blue Line Club also coordinated Parent’s Weekend activities, including a brunch for player parents. 

The primary reason the Blue Line Club had more than 1000 members in the early years of the program was the $1 discount on beer and free popcorn and peanuts in the Blue Line Club “room” at the Omaha Civic Auditorium — the large gathering area at the bottom of the ramp on the first floor of the arena. Some fans actually calculated how many games it would take for them to “get back” their $35 membership fee in beer discounts. 

The Blue Line Club also coordinated philanthropic events. A small group of fans put stickers on donated (empty) milk jugs and set them on the seats at the Civic Auditorium to collect donations for charity (and create an intimidating noise when they were shaken). The donations were collected at the end of the season and given to charity. 

The BLC organized “Pack the Q” in 2006 to raise money for the UNO Soccer Corner Kick Club and Liz’s Legacy and set a new attendance record at the Qwest Center.

Jerseys were also raffled by the BLC at home games with proceeds donated to charity. 

The BLC also organized “Caps for Cancer," where new, unworn hats and caps were thrown onto the ice and collected and donated to the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Eppley Cancer Center. A news release I wrote in 2011 invited fans to throw hats onto the ice at the second intermission of the Saturday, March 12 playoff game. It mentions the collection was sponsored by MavPuck.com, The Red Army, and the UNO Blue Line Club. (It also mentioned it was the sixth year for the event.)

Blue Line Club members organized support for the university’s Women’s Walk. The 2007 Annual Diet Pepsi/UNO Women’s Walk featured a team from the Blue Line Club (“Man in the Crease”), collecting donations for women’s athletics. 

One of the most prolific philanthropic events coordinated by the BLC is the 20+-year partnership with the U.S. Marines Toys for Tots, now the Sheila Leahy Toys for Tots drive (named for the late wife of Omaha Hockey color analyst Terry Leahy).

There were also periodic membership meetings with “Hockey 101” segments. Jon ran several of the membership meetings, focusing on a variety of topics. 

Each season he would set up a meeting with the athletic department compliance officer and we would arrange for them to come and speak to the membership about things they were and were not allowed to do as it related to players, prospects, and recruits. 

The “Hockey 101” segments sometimes featured a member of the coaching staff showing video to demonstrate various hockey concepts. I vividly remember Coach Mike Kemp showcasing the umbrella power play during one of the segments.

The BLC also hosted standalone “Hockey 101” events for fans. I specifically remember a “Hockey 101 for Women” held at the Qwest Center/Centurylink Center where we enjoyed a dinner with the team followed by on-ice activities. 

I was not dressed appropriately for shooting pucks with a stick. (At least, that’s the excuse I’m going to use for my lack of success in getting the puck into the net.)

There was also a “Hockey 101 for Men.”

In later years, there were the Dinner with the Mavs events where fans had the opportunity to sit with a player or two during dinner and learn more about them.

There were fan activities. There were “listening parties” where fans gathered together to socialize while listening to games on the radio. 

The BLC also organized bus trips to away games, including Notre Dame and Western Michigan.

Now, that structure is changing.

Omaha Athletics and the University of Nebraska Foundation have announced that the Blue Line Club will be integrated into the ONE Fund, the department’s annual giving program. Moving forward, it will operate as the Blue Line Club Fund.

And while many familiar elements are expected to remain, the overall model is shifting in some meaningful ways.

At its core, this is a move from a standalone booster club to a centralized fundraising model.

As the announcement explained: “This transition will create a unified and strengthened approach to supporting Maverick Hockey.”

A stronger alignment between Omaha Athletics, the NU Foundation, and what was previously the Blue Line Club is clearly the goal.

But that also means a change in what the Blue Line Club is.

What’s Changing

There are a few concrete changes we can already point to.

1. The Price of Admission

Previously, fans could join the Blue Line Club at the lowest level with a $50 donation. Under the new structure, a $100 minimum annual donation is required for membership

It’s not yet fully clear whether that amount is per person or per household, which is something worth watching as more details are released.

