Omaha Hockey Press Conference: Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026 (Colorado College Preview)

Jan. 21 Omaha Hockey Press Conference Transcript

Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):
Yeah, good to see everybody. Uh, just, just first off, just want to announce an addition to the team here, uh, Ryan McCleary. Pretty excited to get him here and get him with the team. Obviously, with, uh, Joe Gramer departing there, (it’s) nice to get, uh, another body on the back end there. So, uh, (I’m) really grateful to our, our assistant coaches and just even the administration and, um, just getting every — it takes a lot of work to get a person into school that quickly. So, um, everybody was all hands on board getting that going, and he started classes this week, so we’re excited for his addition.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

I have a follow-up question to that. So how do you know somebody like him is interested in coming, and available and eligible, and how does that all work?

 

Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):
Yeah, that’s why you’re — the hours of being a coach nowadays are a lot different than they used to be. And, and again, just a lot of credit to the staff and, um, you know, you’re reaching out to — we actually thought we maybe had one other player lined up, and then, you know, that, you know, circumstances change. You got guys in junior hockey, obviously. You got guys nowadays in pro. Um, so it just kind of ended up working out through the advisor there that he had some interest there and, uh, coming back, coming to school and experiencing college hockey there. So, um, lots of moving parts there to make it happen there. But again, that’s where you gotta spend a lot of time on the phone and talking to people and figuring out who’s available and who’s interested.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

Can you just talk a little bit about what you’re hoping that he brings to the blue line and how his addition is gonna help us down the stretch?

 

Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah, again, I think he’s got some pretty good experience, right? Played a lot of junior hockey there and then a lot of, uh, you know, pretty substantial professional hockey as well there too. Some, so some lots of good experience there. He’s a right shot d-man (defenseman), a bigger body too, which is nice. Um, obviously we got Jacob Guevin right now with an injury too from Friday night in Miami there.

 

So, all of a sudden now you’re down another guy. So, um, just again, a big body. Um, he’s got lots of experience there, right shot there that I think will be able to step in right away and help contribute to the team.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

So following up on, uh, noticing Jacob (Guevin) being out, Hunter (McInnes) was in the lineup on Saturday night. How are you approaching those decisions with him in regards to him playing, redshirting, whatever, as the season goes on?

 

Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):
Yeah, to be honest, I think I was excited to get him in, and I know he was excited to play, and he’s done a great job in practice. Um, you know, for a while there (him) kind of being our eighth defenseman there and really contributing every day in practice. I know the guys were really excited for him to get into the lineup. So, and I thought he did a really good job. I think he played about 10 minutes and did a really solid job there. And, um, you know, we’re definitely not afraid to play him, that’s for sure. 

 

Emma Goldstein (Sports Information, Omaha Athletics):

Questions for Simon (Latkoczy). 

 

Mike Vaillancourt, Learfield Sports:

Hey, Simon, when, uh, when you were out after that North Dakota series, what was your mindset as you had to sit back and, and watch your teammates play in practice? And how, how did you approach that time mentally?

 

Simon Latkoczy (Senior Goaltender, Omaha Hockey):

Well, it’s never great to be injured. I mean, we all wanna play and we all wanna be healthy. Uh, unfortunately, that’s a part of the journey, and injuries are part of the seasons. Uh, I got one recently, and, uh, uh, the one sad thing was that, like, it was kind of like coming back. So it was supposed to be two weeks, then three weeks, and then it was four and five (weeks). So it, uh, took a longer time than expected, uh, throughout the Christmas break as well. And, uh, yeah, uh, I’m happy to be back, to be honest, and, uh, uh, ready to get started. I was happy to play on Friday.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

As a co-captain, how do you help your teammates stay confident without letting that frustration creep in when things get difficult during the season?

 

Simon Latkoczy (Senior Goaltender, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah, I think, uh, there is a lot of talking from, uh, me and Griffin (Ludtke) and (the) other captains. I think that we are doing a good job, especially, you know, like, it’s, uh, very easy to give up at this moment. Uh, but, uh, the coaches and the coaching staff are doing a great job too, uh, leading that way and showing us that, uh, that’s not an option, and that’s not the mentality right here.

 

And, uh, then it’s, uh, a little bit easier for us as captains to kind of like learn from that mindset, and that just kind of show it to the other guys too, you know, like they always look up to the leaders and coaches. And, uh, if we are on the same page, uh, as we are, I think that’s, uh, just really important to not give up.

 

And, uh, I, to be honest, I think that we are, uh, getting closer and closer to each other because, uh, in my opinion, these tough times, uh, are bringing the team more together. And, uh, everything’s perfect when we are winning, but, uh, really it just shows up how strong, how strong we are when the things are not, not going our way.

 

(MIKE)

When you stepped back into crease on, on Friday night, uh, what was the adjustment like? Did you feel like you were game speed ready? Did, did it take a couple of shots for you to kind of get back into the groove of things? How was that adjustment for you?

