Series Preview: Omaha at St. Cloud, Jan. 26-27, 2024

By Bridget Brooks 

After getting swept by a surging Denver squad, Omaha is looking for some critical conference points in a weekend matchup with top-of-the-NCHC-ranked St. Cloud.

SCSU and North Dakota are currently tied for first place in the NCHC (each with 26 points), while Omaha currently sits in 7th place with 11 points. 

St. Cloud is currently 11-7-4 on the season, but suffered a loss and a tie (shootout win) in a matchup with North Dakota last weekend. They are 7-2-3 in the conference. Omaha is 11-9-1 overall but 4-7-1 in the NCHC.

The Huskies and the Mavericks met in December at Baxter Arena. SCSU won Friday night's game 4-1, but Omaha forced the tie on Saturday night, winning the shootout and earning two conference points on the night (and in the series).

In the weekly press conference, UNO Hockey Coach Mike Gabinet said the team is moving on from the Denver series. "We are all competitive (and) you want to do well. It's tough to swallow," he noted. "It's also just a loss. Give them credit too — they're the number one offensive team for a reason."

Gabinet said the team will just keep moving forward. He praised the work of Coach Dave Noel-Bernier in scouting St. Cloud and preparing the team to play on the larger ice surface at the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center. 

“It's different. The game is different. There is more space out there. More possession entries and possession exits with the increased size of the rink," Gabinet said. He said the team was excited to get in a practice in St. Cloud on Thursday. “It definitely affects the game.”

Captain Nolan Sullivan said the team is ready to turn the page on the Denver series as well. "After last weekend, you're always looking forward to the weekend ahead …and getting back after it and working on what we do best,” he said. “The good thing about the conference is that it's a big weekend every weekend and there’s some huge points on the line here heading down the stretch.”

The mental resilience of the team is one of its strengths. “There will be highs and lows. The more you can learn — but learn quickly — and not dwell on it.” He sees his role as a leader as "being a confident voice, a peaceful voice."

Sullivan sees the bigger ice surface as an opportunity. "(It gives you) a little more time and space — more room to make plays.” 

Reflecting on his career, Sullivan says, "At each stage of your career, you get a chance to look back." He says he wants to continue to play hockey and sees his pro prospects being focused on his niche of “faceoff, penalty kill, (and) power play."

Omaha and St. Cloud will meet for the 49th and 50th games all-time this weekend. The Huskies lead the series 29-16-3 overall, and are 17-6-1 in games in St. Cloud.

Series preview articles:

Omavs.com:

https://omavs.com/news/2024/1/24/hockey-mavericks-return-to-the-road-to-face-no-15-14-st-cloud-state.aspx

SCSU Hockey:

https://scsuhuskies.com/news/2024/1/25/no-15-14-st-cloud-state-mens-hockey-hosts-omaha-at-brooks-center

Omaha.com ($)

https://omaha.com/sports/college/uno/omaha-hockey-looks-to-rebound-after-tough-weekend-by-facing-conference-leading-opponent/article_049b18c4-bbb9-11ee-997d-bf4638fd3a02.html

When:

> Friday, 7:30 p.m. CT at the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center (St. Cloud, MN)

> Saturday, 6:00 p.m. CT at the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center (St. Cloud, MN)

Radio:

Both games 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:

Both games will be streamed on NCHC.tv ($) 

Live Stats:

Live stats can be found here. 

See what you missed last weekend by watching the 13th episode of season six of the MavPuckCast. In the 33-minute episode, Jon and Bridget recap the Denver series, see the “Things You Missed at Baxter Arena” and preview the St. Cloud series.

Next up: Omaha returns to Baxter Arena for a rematch with Minnesota Duluth on Feb. 2-3. Friday night's game will start at 7:37 p.m. CT. due to coverage on the CBS Sports Network, while Saturday's game will be at 7:07 p.m.

Series Preview: Omaha vs. Denver, Jan. 19-20, 2024

Omaha returns to Baxter Arena for the first time in 40 days as the Mavericks take on the number eight team in the Pairwise.

Denver (15-5-2, 6-3-1 in conference) is currently tied for third in the NCHC with 17 points. Omaha is in seventh place, with 11 points. The Mavericks are 11-7-2 overall and 4-5-1 in NCHC play.