2. Who Runs It

The Blue Line Club used to be a member-led organization with its own board.

That’s going away. The program will now be run by the University of Nebraska Foundation and Omaha Athletics. There will no longer be a Blue Line Club Board of Directors. 

That’s a significant philosophical shift — from a grassroots-style supporter group to an institutional model. 

The email from Omaha Athletics said, “This decision was made in collaboration with the University of Nebraska Foundation, Omaha Athletics, and Blue Line Club Board.” In talking with several board members, the club was notified that a change was going to be made and BLC would not continue in its present form. 

3. How Giving Is Structured

This may be one of the biggest behind-the-scenes changes. “Per seat contributions” tied to season tickets will now count toward Blue Line Club membership. 

The email emphasized that the new Blue Line Club Fund becomes part of the broader ONE Fund giving structure.

This is interesting, because joining the Blue Line Club over the last few years at least meant writing a check (or signing up online) to donate to the ONE Fund. The NU Foundation already had oversight of the finances of the club, and received donations directly. In fact, that was often a source of friction for new members. It would take time — sometimes several weeks — for the BLC treasurer to receive an updated list of eligible members to generate the membership cards for new members. There was often a significant delay in receiving acknowledgement that the membership “dues” had been received.

As a member, I have to wonder who will be keeping the membership “rolls” going forward. How will access to the Maverick Hospitality room be designated? When we donated to get access to the hospitality room (and parking pass) in 2024-25 and again in 2025-26, I had to make several inquiries to those who run the ONE Fund before the benefits were activated in my ticket account, and it took several weeks both times.

Will there be better integration with the Blue Line Club being folded into the larger athletic fundraising system? It’s too soon to tell.

4. Benefits Are Being Reworked

This is the biggest change for fans, especially former Blue Line Club members.

From what’s been shared so far, donors can expect:

• Early entry into Baxter Arena
• Access to a Maverick Hospitality Room pregame
• Free popcorn and a cash bar
• Opportunity to participate in the pregame tunnel walk
• At least two member appreciation nights
• An exclusive event with coaches and student-athletes

How those benefits are executed is the key. For example, “early entry into Baxter Arena.” For the past two seasons, my niece, Scotland, prompted us to get to the arena around 5:30 p.m. on game days so she could watch the players go through their pre-game “land” warmups and she could get a fist-bump as the players went back to the locker room. Will that continue, or will the “early entry” only give access to the Maverick Hospitality Room (to be located in the lobby next season), and not the arena itself?

“An exclusive event with coaches and student-athletes” doesn’t sound like the “Dinner with the Mavs” event. Instead, it sounds more like the preseason “meet and greet” that the basketball team and coaches did with fans at Aksarben Village last fall. (That event was open to all fans, not just members of the 67th Street Hoops booster club, so the “exclusive” part of it may be the difference.)

We’ve really enjoyed getting to know the players better at the Dinner with the Mavs events. These were opportunities to learn more about them as students and people off the ice. I’ve often said that it’s harder for fans to be critical of the players when they know them as human beings, and the Dinner with the Mavs was one of the best examples of that. 

5. Some Traditions Are on Hold

One notable change: The Blue Line Club Golf Outing is not currently scheduled. Now, it’s possible that the fundraiser (which has generated hundreds of thousands of dollars for the hockey program over the years) is on hold because of the death of one of the co-organizers, Colleen Barstow, a few months ago. It’s an event that requires a tremendous amount of planning and volunteer coordination. 

The messaging leaves the door open for future updates, but for now, it’s another example of change with the transition from the BLC to the ONE Fund.

An article from the 2006 “In the Crease” newsletter reported that the golf outing had raised more than $150,000 to help support the Maverick hockey program over the previous eight years (at the time of publication). The 2006 event sold out and raised more than $30,000, according to event chair Allan Carr (who played for the Mavericks from 1997-2001).