 

Simon Latkoczy (Senior Goaltender, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah, mentally a little harder. Uh, I would say just to kind of get back into it after an injury. Uh, you are never really 100% sure that you can trust it as you, as it was before. Uh, if you are practicing with the pain, I would say, like, throughout that injury time, it doesn’t just go away like that. But I think that, uh, uh, the support staff, uh, did a good job, uh, kind of helping me there, and giving me the confidence. And then, uh, once I step into the net, I don’t try to think about anything else, and it’s just about, uh, to stop the puck.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

Following up on Mike (Vaillancourt’s) question, on a night when you’re feeling good in net, how early do you know that it’s gonna be a good, good night? Do you know that right away, or does it take a couple of shots before you figure that out?

 

Simon Latkoczy (Senior Goaltender, Omaha Hockey):

That’s a tough question, to be honest, to answer. Uh, you know, it’s usually the feeling that you have. Uh, and it starts before a game. But, uh, (the) first couple of saves are always important. You never know how the game is gonna go. And, uh, yeah, uh, to be honest, I don’t know, uh, the answer to this question.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

So, for fans watching from the stands, what’s one misconception about the team right now, and what would you want them to understand as we go down these last couple of games of the stretch?

 

Simon Latkoczy (Senior Goaltender, Omaha Hockey):

You said from the team or from the fans?

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

From — if the fans are looking at the team, what’s one misperception that they have? They’re not in your shoes. They don’t know what you guys know. What would you tell them looking at these next 10 games?

 

Simon Latkoczy (Senior Goaltender, Omaha Hockey):

That we have not given up. Definitely. We are still here and we are fighting. And, uh, we believe in each other. Uh, I think that, uh, we still have, uh, 10 games is a good amount of games in college hockey, in my opinion. It’s, uh, more than 30% or around that, you know. Uh, that’s a good amount of, uh, hockey, and a good amount of points.

 

If we are still on the same boat, as we are, I think that there is a lot that can happen and a lot that can change from, uh, a game to game. We just gotta, uh, kind of stick to the process, in my opinion, and do the same thing again and again, and do the work.

 

Mike Vaillancourt, Learfield Sports:

She brought up 10 games. This is your senior season. Uh, 10 games down the stretch here. Have, have you thought at all about the last few weeks, uh, of your senior year? Have you, have you even thought (about) the last three and a half years? Like, what, what does this experience mean to you?

 

Simon Latkoczy (Senior Goaltender, Omaha Hockey):

It gave me a lot. Omaha gave me a lot. Uh, people around me gave me, gave me a lot. And, uh, I’m excited about, uh, these last couple of games here, because I think that it’s all coming together. And I’m, uh, I believe and I’m sure that it’s all gonna show up at the right time. Now it’s time for me to, uh, I would say that, uh, enough was said in the locker room by me, but it’s, uh, time for me to lead on the ice by my performance and the results. And I’m excited to do it.

 

Simon Latkoczy (Senior Goaltender, Omaha Hockey):

Simon, it came out today that you were, um, on the Hobey Baker nomination list for the Hobey Baker Award. I know awards are not a big thing for you. You’re all about the team. But what does it mean to be one of just 18 players that are on that list (for the NCHC)?

 

Simon Latkoczy (Senior Goaltender, Omaha Hockey):

Uh, I think that decision is made by the coaches, if I’m correct or not.

 

Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):
Yep.

 

Simon Latkoczy (Senior Goaltender, Omaha Hockey):

Uh, I think that’s, uh, a great way to give your goalie confidence without any words and, uh, that they believe in me throughout the end of the season, even if the things are not going our way. And, uh, I’m, uh, thankful for that and, uh, uh, responsible and, uh, I’ll do my best to, uh, put it, uh, to play as I should and, uh, to done, uh, to, to just not, like, mess it up, kind of. 

 

Mike Vaillancourt, Learfield Sports:

You, you come into this weekend against CC, uh, goaltender on the opposite side of theice that you know quite well from your days back at the USHL. Um, maybe rivalry is not the right word, but it’s certainly a premier matchup. How do you approach these weekends when you know that you’ve got a guy that you’ve faced off against for several years, who’s quite good himself? Does that, uh, help give you an extra boost?

 

Simon Latkoczy (Senior Goaltender, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah, (Kaidan) Mbereko is a good goalie. I think I talked about this, uh, before. I think that, uh, there is, uh, a lot of good goalies in our conference, and, uh, every team has some. Uh, we always have good matchups together. I’m excited that, uh, now it’s in our barn, and, uh, I’m just excited to get going and, uh, play some games, uh, with the support of the fans.

 

I think that it’s gonna be good. And, uh, yes, I’m excited about it, and I’m excited for this weekend.

 

Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):
All right. Good job, man. Good job.

 

Emma Goldstein (Sports Information, Omaha Athletics):

Questions for Coach (Gabinet)?

 

Mike Vaillancourt, Learfield Sports:

As you approach, uh, the CC (Colorado College) weekend, obviously, you know, 10 games, there’s a lot that can happen within those 10 games. How much, though, are you getting the guys focused on, “Let’s play one shift at a time. Let’s take one shot at a time, one pass at a time,” as opposed to looking at the big picture down the stretch here?

