Omaha Hockey Press Conference: Tuesday, March 3, 2026 (NCHC Quarterfinals Preview vs. North Dakota)

March 3 Press Conference

 

Emma Goldstein (Sports Information, Omaha Athletics):

Questions for Simon.

 

Mike Patterson, Omaha World-Herald:

All right. Simon, just kind of (your) general thoughts with the playoffs here and playing up at North Dakota — just the challenge that’s ahead for the Mavs?

 

Simon Latkoczy (Senior Goaltender, Omaha Hockey):

I think it’s exciting. It’s the most exciting part of the year, I think. And going to NoDak (North Dakota) I think it’s fun. I’m excited. I think that everyone in the room is. It’s a good opponent to play against. And even though we are underdogs, it’s kind of good. I think that’s going to fit us well.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

In a best-of-three series, you can’t really count on stealing one game and making it work. So how do you think about consistency, both from the goaltending perspective and also as a co-captain?

 

Simon Latkoczy (Senior Goaltender, Omaha Hockey):

Well, I think it’s still better than to play a best of seven. And if you steal one, you are up one-nothing. There is even more pressure for the other team then. And we’ve done it before. We did it in Colorado two years ago. So, it’s not something that we are not able to do. And yeah, consistency, I think that my game has been consistent, in my opinion. Maybe the numbers don’t show so, but I think that I feel pretty consistent. And I think that my game is in a really good spot. And I’m really excited for this weekend. And I didn’t get a chance to play there this season, so I’m even more excited to do that.

 

Mike Patterson, Omaha World-Herald:

Do you like playing in front of that hostile crowd up there, Simon?

 

Simon Latkoczy (Senior Goaltender, Omaha Hockey):

Well, it’s not easy, right? They have a good crowd and good fans. But sometimes that gives you energy. And they came to our place a couple of times, and they beat us here. So I think that it’s our time now to beat us there — beat them there, sorry. Yeah, I am excited. And I don’t have a problem playing in front of big crowds.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

You’ve talked a lot about leading with your performance, being that kind of consistent strength for the team. With the number of young guys and new guys — this is their first playoff series — how do you think you can be a good role model and leader for them in this situation?

 

Simon Latkoczy (Senior Goaltender, Omaha Hockey):

Well, I think that my experiences say a lot about me. I think that I’ve been multiple times in these positions where — I wouldn’t say the team relies on me, but goalies usually need to carry the team if you are (the) underdog in the series like this. 

 

And I’ve been in this position not just in Omaha, but even before in USHL when I played for Madison. (We) went from the seventh or eighth place right to the finals. I’m pretty sure that I can make it happen here again.

 

Tyler Doremus, UNO Gateway:

You talked a lot about consistency. Over the past month or so, your game’s been … you really elevated it. What’s kind of been the secret behind that?

 

Simon Latkoczy (Senior Goaltender, Omaha Hockey):

I think just being more calm and connected. I think that I’m getting really good help from the coaches around me. And I think that just that — kind of it’s all coming together, in my opinion. All four years, the whole development that I have had here, I think that it’s all coming together. And I think that it’s coming together at the right time.

 

Mike Patterson, Omaha World-Herald:

The regular season maybe hasn’t gone the way the Mavs had hoped, Simon. But do you just kind of look at this as maybe a fresh start, and you’re just at the same level as everybody else heading into the playoffs?

 

Simon Latkoczy (Senior Goaltender, Omaha Hockey):

I think so. I think it is a I wouldn’t say a new season, but it is definitely a new competition. And I think that we are ready, to be honest. I think that it’s a — as I said before, it’s exciting. And we can kind of close the door behind what we have done. But also, I think that we have done a lot of good things this season.

 

And I think that the things that we have been through helped us be ready now. And maybe some teams haven’t been through all that hard stuff as we had. And I think that it’s going to serve us well in the important games when we are under pressure because we have been under pressure for the last six weeks.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

You guys have faced North Dakota four times already. Obviously, you didn’t get much playing time (at the games) up there (in Grand Forks). What is the team’s mindset going into this, from that perspective?

 

Simon Latkoczy (Senior Goaltender, Omaha Hockey):

Now I would come back to that as new competition, right? I think that we still played good hockey. And yeah, we lost four games against them. But now it’s not going to really matter. It (is) still the first game there. The pressure is on them. And as I said, I don’t think there is a lot of pressure on us coming into this series.

 

We can just gain from this. And I think that we are ready to go.

 

Timothy Rowher, UNO Blue Line Club Newsletter:

You mentioned earlier that you were on a team from…in seventh place that came back to win the top spot. So that must add even more optimism for you for this weekend. I mean, could that help with the team, you think?

 

Simon Latkoczy (Senior Goaltender, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah. Well, I always like to believe. I think that I believe in myself, in the teammates, and in coaches. I think that we’ve been doing a really good job here. And yes, I know that I’ve done it before, and I know that I can do it again. I think that many people say it, right? Playoff is a different start, a different competition. And it doesn’t really matter. You win one game, and you are on the horse there. And that’s all that matters. So yes, I’m pretty positive that we can do it.

 

Emma Goldstein (Sports Information, Omaha Athletics):

Okay.

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Awesome. Thanks. Good job.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

Good luck.

 

Simon Latkoczy (Senior Goaltender, Omaha Hockey):

Thank you, guys.