What’s Staying the Same
It’s important to note that not everything is changing.

The emails emphasize that: “Many of the membership features and experiences you value will continue.”

That includes:

• Member appreciation events
• Opportunities to connect with players and coaches
• Game day access benefits

What We Don’t Know Yet

There are still a few open questions that haven’t been fully clarified:

• Is the $100 minimum per person or per household?
• Does early entry apply to the full arena or just the Hospitality Room?
• How will “special experiences” compare to what existed before?
• What (if anything) replaces traditions like the golf outing long term?
• Is the “In the Crease” newsletter going away?

That last one is interesting too. 

The newsletter had evolved from a print publication to a digital one in recent years. Back when it was a print newsletter, Jon volunteered for a stint designing it and we handled the printing and mailing. (John Fey and Jeff Reinhardt also had turns producing the newsletter during those years.) 

It was one of the perks of membership, and served as a historical archive of many of the program’s milestones and fundraising events. (Many of the photos and memories from previous years came from my review of past “In the Crease” newsletters.) There was no mention of the newsletter in the emails, so perhaps it won’t exist anymore.

https://www.mavpuck.com/resources/Documents/BLCMarch2009.pdf

(As an aside: Jon’s productions of “In the Crease” received first-place honors in the print newsletter category in the Omaha Press Club’s annual Excellence in Journalism contest in 2007.)

The Bottom Line
The Blue Line Club isn’t going away, but it is becoming something different.

It’s moving from a fan-centered organization to an institutional one. From board-led to foundation-run. And from a separate booster club to an integrated fundraising arm.

Whether that ultimately feels like an upgrade, a tradeoff, or simply a change will likely depend on how the benefits that are promised to donors are executed.

But one thing is clear: After 30 years, the Blue Line Club that we once knew will no longer exist.

Here's a comparison of the previous Blue Line Club compared to the new Blue Line Club level of the ONE Fund.

View the PDF of the comparison here:

Previous Blue Line Club vs. New Blue Line Club Fund  

Why Omaha — Not Augustana — Is the Host School for the Sioux Falls Regional

Photo courtesy of Omaha Athletics

By Bridget (Weide) Brooks

If you’ve looked at this weekend’s NCAA Regional in Sioux Falls and wondered:

“Why is Omaha the host school… when Augustana is literally in Sioux Falls?”

Here’s the answer.

It Started With a Bid (Back in 2020)
Omaha didn’t “get chosen” recently.

The Mavericks earned the right to host this regional years ago.

In October 2020, the NCAA awarded Omaha Athletics the opportunity to host regionals in both 2024 and 2026, in partnership with the Sioux Falls Sports Authority.

At the time, this was a forward-looking bid as part of a multi-year championship site selection process.

And here’s the key detail: Augustana didn’t have a Division I hockey program yet. Their program didn’t begin play until the 2023-24 season.

When this bid was submitted and approved, Augustana wasn’t in the picture yet. So Omaha submitted the bid as the host institution.

What “Host School” Actually Means
This is where there are some misunderstandings.

Being the “host school” doesn’t mean the games are played on your campus. In fact, it’s pretty rare in college hockey — most regionals are held at neutral-site arenas that can handle the size, production, and NCAA requirements.

The host school is responsible for organizing and administering the event alongside the local organizing committee.

That includes working with the NCAA on operations, coordinating logistics and staffing, and supporting media, teams, and game-day execution.

The NCAA requires a member institution to serve in that role for every championship event.

In this case, that’s Omaha — partnered with the Sioux Falls Sports Authority.

Why Sioux Falls Works as a Site
Even though Omaha is the host institution, Sioux Falls is the host city — and the games are played at the Denny Sanford Premier Center.

The Denny Sanford Premier Center seats over 10,000 for hockey. It’s where the Sioux Falls Stampede plays. The arena previously hosted an NCAA Regional in 2018.