 

Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):
Yeah, I think it’s smart anytime you’re going through adversity to, to narrow the focus a little bit there. And as you said, shift by shift, uh, kind of day by day, game by game is a smart place to live. You know, as much you can be in the present as possible, uh, that’s usually what, you know, drives the best outcome.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

Looking back at the Miami series, what’s one thing that the team did better than the scoreboard reflected — and one thing that still needs to show up with more consistency with only 10 games left?

 

Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):
Yeah, again, I, I like some of our o-zone (offensive zone) play. I think if you look at the, you know, the results after, I think we, we won the o-zone possession time during the game there. Now it’s about finding ways to, to finish and, and put the back, uh, the puck in the back of the net. And then I think just, again, if you go through the process of reflecting on the goals against, you know, how are they scoring against us?

 

I think, again, a common theme right now are turnovers that keep showing up, right? So kind of turnovers at the wrong time. So again, when you break it down like that, it gives you a focus on what you need to keep working on. And, uh, so I think that’s an area of growth for us, uh, uh, you know, (to) keep managing the puck properly and making sure we’re, we’re making the right decision at the right time there and, and, uh, to keep working on those things.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

There’s been stretches this season where the effort hasn’t translated to results. The effort’s been there, but the results haven’t been. How do you diagnose that with the team? Is it confidence, execution? What is, what is it that that’s that little missing piece that just hasn’t quite clicked consistently?

 

Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):
Well, I think, like Simon mentioned, uh, you know, I, I, I don’t think this team is ever not trying hard, right? I think that’s one of the makeups we’ve been for a long time. It’s just that compete and that work ethic. And I think, you know, when you get punched in the face a couple of times, you’re gonna naturally have a little bit of a down (time), and then you gotta kind of get yourself right back up and get back to work.

 

So, um, I think one of the big things for that is leadership. You know, you gotta step up and be a leader, and you gotta communicate and talk about it. I think that’s something when you’re going through difficult times, it’s easy to get quiet or to not communicate as much or, you know, just hope things get better. And I think, you know, I think great leaders during difficult times communicate and talk about it and talk about the reality, the situation you’re facing and how you feel. And then ultimately, the most important thing is to step up and, and do the work, right? And I think, again, that’s what I’m really proud of, the, the staff and the group is we got to work this week, man. We’re getting better. We’re getting better at certain things, whether it shows up, uh, on Friday and Saturday or not, to be determined, but we’re getting better.

 

And I know we are, and I think that’s something we take a lot of pride in. And, and, uh, and the players, uh, you know, can earn their confidence that way as well.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

Speaking of leadership, how important is it to have Simon back in the net this weekend?

 

Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):
Yeah, again, it’s, uh, you know, again, you know, if you would’ve said to me in the (beginning of the) season, “Hey, we’ll be without Simon for a long stretch of the season,” you know, he obviously was probably one of our top players returning. So that’s never easy on a team, especially when you’re going through a tough schedule. Um. So, uh, it’s always nice to have him back, right? He’s just got that experience. He’s been in these situations before. He’s played a lot. And, um, we’re definitely excited to, you know, get him back into game shape here. We gave him the one game on the weekend, uh, (we) didn’t wanna push it too much there. And I think he’s feeling better and better as he gets more practice time in there. So, um, (we’re) excited to have him back. 

 

And again, I don’t wanna downplay Dawson (Cowan). He’s been thrown into the fire as a freshman goalie. That’s not an easy task in this league and, and (he’s) got some very valuable, valuable experience along the way as well too. So it’s nice that he’s, you know, got a good chunk of experience as well that will serve him well in the future.

 

Mike Vaillancourt, Learfield Sports:

You mentioned Dawson (Cowan). How valuable is it, though, to have that reliable backup, uh, should the situation arise? And now that Dawson’s got that experience, he knows — not just physically what it takes in this league, but the mental aspect of it too. How valuable is that, uh, as you hit the stretch run?

 

Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):
Yeah, I think so. Sometimes there’s no, no substitute for experience, right? You know, you have to kind of go through it to actually know what it feels like to sit in that chair and experience it that day in and day out. And probably would’ve liked to do it a little bit slower for him, where he didn’t have to go all the time against those opponents that we had to face, you know, one after another. But hey, at the end of the day, you can just see his growth, and just even his mindset. 

 

And, and, you know, I spent a lot of time talking to him as well too. And it’s, it’s just kind of nice to see his development through this journey that he’s gone on. And there’s been some adversity as well. And again, that’s how you grow. Nobody wants to go through it, trust me. There’s, uh, not a guy in the locker room that wants to be in the situation we’re in and, and isn’t devastated by it. But at the same breath, like, that’s life, and you gotta freaking step up and, and do the work and deal with it. And that’s how you grow. You gotta attack it head on. And, and he’s a guy that has that same type of mentality.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

This group swept Colorado College back in Colorado Springs back in October. When you watch the tape now, what feels most transferable to this weekend, and what doesn’t anymore?

