On paper, UND is a better team in all regards. Omaha has had success in Grand Forks and tends to do better on the road than at home. They have been playing better of late and I think they can find a way to steal a game. But UND will not go quietly and they have the fire power to overwhelm the Mavericks.
Jon’s Pick: UND in 2
North Dakota has outscored their opponents in NCHC play 96-58 this season. By the same token, Omaha has been outscored by NCHC opponents 86-57. If these numbers hold, and UND freshmen goalie Jan Špunar continues his sub-2.0 GAA average, it will be a tough weekend for the Mavericks.
#2 Denver vs. Miami
Jason’s Pick: DU in 2
Denver wants a #1 seed and will need a strong showing against the RedHawks to begin a climb in the national rankings. Even then it may not be enough. DU is a fast team with a lot of skill. If they get solid goaltending they are a team to fear.
Jon’s Pick: DU in 2
Miami has only won 2 out of their last 8 games. The month of February has not been kind to the RedHawks. The RedHawks have had a good run this season, going 18-14-2 overall and winning 9 games in NCHC play after having not tallied a single win in conference play in the 2024-25 campaign. But Denver has one of the top D-corps in the NCHC. DU goaltender Johnny Hicks has a 1.14 goals against average and .958 save percentage.
#3 Western Michigan vs. Colorado College
Jason’s Pick: Western in 2
Western Michigan is ready to defend their title. But they are likely to be placed in a tough bracket. Winning the NCHC might be their only ticket to a good draw. But CC has a goaltender who is known for stealing games and is playing his final collegiate hockey games. This is certainly an upset watch.
Jon’s Pick: Western in 2
Western Michigan has too much firepower on the roster. They have multiple lines that will come at you in waves. Breakout performer William Whitelaw could have a big weekend against the Tigers. I don't think Kaidan Mbereko will be enough in net for CC to stop the onslaught at Lawson.
#4 Minnesota Duluth vs. St Cloud State
Jason’s Pick: SCSU in 3
Duluth is trending down the second half of the season. They go the way the Plante family goes. If they catch fire it could be a bloodbath for Duluth. SCSU has surprised many and look to keep the run going. Expect a defensive battle, could be three 2-1 games.
Jon’s Pick: UMD in 2
Observers typically look at the 4-5 matchup as the “upset special” in the NCHC playoffs. And while that is a possibility between these in-state rivals, I think the effectiveness of UMD's top line featuring Hobey Baker nominees (and brothers) Zam Plante and Max Plante will likely decide this series. If the games are tight, sophomore Slovakian goaltender Adam Gajan (2.27 GAA, .905 SV%) could prove to be the difference for UMD in net.
Freshman forward Jérémy Loranger, a Columbus Blue Jackets draft pick, has been named the NCHC Rookie of the Month for February after a breakout stretch that helped propel Omaha Hockey into the postseason.
The honor marks the first monthly award of Loranger’s collegiate career and comes after a productive February in which he led all freshmen in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference in scoring.
Loranger recorded seven points in February, tallying three goals and four assists in six games for a 1.17 points-per-game average. He also generated 21 shots on goal during the month and recorded a point in four of the Mavericks’ six games, including two multi-point performances.
The freshman caught fire midway through the month, scoring in three consecutive games from Feb. 14-21. That streak began with a goal against then-No. 8 Denver and continued during Omaha’s road series at Arizona State.
Loranger’s biggest night came Feb. 21 at Arizona State, when he factored into all three Omaha goals in a 6-3 loss, recording one goal and two assists for a career-high three points.
One night earlier, he scored the game-winning goal in Omaha’s 4-2 victory at Arizona State, a critical result in the Mavericks’ push toward the postseason. Loranger closed out the month with two assists in Omaha’s 5-3 win over Miami on Friday, Feb. 27, including a helper on the game-winning goal that helped secure the Mavericks’ place in the NCHC Frozen Faceoff.
Following his strong February, Loranger now has seven goals and 11 assists for 18 points in 26 games, ranking fourth on the team in scoring.
For Omaha, Loranger’s emergence has provided an important scoring boost down the stretch. The freshman has steadily earned a larger role in the lineup as the season has progressed, using his speed, finishing ability, and offensive instincts to create scoring chances and contribute in key moments.
His surge came at exactly the right time. As the Mavericks fought through a tight race for the final playoff spot, secondary scoring became critical, and Loranger stepped into that role. His goals at Arizona State helped secure one of Omaha’s biggest wins of the month, and his three-point night the following evening showed just how dangerous he can be when he gets rolling. For a team that has often relied on a small core of scorers, Loranger’s emergence adds another layer of offense as the Mavericks head into postseason play.
With the Mavericks now turning their attention to the postseason, beginning with an NCHC quarterfinal matchup against North Dakota at Ralph Engelstad Arena this weekend, Loranger’s momentum could prove to be a significant factor as Omaha looks to extend its season.
Last month, 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.