 

Tyler Doremus, UNO Gateway:

Thanks, Simon.

 

Emma Goldstein (Sports Information, Omaha Athletics):

Questions for Coach (Gabinet)?

 

Mike Patterson, Omaha World-Herald:

Well, Mike, there was some question whether the Mavs were going to make the playoffs. Now you’re in the playoffs. So just what’s the team’s mindset heading up to North Dakota?

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

 

Yeah. First off, just want to give our team a lot of credit. Like Simon said, we’ve been playing pretty intense games right down the last six weeks here — and found ways to get some big wins every weekend. And yeah, (it’s) exciting. Now we’re excited, man. You want to keep playing. You never want your season to end. And now we have an opportunity to keep playing.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

Simon mentioned, obviously, pressure. North Dakota is a very familiar opponent for us, both regular season (and) postseason. And he mentioned the idea of getting that first win and putting the pressure on them. But isn’t the pressure on them anyway just because they’re the number one seed? I mean, you guys have nothing to lose. You can go in there and play your game and maybe make a statement?

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Yeah. Again, I think the most important thing is that you’re laser-focused on what you need to do as a team. I think when you get too much about what “they should be feeling” or what ”you should be feeling,” I think that’s up to them on what they want to feel. And again, they’ve had a great season. They won the Penrose. They’ve been doing a lot of good things there. So I can’t tell you how they feel.

 

But I can tell you for us, we need to be laser-focused on what we’re about, and how we approach this series and be ready to go here for the weekend here. So we’re taking it as a big opportunity here. We’re excited to go. And the energy’s been great all week. And you can tell the guys put a lot of work into being in this position to be able to play.

 

And we’re excited to get that opportunity.

 

Tyler Doremus, UNO Gateway:

Coach, how important is it for you to not let this series turn into a special teams track meet?

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Yeah, for sure. I mean, I think hopefully — playoff hockey, I think the fans… I think everybody wants to see some five-on-five hockey. I don’t think anybody wants to see the officials take over a series. So that’s up to the players too, to make sure you’re playing with your stick on the ice and checking with your legs and doing anything you can in your power to make sure that you’re not giving them an opportunity to make calls.

 

So that’s our focus heading into the weekend here. And be disciplined and making sure we’re doing everything in our power here to play the game the right way and to have some good five-on-five hockey here.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

Looking back at last weekend, what were some of the things that you liked and that you’ve been working on all season that you can carry now into this playoff series?

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Yeah. Again, I think if you just even look at the Friday game after our first start there, just a lot of really good quality things by the team doing there. We managed the puck properly. We made sure we were doing a lot — without getting overly technical on you — on some things that we think we need to do again this weekend here. Just a lot of playing the right way, so to speak, to summarize it a little bit there.

 

And again, I think, like Simon said, just that belief. You’re just seeing some of these new guys that you can tell they’re hanging on the puck a little bit longer. They’re making plays. They’re smart with the puck at the right times, not trying — their risk management is getting better and understanding when to fight to live another day and when to make that play and try to make an offensive play.

 

And so again, I give the team a lot of credit. They’ve been coachable. They’ve been working. They’ve been doing the things necessary to improve. And you can see it in their game, both individually and collectively as a group. And (we’re) so excited to continue that trend of improvement.

 

Mike Patterson, Omaha World-Herald:

Mike, in the past, you played North Dakota late in the season and then turned around and played them again right away in the playoffs. Now you haven’t seen them in a couple of months. Does that make any difference?

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

I like it. I like it. I think we’ve ad nauseum almost, right, had each other down the stretch here. And it’s intense games. And then you get up and play them right again. So I think it’s just fun for a new opponent here and a chance to play them again. I think it was before Christmas since the last time we played them, right? So we’re looking forward to — they’ve improved, we’ve improved. And looking forward to a really good competition here this weekend.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

Speaking of the new guys and improvement, talk about Jérémy Loranger getting named NCHC Rookie of the Month.

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Yeah. How awesome is that? I mean, again, just kind of I think, again, you could — I think probably single out a few more guys on our team too that just had some good growth here in the second half. And we knew that going in. It takes the time. It’s a big step when you come from a different league to this league. Everybody, I think, thinks they know … and then they get here. And even talking to the players, just how much less time you have with the puck, how fast things happen, just the intensity of the games, the intensity of the plays, shift in, shift out, period in period, period in period out. So you could see it in his game, right? He was having some areas of growth early on in the season. But when you stick with it, and you’re coachable and you take personal responsibility, you get better. And we’re seeing that. 

 

So I’m a big fan of how he plays and just his growth we’ve seen here in the second half. And he’ll be a big part of our team here down the stretch here.

 

Mike Patterson, Omaha World-Herald:

Mike, Simon was just in here. Just talk a little bit about his journey here and the importance of having him in the net this weekend.

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Yeah. It’s great. I think you can tell it — just his confidence in the process that we go through here. And he’s — I’ve said it from day one. He’s a very mature individual, both playing experience-wise and mentally-wise. And he has a real understanding of, I think, how hard it is as a team to perform at your best and going through this conference.

 

And so he’s just he’s one of those guys that understands the grind you have to go through as a team to be successful here and embraces that and helps his other teammates understand that, and how hard you got to work and how professional and how disciplined you have to be in your day-to-day approach and (he) does that.