 

Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):
I mean, uh, they’re a good hockey team, you know, right? Uh, uh, so again, I think you just gotta keep growing and, and learning and playing and, um, you know, (we’re) trying to simplify some things for our group. I think that’s important too, just to let guys play a little bit more free where they’re not overthinking. Um, they’re, you know, trusting their instincts a little bit just to play. And I think you’re faster that way. You’re more competitive that way when you’re not thinking. I think when, you know, you’re a little nervous or things have been tough, right, you don’t wanna make a mistake. You don’t wanna mess up. Um, and we have to be responsible that way at this level.

 

But at the same breath, I’d like to see our guys just play a little bit and, and simplify their game and just go — and go and compete and don’t overthink the future or what’s happened in the past. Just be as present as you can and engage and compete and, uh, be vocal and have great body language. And I think, you know, when you’re doing that, you’re showing confidence and you’re playing your best.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

Are the guys having fun? Is it still fun for them even at this point?

 

Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):
Yeah. Again, yeah. Again, if you really watch our games, I mean, it’s a lot of close hockey games, right? You know, so it’s, uh, which sometimes almost makes it, you know, talking to guys makes it more frustrating at times, you know, when you’re right there and, you know, you look back at Western or Nodak (North Dakota) or Cornell and you’re on these wrong ends of all these ones.

 

But in the same breath, that’s what’s happening. And you, you gotta deal with it. So I think, again, just to the communication (and) leadership, you have to acknowledge the feeling of down. I had a tough day on Sunday. That’s what I told the team. That was probably one of my toughest Sundays in a long, long time. And you just gotta share that. That’s, that’s how it feels. I can’t sleep. You’re overthinking things. You’re, you know, you’re trying to help everybody and probably got 20 other guys that feel the same way.

 

So I think by talking about it, and addressing it and then saying, “Okay, well, how does the best version of myself react to this?” And then stepping up and we can’t say, “Oh, shucks — we gotta freaking get to work today.” So it’s a workday. It’s gonna be a workday. And then you do it. And then after practice, you feel better, right? You feel better and you get a little bit of that juice back and you start feeling good ‘cause you did something about it.

 

You didn’t just think about it. You didn’t complain about it. You didn’t feel sorry for yourself. You did something about it. And I think that’s what the great leaders do, you know, and that’s what our team’s made of. And I’ve (said) from day one, I love this group, man. It’s nobody in there wants to be, to be losing, I’ll tell you that much, you know, but we gotta, you know, we gotta deal with it, but we gotta keep pushing and winning. And you never know when the tide’s gonna change. And I believe it’s gonna change.

 

Timothy Rohwer, UNO Blue Line Club Newsletter:

So it sounds like, I mean, you mentioned earlier you’re getting better, so that you still have that good optimism to end up having, you know, more success.

 

Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):
Yeah.

 

Timothy Rohwer, UNO Blue Line Club Newsletter:

As they’re coming up. So it’s still there, that optimism.

 

Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):
Yeah. You gotta be. It’s not there all the time. And you gotta, but you gotta find it again and, uh, and bring it up to light and, uh, um, 100%, man. You gotta believe. You gotta believe. 

Omaha Adds Defenseman Ryan McCleary to the Roster

photo courtesy of HockeyDB.com

Omaha has added a junior defenseman to the roster.

Ryan McCleary has joined the Omaha Mavericks, bringing size, pro experience, and puck-moving ability to a blue line that needed reinforcement after the departure of Joe Gramer and an apparent injury to Jacob Guevin last weekend.

McCleary arrives from the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL, where he has played 28 games this season with one goal and five assists. Last year, he appeared in 69 games for Cincinnati, recording five goals and seven assists.

Earlier this season, McCleary also made his American Hockey League debut, skating in one game for the Toronto Marlies. 

Before turning pro, McCleary built a strong junior résumé in the Western Hockey League, splitting time between the Portland Winterhawks and the Swift Current Broncos. His final WHL season in Swift Current was his most productive, posting 11 goals and 25 assists in 56 games, followed by six points in nine playoff contests.

Listed at 6-foot-3, 195 lbs. and a right shot, McCleary was selected in the seventh round (194th overall) of the 2021 NHL Draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins. Scouting reports highlighted his ability in transition, using deception and poise rather than pure speed to beat forecheck pressure and keep plays moving north.

He will wear no. 6 on the Omaha Hockey roster.

Omaha vs. Miami University (OH) Weekend Recap (Jan. 16-17, 2026)

By Bridget (Weide) Brooks

Omaha Hockey headed east for a two-game NCHC series at Goggin Ice Center and ran into a Miami University (Ohio) team that capitalized on momentum swings and special teams, as the RedHawks swept the weekend with a 3-0 win Friday and a 6-2 decision Saturday.

