Series Preview: Omaha vs. Colorado College, Jan. 23-24, 2026

By Bridget (Weide) Brooks

Omaha Hockey returns home for an NCHC series against (RV) Colorado College, as the Tigers visit Baxter Arena for games Friday, Jan. 23 and Saturday, Jan. 24.

Omaha enters the weekend 8-16-0 overall and 4-10-0 in NCHC play, while Colorado College comes in 9-10-3 overall and 3-6-3 in the league.

There’s a little extra buzz on Friday night, too: Chuck-a-Puck (or, as Brent Bean has called it, “Hurl-a-Helmet,”) returns to Baxter Arena, presented by Kiewit Corporation. Fans can purchase one puck for $5 or five for $20 for a chance to win a $1,000 travel voucher.

Note: Omaha will also observe a moment of silence pre-game in honor of Colleen Barstow. Barstow was an Omaha Blue Line Club past president. She died of cancer on Jan. 10.

The Home Stretch

This series comes as Omaha goes into its final stretch of the regular season, and it also marks a return of a familiar opponent: the Mavericks swept Colorado College in Colorado Springs earlier this season (Oct. 31-Nov. 1), winning 3-2 on opening night and 5-4 the following night.

Offensively, Maxime Pellerin continues to set the pace for Omaha. The sophomore forward leads the Mavericks with seven goals and eight assists (15 points) and had a goal plus two assists in Omaha’s Jan. 10 game against (RV) St. Cloud State.

In net, Simon Latkoczy returned from injury last weekend at (RV) Miami (Ohio), making his first appearance since Dec. 12. Latkoczy shut out the RedHawks through two periods before Miami scored three times in the third; he finished with 22 saves.

Scouting the Tigers

Colorado College is led in scoring by Owen Beckner (16 points: 6G, 10A), with Gavin Lindberg close behind at 15 points (6G, 9A).

In their most recent action, the Tigers played an exhibition vs. Simon Fraser and won 8-3, with Lindberg and Connor Hvidston each posting two goals and an assist (per Colorado College’s notes). Before that, CC split a home series vs. No. 4 North Dakota on Jan. 9-10.

A couple of important highlights for CC:

• The Tigers are averaging 33.7 shots per game (11th nationally).

• They lead the NCHC (and are third nationally) in faceoff winning percentage at 54.9%.

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Series history

This weekend marks the 55th and 56th meetings between the programs.

Omaha holds a 34-15-7 advantage in the series overall, including an 18-5-5 mark in Omaha, and that the Mavericks have won six straight in the series, including the two games in Colorado Springs earlier this season.

The last time the teams met at Baxter Arena was Jan. 10-11, 2025, when Omaha swept the Tigers, winning 5-2 and 3-1.

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Coach Mike Gabinet opened his weekly press conference by announcing defenseman Ryan McCleary as a new addition to the Omaha Hockey roster, acknowledging that his staff and university administration worked quickly get him enrolled and on campus.

“(We’re) pretty excited to get him here and get him with the team. It takes a lot of work to get a person into school that quickly. He started classes this week (and) we’re excited for his addition,” Gabinet said.

When asked what McCleary brings, Gabinet pointed to experience, size, and a right-shot option on the blue line — and also noted Omaha is dealing with an injury on the back end.

“He’s got some pretty good experience. (He) played a lot of junior hockey there and (has) substantial professional hockey (experience) as well. He’s a right shot d-man, a bigger body too, which is nice. Obviously we got Jacob Guevin right now with an injury. I think [McCleary will] be able to step in right away and help contribute,” Gabinet added.

McCleary joined the program Jan. 20 and previously played junior hockey in the WHL and professional hockey in the ECHL. He was selected by Pittsburgh in the seventh round of the 2021 NHL Draft.

Senior goaltender Simon Latkoczy spoke candidly about the frustration of an injury timeline that kept stretching out, and the relief of being back in game action.

“It’s never great to be injured. It was supposed to be two weeks, then three weeks… then it was four and five (weeks). It took a longer time than expected," Latkoczy said. "I’m happy to be back. I was happy to play on Friday.”

As a co-captain, Latkoczy also emphasized the team’s mindset, even with the record where it is.

“We have not given up. We are still here and we are fighting. Ten games is a good amount of games… a good amount of points. A lot can change game to game.” Latkoczy added.

Gabinet echoed that idea from the coaching side: narrowing the focus, and identifying what’s costing Omaha in tight games.