 

And that’s why his play’s been as consistent as it’s been here. So again, went through that tough injury spell there. And I think you’re just seeing his game grow and grow, like he said here. And he’s just even the last couple of weeks and even practice, you’re just seeing that level of play that you know he’s capable of, which is exciting for us.

 

Tyler Doremus, UNO Gateway:

Coach, just with the ups and downs of the season, the fact that you’re even just in the playoffs now, do you think that that just shows how mentally tough this team is?

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Yeah. Again, right, I think I don’t know. You guys would know more than me. I think we finished with the second-hardest schedule in college hockey, right? And I think if you look at the top somebody was just telling me the other day, if you look at the top five strength of schedules in college hockey, they’re all below 500. So when you play a schedule like that — with a lot of new players and you don’t have the opportunity maybe to make some mistakes early, and still come away with some wins, you start behind the eight ball a little bit. And it’s not easy to do. And it’s easy to point fingers or to blame or complain. It’s tough to dig in and just take responsibility and find ways to keep improving. And I think that’s what the staff has done. I think that’s what the players have done. And we’ve always been in it together. And I think when you do that, I’m pretty proud. 

 

There’s a good hockey team not playing right now, right? You look at ASU’s lineup. You look at CC’s lineup. You look at all these lineups. There’s a lot of talent in this league. And there’s going to be a good team not playing. And I thought it was just by us sticking together and really, really improving and growing that gives us an opportunity now to keep playing. So that’s something I’m really proud of. It’s not easy to do. And I think with this many new players, it’s challenging. And sometimes you reflect on your season as a coach or you think. And sometimes your best coaching is actually when your maybe results aren’t like they would be and vice versa. And I think for me personally, I know our results are the results. But I feel like we’ve done a really good job growing this team. And I think when you talk to the guys as individuals, they’ve really embraced that as well. So again, they deserve a lot of credit. It’s not easy to go through. But at the end of the day, our schedule is what it is. And our results are what they are. But like I said, man, I believe in this group. We got a lot of good kids in there that are working their butts off to get better and make everybody proud of us.

 

And I’m proud of them. And I’m excited, man. I’m excited for this weekend. And I know they’re (North Dakota) a good opponent. But I also believe in our group and what we’re capable of doing. And I believe we’re going to step up and do the right things when it matters the most.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

You celebrated the seniors during the Denver weekend. But really, Friday night was Senior Night. To see those guys that have been here all four years step up and put the team on their back and get on the score sheet, what does that mean? And how important is that going to be this upcoming weekend?

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Yeah. That was just great. That was just a great, great game by those guys. And (I) just couldn’t be more happy for those guys to see those guys step up, not only play well away from the puck, but contribute on the score sheet, and just how hard they play and Rollie (Tyler Rollwagen) is playing some really good hockey. 

 

And obviously, great to see (Cam) Mitchell get going. He’s had a lot of chances down the stretch. And now he’s hopefully got that kind of monkey off his back. You can feel it in practice. Sometimes you just take one or two of those plays to go in and you get that juice going. You get a little bit of that confidence going here. And obviously, just heart and soul players there with all our senior group, which was great to see. 

 

Okay.

 

Thanks, guys. Thanks for the support all season. Thank you.

 

Mike Patterson, Omaha World-Herald:

Thanks, Mike. 

 

Tyler Doremus, UNO Gateway:

Thanks, coach.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

Good luck.

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Thank you. Thanks, guys. Thank you.

 

Omaha Hockey Press Conference: Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026 (Miami (OH) Preview)

Feb. 25 Press Conference

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Hey, Coach. I’ll start it off, and then G (Griffin) can join when he gets here.

 

Emma Goldstein (Sports Information, Omaha Athletics):

Questions for Head Coach Mike Gabinet?

 

Timothy Rowher, UNO Blue Line Club Newsletter:

Well, before anything, can we get your comment on the Team USA performance there? And with the fact that, you know, Jake (Guentzel) was on (the) team, does that say anything about the program here?

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Yeah, absolutely. I think it’s pretty special that you’ve had an Olympian come through the program there, and do so well. And what an exciting hockey game there. And obviously, former Coach David Quinn — who recruited me to Omaha — so (I) sent him a text as well. So that was pretty exciting to see those two guys get to celebrate a gold medal there. And we were obviously out in Arizona there, but I think the whole team was up at 6 o’clock (a.m.) to take in the game there. So, really good. Probably one of the fastest first periods of hockey I’ve ever seen. And obviously, great win for Team USA. And congratulations to Jake (Guentzel) and David Quinn.

 

Mike Patterson, Omaha World-Herald:

Does it surprise you what Jake has gone on to accomplish professionally, Mike?

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Yeah. Just the times I’ve been on the ice with him and just watching him play, no. I think that’s a rare talent to have somebody with that ability. I mean, he’s one of the 12 best forwards in the whole country. So I think that’s pretty special what he’s done there. And yeah, again, even Lindsey (Ekwerekwu), our academic advisor that kind of handles all our academics for our department — I won’t butcher her last name — but she was just commenting on, too, how even though he left after his junior year, he finished his degree and just the type of kid he was and always nervous to making sure everything was done on time, and just how he conducted himself.