Friday: Miami Breaks Through Late in 3-0 Shutout
Friday night was scoreless for 40 minutes as Omaha leaned on goaltender Simon Latkoczy in his return from injury. Making his first appearance since Dec. 12, Latkoczy looked sharp early, turning aside Miami chances and keeping the Mavericks within reach through two periods.

Omaha controlled possession stretches in the opening frame and finished the night with a 40-34 shot advantage overall, but struggled to convert pressure into sustained scoring chances. After killing off two Miami power plays early in the second period, the Mavericks generated a late push before intermission, with Myles Hilman producing one of Omaha’s best looks in the final minutes of the period.

Miami finally broke through just 57 seconds into the third period while the teams were skating 4-on-4 after late second period coincidental minor penalties, scoring on a rebound chance to take a 1-0 lead. The RedHawks added an insurance goal midway through the period following an Omaha turnover and sealed the game with an empty-netter in the final two minutes.

Latkoczy finished with 22 saves in his return, while Omaha was shut out for the first time this season.

Saturday: Early Hole, Late Push Falls Short in 6-2 Loss
Saturday’s rematch followed a similar script, but the early margin proved too much to overcome.

Miami struck twice in a 90-second span early in the first period, then added a power-play goal late in the frame to carry a 3-0 lead into intermission. Omaha was limited to just three shots on goal in the opening 20 minutes, while freshman goaltender Dawson Cowan faced steady pressure from the outset.

The RedHawks extended the lead to 4-0 midway through the second period before Omaha finally broke through. Myles Hilman helped spark the response, setting up Sean Tschigerl at the net front to put the Mavericks on the board.

Omaha carried that momentum into the third period when Hilman scored less than two minutes in, cutting the deficit to 4-2. Any comeback hopes were short-lived, however, as Miami answered just 18 seconds later to restore a three-goal cushion.

Miami added another goal later in the third to close out the series. Cowan finished with 34 saves as the RedHawks held a 40-21 advantage in shots on goal.

Series Notes

• Friday’s loss marked the first time Omaha was shut out this season and snapped goaltender Simon Latkoczy’s perfect record against Miami (Ohio), as he entered the night 7-0-0 all-time versus the RedHawks.

• Omaha allowed five goals across the opening 27 minutes of the series before scoring its first goal late in Saturday’s second period.

• The Mavericks scored first in only one of the six periods played in Oxford and did not score a power-play goal during the series.

• Myles Hilman factored into both of Omaha’s goals Saturday, recording a goal and an assist after being held off the scoresheet Friday.

• Miami won its first NCHC series of the season with the sweep, improving its conference record to 5-7-2.

Looking Ahead
The Mavericks return home next weekend to face Colorado College at Baxter Arena. Omaha swept the Tigers in Colorado earlier this season and will look to regroup as conference play continues.

Series Preview: Omaha at Miami University (Oxford, OH), Jan. 16-17, 2026

By Bridget (Weide) Brooks

After finally returning home to Baxter Arena last weekend, Omaha Hockey hits the road again, traveling to Oxford, Ohio, for a two-game National Collegiate Hockey Conference series against (RV) Miami (Ohio) at Goggin Ice Center. The Mavericks and RedHawks are separated by just two points in the NCHC standings, making this weekend another opportunity for Omaha to turn close games into tangible results.

Omaha enters the series at 8-14-0 overall and 4-8-0 in league play, coming off a split with (RV) St. Cloud State. Friday night saw the Mavericks erase an early two-goal deficit and roll to a 6-2 win, while Saturday ended in a 2-1 loss despite stretches of strong play. Miami (12-8-2, 3-7-2 NCHC) also split last weekend, earning a 2-1 overtime win at Arizona State before falling 1-0 the following night.

For Omaha, the theme continues to be progress paired with frustration — a team that feels close, but not yet consistently rewarded.

“We know we’re right there,” senior forward Sam Huo said. “Those tough games, I know those are really good learning opportunities for our group, just ’cause there’s so many new guys here.” 

One of the more noticeable developments in recent weeks has been Omaha’s forward chemistry, particularly Huo alongside Trevor Wong and Jérémy Loranger. Huo scored in both games against St. Cloud State and has been involved in key moments offensively.

“Playing with Trevor and ‘Junior,’ Jérémy, there — we had some good chemistry that built off from Cornell,” Huo said. “I think just trying to keep building off that and staying familiar with those guys and building that chemistry.” 

Omaha has scored four or more goals in four of its last six games, producing 19 goals during that stretch. While the offense has shown flashes, the Mavericks continue to emphasize starts, an area Huo acknowledged needs improvement.

“I think it’s really good for our group to be able to come back from those situations,” Huo said, referencing early deficits. “But I think we can put ourselves in a better spot… right from the start, just on top of them playing Maverick hockey.”

Miami Presents a Different Look
Miami enters the weekend receiving votes in the USCHO.com poll and brings a forward group capable of scoring, led by (the injured) Matteo Giampa (9-10-19), Kocha Delic (7-11-18), and Maximilion Helgeson (9-5-14). In net, Matteo Drobac was named NCHC Goaltender of the Week after stopping 62 of 64 shots at Arizona State.

Head coach Mike Gabinet noted the challenge Miami presents, particularly up front.

“Their forward group’s really impressive to watch,” Gabinet said. “You can tell they can put the puck in the net. A couple of their lines are very big, very physical, they like to get to the net hard.” 

Gabinet also pointed to puck management as a key area for Omaha as it looks to convert close games into wins.

“A lot of teams’ offense is coming off of our turnovers,” Gabinet said. “You gotta clean that up to be successful consistently.”

Despite the record, Gabinet emphasized that the internal feel of the team does not mirror the standings.

“The locker room doesn’t really feel like our record,” Gabinet said. “When you’re in so many tight games and you’re one mistake away… you know you’re one good play away from coming out of the right end of that.” 

That belief is echoed by Huo, who said confidence remains high even after narrow losses.

“We all know in there what we’re capable of,” Huo said. “We compete so hard against each other every day in practice… I think it just goes with the belief in our group.” 

Goaltender Simon Latkoczy continues to progress as he works his way back

“Simon’s back skating here, which is great,” Gabinet said. “We’re definitely seeing him start to increase his workload here, and he’s looking better and better every day.” 

Interesting Tidbits

• Omaha and Miami most recently met in Oxford during the 2024-25 season, when the Mavericks swept the RedHawks with 3-1 and 4-1 wins.

• Miami has won five of its six one-goal games this season and is unbeaten in overtime at 4-0-2.

• Omaha has scored first in four of its last six games but has also erased multiple early deficits during that stretch.

• Miami’s penalty kill has not allowed a power-play goal in its last four games.

When:
> Friday, 6 p.m. CT at Goggin Ice Center (Oxford, OH)
> Saturday, 5 p.m. CT at Goggin Ice Center (Oxford, OH)

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.

TV:
The game will be streamed on NCHC.tv ($) 

Live Stats:
Game stats will be available here. 

On this episode of the Mavpuckcast, Jon and Jason talk about the Omaha Maverick Hockey team’s recent series against St. Cloud State at Baxter Arena (includes their picks for “Player of the Week”). They talk about some “Things You Missed at Baxter Arena” during the series (including Jake Guentzel Bobblehead Night). They present this week’s “Weekly Top 20.” They talk about the current National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) standings. They wrap up the episode with their preview and predictions for Omaha’s upcoming hockey series versus the Miami (OH) RedHawks at Goggin Ice Arena.

Next Weekend:

Omaha returns home to Baxter Arena next weekend to host Colorado College, Jan. 23-24, on Kemp Ice. Both games will stream on NCHC.tv with radio coverage on 1290 KOIL and the Varsity Network.

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S8 E16: Mavs Win One, Things You Missed, NCHC Heats Up, Miami (OH) Series Predictions

S8 E16: Mavs Win One, Things You Missed, NCHC Heats Up, Miami (OH) Series Predictions

On this episode of the Mavpuckcast, Jon and Jason talk about the Omaha Maverick Hockey team’s recent series against St. Cloud State at Baxter Arena (includes their picks for “Player of the Week”). They talk about some “Things You Missed at Baxter Arena” during the series (including Jake Guentzel Bobblehead Night). They present this week’s “Weekly Top 20.” They talk about the current National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) standings. They wrap up the episode with their preview and predictions for Omaha’s upcoming hockey series versus the Miami (OH) RedHawks at Goggin Ice Arena. Special thanks for your support of the podcast and MavPuck.com. Your support is greatly appreciated!! Special thanks to our Founding Members for the 2025-26 season. Support the MavPuckCast — Become a Member: https://www.mavpuck.com/join Support the MavPuckCast: https://www.mavpuck.com/donate Support Our Sponsors This Season: Thank You to Wahoo Distillery! https://www.wahoodistillery.com Find your next home! Contact Ryan Bowden with Realty ONE Group at (402) 779-1182 Grab a drink and a bite to eat at Wilson & Washburn in Omaha’s Old Market! Learn more at https://www.wilsonandwashburn.com Chapters: 00:00 - St. Cloud Series Recap 28:05 - Players of the Week 33:13 - Things You Missed at Baxter Arena 37:10 - Weekly Top 20 41:26 - NCHC Race Heats Up 45:50 - Miami (OH) Series Preview Follow MavPuck.com online! https://www.mavpuck.com   / mavpuckpage     / mavpuck     / mavpuck     / mavpuckcast  

Current Standings for MavPuck Players of the Week (Season 8, 2025-26):
https://mavpuckblog.blogspot.com/2025/10/mavpuckcast-players-of-week-season-8.html

Omaha Hockey Press Conference: Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026 (Miami (OH) Preview)

Jan. 13, 2026 Press Conference Transcript

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

So, Sam, you scored in both games this past weekend, and were involved in some really key moments. How did the flow of that series feel for you from a forward’s perspective?