When Omaha considered making a bid, there was already proof that the arena worked for a regional and that the city and Sioux Falls Sports Commission supported the event.

Why 2028 Is Different
Fast forward a few years, and now Augustana hockey exists. Which is why it’s unlikely Omaha will serve as the host in Sioux Falls again. 

Augustana will serve as the host institution for the 2028 regional in Sioux Falls — at the Denny Sanford Premier Center.

So it’s not that Sioux Falls or the NCAA “chose Omaha over Augustana.”

Augustana as a Division I program didn’t exist in 2020 when the bid was submitted. Now that they’re established, they will host a future regional (2028).

One Important Benefit for Host Schools

Some fans wondered why a team would choose to submit a bid to host.

There’s a competitive upside tied to hosting.

If Omaha qualifies for the NCAA Tournament, the host institution is placed in its assigned regional — meaning you get sent to your site.

It was an advantage for Omaha in 2024, when making the NCAA Tournament meant a trip to Sioux Falls instead of an arena out east.

It’s too bad Omaha didn’t make the tournament this year, or I’d be writing this from a hotel in Sioux Falls instead of my living room couch.

If you want to learn more, check out the NCAA Site Selection Process guide. 

Previous Omaha NCAA Tournament regional appearances:

2006 – Worcester, MA

2011 – St. Louis, MO

2015 – South Bend, IN

2021 – Loveland, CO

2024 – Sioux Falls, SD (Omaha was the host)

#Oldbull Latkoczy Signs with Greenville Swamp Rabbits

By Bridget (Weide) Brooks

Former Omaha goaltender and Menke Family Co-Captain Simon Latkoczy is headed to the professional ranks.

Latkoczy has signed with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits, the team announced, becoming the latest Maverick to make the jump to pro hockey.

It’s a fitting next step for one of the most accomplished goaltenders in program history.

Over four seasons in Omaha, Latkoczy built a reputation as both a high-end performer and a steady, reliable presence in net. He appeared in 110 career games, recording 3,067 saves and finishing with a .913 save percentage and a 2.78 goals-against average.

His 2024-25 season, in particular, stands out as one of the best by a goaltender in program history.

Latkoczy became the first Maverick ever named NCHC Goaltender of the Year, while also earning First Team All-NCHC honors. He added Goaltender of the Month recognition for January and was a four-time Goaltender of the Week selection — a reflection of just how consistently he performed at the top of the conference.

He also delivered on big stages.

From his 53-save performance against Minnesota at the Ice Breaker Tournament — tying a program single-game record — to multiple 40+ and 50+ save efforts, Latkoczy repeatedly gave Omaha a chance to win, even in high-pressure situations.

By the end of his career, he ranked among the program’s all-time leaders in wins and saves, including 52 career victories and five shutouts.

Beyond the numbers, though, his impact showed up in the moments that mattered most.

As head coach Mike Gabinet put it: “Simon was a tremendous player and leader for our program. He was foundational in helping us reach the NCAA tournament, playing in the NCHC championship game, and being recognized as a top goalie in our conference. We are excited for him turning pro and I know he will do great things.”

Latkoczy now joins a Greenville team that serves as the ECHL affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings and AHL’s Ontario Reign, stepping into the next phase of his career with a proven track record and plenty of experience.

He joins #oldbull Isaiah Saville on the Swamp Rabbits roster.

---

By the Numbers

Career (Omaha):

• 110 games played
• 52-50-5 record
• 2.78 goals-against average
• .913 save percentage
• 3,067 saves
• 5 shutouts

2024-25 Season Highlights:

• NCHC Goaltender of the Year (program first)
• First Team All-NCHC
• NCHC Goaltender of the Month (January)
• Four-time NCHC Goaltender of the Week
• 952 saves (2nd-most in NCHC)
• .922 save percentage (top 5 in NCHC)
• Tied program record with 53 saves vs. Minnesota
• Multiple 40+ and 50+ save performances

#Oldbull Jacob Slipec Signs Pro Contract with Adirondack Thunder

Graphic courtesy of the Adirondack Thunder; photo by Emma Goldstein

By Bridget (Weide) Brooks

Another Maverick is heading to the pro ranks.