“It’s smart anytime you’re going through adversity to narrow the focus. Shift by shift, kind of day by day, game by game is a smart place to live,” he said.

On what needs to translate more consistently, Gabinet pointed to two areas: possession leading to finishing, and turnovers at the wrong time.

“I like some of our o-zone play. Now it’s about finding ways to finish and put the puck in the back of the net,” Gabinet said. “A common theme right now are turnovers. Turnovers at the wrong time. That’s an area of growth for us (to) keep managing the puck properly and making sure we’re making the right decision at the right time and keep working on those things.”

And when asked what’s missing when effort doesn’t translate to results, Gabinet kept coming back to communication and leadership in difficult stretches.

“I don’t think this team is ever not trying hard. When you get punched in the face a couple times, you’re gonna naturally have a little bit of a down (time), and then you gotta kind of get yourself right back up and get back to work,” he added. "Great leaders during difficult times communicate. And then ultimately, the most important thing is to step up and do the work.”

Baxter Arena Birthday Bash (Celebrating 10 Years: 2015-2025):

This weekend also coincides with the Baxter Arena Birthday Bash, as the venue celebrates its anniversary with added in-game activities and fan experiences throughout the weekend.

Fans can expect photo opportunities and special in-game elements tied to the celebration, along with several concession specials available inside the arena. Season Ticket Holders can redeem a $6 souvenir fountain beverage using a QR code, while all fans can take advantage of a $10 hotdog and beverage combo (soda or select beer) at the 1908, 7th, and Bistro concession stands.

There are also a few themed drink options tied to the celebration. A 20-ounce mocktail, the “Durango Juice,” will be available for $5 and served in a lighted glass at 1908, the Club level, and Tailgate. For those looking for specialty cocktails, the 12-ounce “Palomaha Maverick” vodka drink will be offered for $10 at the Club, Nutrl, Suite, Mav Room, and Tailgate locations, while a 12-ounce bourbon sour will be available for $10 at Bull Market, the Club level, Suites, and the Mav Room.

For Fans Attending the Game in Person: 
The west lot outside Baxter, Lot 25, is open to donors and single-game pass holders 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 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. Concession stands are card only (no cash).

More info: What to Know Before an Omaha Hockey Game at Baxter Arena

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

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.

TV:
The game will be streamed on NCHC.tv ($) 

Live Stats:
Game stats will be available here. 

On this episode of the Mavpuckcast, Jon and Jason talk about the Omaha Maverick Hockey team’s recent series at Miami (OH) (includes their picks for “Player of the Week”). They present this week’s “Weekly Top 20.” They talk about the current National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) race, and where things stand for the Mavs. They wrap up the episode with their preview and predictions for Omaha’s upcoming hockey series versus the Colorado College Tigers at Baxter Arena.

Next Weekend:

Omaha is on the road to Kalamazoo, Michigan, for a conference rematch against the Western Michigan University Broncos on Jan. 30-31 before returning home for Stripe the Arena (Feb. 13) and Senior Night (Feb. 14) against Denver.

Omaha Hockey Press Conference: Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026 (Miami (OH) Preview)

Jan. 13, 2026 Press Conference Transcript

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

So, Sam, you scored in both games this past weekend, and were involved in some really key moments. How did the flow of that series feel for you from a forward’s perspective?

 

Sam Huo (Senior Forward, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah, I think, uh, I think, yeah, just playing with, uh, Trevor (Wong) and “Junior,” Jérémy (Loranger) there. Uh, we had some good chemistry that built off from Cornell, and then, um, I think just carried some of that, um, experience from playing together over that weekend into this weekend. And then, uh, obviously, uh, (I) had some good looks on the power play there.

 

So, um, yeah, I think just trying to keep building off that and, yeah, staying, staying familiar with those guys and, yeah, building that chemistry.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

St. Cloud plays kind of a heavy and physical game. You’re gonna see a lot of that throughout this season. How does playing St. Cloud prepare you for the NCHC grind that’s coming the rest of the season?

 

Sam Huo (Senior Forward, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah, I think, yeah, I mean, every NCHC team (plays) fast and physical. So I think, uh, just it’s good for our group. Um, and another close one-goal loss on Saturday. So it’s just, we, we know we’re right there. And, uh, those tough games, I know those are really good learning opportunities for our group, just ‘cause there’s so many new, uh, new guys here.

 

So just these, these games where we’re so close, we know we just gotta come in this week, do the work, um, throughout the week just so we can get better and, uh, come out on the other side of it coming up.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

What’s the biggest adjustment that you guys are gonna make going into, uh, Miami this weekend after last weekend?