The format is player name, (last year they were with the Mavericks), and their current team
– 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 (2024-25), Kansas City Mavericks (ECHL)
– Note: Glynn is on injured reserve since Jan. 31 with an upper-body injury.
– 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 Everglades (ECHL).
Dean Stewart (2019-20), Salavat Yulaev Ufa (KHL, Russia)
– 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 last week.
By Bridget (Weide) Brooks Omaha Athletics announced Friday that Omaha-based Control Services Inc. has signed a multi-year agreement to become the first uniform patch sponsor in Maverick Hockey history.
For fans, the most noticeable change will be the addition of a commercial patch to the Maverick jerseys beginning next season. The NCAA’s updated policy allows up to two logos during regular-season competition.
The agreement was facilitated through Learfield’s Omaha Sports Properties, the department’s multimedia rights holder.
The policy allows Division I programs to place up to two commercial logos, each no larger than four square inches, on uniforms during regular-season competition. Postseason NCAA championship events remain excluded.
With this agreement, Omaha becomes:
The first known non-Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) institution to formalize a uniform patch sponsorship
The first program in Division I men’s ice hockey to secure a jersey patch sponsor
The first institution in the Division I-AAA subdivision to sign such an agreement
And the first Division I school in the state of Nebraska with a uniform patch sponsor
The Control Services logo will appear on Maverick Hockey jerseys beginning with the 2026-27 season. In addition to the uniform patch, the partnership expands to include two goal-line in-ice logos and additional signage around Baxter Arena.
In a statement, Vice Chancellor / Director of Athletics Adrian Dowell cited the evolving revenue landscape of college athletics as a factor in pursuing new partnership opportunities.
Control Services CEO Ron Brasel and President Jason Brasel are Omaha natives and alumni of the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Omaha returns home to host Miami (Ohio) for the final regular-season series of the year, with playoff positioning, senior legacies, and the team’s postseason fate all coming together this weekend at Baxter Arena.
The Mavericks (11-21-0, 7-15-0 NCHC) enter the series needing results. The math is simple: win, and the season continues. A sweep guarantees a playoff berth. Fall short, and Omaha risks seeing its season end.
Head coach Mike Gabinet isn’t shying away from the stakes.
“What an opportunity,” Gabinet said. “It’s in our hands to do that. It’s an opportunity to work on some of the things we’ve talked about working on all season… that consistency and bringing it there.”
Omaha earned three points last weekend in a split at Arizona State, keeping its postseason hopes alive, but also reinforcing how little margin for error remains.
“We needed two points there in ASU. We got three. Obviously, we wanted six,” Gabinet said. “Now two, obviously, super critical games here coming down the stretch.”
For much of the season, Omaha has played like a team capable of competing with anyone, but hasn’t consistently finished the job. The team’s only sweep all season came in the opening weekend of conference play, when the Mavericks swept the Colorado College Tigers in Colorado Springs on Oct. 31-Nov. 1.
That inconsistency has defined the Mavericks’ position entering the final weekend.
Yet inside the locker room, belief hasn’t wavered.
“We’ve been capable of more than we’ve shown this year,” senior captain Griffin Ludtke said. “Despite everything… we still have control — or a chance at control. And I think that’s something that should be exciting, and not debilitating.”
Gabinet has seen growth in how the team handles that pressure.
“You’re starting to hear the players talk about it,” he said. “‘This is how we need to play to be successful.’ … When you hear the players talking about it, you’re seeing them improve at it. That’s when you know you’re trending in the right direction.”
That ownership, Gabinet believes, is essential at this point in the season.
“They’re all capable of doing it because of the work they put in,” he said. “It’s all to let these guys have a chance to play their best hockey when it matters the most.”
The Final Home Games for Six Seniors This weekend marks the final games at Baxter Arena for Omaha’s senior class — including Ludtke and goaltender Simon Latkoczy, who have been foundational pieces of the program.
Ludtke, who committed to Omaha as a teenager and has spent eight years connected to the coaching staff, is focused on embracing the moment.
“I’m just excited to play,” Ludtke said. “There’s a lot of anticipation for this weekend, and a great opportunity ahead of us. We’re going to do everything we can to be on the right side of it.”
For Gabinet, the goal is simple.
“Hopefully, these guys just get to enjoy it and be excited about it,” he said. “Let’s get after it. Let’s play some good hockey. Let’s compete out there. Let’s do everything we can to give ourselves a chance of success.”
Freshmen Continue Driving Omaha’s Offense Omaha’s offense has been fueled by its young players. None has been more impactful than freshman forward Marcus Nguyen.
Nguyen leads the Mavericks with 10 goals, including a two-goal performance in last weekend’s win at Arizona State. His development has been steady throughout the season.
“You’re seeing that growth,” Gabinet said. “You can see he’s got the ability to finish on the net and score big goals for us… He just keeps getting better.”
Fellow freshman Jérémy Loranger has also surged recently, recording six points over his last five games, while Trevor Wong continues to lead the team with 19 points.