The Pioneers are 14-9-3 all-time in Omaha (and 38-14-5 overall). Denver split a series with SCSU last week, winning 5-1 on Friday night and skating to a 4-4 tie (with a shootout loss) on Saturday. 

Omaha split the series with the Pioneers in Denver in November, losing 8-4 on Friday but winning 4-3 on Sunday. (The second game was suspended on Saturday night after the first period when there was an issue with the ice. Play resumed with the second period on Sunday afternoon with the teams tied 0-0.)

“They are a very good team. They are ranked fifth in the country for a reason,” Coach Gabinet said. “The guys are aware of the plan.”

Gabinet said Friday night’s overtime win over North Dakota gave the team confidence, especially since they rebounded three separate times from being down in that game. He also praised the play of Ty Mueller (named NCHC Forward of the Week) and Jack Randl (who scored Friday’s overtime game winner). 

Gabinet said the team is taking things “week by week,” saying he tells the team to "focus on the next game at hand. Don't look too far down the road.”

Graduate forward Jesse Lansdell said, “They [Denver] are a really good team. Top five basically every year. We know what we need to do – stick to our game plan.”

He said the team is excited to get back in front of the home crowd this weekend. “It’s a big weekend for us. As soon as the puck drops, it’s our shift. It’s a big weekend for us.” 

For Fans Attending the Games in Person:

The west lot outside Baxter, Lot 25, is now open to donors 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 the garage at Aksarben Village.

Fans should arrive early to avoid crowds, especially at 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 now at all entrances. All concession stands are card only (no cash).

Promotions:

Saturday night, the first 500 fans will have the opportunity to get a free beanie hat. 

🔥WARM HEADS, COLD DRINKS❄️

Come to our “Hat Trick” giveaway night this Saturday vs No. 5 Denver, sponsored by Medica!

Arrive early and you could get an:
⁃ice scraper
⁃koozie
⁃or one of 5️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ Omaha beanies!

Then, use your Medica koozie for our $2 Beverage Night!🥤(a… pic.twitter.com/0hoqBdCOcl

— Omaha Mavericks (@omavs) January 17, 2024

In addition, Saturday is $2 Beverage Night. There will be a limited selection of alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages at the concession stand in the Blue Line Club area. Note: The BLC will relocate to the club lounge (Buildertrend Breakaway Lounge) temporarily on Saturday night. 

Series preview articles:

Omavs.com:

https://omavs.com/news/2024/1/17/hockey-no-19-mavericks-return-to-baxter-arena-for-top-20-series-against-no-5-denver.aspx

Denver Pioneers:

https://denverpioneers.com/news/2024/1/18/preview-no-5-du-hockey-begins-road-swing-at-no-19-omaha.aspx

Omaha.com ($):

https://omaha.com/sports/college/uno/itching-to-not-travel-after-41-days-omaha-hockey-returns-to-its-home-ice/article_2c6557f6-b615-11ee-9d1c-5758e57cb303.html

When:

> Friday, 7:07 p.m. CT at Baxter Arena (Omaha, NE)

> Saturday, 7:07 p.m. CT at Baxter Arena (Omaha, NE)

Radio:

Both games 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:

Friday and Saturday night’s games will be streamed on NCHC.tv ($) 

Live Stats:

Friday and Saturday night stats will be available here.

See what you missed when the team was in Grand Forks by watching the twelfth episode of the sixth season of the MavPuckCast, with Jon and guest co-host Bridget. In the 40-minute episode, they recap the North Dakota series, talk about the new format for the NCHC playoffs, and preview the Denver series.

Next up: Omaha takes on SCSU in St. Cloud on Jan. 26-27. Friday’s game in St. Cloud is at 7:30 p.m. CT; Saturday’s game is at 6 p.m. CT.

Series Preview: Omaha at North Dakota, Jan. 12-13, 2024

   

By Bridget Brooks 

What a difference a week makes. The Omaha hockey team was playing in 50 degree weather last weekend in Tempe, Arizona. The expected high temperature for this weekend’s series in Grand Forks, North Dakota is 3 degrees.