Former Omaha forward Jacob Slipec has signed with the Adirondack Thunder of the ECHL, taking the next step in a hockey career built on work ethic and grit.

Slipec wrapped up his Omaha career with 124 games played over four seasons, finishing with 12 goals and 12 assists for 24 points. In his senior season, Slipec recorded four goals and three assists for seven points while continuing to carve out an important role in Omaha’s lineup.

The stats tell part of the story. The rest of it was the way “Slippy” played.

He was the kind of player who embraced the hard areas of the game. The kind who could bring energy, frustrate opponents, kill penalties, and make life miserable for the other team in a way that doesn’t always show up fully on the scoresheet. He took clear pride in that part of his identity as a player, once describing his role in simple terms: be hard to play against, be reliable, and make sure opponents notice when No. 13 is on the ice.

That edge became a big part of what made him valuable.

“Jacob is a great example of hard work and dedication,” Omaha head coach Mike Gabinet said in the school’s news release. “It has been great to see his development over the last four years. We wish him all the best as he turns pro.”

Slipec earned his spot in the lineup.

He broke in as a freshman in 2022-23 and made an immediate impact, scoring five goals and finishing with nine points in 28 games. Over the next three seasons, he continued to develop into a trusted depth piece and energy forward, eventually earning penalty-kill responsibilities in his junior season and becoming the kind of player coaches trust and teammates love having on their line.

And if you ever heard Slipec talk about his game, it was obvious he understood exactly who he was.

He wasn’t trying to be a highlight-reel player. He wanted to be dependable. Hard-working. Annoying to play against. The guy who could shift momentum with a forecheck, a blocked shot, a smart penalty kill, or a timely goal. That self-awareness (and willingness to fully lean into that role) said a lot about why he lasted four years in college hockey and why he’s now getting a pro opportunity.

Slipec also stood out for how much Omaha clearly meant to him.

When he joined the MavPuckCast last season, he talked about falling in love with the culture of the program on his first visit — not just the rink and the coaching staff, but the people around the team and the way Omaha embraced its players. He spoke with real appreciation for the fans, the atmosphere at Baxter Arena, and the community he found here over the course of his college career.

Now, he’ll head to Adirondack and begin the next chapter with the Thunder, who announced the signing Thursday. The White Rock, British Columbia native joins the ECHL after finishing his collegiate career with 48 penalty minutes, one short-handed goal, and one game-winner.

For Omaha fans, Slipec will be remembered as one of those players who may not always have grabbed the headlines, but absolutely made his presence felt.

#Oldbull Griffin Ludtke Signs Pro Contract with Cincinnati Cyclones

By Bridget (Weide) Brooks

Another Maverick is heading to the pro ranks.

Former Omaha defenseman and Menke Family Co-Captain Griffin Ludtke has signed his first professional contract with the Cincinnati Cyclones, joining the ECHL club for the remainder of the season.

It’s the next step for one of Omaha’s most steady and trusted blueliners over the past four years.

Ludtke leaves Omaha having appeared in 126 career games, finishing with 57 points (6 goals, 51 assists). 

In his final season, he continued to play a key role on the blue line.

This year, Ludtke led Omaha in assists with 17 and finished with a +5 rating.

In 2023-24, he put together his most productive offensive season with 27 points (4 goals, 23 assists), showing he could contribute on both sides of the puck when needed.

What stands out about Ludtke’s time in Omaha isn’t just the stats — it’s the role he played inside the program.

Omaha head coach Mike Gabinet put it simply: “He has been a great ambassador and leader for the program both on and off the ice.”