 

Sam Huo (Senior Forward, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah, I think, uh, I think, yeah, just playing with, uh, Trevor (Wong) and “Junior,” Jérémy (Loranger) there. Uh, we had some good chemistry that built off from Cornell, and then, um, I think just carried some of that, um, experience from playing together over that weekend into this weekend. And then, uh, obviously, uh, (I) had some good looks on the power play there.

 

So, um, yeah, I think just trying to keep building off that and, yeah, staying, staying familiar with those guys and, yeah, building that chemistry.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

St. Cloud plays kind of a heavy and physical game. You’re gonna see a lot of that throughout this season. How does playing St. Cloud prepare you for the NCHC grind that’s coming the rest of the season?

 

Sam Huo (Senior Forward, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah, I think, yeah, I mean, every NCHC team (plays) fast and physical. So I think, uh, just it’s good for our group. Um, and another close one-goal loss on Saturday. So it’s just, we, we know we’re right there. And, uh, those tough games, I know those are really good learning opportunities for our group, just ‘cause there’s so many new, uh, new guys here.

 

So just these, these games where we’re so close, we know we just gotta come in this week, do the work, um, throughout the week just so we can get better and, uh, come out on the other side of it coming up.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

What’s the biggest adjustment that you guys are gonna make going into, uh, Miami this weekend after last weekend?

 

Sam Huo (Senior Forward, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah, I think, uh, just some of our — we’ve been talking this week — probably won’t give away too many of our, of our details, but, uh, I think just, uh, just ‘cause we know we’re, we’re, we’re right there, even Cornell, those, those close games. But, uh, just our start, I think that Friday in Cornell, we went down three-nothing in the first (period). And then even Friday against St. Cloud, go down two-nothing. Um, I think it’s really good for our group to be able to come back from those situations. But I think we can put ourselves in a better spot to, um, just for the whole weekend where we’re, we’re right from the stop, uh,right from the start, just on top of them playing, uh, Maverick hockey.

 

Timothy Rohwer, UNO Blue Line Club Newsletter:

So, uh, the, uh, (it) sounds like you’ve got a lot of confidence, you know, optimism despite, you know, going splitting those two games. There’s still a lot of optimism for the rest of the season then for the on the team?

 

Sam Huo (Senior Forward, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah, of course. I mean, they’re such a close game, even though obviously it’s very disappointing we didn’t get that win. But, um, just the, the coaches, the players, we all, we all know in there what we’re capable of. Um, I mean, we compete so hard against each other every day in practice. Um, we know how good we can be. But, uh, I think just bringing that for the full two games on the weekend, I just, I think just goes with, uh, the belief in our group. We know we can do it. Um, but yeah, we’re just gonna keep working to get better.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

Sam, you’ve played at a lot of different levels: junior, university, international competition. How has that journey shaped you as a player?

 

Sam Huo (Senior Forward, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah, I think it’s, uh, yeah, it’s been really helpful. I mean, uh, yeah, playing in the Western League (WHL), obviously I wasn’t drafted there, so kind of working my way up that league. And then going to USports, it’s a bit of a older league, uh, compared to here. But, uh, I think, yeah, coming here, it’s, uh, a lot fast, physical, probably closer to some of those high-end talents you saw in junior, but with the physical aspect that university brought. So I think it definitely, definitely helped me prepare, uh, coming here and just trying to take, um, some of those lessons I learned at kind of every level I played to help, help this team win when I’m here.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

You uprooted your life to come to Omaha for one season. What do you want this season to say about you as a player?

 

Sam Huo (Senior Forward, Omaha Hockey):

Um, yeah, as a player, I think just, just knowing that, uh, I came here to just really give my all for one year for this program. I mean, um, when that (CHL) rule changed, I know I was in a pretty unique situation with only one year of eligibility. But, uh, when I started talking to Coach Gabinet and just seeing this program, um, the facilities, the atmosphere, um, the players they’ve developed, and I obviously knew a lot of those USports guys that were coming over here. So I knew, uh, how good, uh, the level of play was gonna be here. So, um, yeah, I just wanna be remembered as someone who came in, uh, worked hard, got better, uh, as the season went on, and just hopefully help this team, uh, go for a really long run here — (and) win a, win a championship.

 

Emma Goldstein (Sports Information, Omaha Athletics):

Questions for head coach Mike Gabinet.

 

Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah, just sorry, just before we get started here, just wanna just, uh, just recognize Colleen Barstow just passed away recently there and just obviously a very near and dear friend of the program there and someone that gave a lot of her time and energy to helping support, you know, not only our players, but the community around it too. So just wanna just acknowledge her and, uh, obviously we’ll miss her a lot here.

 

You know, she has her funeral coming up here this weekend there. So, definitely pass along our condolences to her family and was just a huge part. Reminds me a lot of my mom, to be honest, just really a giver — always helping out, always, you know, the Children’s Hospital (she) did a ton of stuff for that and Christmas for the kids, underprivileged kids. Anyways, just, uh, super sad time right now, but just wanted to make sure we recognize her. Thanks.