 

So, (he’s a) pretty special hockey player and obviously made a good impact as a human being with his character as well.

 

Timothy Rowher, UNO Blue Line Club Newsletter:

So they got up 6:00 in the morning to (watch)?

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Yeah, I think so. I think it was pretty exciting to watch. And I know I was up. And yeah, kind of definitely something that a lot of people wanted to see for sure.

 

Mike Patterson, Omaha World-Herald:

Moving on to this weekend, Mike — huge series with Miami. Just talking about the last couple of games here at Baxter this season, and the importance of this series.

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Yeah. Well, we needed two points there in ASU. We got three. Obviously, we wanted six. But again, you can see we’ve been doing the things we need to do to keep ourselves in the mix here. And yeah, now two, obviously, super critical games here coming down the stretch here. So again, talking to the guys, I think we’re trying to use it as excitement, excitement as an opportunity to play some meaningful hockey here down the stretch, and be ready to go. So, really looking forward to that opportunity here to compete this weekend against a good Miami team.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

You’ve talked a lot about players taking ownership of the team’s environment. How have you seen that leadership show up this season, especially at this point in the season?

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Yeah, I think it’s constantly growing. I think you’re seeing guys… And I think one of the nice things as a coach is when you don’t have to always say state the obvious or state what needs to be worked on, you’re starting to hear the players talk about it. “This is how we need to play to be successful.” “Hey, we got to be doing these habits, these details to our game in order for us to be playing our best hockey.”

 

And so I think when you hear the players talking about it, you’re seeing them improve at it. That’s when you know you’re trending in the right direction, and you’re seeing that growth.

 

Mike Patterson, Omaha World-Herald:

Mike, the last home games for the seniors, just talk about the seniors, including Griffin (Ludtke) and Simon (Latkoczy) and the rest.

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Well, I think it was nice. We had senior weekend the weekend before, and we’ve seen quite a few teams do that around the country there in the past few years. And I think it was nice to do that, because it’s such a great…we have an event after the game, and you get a chance to see all the families and the parents that you’ve got to know so well over the years and really get a chance to celebrate them.

 

And then now you get to go and focus on playing two really important hockey games here and kind of being just present in that moment. You don’t have any outside emotions or distractions. There’s extra stuff that obviously they will still be going through. So again, I thought it was a real special senior weekend there to get a chance to see everybody there.

 

And then now, like you said, hopefully, these guys just get to enjoy it and be excited about it. And let’s get after it. Let’s play some good hockey. Let’s compete out there. Let’s do everything we can to give ourselves a chance of success here. So that’s my message to them. Stay present here, and stay in the moment, and enjoy it. And I’m looking forward to watching these guys play this weekend.

 

Tyler Doremus, UNO Gateway:

What would it mean just to send the seniors out on a high note with a series win this weekend?

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Yeah, let’s do it, man. I think that’d be great. I think that’s what we’ve been building towards. That’s why we put in all the work, and keep showing up and keep harping on the guys, keep holding guys accountable, keep on having high standards and how we do things here. And it’s all for that. It’s all to let these guys have a chance to play their best hockey when it matters the most. And they’re all capable of doing it because of the work they put in.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

What did you like coming out of that Arizona State series, and what are you emphasizing this week looking forward to Miami?

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Yeah. I didn’t love our first maybe seven minutes of the game on Friday, but after that, I thought we played some really good hockey on Friday night. And then actually, that first period on Saturday, looking back, it was surprising. I was pretty upset after the game. And I think that’s why it’s always good to watch back and see what the facts are telling you and what reality is telling you.

 

I think oftentimes — whether you’re a fan or media or whatever — you can really get swayed by the outcome, right? And I think it’s really important as a coach to go back and look at the actual game and see what you did well.

 

And so I think it wasn’t as bad as I thought it was, looking back, but definitely some things that we needed to do to be successful that we’re not quite doing consistently enough that we did on Friday night. So that’s the message. You really got to get these guys to understand and keep learning on sometimes you just got to keep on playing — I hate the word simple — but you got to do some things that are just going to give you that chance of success. And if you start playing with fire and you start giving pucks to teams that are really skilled, it can go the opposite way there. So not as bad as I thought it was right after the game, but definitely some things that we have to get better at in order to win two hockey games, which is obviously the goal here moving forward.

 

Tyler Doremus, UNO Gateway:

What can you say just about Marcus Nguyen’s performance on Friday night — and just his growth throughout the season?

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Yeah. Again, I think he’s just like any young player, right? You’re seeing that — some really good things, and you’re seeing those areas where he’s got to keep getting more consistent at, right? And those are just the facts. That’s what I tell him to his face. 

 

But you’re seeing that growth, man. You’re seeing that growth. And I think he’s bringing some really good speed to that line. You can see he’s got the ability to finish on the net and score big goals for us there, too. So he just keeps getting better. And again, just another guy that I just feel like is getting better. He’s just been getting better all season long. And he continues to work on that consistency, and bringing that effort and that energy every night. And obviously, he’s a big part of our team here.

 

Mike Patterson, Omaha World-Herald:

I know you take them one at a time this weekend, Mike, but if you could get the sweep, you know you’re going to be in the playoffs. So it’s still in your hands.