 

Sam Huo (Senior Forward, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah, I think, uh, just some of our — we’ve been talking this week — probably won’t give away too many of our, of our details, but, uh, I think just, uh, just ‘cause we know we’re, we’re, we’re right there, even Cornell, those, those close games. But, uh, just our start, I think that Friday in Cornell, we went down three-nothing in the first (period). And then even Friday against St. Cloud, go down two-nothing. Um, I think it’s really good for our group to be able to come back from those situations. But I think we can put ourselves in a better spot to, um, just for the whole weekend where we’re, we’re right from the stop, uh,right from the start, just on top of them playing, uh, Maverick hockey.

 

Timothy Rohwer, UNO Blue Line Club Newsletter:

So, uh, the, uh, (it) sounds like you’ve got a lot of confidence, you know, optimism despite, you know, going splitting those two games. There’s still a lot of optimism for the rest of the season then for the on the team?

 

Sam Huo (Senior Forward, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah, of course. I mean, they’re such a close game, even though obviously it’s very disappointing we didn’t get that win. But, um, just the, the coaches, the players, we all, we all know in there what we’re capable of. Um, I mean, we compete so hard against each other every day in practice. Um, we know how good we can be. But, uh, I think just bringing that for the full two games on the weekend, I just, I think just goes with, uh, the belief in our group. We know we can do it. Um, but yeah, we’re just gonna keep working to get better.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

Sam, you’ve played at a lot of different levels: junior, university, international competition. How has that journey shaped you as a player?

 

Sam Huo (Senior Forward, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah, I think it’s, uh, yeah, it’s been really helpful. I mean, uh, yeah, playing in the Western League (WHL), obviously I wasn’t drafted there, so kind of working my way up that league. And then going to USports, it’s a bit of a older league, uh, compared to here. But, uh, I think, yeah, coming here, it’s, uh, a lot fast, physical, probably closer to some of those high-end talents you saw in junior, but with the physical aspect that university brought. So I think it definitely, definitely helped me prepare, uh, coming here and just trying to take, um, some of those lessons I learned at kind of every level I played to help, help this team win when I’m here.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

You uprooted your life to come to Omaha for one season. What do you want this season to say about you as a player?

 

Sam Huo (Senior Forward, Omaha Hockey):

Um, yeah, as a player, I think just, just knowing that, uh, I came here to just really give my all for one year for this program. I mean, um, when that (CHL) rule changed, I know I was in a pretty unique situation with only one year of eligibility. But, uh, when I started talking to Coach Gabinet and just seeing this program, um, the facilities, the atmosphere, um, the players they’ve developed, and I obviously knew a lot of those USports guys that were coming over here. So I knew, uh, how good, uh, the level of play was gonna be here. So, um, yeah, I just wanna be remembered as someone who came in, uh, worked hard, got better, uh, as the season went on, and just hopefully help this team, uh, go for a really long run here — (and) win a, win a championship.

 

Emma Goldstein (Sports Information, Omaha Athletics):

Questions for head coach Mike Gabinet.

 

Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah, just sorry, just before we get started here, just wanna just, uh, just recognize Colleen Barstow just passed away recently there and just obviously a very near and dear friend of the program there and someone that gave a lot of her time and energy to helping support, you know, not only our players, but the community around it too. So just wanna just acknowledge her and, uh, obviously we’ll miss her a lot here.

 

You know, she has her funeral coming up here this weekend there. So, definitely pass along our condolences to her family and was just a huge part. Reminds me a lot of my mom, to be honest, just really a giver — always helping out, always, you know, the Children’s Hospital (she) did a ton of stuff for that and Christmas for the kids, underprivileged kids. Anyways, just, uh, super sad time right now, but just wanted to make sure we recognize her. Thanks.

 

Eddie Messel, KETV:

Coach, just, uh, since you started with that, just a quick question off of that, just the, I guess, just a little more on the impact that she, she had, uh, on the program and, uh, the legacy that she, she left, uh, here on UNO.

 

Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah, I think she kind of just exemplifies what Omaha’s about a little bit. Just people are always willing to help. And I think it’s really nice when you see our guys get to see and be around people like that and, um, you know, just how much they give the program. They’re not looking for anything in return. They’re just honestly trying to help the players out, helping the community out. And I think it’s something we try to talk about a lot with our players.

