The Omaha Maverick Hockey team is back in action at Baxter Arena after earning its first conference points of the season last weekend after splitting a series with Arizona State. The Mavericks (3-7-0, 1-3-0) will take on the Miami RedHawks (3-9-2, 0-4-0) on Nov. 22-23. The teams are 27-29-7 all-time.
The Mavericks beat the RedHawks 2-1 in their last matchup, March 2, 2024 in Oxford, Ohio, sweeping the weekend series. Omaha has won the last six contests versus Miami. Miami comes into Baxter Arena having lost its last six games and is seeking its first NCHC conference points in the 2024-25 campaign.
UNO Coach Mike Gabinet said Miami plays “quick and fast,” adding, “Just watching video on them, they got a really good top line that’s put up a lot of points.” He expects the RedHawks to be “relentless all over the ice.”
Omaha is eighth in points in the NCHC, just ahead of Miami in ninth place.
Gabinet praised graduate forward Sam Stange, who transferred in this season from Wisconsin. Stange recorded a goal in each game last weekend against Arizona State and is third on the team in overall points (4 goals, 1 assist).
“I think he’s been great. We recruited him as a young man, and unfortunately didn’t get him,” Gabinet said. “He can skate. He’s big, he’s super coachable. I think he’s only going to continue to get better and better.”
Gabinet also praised Stange’s consistency. “I think if you look at the first half (of the season) and you talk about who’s been good and pretty consistent, he’s probably one of the first guys we think about from an individual performance standpoint.”
“He’s going to just keep getting better and keep growing,” Gabinet added.
Stange’s fellow Wisconsin transfer Zach Urdahl leads the team in points with 5 goals and 2 assists, but was out of the lineup for the Saturday night game against the Sun Devils. He’s one of a number of Mavericks who have been bitten by the injury bug.
Coach Gabinet didn’t provide a full injury update, but noted Urdahl, Garrett Pinoniemi, and Myles Hilman were out of the lineup on Saturday.
Fifth year forward Brock Bremer was injured in the Friday night game at ASU but did play Saturday.
Freshman Liam Watkins made his Maverick debut on Saturday night after nursing an injury sustained in July.
“In a perfect world, (Watkins would) probably still be a couple weeks out from playing (until) we can get him up and running — just with the number of practices under his belt and a chance to get (his) conditioning back,” Gabinet noted. “I thought he did a really good job. He’s a big kid that’s really smart. (He) was a top line center in the USHL last season, so he’s got a lot of really good experience.”
Stange said that injuries have opened opportunities for other players. “You never want to see the injuries that we’ve had this early in the year. But it’s also an opportunity for young guys — guys who haven’t played as much — to step into an important spot already.”
He also said the team continues to make progress. “The last few weeks have been really good. I think we’ve been playing some decent hockey — lots of close games. We’re working on pulling out more of them.”
“We know (Miami is) going to be a hungry team, just like we are right now,” Stange said. “Anybody in this conference is going to be a real test. So we’re focused on continuing a little bit of momentum that we got and being ready for them.”
“We want to play well in front of our home fans, so that’s definitely on our minds, and we’re looking forward to it,” he added.
>> 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, Nov. 22
Lumberjack Night
• Wear plaid flannel and a fake beard if you have one! (No axes or chainsaws!)
Saturday, Nov. 23
Military Appreciation Night
• The Mavericks will wear special camouflage jerseys purchased by WoodmenLife during the game. The game-worn jerseys will be auctioned online. The auction will open for bidding on Saturday, Nov. 23 and close Tuesday, Nov. 26 at 9 p.m. Central. The proceeds from the auction will be donated to the UNO Office of Military and Veteran Services. WoodmenLife will also hand out 6,000 handheld flags for fans to wave during the game. ROTC members will present a 30' x 60' U.S. flag on ice during the national anthem, courtesy of WoodmenLife.
Blue Line Club Member Appreciation Night
• 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Maverick Hospitality Room (located by the west entrance of Baxter Arena near the ticket office). OPEN TO CURRENT BLUE LINE CLUB MEMBERS ONLY. Includes pizza (while supplies last), $1 off beverages, and raffle prizes.
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