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Yeah. What an opportunity, right? What an opportunity for us there, right? It’s in our hands to do that. It’s an opportunity to work on some of the things we’ve talked about working on all season — what I just talked about, that consistency and bringing it there. And yeah, we get that opportunity this weekend here.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

You obviously faced a high-scoring forward in Cruz Lucius just last weekend. This weekend, you’ve got David Deputy coming in. What does it take defensively as a unit to shut down not just one player, but an entire offense like that?

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Yeah. You’re seeing that a little bit in our league, right? Teams have a top line, right, or maybe a top two lines, and you have to be conscious of that. And I think one of the biggest compliments you can get as a team or a player is playing smart, right?

 

And I think that goes to a lot of things going into that. One is knowing your opponent and respecting them, obviously, but also doing the things necessary to make it a really tough night for them against you and taking pride in that, too. So I think that’s something we’ve talked about as a group. You have to be conscious of who you’re out against and what that play is calling for you to do that best helps the team. And so that’s something that obviously we got to be conscious of this weekend when you’re facing firepower.

 

Tyler Doremus, UNO Gateway:

What do you take just from the first series against Miami earlier this year? What do you kind of take to this weekend?

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Yeah. Again, just, hey, looking back, what do we need to be better at, and how do we keep improving, and then boom, move forward and get after it.

 

Mike Patterson, Omaha World-Herald:

Mike, what can you say about Griffin (Ludtke), someone who stayed with the program all the way?

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Yeah. You know what? It was good. Emma asked me today who (to have as the player in the press conference). Usually Emma picks the press conference (player) or (gets) requests for people. But it was nice.

 

I said, "Hey, let’s get G (Griffin) up here." Obviously, I think that was kind of fun – to kind of a guy that’s been our captain all season long with Simon here and just done a tremendous job staying positive and keeping working and showing up and being consistent in his daily approach here, which is great. So I think it’s just kind of nice to recognize him for a little bit here.

 

And I know he’s talked a lot. He’s probably just looking forward to playing this weekend here. But again, nice to have him up here with me. And again, I think in today’s environment, it’s a partnership, right? You really got to work with your team. You got to be together. You win together. You lose together. It’s not “me” when we win and “them” when they lose. It’s “us” all the time. And I think that’s the sign of — when adversity hits, I think that’s when you get your biggest indicator of mental toughness, character, all those things. And like I said, you got to go back, look at the facts, and then you got to show up and get better, you know, right? And you’re doing that. People that care and that you care about, good things happen. And I think when it matters most, good things will happen.

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Awesome. Okay. Thanks. Thanks, G (Griffin). I’ll let you go. Okay.

 

Emma Goldstein (Sports Information, Omaha Athletics):

Questions for Griffin?

 

Mike Patterson, Omaha World-Herald:

Griffin, just kind of your thoughts on this last weekend here at home as one of the seniors.

 

Griffin Ludtke (Senior Defenseman, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah. I think it’s going to be tough to explain. I think something that I’ve been really just emphasizing and trying to be all year is present, and just enjoying the small moments from day to day and just moving from one day to the next throughout the week. So I think there’s going to be a lot of emotions that I can try to prepare for, but that really will do me no service. So I think I’m just excited to play. Kind of like (Coach Gabinet) said, there’s a lot of anticipation for this weekend, and a great opportunity ahead of us. 

 

So I know win or lose on Saturday, that that’s my last game at Baxter — along with the six other seniors — five who have been here the whole time. And I know that that’s going to be a special moment. And we’re going to do everything we can to be on the right side of it.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

We probably should have kept Gabs (Coach Gabinet) here for this because we always ask him what he thinks about the players. But talk about him as a coach — and the coaching staff — especially over these last four years.

 

Griffin Ludtke (Senior Defenseman, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah. I owe a lot to this staff. I remember (coach) Dave Noel-Bernier recruited me when I was 15 at the Omaha Lancers camp here and brought (Coach Gabinet) along to come watch me. So I’m 23 now. So I’ve known these guys for eight years of my life. And it’s been a really special eight years.

 

And I believe that relationships will go far beyond my time here as a player and as a student. So, I’ve seen them grow a lot over the last four years, too. And I think that’s something that you have to have. I think college hockey — and college sports as a whole — has changed a lot. And I give them credit for adapting even in areas that aren’t necessarily natural to their strengths, too. And I think that’s something us as players recognize. And also, when we’re faced with opportunities to grow in areas we’re not necessarily gifted in — or that come naturally — I think it’s a lot easier to do that when you have strong examples at the top.

 

Tyler Doremus, UNO Gateway:

What’s just the team mindset going into this final weekend?

 

Griffin Ludtke (Senior Defenseman, Omaha Hockey):

I think it’s honestly the same mindset it’s been the last few months. Like, we’ve … every series is we’ve treated like a playoff series. And sometimes we come out of it with two wins, one win, or no wins, but we’re treating it the same way. And I think that’s what’s so cool about this group is our mentality hasn’t changed. We have fun every single day. You wouldn’t think we were the last-place team in the NCHC based on how we show up, on how we work, but also on how we love and care on each other, too.

 

I don’t think losses should change your outlook on how you’re going to operate throughout the week. I think you have to obviously take those (seriously) and grow where it’s needed. And if you can’t do that, then I don’t think the league or this team is for you. But I think everyone on our team is capable of doing that, and having fun and enjoying each other’s presence at the same time. 