Fortunately, the games are played indoors, so the outside temperatures won’t have much of an effect. The trip north for the Mavericks also heralds the beginning of second-half conference play. It’s all NCHC the rest of the regular season. 

And what an introduction back into NCHC play. North Dakota (14-5-1 overall, 5-3-0 in the NCHC) is currently in second place in the conference, with 18 points. Omaha (10-6-2 overall, 3-4-1 in conference play) has 9 points, and is tied for sixth place with Minnesota Duluth. 

In the weekly press conference, Coach Mike Gabinet said the team was excited to get back into conference play. “It’s a trip that we know will be a tough one,” he added. He said it will be an “intense second half” and that it is important to “make sure you’re getting better every weekend.”

Gabinet mentioned that the team had focused on the power play during the Wednesday practice, noting that a few more power play goals could “help us win some of those close games.” He said the power play is improving.

Although the Mavericks are coming off an overtime loss on Jan. 6 versus Arizona State in the Desert Hockey Classic, Gabinet praised the performance as a “good effort by our guys; one of our most solid games we’ve played.”

Junior forward Zach Urdahl, a transfer from Wisconsin, said he’s “heard a lot of things about The Ralph (Engelstad Arena); it’s a tough but an exciting place to play.”

Urdahl had six points (two goals, four assists) early in the season before being injured. He returned to play in the Friday game against UMass Lowell, recording a goal that got the scoring started for Omaha in the 4-3 overtime win. 

“Skating is one of my biggest assets as a player,” Urdahl said. “I try to use that to be a factor every game.”

Urdahl said the team is ready to resume conference play. “Every single game is worth something. We have three points on the line. We’re trying to climb the standings and get home ice for Baxter,” he noted. “Going forward, that’s the mindset — get as many points as possible and climb up in the standings.”

The Fighting Hawks are coming off a sweep of Alaska in Grand Forks on Jan. 5-6. Omaha was the runner-up in the Desert Hockey Classic, losing 2-1 to host Arizona State in overtime. 

North Dakota holds a 35-18-2 lead in matchups with the Mavericks. The first team to score a goal has won 25 of the last 28 games in the series.

Series preview articles:

Omavs.com:

https://omavs.com/news/2024/1/10/hockey-mavericks-ready-for-battle-with-nchc-rival-no-4-north-dakota-in-road-matchup.aspx

UND Hockey:

https://fightinghawks.com/news/2024/1/11/mens-hockey-notes-no-4-und-jumps-back-into-nchc-play-with-series-against-omaha.aspx

Omaha.com ($)

https://omaha.com/sports/college/uno/after-desert-classic-last-weekend-omaha-hockey-heads-to-north-dakota-for-rematch-of-last/article_c7e4db36-b091-11ee-9c95-3be0afcb9e97.html

When:

> Friday, 7:07 p.m. CT at Ralph Engelstad Arena (Grand Forks, ND)

> Saturday, 6:07 p.m. CT at Ralph Engelstad Arena (Grand Forks, ND)

Radio:

Both games 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:

Both games will be streamed on NCHC.tv ($) 

Yurview Omaha will also pick up the Midco Sports feed. (Cox Channel 13.)

Live Stats:

Live stats can be found here. 

See what you missed in Tempe by watching the 11th episode of season six of the MavPuckCast. In the 43-minute episode, Jon and Jason recap the Desert Hockey Classic, talk about “Things You Missed At Mullett Arena,” and preview the North Dakota series.

Next up: Omaha returns to Baxter Arena for the lone home series in January, facing off against Denver on Jan. 19-20. Both games will start at 7:07 p.m. CT. 

Series Preview: Desert Hockey Classic Tournament, Jan. 5-6, 2024

After a long break, Omaha returns to action on Friday, Jan. 5 facing UMass Lowell in the Desert Hockey Classic tournament, hosted by Arizona State University. The Mavs and the River Hawks will face off at 4:30 p.m. Central at Mullett Arena in Tempe. Omaha’s opponent for Saturday’s game will either be ASU or Harvard, depending on the outcome of Friday’s matchups.

Omaha and UMass Lowell last faced off in 2017, splitting the series in Massachusetts, with Omaha winning Friday and the River Hawks getting the win on Saturday.

