I've been meaning to do this for a long time, and I can’t promise I’ll do it regularly, but here is a list of Omaha Hockey #oldbulls (the name for former players coined by Ryan Walters) and where they are now.
The format is player name, (last year they were with the Mavericks), and their current team
– 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.
S8, EP19: Mavs Win, Our Top 20, The NCHC Race, Denver Series Preview and Predictions
On this episode of the Mavpuckcast, Jon and Jason talk about the University of Nebraska-Omaha Maverick Hockey team’s recent series against Western Michigan at Lawson Ice Arena (includes their picks for “Player of the Week”). They present this week’s “Weekly Top 20.” They talk about the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) race as it stands now. They wrap up the episode with their preview and predictions for Omaha’s upcoming hockey series versus the Denver Pioneers at Baxter Arena.
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Chapters:
00:00 - Western Michigan Series Analysis
13:46 - Players of the Week
18:06 - Weekly Top 20
22:08 - The NCHC Race
27:41 - Denver Series Preview
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Omaha Salvages Split at No. 3 Western Michigan, Snaps Broncos’ 10-Game Win Streak
By Bridget (Weide) Brooks
After a frustrating Friday night in Kalamazoo, Omaha responded in a big way Saturday, earning its best win of the season and reminding fans that this team still is in the fight.
The Mavericks split the weekend at No. 3 Western Michigan, falling 5-2 Friday before bouncing back with a decisive 4-1 win Saturday at Lawson Arena.
Friday: Broncos Extend Streak Western Michigan entered Friday riding a nine-game winning streak — and made it 10 with a 5-2 victory over Omaha.
The Broncos struck first at 12:43 of the opening period when Zack Sharp scored at even strength. Omaha answered quickly. Just over a minute later, Marcus Nguyen tied the game 1-1 off an assist from Luke Woodworth.
But the second period decided the game.
Jamison Sluys gave WMU a 2-1 lead at 3:37 and William Whitelaw extended it to 3-1 less than two minutes later. From there, Omaha was chasing.
Western Michigan added a power-play goal just 22 seconds into the third period when Liam Valente capitalized with the man advantage. After Maxime Pellerin pulled Omaha within two midway through the third (4-2), Valente struck again to restore the three-goal cushion, giving WMU the 5-2 win.
Simon Latkoczy made 40 saves in the loss, but WMU controlled the play much of the night, outshooting Omaha 45-30.
At that point, it felt like the Broncos might sweep Omaha again.
Saturday: A Decisive Response Instead, the Mavericks delivered their best performance of the year.
Omaha defeated No. 3 Western Michigan 4-1, snapping the Broncos’ 10-game winning streak.
The tone was set early.
Marc Lajoie opened the scoring with a power-play goal at 10:46 of the first period, assisted by Aidan de la Gorgendiere and Samuel Huo. That early goal was critical. Omaha finished 1-for-8 on the power play but generated 10 shots with the man advantage.
Western Michigan tied the game shorthanded at 7:00 of the second period when Zaccharya Wisdom scored unassisted on a breakaway.
But, Omaha responded late in the period. With 2:20 remaining in the second, Brett Hyland finished a play from Jeremy Loranger to restore the Mavericks’ lead at 2-1.
And in the third period, Omaha took control.
Marcus Nguyen extended the lead to 3-1 at 3:31 of the third, assisted by Marcus Broberg and Luke Woodworth. Then, with Western Michigan pressing late and the goalie pulled, Woodworth sealed it with an empty-net goal at 19:49.
Simon Latkoczy was outstanding, stopping 25 shots and earning the First Star of the game.
Even more impressive: Omaha killed all five WMU power plays (including two in the third period) against a team that had been averaging nearly four goals per game entering the night.
Western Michigan outshot Omaha 26-25, but the Mavericks never trailed.
Saturday night’s game demonstrated what is possible for the Mavericks when they get elite goaltending from Latkoczy, contributions up and down the lineup, strong defensive zone coverage, and a timely power-play goal. Limiting turnovers and staying out of the penalty box help too.
After being outscored by WMU 8-2 in the first three meetings this season, Omaha finally got the win, and they did it on the road, against the defending national champion.
Omaha has a bye this week before hosting Denver on Feb. 13-14 at Baxter Arena.
Omaha heads to Kalamazoo this weekend for one of the toughest matchups in the NCHC: a two-game road series against defending national champion and No. 3 Western Michigan at Lawson Arena.
