Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):
Yeah, good to see everybody. Looking forward to being back home this weekend against North Dakota here and continue on with NCHC play, and continue to build on last weekend with a successful weekend against Colorado College.
Emma Goldstein (Sports Information, Omaha Athletics):
Any questions for Tyler (Rollwagen)?
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:
So what did you and the team take away from last weekend's sweep, especially playing in such a fast-paced series of games?
Tyler Rollwagen (Senior Forward, Omaha Hockey):
Yeah, it was nice to start league play, honestly, and then kind of just show kind of every night it's not going to be easy. And finding a way — I think Friday night was big to kind of take three points there, and then obviously Saturday to get that sweep was good. And I think if we took away, it's just not going to be easy any night, and we've got to bring it every night.
Mike Vaillancourt, Learfield Sports:
When you go against a team like Colorado College, they obviously brought a lot of speed and (you’re turning) around and (playing) North Dakota. How much does one style of play from one opponent carry over the other, and how does it help you prepare, week to week?
Tyler Rollwagen (Senior Forward, Omaha Hockey):
Yeah, I think they (the coaching staff) do a great job of kind of breaking down some tendencies that might be there, but I think at the end of the day, every team plays heavy, plays hard and stuff, so I think for us, it's getting to our game first and letting our play kind of take over and then we'll kind of hone in on some things here and there. But I think for us, it's just getting to our game early and often, and we'll be fine.
UNO Gateway:
That Saturday night game especially, you guys kind of got caught in a track meet. What's your guys' team mindset when you strike first, then kind of get punched in the mouth, back and forth. How do you guys keep responding when the other teams score?
Tyler Rollwagen (Senior Forward, Omaha Hockey):
Yeah, I think you said it right there, responding. We always talk about the next three shifts when we get scored on there. So I think our mentality was, you know what, it's the next three shifts. And I think you kind of saw that Saturday. We had — I don't know how fast the goals were back to back there, but they were pretty quick. And I think it says a lot about the group and kind of how much preparation, where if we get scored on, it doesn't really affect us and stuff.
And then, on the other side of things — just kind of puck management, of knowing that, you know, we just scored a goal — like those next three shifts (have) got to be pretty crucial regardless.
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:
Talk about your performance on Friday night. That first period was kind of just kind of “surviving the onslaught,” but then you had a really good, you know, rest of the game. Talk about how your mindset changed after that first period.
Tyler Rollwagen (Senior Forward, Omaha Hockey):
Yeah, you know, to get out of the first period kind of even was big — and credit to Simo (goaltender Simon Latkoczy) there, (he) kind of slammed the door and stuff. But it was a good road period for us to kind of figure it out — and kind of (know it’s) not going to be easy.
And then I think that second period, getting on the power play there, we always talk about (the) power play getting momentum for our team, and I think that was the biggest thing was trying to get momentum whether we scored or not — and so yeah it was good and and credit to some of the guys and (Coach David Noel-Bernier) for you know you know (getting) the puck there to what we wanted to do on the power play
Mike Vaillancourt, Learfield Sports:
You mentioned Simon on Friday night. You're sitting there as a player watching your teammate put this performance on. Do you ever just stop and go, “Holy cow,” out of amazement?
Tyler Rollwagen (Senior Forward, Omaha Hockey):
Yeah, yeah. I mean, we see it all the time, though. Like in practice, there's some practices where we don't score as well, I think, on Simo (Simon). And he's battling every day. So I think for us, it's not...so surprising to see that in games just because he's an everyday player. And I think we see that in practice. We see it in games as well. So for us, you know, to have that, and make a big save there when we need it and kind of survive that first period, like you said, was big.
UNO Gateway:
You guys create a lot of traffic just in front of the net with getting goals, especially the two goals on the power play. What helps you be so successful getting pucks on net, and then, in those scrambles, just finding the back of the net?
Tyler Rollwagen (Senior Forward, Omaha Hockey):
Yeah, we've I think more than ever this year have focused a lot on our big man, like our net front presence. And you kind of see it in today's game. That's where goals are scored, and we got to get to that hard area. And, you know, we talk about it's not easy to get there as well. And we got to get there — you know, every goalie, it seems like is is a good goalie in this league. And as much traffic as we can get in front of them is is crucial.
Mike Vaillancourt, Learfield Sports:
Obviously, every week in the NCHC is critical, but being a Minnesota guy, you've got North Dakota coming up. Do you get a little extra (hyped) when you're sitting here getting prepared for the green and white?
Tyler Rollwagen (Senior Forward, Omaha Hockey):
Yeah, growing up, you always watch them on TV and stuff, playing like the Gophers and whatnot, and I think, like you said, I think we're going to be in this interview and stuff, you're going to hear it every weekend: It's a big weekend. So I think for us it's doing what we can do to follow our game plan and go out there Friday night and try to get three big points.
