Jérémy Loranger Named NCHC Rookie of the Month for February

By Bridget (Weide) Brooks

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.