The Mavericks enter the weekend at 9-17-0 overall and 5-11-0 in league play, coming off a split at home against Colorado College. Western Michigan, meanwhile, has been rolling — 18-6-0 overall, 10-4-0 in the NCHC, and winners of nine of its last 10 conference games
Omaha’s weekend split with Colorado College didn’t move the standings, but it did provide the team with momentum, something that had been missing in recent weeks. Friday night, the Mavs stayed patient. They didn’t force offense early, stayed structured defensively, and eventually were rewarded for their patience with a 3-1 victory.
“I think just kind of sticking to our game and just trying to play the right way the whole time,” sophomore forward Trevor Wong said. “Not cheating for offense and just playing a 200-foot game, so luckily it got rewarded.”
Head coach Mike Gabinet echoed that sentiment, noting how close both games were — and how thin the line can be in this league between wins and losses.
“It’s one or two crucial plays that ultimately make the difference in the game,” Gabinet said. “The longer you can do that consistently, that’s what separates good teams from great teams.”
That theme will matter even more against a Western Michigan team that thrives in transition and excels in capitalizing on small mistakes.
Wong’s two-goal night on Friday didn’t surprise his teammates or his coaching staff. Gabinet said he’s been seeing it build for a while.
“He’s been one of our best players here as of late,” Gabinet said. “You can see it in practice before you see it in games — feeling the puck, not rushing plays, being quick but not hurrying.”
Wong leads Omaha with 14 points and has become one of the Mavericks’ most reliable offensive players.
But when asked what the biggest challenge will be this weekend, his answer was blunt.
“We’ve got to score more goals,” Wong said. “We’re not going to win scoring one or two goals and just rely on our goalies.”
With Western Michigan averaging nearly four goals per game, the Mavericks will need to increase their offensive production, and also lock down their defense.
Omaha added some stability on defense last weekend with the debut of junior Ryan McCleary, who joined the program midseason.
“Really solid,” he said. “Very efficient. Hard to play against. He moves pucks quickly, and having another right shot helps our transition.”
In goal, Simon Latkoczy is back. The senior made his 100th career appearance last weekend and was named NCHC Goaltender of the Week for the second time this season after stopping 57 shots against Colorado College
Gabinet framed Latkoczy’s recent performances as a reminder of how confidence and belief factor into consistency.
“Sometimes you need somebody to believe in you,” he said. “That’s part of coaching — knowing when to push and when to reinforce belief.”
What makes Western Michigan dominant
The Broncos rank among the national leaders in scoring offense (3.88 goals per game), shots on goal, and faceoff percentage, winning nearly 54% of their draws this season
That possession advantage fuels everything else they do.
Up front, Grant Slukynsky leads the team with 27 points, while William Whitelaw paces the Broncos with 15 goals. On special teams, Liam Valente has been lethal, accounting for seven power-play goals — nearly 40% of Western Michigan’s total power-play scoring
They’re also coming off a road sweep at Minnesota Duluth, winning both games 4-3 (Saturday night in overtime).
This series also marks Omaha’s first visit to Lawson Arena this season — one of the most intimidating buildings in the conference, due in large part to the Lawson Lunatics. For several Mavericks, this will be their first game inside Lawson Arena. The student group is a “less nice” version of the Maverick Maniacs. They will work to make the atmosphere even more difficult for the visiting Mavericks.
Gabinet’s message to his team was simple: embrace it.
“Take it as a challenge,” he said. “Walk right into it head-on rather than worry about it too much. Try to keep it quiet in there.”
That approach mirrors the same mindset Omaha used in Friday’s win last weekend.
As Wong put it, this group is still finding its footing together.
“When you come to the rink and you’ve felt welcomed, it’s just a great feeling being part of something bigger than yourself,” he said.
That connection as a team will need to be sharp this weekend against one of the nation’s best.
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 Colorado College at Baxter Arena (includes their picks for “Player of the Week”). They present this week’s “Weekly Top 20.” They discuss the mystery behind the National Anthem shout outs at Omaha Hockey games. They wrap up the episode with their preview and predictions for Omaha’s upcoming hockey series versus the Western Michigan Broncos at Lawson Ice Arena.
Next Weekend:
After wrapping up the road series at Western Michigan, Omaha heads into a much-needed bye week before returning home to Baxter Arena for a marquee matchup against Denver. Omaha hosts the Pioneers on Thursday, Feb. 13 for Stripe the Arena, followed by Senior Night on Friday, Feb. 14. Both games will stream on NCHC.tv, with radio coverage on 1290 KOIL.