 

Sometimes you don’t recognize that stuff when you’re in your early 20s as much. And, uh, it’s really important to acknowledge those types of people. And, and, uh, they change, they change, they change, uh, they change people, right, for the better, right? They help out a lot of families and, and our guys and make a lot of lifelong friends. And, uh, obviously I’m very close with her husband, Bill, and, and their three kids.

 

And so, um, just a tremendous impact on, on not only us, but the community as well.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

So looking back at St. Cloud series, you saw two very different games this weekend. What changed Saturday, especially in terms of, like, puck possession and execution?

 

Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah, again, again, I think the score changed a little bit. And I think you need to look back at the games closely there. There’s, uh, you know, (I) didn’t like our start on Friday there, got rolling there, then obviously, you know, went to work offensively there and came away with a big win. And then, on Saturday, they actually thought we were a little bit better at times with some pretty lot of chances there and just couldn’t capitalize there.

 

I didn’t like our start on Saturday. Again, I thought the first 10 minutes, that’s where we really gotta take that next step and just not even giving teams an option to stay in the game. Um, but again, it’s, uh, there’s some really good things that we’re doing now. You’re seeing the growth in the players. Um, and then there’s the things that we just, like Sam mentioned, we just gotta clean up and keep improving on.

 

And, and I think one of those big things is possessing the puck and taking care of the puck. If you look at right now, a lot of teams’ offense is coming off of our turnovers. And, uh, you gotta clean that up to be successful consistently.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

When you look at the (Miami) RedHawks, what, what are the biggest challenges that they present, especially compared to what you saw against St. Cloud?

 

Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah, uh, um, you know, they’re a good team. They’ve, they’ve won some, won some big games this season. They’re, uh, I think their forward group’s really impressive to watch. You can tell they can put the puck in the net. They’re a pretty, uh, a couple of their lines are very big, very physical team. They like to get to the net hard. So again, just they’re gonna be another strong opponent there. So the good news is we’re, we’re pretty seasoned at playing good, good competition here. So have to be, we’ll be prepared for that.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

What can you say about, uh, Big Sam? He came into the program with a long development path: WHL, USports, international competition. How have you seen that background show up for him on a day-to-day basis?

 

Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah, again, he’s just, uh, you know, went through training camp. I thought he’d be one of our, our, our kind of better players there, and then obviously (he) suffered, uh, the, the lower body injury there that I think really set him back. When you’re 6’5” and you have a lower body injury, sometimes it takes a while to get your mobility back and you’re already long and lanky, etc. So, um, and I think you’re seeing that the last, I don’t know if we got three (games), maybe in the last four games here. And, and I think you’re just seeing that, you know, that pace, that the game slowing down from a little bit. He’s able to use his size and strength. He’s learning to play the right way consistently. He’s just doing a lot of really good things.

 

And, uh, um, you know, I think he’s gonna just continue to impact the game more and more as he gets more and more comfortable with the level (of play). Um, so (we’re) really happy with him and, uh, and his progression here in the second half.

 

Timothy Rohwer, UNO Blue Line Club Newsletter:

So the team seems to be improving, say, from a few weeks ago or, I mean, you’re getting, the team’s getting better.

 

Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah. Yeah, absolutely. Team’s growing. And, and like you said, I think the, the locker room doesn’t really feel like our record. It is what it is. And there’s some truth in our record, you know. But I think it’s also, like you said, when you’re in so many tight games and you’re one mistake away or one play away from coming out of the wrong end of that, you know you’re, you know, one play or one good play away from coming out of the right end of that.

 

So again, I really think the group’s got a lot of belief, and (we) just have to keep focusing on doing the right things and growing. And I think as a coach, sometimes it’s, you never wanna go through it, but it makes you better too ‘cause we are hammering home how to get better right now. We’re definitely not going, “Well, let’s get it next time.” We’re finding ways to make improvements in the areas we need to improve at, which makes you better. 

 

So that’s what I’m excited about. We’re getting better and, uh, we’re gonna continue to do that.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

Where are things at injury-wise right now? Do you have an update on (goaltender) Simon (Latkoczy) for this weekend?

 

Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah, Simon’s back skating here, which is great. So, um, to be honest, I haven’t, uh, we just got done (with) practice here and I haven’t, uh, talked to our trainer there just on how he’s feeling after today and yesterday. But we’re definitely seeing him start to increase his workload here and, uh, he’s looking, uh, looking better and better every day here. So, um, hopefully we can get him back here in the near future.