Now, he heads to Cincinnati — a team that’s been active in adding young college talent late in the season.

Ludtke won’t be the only familiar NCAA name joining the Cyclones either. Recently, Kaidan Mbereko signed with Cincinnati as well.

For Ludtke, the transition should suit his game.

The pro level rewards defensemen who can think the game, move the puck efficiently, and stay reliable under pressure — all things he’s shown consistently at Omaha.

Before Omaha, Ludtke developed in the USHL with the Sioux City Musketeers, where he was part of a Clark Cup championship team and wore an “A” as an alternate captain.

That experience — combined with four years at Omaha — has him well positioned as he begins his professional career.

 

Mavs on the Move 2025-26 | Portal Moves, Pro Signings, Incoming Recruits

It’s that time of year … moving season!

With “preseason” upon us (“There is no offseason, only preseason,”) we’ll be tracking Mavericks leaving for the pro ranks, players going into the portal, and incoming Mavericks from the transfer portal. I’ll do a separate blog post for commits, since we don’t always know which season they’re coming in.

So here is your “Mavs on the Move” player watch...

Incoming Mavericks (from the transfer portal):

None yet. Portal opens April 13, 2026 and closes April 28, 2026. Graduating students may be eligible to enter the portal outside these dates, as are players whose head coach leaves their program.

Mavericks in the transfer portal:

None yet.

We will provide links to transfer portal trackers once they are up and running.

Players who have exhausted their playing eligibility include:

• Senior defenseman Griffin Ludtke (signed with the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL on 3/19/26)
• Senior defenseman Jacob Guevin 
• Senior forward Sam Huo (signed an ATO with Tahoe Knight Monsters of the ECHL on 3/12/26)
• Senior forward Jacob Slipec (signed with the Adirondack Thunder of the ECHL on 3/20/26 where yes, he is playing with #oldbull Brannon McManus)
• Senior forward Tyler Rollwagen 
• Senior forward Cam Mitchell (signed with the Wichita Thunder of the ECHL on 3/11/26), where yes, he is playing with #oldbull Kirby Proctor  
• Senior goaltender Simon Latkoczy (signed with the Greenville Swamp Rabbits of the ECHL on 3/25/26)
• Junior defenseman Aidan De La Gorgendiere 

Mavericks going pro:

https://wichitathunder.com/news/2026/03/wichita-inks-college-forwards-best-mitchell

Welcome to Tahoe, Samuel Huo! 🎉

READ MORE ➡️ https://t.co/ZeCF3ZBaxi pic.twitter.com/SrkWBRzYil

— Tahoe Knight Monsters (@Knight_monsters) March 13, 2026

New guy on the blue line 🤝

🗞️ https://t.co/HRppaOKAQQ pic.twitter.com/UratnoUwpA

— Cincinnati Cyclones (@CincyCyclones) March 19, 2026

NEWS: We've signed forward Jacob Slipec! He played 124 games for @OmahaHKY!

Welcome to Adirondack, Jacob ⚡
Read more: https://t.co/LQPSQxAWl6 pic.twitter.com/ZxZdpJobdi

— Adirondack Thunder (@ECHLThunder) March 20, 2026

Today’s Swamp Rabbit Moving Transactions add two more to our ranks! Welcome Joe Prouty and Simon Latkoczy to the team!

Prouty turns professional off the blue line of Michigan Tech, while Latkoczy does so after minding the net of the University of Nebraska-Omaha.… pic.twitter.com/QbWKBommjh

— Greenville Swamp Rabbits (@SwampRabbits) March 25, 2026

4/1/26 – Aidan De La Gorgendiere is joining the Tahoe Knight Monsters.

>> Information updated as of 5:24 p.m. on 4/1/2026.

We will update this blog post as we hear of more “Mavs on the Move.” 

>> In addition to this ongoing blog post, be sure to follow us on Twitter/X for all the updates as they happen – click here!