 

So the mentality is simple. We won practice today. We’ll win practice tomorrow. And then Friday will roll around. And we just take it day by day.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

You guys showed some tremendous resilience on Saturday night battling back to tie the game. And Miami has had flashes where they get up and then they give it away. Does that give you some idea of how quickly things can change maybe this weekend if you don’t come out to the start that you want?

 

Griffin Ludtke (Senior Defenseman, Omaha Hockey):

To be honest, I didn’t even know that that was a trend that they had in their game. I think both teams are going to emphasize having a great start. And I think that’s something we still want to have, and will push to have, because that can dictate a lot of the game, too.

 

And I think part of our growth areas this season has just been keeping our foot on the pedal and not having that lull in the second period, and coming out ready to play in the third (period). But I think a lot of that just starts with our first few shifts, getting everyone into the rotation, and then going from there. 

 

So, to be honest, I haven’t thought about that. And I don’t think I will. I just think we’re going to pride ourselves on a great start and go from there.

 

Mike Patterson, Omaha World-Herald:

As someone from Minnesota, Griffin, what was it like — (cough) excuse me — watching that Olympic hockey game on Sunday with all those Canadian guys? And just your thoughts on Jake Guentzel, someone from the UNO hockey program, being part of that?

 

Griffin Ludtke (Senior Defenseman, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah. First, just to speak on Jake, I haven’t met him. But when I committed here, my parents sent out a jersey to him. And he signed it and wrote “To Griffin, enjoy UNO and best of luck with your career." So I have that up in my room back at my house in Minnesota.

 

So I’m grateful for that. And I thought it was so cool that he played here because my favorite player is still Sidney Crosby. And at that point, Jake was playing with Sid. And they were pretty special together. So I think it’s great for him, great for our country, (and) great for our university to have ties to Jake. I know we’re proud of him here. And honestly, just me and Tyler Rollwagen and Chase LaPinta, I believe, are the three — we have a couple of dual citizens — but we’re the three Americans on the team as players. 

 

And we were pretty proud. We love our country. And we’re super happy to see (it), especially the reactions of the U.S. players, too. I thought it was so cool how they’re proud to be American and proud to represent our country. So it was special. And it was fun to win, surrounded by surrounded by some Canadians, too, where there’s a little more on the line.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

Last week, speaking of Tyler (Rollwagen), he quoted you as saying, “We hold the pen to our story.” With the final chapters being written now, is this group capable of writing a surprise ending? And what has to be true for that to happen?

 

Griffin Ludtke (Senior Defenseman, Omaha Hockey):

100%, we’re capable. We’ve been capable of more than we’ve shown this year. And I think everyone in our locker room would agree with that. It’s unique. I think you just asked (Coach Gabinet) a question. But we still have that opportunity. Despite everything, despite the one-goal losses, despite a couple of kicks to the gut where you just are like, “Oh, we got to flush that weekend,” we still have control — or a chance at control. And I think that’s something that can’t be overlooked. And I think that’s something that should be exciting, and not debilitating. It shouldn’t make us freeze.

 

I think if you’re going to — if it’s going to come down to the last weekend and the last game, I think those are games you dream about, at any level. So, of course, we have the ability. And there’s a lot of belief in the room. And it’ll be a special weekend.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

I have one more (question) then. So I want to close the loop on something real fun. Going back to the first press conference, I had asked you who was holding the aux (cord) in the locker room. And you said it was still on rotation. You have a whole season worth of data now. Tell us, who’s the best DJ.

 

Griffin Ludtke (Senior Defenseman, Omaha Hockey):

So unfortunately, still on rotation. But Cam Briere is going to take the cake for that one. He’s done a great job. And he’s got a wide variety. But the freshmen are heavily into EDM (electronic dance music) and, I don’t know, bass music. So they’re coming in to stretch at night. And they’re still listening to music you’d hear at a club. So they’re a funny group. But yeah, Cam Briere.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

Awesome. 

Omaha Hockey Press Conference: Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026 (Denver Preview)

Feb. 11 Omaha Hockey Press Conference Transcript

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

So Marcus, the win — obviously, on Saturday night at Western Michigan — was a huge win for the team.

 

Marcus Nguyen (Freshman Forward, Omaha Hockey):

Uh-huh.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

What does that say for where you guys are now at this point in the season?

 

Marcus Nguyen (Freshman Forward, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah. I think just being, you know, later in the season, it’s coming off a win against a top-three opponent that Saturday was kind of like a big steppingstone for us, I think. You know, we know where we want to be. And as a team, we set our goals. And I think every day, we’re just kind of taking steps to achieve those goals.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

It was a big weekend for you, obviously, personally. Coming into Omaha, you had said when you were younger that you had to kind of change your identity when you went in the WHL, that everybody was the goal scorer. How has your identity changed throughout this season?

 

Marcus Nguyen (Freshman Forward, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah. I think you kind of see it throughout the team. You know, every guy plays a little differently. And I think for me personally, it’s just kind of working hard and doing the right things before, you know, the cool tricks and the goals and the stuff like that. I think doing the details, using my speed to my advantage, like back-checking on the forecheck, I think that’s a big thing.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

Obviously, Lawson (Arena) is a difficult environment to play in, but you guys managed to quiet them on Saturday. How does — how did — the barns in the NCHC compare to the WHL?