 

Eddie Messel, KETV:

Coach, just, uh, since you started with that, just a quick question off of that, just the, I guess, just a little more on the impact that she, she had, uh, on the program and, uh, the legacy that she, she left, uh, here on UNO.

 

Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah, I think she kind of just exemplifies what Omaha’s about a little bit. Just people are always willing to help. And I think it’s really nice when you see our guys get to see and be around people like that and, um, you know, just how much they give the program. They’re not looking for anything in return. They’re just honestly trying to help the players out, helping the community out. And I think it’s something we try to talk about a lot with our players.

 

Sometimes you don’t recognize that stuff when you’re in your early 20s as much. And, uh, it’s really important to acknowledge those types of people. And, and, uh, they change, they change, they change, uh, they change people, right, for the better, right? They help out a lot of families and, and our guys and make a lot of lifelong friends. And, uh, obviously I’m very close with her husband, Bill, and, and their three kids.

 

And so, um, just a tremendous impact on, on not only us, but the community as well.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

So looking back at St. Cloud series, you saw two very different games this weekend. What changed Saturday, especially in terms of, like, puck possession and execution?

 

Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah, again, again, I think the score changed a little bit. And I think you need to look back at the games closely there. There’s, uh, you know, (I) didn’t like our start on Friday there, got rolling there, then obviously, you know, went to work offensively there and came away with a big win. And then, on Saturday, they actually thought we were a little bit better at times with some pretty lot of chances there and just couldn’t capitalize there.

 

I didn’t like our start on Saturday. Again, I thought the first 10 minutes, that’s where we really gotta take that next step and just not even giving teams an option to stay in the game. Um, but again, it’s, uh, there’s some really good things that we’re doing now. You’re seeing the growth in the players. Um, and then there’s the things that we just, like Sam mentioned, we just gotta clean up and keep improving on.

 

And, and I think one of those big things is possessing the puck and taking care of the puck. If you look at right now, a lot of teams’ offense is coming off of our turnovers. And, uh, you gotta clean that up to be successful consistently.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

When you look at the (Miami) RedHawks, what, what are the biggest challenges that they present, especially compared to what you saw against St. Cloud?

 

Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah, uh, um, you know, they’re a good team. They’ve, they’ve won some, won some big games this season. They’re, uh, I think their forward group’s really impressive to watch. You can tell they can put the puck in the net. They’re a pretty, uh, a couple of their lines are very big, very physical team. They like to get to the net hard. So again, just they’re gonna be another strong opponent there. So the good news is we’re, we’re pretty seasoned at playing good, good competition here. So have to be, we’ll be prepared for that.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

What can you say about, uh, Big Sam? He came into the program with a long development path: WHL, USports, international competition. How have you seen that background show up for him on a day-to-day basis?

 

Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah, again, he’s just, uh, you know, went through training camp. I thought he’d be one of our, our, our kind of better players there, and then obviously (he) suffered, uh, the, the lower body injury there that I think really set him back. When you’re 6’5” and you have a lower body injury, sometimes it takes a while to get your mobility back and you’re already long and lanky, etc. So, um, and I think you’re seeing that the last, I don’t know if we got three (games), maybe in the last four games here. And, and I think you’re just seeing that, you know, that pace, that the game slowing down from a little bit. He’s able to use his size and strength. He’s learning to play the right way consistently. He’s just doing a lot of really good things.

 

And, uh, um, you know, I think he’s gonna just continue to impact the game more and more as he gets more and more comfortable with the level (of play). Um, so (we’re) really happy with him and, uh, and his progression here in the second half.

 

Timothy Rohwer, UNO Blue Line Club Newsletter:

So the team seems to be improving, say, from a few weeks ago or, I mean, you’re getting, the team’s getting better.

 

Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah. Yeah, absolutely. Team’s growing. And, and like you said, I think the, the locker room doesn’t really feel like our record. It is what it is. And there’s some truth in our record, you know. But I think it’s also, like you said, when you’re in so many tight games and you’re one mistake away or one play away from coming out of the wrong end of that, you know you’re, you know, one play or one good play away from coming out of the right end of that.

 

So again, I really think the group’s got a lot of belief, and (we) just have to keep focusing on doing the right things and growing. And I think as a coach, sometimes it’s, you never wanna go through it, but it makes you better too ‘cause we are hammering home how to get better right now. We’re definitely not going, “Well, let’s get it next time.” We’re finding ways to make improvements in the areas we need to improve at, which makes you better. 

 

So that’s what I’m excited about. We’re getting better and, uh, we’re gonna continue to do that.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

Where are things at injury-wise right now? Do you have an update on (goaltender) Simon (Latkoczy) for this weekend?

 

Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah, Simon’s back skating here, which is great. So, um, to be honest, I haven’t, uh, we just got done (with) practice here and I haven’t, uh, talked to our trainer there just on how he’s feeling after today and yesterday. But we’re definitely seeing him start to increase his workload here and, uh, he’s looking, uh, looking better and better every day here. So, um, hopefully we can get him back here in the near future.