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:
You've continued to earn more opportunities in the lineup. What's your mindset, and what are you most focused on improving this season?
Tyler Rollwagen (Senior Forward, Omaha Hockey):
Yeah, you know, nothing really like crazy. I think for me, it's just coming to the rink every day and, you know — not to be nostalgic or anything, but it's the last year and the days are numbered. So I think it's coming to the rink and just trying to do everything that I can do to help maybe one guy or a couple guys and help the team ultimately win a game. So, whatever they need from me, whatever is asked upon me, I think I'll do it. And that's just going to help the team win.
UNO Gateway:
You mentioned that every game is going to be a big game. How do you keep yourself grounded in that, and not let the moment get too big?
Tyler Rollwagen (Senior Forward, Omaha Hockey):
Yeah, I think it's a lot of preparation and talking about it. I think that's the biggest thing is talking about the series coming up, and making sure that we kind of have our bases covered, and as much prepared as we are, I think that's gonna play a big role into how we play on Friday and Saturday, and and keep building those days together.
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:
Looking back now, you mentioned this being your last season you've had a lot of family support, both here at Baxter and at road games. What has that meant to you throughout your career here as a Maverick?
Tyler Rollwagen (Senior Forward, Omaha Hockey):
Yeah a lot. You don't really realize kind of growing up how much they do for you kind of in that moment — and it comes times where you know they're coming to St. Cloud or they're coming to Palm Springs and stuff, and and that's where you kind of have those ”aha” moments of, yeah, this is what it was — or this is what it's all about — where you know, you get to play in front of them — and ultimately for them — and that's kind of your “why” and stuff, so it's been it's been amazing and I can't thank them enough.
Emma Goldstein (Sports Information, Omaha Athletics):
Questions for Head Coach Mike Gabinet.
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:
So what stood out to you most about the team's ability to close out both of those games in Colorado Springs, especially that late game resilience?
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):
Yeah, again, just like Rolly (Tyler Rollwagen) spoke about, I think it was just a great, you know, real life test on how hard it is to be successful — especially in the NCHC — and again, finding ways to win, I think, is a really crucial thing to being successful in this league. And you could really see our guys digging (in) at certain points in that game there to allow ourselves to get the victory there.
So, again, really good resilience by the group there — (it) was back and forth and (there were) some pretty tense moments (on) both Friday and Saturday night there. And to come away on top was a special weekend.
Mike Vaillancourt, Learfield Sports:
(There’s) obviously a lot of talk about Simon, but you get a chance to get Dawson Cowan in on Saturday. How do you think he handled the situation on Saturday, being on the road, being a freshman, his first start, and obviously a team that can throw a lot of pucks at you in CC?
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):
I thought he was great. I thought he had a really solid game there. I'd kind of thought — we had made that plan early in the week, even going back to last week (to play him Saturday). I think sometimes...as a coach, you can get caught up in just being reactive to the, you know, how does Friday night go to Saturday? And sure, sometimes you have to take in your current information and make a decision.
But I thought it was nice to, you know, pre-plan a little bit there to get him in a game there. And again, I think he's been earning that opportunity in practice and doing a great job. And man, I thought he was solid, you know. I thought he was really composed, made some really tough saves look easy, especially early on there through traffic.
And again,CC is going to win a lot of hockey games this year, in my opinion. They're a good hockey team. And so (I'm) just really happy for him just to get that game out of the way a little bit too, right? I think part of that too, getting in early, not letting the build-up get too much, and then getting some good video, too, to evaluate him on, to work on some things there, too, as well. So just to get some good experience, as well, to continue to improve on. Yeah, he did a great job.
UNO Gateway:
Looking ahead to North Dakota, so their offense, they're averaging over three goals a game, and then they're holding (opposing) teams to two-and-a-half goals. What are you doing, or what adjustments are you kind of looking to make to match them on both ends of the ice?
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):
Yeah, I mean, they're a good hockey team. Obviously, we know their personnel and we know, you know, their style of play — and they play hard. They play hard, right? They're going to battle every game. I think they've outshot their opponents most games. They're very tenacious on pucks. Again, a lot of what we've seen out of those guys in recent years, and even more so in the aggressive department there. So, again, something we'll be strategically prepared for, and be ready for, and practice it.
But, again, I just like keeping the attention on us right now, to keep improving. And there's things we've got to definitely keep getting better at. And we'll know their tendencies and we'll be prepared for them. But we've also got to keep improving individually and collectively as a group as well.
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:
Talk about Tyler (Rollwagen). He's brought energy and consistency throughout his career here. Can you talk a little bit about his contributions as a Maverick?
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):
Yeah, if I'm a young guy, I watch Tyler Rollwagen. And I think, as you mentioned in your comments, as a knowledgeable media person, right, that you can see that he's gotten more and more each year that he's played here, right? But what has he always had? He's always had that competitiveness, and he's always had that kind of “team first” mindset. To me, he's a winner. And, sometimes as a coach, you ask yourself, not only the guys who (you are) trying to have success with — who are the guys that you're willing to fail with?