Overall, Omaha’s scoring has come from throughout the lineup, with nine players scoring five or more goals this season.
Miami Presents Dangerous Offensive Threat Miami enters the weekend at 17-13-2 (8-12-2 NCHC), fighting for its own playoff positioning and capable of finishing anywhere from fifth to ninth in the conference standings.
The RedHawks are led by freshman forward Kocha Delic (23 points) and David Deputy, whose 15 goals rank among the top scorers in the NCHC.
Miami’s turnaround this season has been dramatic — improving from just three wins last year to 17 this season, one of the biggest single-season improvements in Division I hockey.
They also arrive with confidence after sweeping Omaha earlier this season in Oxford, outscoring the Mavericks 9-2.
Gabinet knows the challenge Miami presents.
“You have to be conscious of who you’re out against and what that play is calling for you to do,” he said. “You have to be conscious of this weekend when you’re facing firepower.”
Last weekend’s split at Arizona State reinforced both Omaha’s potential as well as its need for sustained execution.
Gabinet was encouraged by stretches of strong play, but emphasized the importance of avoiding self-inflicted mistakes.
“You’ve got to do some things that are just going to give you that chance of success,” he said. “If you start giving pucks to teams that are really skilled, it can go the opposite way.”
For Ludtke, the formula is clear — and it hasn’t changed.
“We’ve treated every series like a playoff series,” he said. “We won practice today. We’ll win practice tomorrow. And then Friday will roll around.”
After months of chasing consistency, battling adversity, and fighting to stay alive in the standings, Omaha now finds itself exactly where every team wants to be: in control of its own fate.
With two games remaining at Baxter Arena, Omaha has the chance to write an ending that extends its season — and sends its seniors out on their terms.
“This is what you dream about,” Ludtke said. “It’ll be a special weekend.”
Highlights:
Friday night is Omaha’s annual Leap-For-A-Cure game in partnership with Methodist, benefiting Leap-For-A-Cure through in-game donations and an online jersey auction.
Saturday is a White Out at Baxter Arena for the regular-season finale.
Omaha is led offensively by Trevor Wong (19 points), with Luke Woodworth and Maxime Pellerin next at 18 points apiece; Nguyen leads the team with 10 goals.
Miami is led by Kocha Delic (23 points) and David Deputy (15 goals), with goaltender Matteo Drobac owning a 2.64 GAA and .913 save percentage this season.
For Fans Attending the Game in Person:
Remember that Pacific Street is closed from 66th to 69th Street in both directions due to the sinkhole, so take an alternate route to Baxter Arena if that’s your usual route! Northbound and southbound traffic are still permitted on 67th Street.
The west lot outside Baxter, Lot 25, is open to donors and single-game pass holders only and parking passes are required to park in that lot. The north lot, Lot 27, offers free parking on a first-come, first-served basis, as is Lot 26 (west of the arena, across the creek). Omaha Athletics is also encouraging fans to park in one of the public garages at Aksarben Village.
Fans should arrive early, especially if entering via the west entrance. Have digital tickets ready to scan in the Omaha Mavericks app (or add them from your MyMavs account to your phone’s wallet app). If you have questions, stop by the box office at Baxter Arena before the game or call 402-554-MAVS.
The clear bag policy remains in effect at Baxter Arena, and metal detectors are in place at all entrances. Concession stands are card only (no cash).
Radio: The game will be broadcast live on 1290 AM and on The Varsity Network app. Pre-game coverage begins 30 minutes prior to face off with the FNBO Pre-Game Show. “Voice of the Mavs” Mike Vaillancourt will have the play-by-play, with color commentary provided by Terry Leahy.
On this episode of the Mavpuckcast, Jon and Jason talk about the University of Nebraska - Omaha Maverick Hockey team’s recent series against Arizona State at Mullett Arena in Tempe, AZ (includes their picks for “Player of the Week”). They talk about some “Things You Missed in Tempe,” including a nice “Mavs on the Move” event the UNO Alumni Association put on before the Saturday game and some other cool things. They wrap up the episode with their preview and predictions for Omaha’s final hockey series of the regular season versus the Miami (OH) RedHawks at Baxter Arena.
Bonus Episode: Interview with Former Omaha Hockey Defenseman Dominic Vidoli
On this special episode of the Mavpuckcast, Bridget interviews former University of Nebraska-Omaha Maverick Hockey defenseman Dominic Vidoli. This wide-ranging discussion looks at Vidoli's hockey origins, what led him to play at Boston University and Ohio State before joining the Mavs, his favorite memories playing hockey in Omaha, what life is like playing as a professional hockey player in France, and what his goals are for the future.
Next Weekend:
This is it: the regular-season finale. Next up is postseason play (if Omaha qualifies): the NCHC Frozen Faceoff playoff games will stream on NCHC.tv. Quarterfinal games are a best-of-three series at the higher seed’s rink, starting March 5.