 

Marcus Nguyen (Freshman Forward, Omaha Hockey):

It’s a lot different, for sure. In the “Dub” (WHL), you don’t get the student sections or any of that. So it’s pretty neat and, you know, kind of going to different arenas around the league here and experiencing the, you know, just the intensity of the fans.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

Coach Gabinet talked about your speed when you were interviewed in the NCHC profile.

 

Marcus Nguyen (Freshman Forward, Omaha Hockey):

Uh-huh.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

What do you think is the part of your game that has translated best to playing in the NCAA?

 

Marcus Nguyen (Freshman Forward, Omaha Hockey):

I think just my speed. Like you said, just I think sticking to the strengths of just your game as a player is a big thing. And that’s, you know, what I think is a big part of, you know, you take steps of going pro. You know, in the WHL, I was a speedy guy. And I think just sticking to my strengths as I move along in the NCAA is a big thing.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

(Coach Gabinet) talks about you guys focusing on your own game. But this is obviously a big, big opponent coming in here.

 

Marcus Nguyen (Freshman Forward, Omaha Hockey):

Uh-huh.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

Denver’s unbeaten in the last five (games) and ranked (in the Top 10). But that’s nothing new for you guys.

 

Marcus Nguyen (Freshman Forward, Omaha Hockey):

Uh-huh.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

What do you think it’s going to take this weekend from you and from the team to shut them down?

 

Marcus Nguyen (Freshman Forward, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah. I think it’s playoff hockey. Details are going to be number one. I think, you know, they’re a skilled team over there. You give credit where credits due. But I think it’s going to be playoff it’s going to be a playoff series. And I think, you know, every shift matters. Every period matters. I think it’s going to, you know, come down to those details.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

When Omaha came calling to recruit you, what did you know about the city and the hockey program, and how did you decide to come to Omaha?

 

Marcus Nguyen (Freshman Forward, Omaha Hockey):

Honestly, I didn’t really know much about, you know, Omaha as a city. I knew about the Omaha program and the NCHC. So I think, you know, just kind of doing my research. You know, once Gabs and the rest of the staff reached out, I, you know, hopped on my Safari (browser) and searched it up. So I think that was a cool little thing. And then once I got down here, I was just blown away by the facility and, you know, just the people here.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

Talk a little bit about Baxter (Arena). Obviously, there’s only two more home series left in the season. What have you learned about the hockey fans here that maybe you weren’t expecting?

 

Marcus Nguyen (Freshman Forward, Omaha Hockey):

I think just being a player in this facility is, you know, every game, they’re so close to us. And I think just with, you know, the Blue Line Club even, you get to experience dinners with them (the fans). And you get to chat with fans after games. And it’s pretty incredible.

 

Timothy Rohwer, UNO Blue Line Club Newsletter:

What did you think of that dinner (Dinner with the Mavs), that event last week?

 

Marcus Nguyen (Freshman Forward, Omaha Hockey):

Like, what did I think of it?

 

Timothy Rohwer, UNO Blue Line Club Newsletter:

Well, yeah. What did you think?

 

Marcus Nguyen (Freshman Forward, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah. It was awesome. I got to I think there’s been two of this year so far. And you get to sit with different kind of fans and just kind of talk. You mingle. You don’t got to talk about hockey all the time. It’s nice to, you know, get to know someone — about their life and, you know, just their life experience.

 

Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):

Awesome. Good job. Thanks, Marcus.

 

Marcus Nguyen (Freshman Forward, Omaha Hockey):

Thanks, Gabs.

 

Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):

Okay, man.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

Thanks, Marcus.

 

Marcus Nguyen (Freshman Forward, Omaha Hockey):

Thanks, guys.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

So Coach, obviously, huge win. Kind of inopportune timing to have the bye (week) because you guys probably have been building on that through practice and things like that. But now with just a couple of weeks left in the season, how big of a moment was that for the team to get that win on the road in such a hostile environment?

 

Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah. It’s huge. Obviously, I think, you know, their record the last 14 games or whatever, they were on a pretty hot streak there too. And obviously, not an easy place to play in. So again, to stick with it and have the resiliency as a group to keep showing up and battling and come away with a huge win was massive, you know? And I think just not only you’re getting three points, but beating that opponent, coming off of a, you know, CC (Colorado College) weekend that was pretty good and St. Cloud before that. So it’s just nice to get some momentum. We’ve had some wins every weekend here and keep that moving forward.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

Talking about Marcus, when you recruited him during the CHL, it was his speed and his knack for scoring that kind of drew you to him. What have you learned about him — both as a player and his skills as well as some of his off-the-ice things that have made him a strong contributor this season?

 

Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):

Well, I think you can see his skill set when you watch him play, just his speed, just his skill level. I think he’s probably maybe second on our team right now in goals, if not first, maybe now. So he has that knack for scoring. He had 36 goals last season. And so again, you’re seeing all those attributes. But I think one of the most things that drew us to recruiting him was just his coachability. And when you talk to him, he was very — had a good self-assessment of his game, where he needed to improve to continue developing, liked to talk hockey, liked to talk about development. And, you know, just when a player has that, you know, has that self-assessment — that’s pretty bang-on from what you see, usually those are the guys that keep getting better. 

 

And so really much a student of the game, wanted to be in a place where he’d be pushed and challenged and developed. And then when you, you know, you talk to the people you know around the league or in the hockey world, just always positive feedback on that as well there so too. And you’re seeing it translate, you know, right? He’s been through some ups and downs a little bit through the season, as new players do in a new league, in a new environment.

 

But man, he just continues to climb and get better and better. And obviously, (he) was a big — had a big weekend for us against Western. And he’ll just continue to do that.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

At this point in the season, how different is your team than it was in October? And where have you seen the biggest growth?

 

Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah. I was telling the guys today, I think you can just see guys getting more comfortable. You can see guys growing and getting better. Just — I had I thought we had an excellent — I know the bye weekend came after a big win. But we had an excellent week. We’ve been going pretty hard since the holiday break. And we haven’t — I don’t think we’ve had one day off besides like Sunday since the second half started.

 

So it’s just nice to get the guys a chance to kind of just recover a little bit, rest a little bit, get away from hockey for a little bit there. And then man, when we practiced during the bye (week), I kind of just I was really impressed with the group and the energy level and the attention to detail. And you can just see guys getting better. And then they feel it. Again, these guys are high-performance athletes. They know when they’re getting better. They know when they’re putting the work in.

 

And so it’s been fun to watch those guys grow. And you can see the confidence coming. You can see the less decision-making coming — more instinctively playing in that flow state. And those are good things.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

Speaking of having that time to kind of rest and recover, any update? Is everybody going to be available for this weekend?

 

Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah. We got a couple of guys still questionable. But I think, you know, guys are getting healthy, which has been a nice obviously, we lost (Spencer Sova) there on Saturday against Western (Michigan) there. But guys are starting to get healthy here, which is nice as a coach. Makes tough lineup decisions. But it’s great for the team having everybody available.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

You’re honoring seven seniors this weekend, “Big Sam” (Huo), and then, of course, the six guys that have been the heart and soul of this program for the last four years. What can you say about this group of seniors?

 

Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah. I kind of said it at the Blue Line Club thing, I’m not thinking too much about it, to be honest, just to kind of stay present and not, you know, not get too sad, to be honest.  When you’ve been with these guys for so long, you get really close to them. And lots of exciting things happening in their lives. And again, just I think just grateful to have the opportunity to coach those guys for so many years.

 

And it’s been a really nice partnership. You know, they’ve really kind of embodied what we’ve been about here in Omaha and the community and the team and had some big-time wins — and some adversity — and everything that goes along with playing in this environment. But when you do it together, I think that’s pretty special. When you have the character that they have, it’s pretty special. And, you know, those guys will be lifelong, you know, part of my life and part of our life and my family’s life. And, you know, just lots of good memories to reflect on. 

 

But we’re not done yet. We got lots to go here. So we’ll get a chance to celebrate that at the end of the season. But right now, you know, we want to do right by everybody and show up the best way we can show up here for starting this weekend.

 

Timothy Rohwer, UNO Blue Line Club Newsletter:

You mentioned honoring. Is there going to be (something) special, you know, before the game?

 

Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah. Yeah. They’ll do a nice senior tribute there on Saturday before the game there, so.

 

Timothy Rohwer, UNO Blue Line Club Newsletter:

On Saturday?

 

Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah. On Saturday. So it’ll be a nice little a nice little way to recognize those guys and their time here, and get a chance for them to be recognized, which is pretty special. So that’ll be great. We’ll do that Saturday right before the game.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

What can fans expect this weekend against this Denver team?

 

Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah. As you guys know, you know, Denver’s a high-octane team that has a lot of talent, which is, you know, what they’ve been known for for a long time. They’re, you know, defending national champions two years ago, etc. But again, I think, again, we obviously, we’ll we got to, you know, you do your pre-scout. You do the tactical things that you want to do to be successful against those guys.

 

But I think, again, it’s about us, just like we talked about on Saturday against Western Michigan. How are we playing the game? Focus on ourselves here and making sure we’re prepared to go, and bring the best version of ourselves ready to compete and battle. And like Marcus said too, it’s kind of fun. You get to experience a little bit of playoff hockey here too, right? You’re playing for keeps all the time. And I think that’s exciting.

 

I think leaning into that and enjoying that and facing it head-on — rather than overthinking it or worrying about it, let’s just get after it. And let’s go compete and be ready to battle.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

I know you guys talk about focusing on yourself. But are you keeping an eye on the NCHC standings? Because it’s a tight race right there in the middle.

 

Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah. Yeah. I did that on Friday night a little bit. And I stopped because I was getting too nervous watching the games. So I think it’s just, again, you know, for sure, it’s, you know, it’s in your hands, right? I mean, that’s the most important thing. You got to worry about yourself. But obviously, you got to — you’re keeping tabs on it as everybody is there. 

 

But again, just, you know, I always ask myself, how does it serve you, you know, right? And whatever you’re doing, how does it serve you? And if you can’t think of it doing a positive thing, then why are you giving it to your attention? And you got to be channeling all your attention to what serves you and how you’re going to help your team and also yourself. 

 

Awesome. Okay. Thanks, guys.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

Thanks, Coach.

 

Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):

Thanks, Emma.

 

Emma Goldstein (Sports Information, Omaha Athletics):

Yeah. Thank you.˙