And I think sometimes he's a guy that, like, if I know runs successful, it's because he went down swinging. He went down on the shield, as they say, right? And I think those guys you can always live with. And not only what does he do, though, you know, I think he was maybe one of our best players on Friday night — draws two penalties, scores two goals.
And so just a good example of just, you know, even if you're maybe in a little bit of a lesser role early on, and you're bringing that really good B game, and you're hard to play against, you're competitive, you're reliable, you're a great teammate, you're you know doing all those things that are in your control — not necessarily what the coach gives you — it pays off right. And I think that kept him in the lineup early on in his career and and now you're just watching him just continue to grow and blossom and and being a very very important piece to our puzzle for sure. So (I) can't speak enough positive things about that too.
And then, you just you know, just not to talk too much about his family — but just a real special family too. I remember the days that he played three minutes a night and his mom was the same way when he's playing 18 minutes a night, right? I just always respected his family and (they) just really care about the team, and really always trying to help out. So just a special person and a special family that we're definitely happy to have here.
Mike Vaillancourt, Learfield Sports:
Griffin Ludtke has obviously earned the captain’s C, but it seems like this season he stepped up his physical play as well. Was that kind of a challenge that you threw at him to start the season, or was that something that he took upon himself to say: This is the next step in my growth is to be harder to play against, especially in open ice?
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):
Yeah, well, we obviously know his puck-moving ability, and G's (Griffin’s) always been, you know, he has great vision, etc. I think one of his growth areas — and he'll be the first to tell you — was just that play away from the puck, or that physicality and killing plays. And, man, he's done a great job at that.
He's not a huge guy in stature, but he's very fast, twitchy. He's very strong. And so now you can really see him take that next step in killing (power) plays and being on the defensive side of things, and initiating contact. And I know he's worked really hard from not only his off-ice performance, but his nutrition and just everything to maintain his weight. He was telling me the other day, you know, “Eating's a job” for him, you know, right? And that's just how it is at this level, right, and he’s doing everything in his power to continue to develop and I think you’ve seen that here, especially during the season here, he continues to elevate his play, even from last year.
UNO Gateway:
Maxime Pellerin has just gotten off to a really hot start. What's kind of been the secret to that, do you think?
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):
Yeah, again, just talking about a little bit (like) Rolly (Tyler Rollwagen) and G (Griffin Ludtke) there. He's a worker. He's a big-time worker. He puts in the work. He's always asking questions. When you talk to him and coach him, he has direct eye contact. He is listening to understand.
And when you talk to Ben (Silvers, Director of Hockey Strength and Performance) in the weight room, he's one of the hardest-working guys in there, right? So just really a guy that is just taking responsibility to get as good as he can be there, and I think he's got a (real) knack for scoring. When you even watch practice back, just the positions he puts himself (in), how he handles the puck, how he moves into space what he does when the pucks on a stick — some real subtle differences there that allow him to be, you know, executing the way he is, and (he) made a couple tremendous plays this past weekend here to put the puck in the net — or help somebody else put the puck in the net.
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:
I remember (former Maverick) Jeff Hoggan back in the day coming into play. He didn't know a lot of the other teams, and he was just like, “I just want to beat them all.” Do you think that's kind of a similar mindset — especially these USport guys who don't know the rivalry between North Dakota and Omaha — and how last season ended and things like that? What do you think about that?
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):
Yeah, I think we got a little bit of that same (Jeff) Hoggan mentality, as these guys just want to compete and be successful. I think they're smart enough to know a little bit of what's going on here, and I think they're smart enough to know, hey, this is our fourth straight ranked opponent or whatever we're playing, right? I mean, it's just, I think just, you know, when you look around a little bit, you just see the level of competition that we have to play every weekend there. I think that's just an extra dial turn to (make) sure that we're doing everything we can to prepare. And I think there's a little bit of that too. I think just a little bit of — I don't want to say naiveness — but just, hey, you know, right, okay, let's just go play. Let's compete. Let's keep getting better. So I definitely think there's a little bit of education there, and a little bit of just hey, point me in the direction of where we're playing and we'll be ready to go.
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:
One last thing. So we had heard that the CCM road jerseys were lost at sea. You guys dressed as the home team for Halloween apparently. Do you have a, is there any truth to that? Do you have any update on when those replacements will be here?
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):
Yeah, I think in that, I think it was in the Long Beach maybe shipment there. It was got, uh, yeah, lost or whatever there. So, yeah, so it's been a while there. I think they're now getting names and numbers, numbers and last names on them. So hopefully we'll have them prepared for the next road trip here. But some of those things out of our control. But hopefully we'll have them for our next road trip here.