The River Hawks are 6-10-2 overall, and 3-6-1 in Hockey East. The Mavericks are 9-5-2 overall, and 3-4-1 in the NCHC. Omaha last played on Dec. 8-9 at Baxter Arena, splitting a series with St. Cloud State University (losing 4-1 Friday and tying 2-2 Saturday, winning a shootout to get the extra conference point).

 

Coach Mike Gabinet said the team is “anxious to get back” to playing hockey, adding “Any time you’re in a tournament setting is exciting. The guys are looking forward to it.”

 

He said it’s a little tougher for players to come back to a road game versus being home at Baxter Arena, but added that the team is looking forward to spending time together. The team is looking forward to seeing ASU, a program that will be “a big part of the (NCHC) conference” in the future. He noted there will be “lots of alumni there and lots of fans there. It will be really exciting and should be a great weekend.”

 

Scouting the River Hawks, Coach Gabinet said they are a “good team with good structure. They will be tough, but we’re ready to face them.” 

 

The Mavericks are expected to get forwards Zach Urdahl and Jimmy Glynn back from injuries suffered before the holidays. The status of forward Matt Miller was less certain.

 

Graduate forward Jack Randl also said the team was also looking forward to playing in a new arena. The tournament focus makes preparation for the weekend a little more difficult, but he said the team will “go out and play and focus on us and what we do. We want to focus on us and have a good mindset going into the game, no matter who we are playing.”

 

Looking at UMass Lowell, Randl said the River Hawks “Play hard, an honest game. They get in on the forecheck and are good defensively.” 

 

Randl said the team is looking forward to the warm weather of Arizona. “Hopefully we’ll get down and get some sun.”

 

Looking ahead to the second half of the season, Randl said the team will “continue to get better every game and every practice. We want to continue to grow so when March comes we’re hitting our stride and everything we worked toward is coming together. We want to get better every day and every week, and we want to keep building off it.”

For Fans Attending the Games in Person in Tempe:

You’re invited to meet up at 1 p.m. at the Hyatt Place hotel, 601 E. 6^th Street, for a team send-off. Stick around afterwards for an Omaha Athletics fan social (cash bar).

The Omaha vs. UMass-Lowell starts at 3:30 p.m. local time at Mullett Arena, 411 S. Packard Drive in Tempe. Mullett Arena has a clear bag policy and is cashless for concession purchases. (Full policies)

The “Mavs on the Move” event, sponsored by the UNO Alumni Association, will begin at 5 p.m. at Society, 920 E. University Drive, Suite 204. (One half-mile from the arena.) Pre-registrations are required. 

Full itinerary for the weekend:

For Fans Not Attending In Person:

All games will be on the PAC-12 Livestream.

Series preview articles:

Omavs.com:

https://omavs.com/news/2024/1/3/mavericks-to-resume-2023-24-campaign-at-desert-hockey-classic.aspx

UMass Lowell:

https://goriverhawks.com/sports/mens-ice-hockey/opponent-history/university-of-nebraska-at-omaha/74

Omaha.com ($):

https://omaha.com/sports/college/uno/omaha-hockey-heads-to-arizona-as-mavs-look-for-hot-start-to-2024/article_0f406066-ab21-11ee-ab3c-d70719c72f82.html

When:

> Friday, 4:30 p.m. Central at Mullett Arena (Tempe, AZ)

> Saturday, either 4:30 p.m. Central or 8 p.m. Central (depending on outcome of Friday’s game)

Radio:

Both games 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:

Friday and Saturday night’s games will be streamed on the Pac-12 Network. The schedule is here. (Note: As of the publication of this blog post, the games are not listed separately on there; however, ASU has said they will be streamed.)

Live Stats:

Friday and Saturday night stats will be available here.

Catch up on the MavPuckCast podcast by watching the tenth episode of the sixth season of the MavPuckCast with Jon and Jason. In the 31-minute episode, they recap the St. Cloud series, show some of the “Things You Missed at Baxter Arena,” and preview the UMass Lowell game at the Desert Hockey Classic tournament.

Next up: Omaha resumes conference play on the road at Grand Forks, North Dakota, facing the Fighting Hawks on Friday, Jan. 12 at 7:07 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 13 at 6:07 p.m.