Omaha Hockey is back at Baxter Arena for one more (non-conference) series before the holiday break. The Mavericks will face the Lindenwood Lions for the first time ever after splitting a series with St. Cloud State University on the road last weekend. Omaha is 6-8-0 (4-4-0 in the NCHC). The Lions are 3-12-1 overall but have faced some tough opponents so far, including No. 9 Wisconsin (4-2 win, 2-3 OT loss), No. 1 Denver (lost 4-1 both games), No. 14 Ohio State (lost 5-2 and 3-2), and No. 1 Michigan State (lost 4-0, and 2-0).
“They’re a good hockey team and have played an extremely hard schedule so far,” said Coach Mike Gabinet. “Any time you get to come in and play at a NCHC team or a Big Ten team … that’s kind of like your playoffs. They beat Wisconsin, [lost] 2-0 to Michigan State. These are good teams. These are top ten teams, top five teams in some situations. So you know you’re going to get their best. So I think that’s really important to make sure you bring your best as well.”
Reflecting on the SCSU series, Gabinet said, “I really liked four periods out of the six (last) weekend. Even Saturday, our first period was one of maybe our most complete periods. I think it is important for us to continue to learn and grow from playing those top-tier opponents.”
Gabinet said the team is looking to finish the first half of the season strong before the holiday break.
“We know there are no easy games, and we know how hard these guys play,” Gabinet added.
He praised the play of forward Sam Stange. “I think he’s been one of our best players, to be honest. You can see his confidence growing [from] when we first got him to where he is now. He continues to take steps in that direction, learning to use his skill and his size,” he said. “I know he didn’t play much at Wisconsin last season, but we were hopeful that he could take a step here and develop and grow, and he’s done exactly that.”
Gabinet also praised freshman defenseman Marcus Broberg. “I think he’s growing. He can really skate out there. He’s not a huge guy, but he’s a very competitive individual. He’s a guy that wasn’t good enough at the start of the year to play. We had a conversation with him and just told him what we’re seeing and what needs to improve,” he said. “He’s an up-and-coming young defenseman with the team and doing well.”
Senior forward Zach Urdahl gave his thoughts on the first half of the season. “We have had some ups and downs. I think every day we seem to be getting a little bit better. We’re a process-driven team, so [we’re] just trying to focus on every weekend getting a little bit better every day.”
Talking about the Lindenwood series, “They have played a lot of good teams, and played close games with good teams. So [we just need to] make sure that we’re ready for them. They’re gonna play hard, they’re gonna play fast, we gotta make sure [we] match that,” he said.
"It’s pretty important that we go out and get two wins this weekend,“ Urdahl added.
After the series, the team will have a brief break (starting Sunday). “It can be hard to not look past the weekend, obviously, to get to go home,“ Urdahl said. “There’s a lot of excitement to be able to get a little rest and go home and spend time with your family and your friends for the holidays. It’s important that we focus on the two games in hand. It’s important that we stay focused, and we don’t get ahead of ourselves.”
>> Watch the full press conference:
For Fans Attending the Game in Person:
The west lot outside of the main entrance at Baxter — Lot 25 — is open to donors only (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 does 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. All concession stands are card only (no cash).
Blue Line Club members and Maverick Room pass holders may enter the arena 90 minutes before puck drop. (Learn more about how to become a Blue Line Club or Maverick Room pass holder here.)
Promotions:
Friday, Dec. 13
Toga Night
• Wear your toga!
Saturday, Dec. 14
Sheila Leahy Toys for Tots Drive (sponsored by the UNO Blue Line Club)
Donate a new, unwrapped toy before the game. Uniformed U.S. Marines will be collecting toys and cash donations at all entrances to Baxter Arena from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. You can also donate online here. The UNO BLC will match the first $1000 in donations.
Series preview articles:
