Series Preview: Omaha at ASU, Nov. 15-16, 2024

 

By Bridget (Weide) Brooks

Hockey in the desert is now a regular thing for the Omaha Mavericks. With Arizona State University joining the NCHC this season, Omaha and ASU are travel partners (starting officially in the 2026-27 season), meaning the two teams will meet annually in Omaha and in Tempe.

This weekend is the first matchup of the two NCHC foes in conference play as Omaha takes on the Sun Devils in Tempe on Nov. 15 and 16. 

ASU (3-6-1, 0-2-0 in the NCHC) is 3-0 in home games versus Omaha all-time. Omaha last played ASU in the championship game of the Desert Hockey Classic at Mullett Arena in January 2024. The Mavs lost that game in overtime 2-1. Tanner Ludtke had the lone Omaha goal in the contest.

The Sun Devils opened NCHC conference play last weekend against Colorado College in Colorado Springs. ASU lost in overtime 4-3 on Friday night after coming back from a two goal deficit. The Tigers swept the Sun Devils after securing a 3-1 win on Saturday night.

Omaha is 2-6-0 and 0-2-0 in conference play. The Mavericks were swept by the Western Michigan Broncos in a home series at Baxter Arena last weekend. Omaha fell 2-1 on Friday and 4-2 Saturday. 

The Mavericks have lost the last six games after starting the season 2-0 in the Ice Breaker tournament. 

The Mavs have also been plagued by the injury bug. Graduate defenseman Aiden Gallacher and freshman forward Liam Watkins have yet to play a game for UNO after suffering preseason injuries. 

At the team’s Nov. 13 press conference, Coach Mike Gabinet shared that sophomore forward Tanner Ludtke is likely out for the season after undergoing surgery last weekend to remedy an injury he re-aggravated in the Oct. 25 game at MSU-Mankato. 

T. Ludtke was Omaha’s top point producer in the 2023-24 season.

Coach Gabinet also said that forwards Alexi Van Houtte-Cachero, Myles Hillman, and Garrett Pinoniemi are dealing with injuries. 

Junior defenseman Jacob Guevin told assembled media at the press conference that the Mavericks are working to get back on the winning track. 

“If you look back at last year, we had a lot of one goal games; same story again this year. I mean, luckily last year, we were on the good side of them,” he said. “I think this year we’re just a couple details away from being on the good side again. I’m really confident we’re going to get back on track.”

Gabinet agreed. “You’re right there, but you’re not there. Having a couple crucial mistakes at key moments in games are resulting in the losses and one goal losses,” he said. “So those are things you don’t want to go through it, but sometimes you do, and that’s when you grow.”

Resiliency — especially in light of the injuries — continues to be a theme for the team.

“(You’ve) got to keep getting back up and keep showing up and be resilient — and find ways to get better,” Gabinet said. “There’s some positive things to the game... that we can see the growth in. You can see some production (that is) trending the right direction. Now it’s about doing that consistently and making the right decision in those key moments to allow ourselves a chance to continue (having) success.”

Gabinet said fans may see freshman goaltender Kevin Reidler in net for the Mavericks in Arizona (which would be Reidler’s first game action of the regular season). 

“He’s been working really hard throughout training camp and practice. I think he’s now earned (the) opportunity to play, just by the way he’s been practicing and the consistency and the work ethic that needs to take place in order to be successful at this level.” 

“We know what we’re getting ourselves into here, and (we’ve) got to be ready to go,” Gabinet said.

Omaha Hockey Press Conference - Nov. 13, 2024:  

Omaha World-Herald article about the series ($):

https://omaha.com/sports/college/uno/omaha-hockey-will-have-to-turn-season-around-without-last-years-leading-scorer/article_0a03db0a-a29c-11ef-9ed1-d7c8da3d41b5.html

The MavPuckCast podcast with Jason & Jon 

S7, E8: Honors, Omaha Hockey Swept Yet Again, Alumni Honors, Sponsored Players, Mavs vs. Sun Devils Preview:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRx8ljnDAkI

When:

Friday, 8 p.m. Central (7 p.m. Mountain)

Saturday, 6 p.m. Central (5 p.m. Mountain)

TV:

Both games will be streamed on NCHC.tv ($) 

NOTE: If you decide to subscribe to NCHC.tv, choose OMAHA as your home team and the program will receive 80% of your subscription fee from new subscriptions (this also applies to renewing subscribers).

Radio Coverage:

The series will be broadcast live on 1290 KOIL and on the Varsity Sports app. “Voice of the Mavs” Mike Vaillancourt will provide play-by-play and Terry Leahy is back with color commentary. Coverage begins 30 minutes prior to puck drop each night.

Live audio and stats:

ASU Live audio link  https://foxsports910.iheart.com/

Varsity Network App: https://thevarsitynetwork.com/audioapplink/source/university-of-nebraska-at-omaha:oas-1342/content/nebomaha:allaccess-Live-10111

Live stats link here. 

Next Weekend:

The Mavs return to Baxter Arena to face conference foe Miami on Friday, Nov. 22 (Lumberjack Night) and Saturday, Nov. 23 (Military Appreciation).

Line Chart – Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024 Omaha vs. Western Michigan

Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024

Omaha vs. No. 14 Western Michigan

Final: 4-2 WMU

Line Chart – Friday, Nov. 8, 2024 Omaha vs. Western Michigan

 Friday, Nov. 8, 2024

Omaha vs. No. 14 Western Michigan

Final: 2-1 WMU

Series Preview: Omaha vs. Western Michigan, Nov. 8-9, 2024

 

The Omaha Hockey team is back in action at Baxter Arena this weekend with its first NCHC conference series of the 2024-25 hockey season. The Mavericks (2-4-0, 0-0-0) will take on the no. 14 Western Michigan Broncos (3-1-0, 0-0-0).

Both teams were idle last weekend.

Coach Gabinet and Senior Forward Zach Urdahl met with the media in advance of this weekend’s series.

Urdahl addressed the rigors of the NCHC schedule. “Night in and night out is going to be these top 20 matchups. I think it’s important for us to start well … and get out to a couple good wins here.”

This season, Urdahl was reunited with Sam Stange, who transferred to UNO from Wisconsin. “We grew up playing together and then went through high school and (attended) Wisconsin for two years. So I’ve known him since I was eight or nine years old, probably.”

Urdahl’s family turns out to see him play, whether at Baxter Arena or on the road. “It’s incredible. You know, it’s one of my biggest motivators. Everything they’ve done for me to give me the position that I’m in right now. So, the fact that they travel as much as they do, and they want to come see games and be a part of everything, is really awesome,” he said. “I’m really thankful that they travel as much as they do.”

He’s looking forward to the weekend series. “I think the group’s pretty excited to get going and [it] should be a fun one this weekend.” Looking at Western Michigan, “they’re a heavy team, and they play fast. So it’s important for us to counter that and transition well, get up the ice and then track back, be above their speed so they can’t get out many rushes against us.”

Coach Gabinet echoed Urdahl’s assessment. “They’re a big, heavy team that plays hard. They go north in a hurry. They have some predictability to their game that they do, so you [have] to know what to expect.”

“You have got to make sure that you know the players know the plan — and, as we’re learning [from] five one-goal games, details matter, and every play matters. You have to have that mindset going into the weekend,” he added.

Gabinet said the team is still coming together. “We’re just kind of figuring out our team a little bit. Guys are playing different roles. We got a couple guys that can scoot, and when they’re using it, it’s to our advantage as a team as well.”

Following being swept in two consecutive series, Gabinet said the team is focusing on mindset. “That’s one of the beauties of our league, is you get to work on your mental toughness a lot. It’s just who you face on a nightly basis. You have to prepare for that. You [have] to do it consistently — and it’s not easy to do — but the elite teams find a way to do it. You just have to be so on point all the time when you’re playing competition that’s so tight.”

Western Michigan has gotten off to a fast start in its games this year, scoring at least two goals during each first period they've played this season. WMU has scored in the opening five minutes of a game three times already this season. The Broncos have scored 17 goals in four games while allowing just eight. Omaha is averaging 1.5 goals a game.

The Broncos also have the top faceoff percentage in the nation — 60 percent — through four games.

Omaha will be playing without sophomore forward Tanner Ludtke. He will be out “for the long-term” after getting banged up in the Friday game in Mankato, Gabinet said. Ludtke was the leading point producer for UNO in the 2023-24 season.

Before the bye, Omaha traveled to Mankato, MN to face MSU-Mankato. UNO came back from being down 3-0 on Friday night to tie the game 3-3 before Mankato scored the go-ahead goal in the closing moments of the game. MSU-Mankato swept Omaha and regained the “Spirit of the Mavericks” trophy with a 1-0 victory on Saturday night.

The Broncos’ lone loss this season came in a road game against no. 2 Boston College on Oct. 26. WMU lost the contest 4-2.  

Omaha leads all-time versus WMU (36-27-6) and the Mavs are 19-9-2 when playing the Broncos in Omaha. In the most recent meeting between the two teams in Kalamazoo last February, Omaha beat WMU 3-2 in overtime on Saturday after losing 6-1 to the Broncos on Friday.

>> Watch the full preseason press conference: 

 

For Fans Attending the Game in Person: 

The west lot outside of Baxter, Lot 25, is open to donors only (parking passes are required to park in that lot). The north lot, Lot 27, offers free parking on a first-come, first-served basis, as does Lot 26 (west of the arena, across the creek). Omaha Athletics is also encouraging fans to park in one of the public garages at Aksarben Village.

Fans should arrive early, especially if entering via the west entrance. Have digital tickets ready to scan in the Omaha Mavericks app (or add them from your MyMavs account to your phone’s wallet app). If you have questions, stop by the box office at Baxter Arena before the game or call 402-554-MAVS.

The clear bag policy remains in effect at Baxter Arena, and metal detectors are in place at all entrances. All concession stands are card only (no cash).

Blue Line Club members and Maverick Room pass holders may enter the arena 90 minutes before puck drop. (Learn more about how to become a Blue Line Club or Maverick Room pass holder here.) 

Promotions:

Homecoming & Parents Weekend

Friday night — Omaha will celebrate Homecoming.

Homecoming 2024 Maverick FanFest

Saturday, Nov. 9 – 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Holland Ice at Baxter Arena

An all-ages celebration for alumni and friends (OPEN TO THE PUBLIC) to celebrate Homecoming weekend. Features music, yard games, and a festive Photo Booth. Light snacks provided and cash bar available. Free admission, but RSVPs required here. 

Inductees to the Omaha Athletics Hall of Fame will be honored on the ice on Saturday night. Honorees include former UNO goalie Dan Ellis.

Series preview articles:

Omaha.com ($):

https://omaha.com/sports/college/uno/omaha-hockey-looking-to-jump-start-its-offense-this-weekend-against-no-13-western-michigan/article_03794a7e-9d22-11ef-8737-27d910f5110e.html

Western Michigan Hockey:

https://wmubroncos.com/news/2024/11/7/mens-ice-hockey-hockey-opens-nchc-play-at-omaha.aspx

Omaha Hockey:

https://omavs.com/news/2024/11/7/hockey-set-to-host-no-14-western-michigan-in-nchc-opener.aspx

When:

> Friday, 7:07 p.m. CT at Baxter Arena (Omaha, NE)

> Saturday, 7:07 p.m. CT at Baxter Arena (Omaha, NE)

Radio:

Both games 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 ($) 

NOTE: If you subscribe to NCHC.tv, choose OMAHA as your home team and the program will receive 80% of your subscription fee for new subscriptions (as well as renewals).

Live Stats:

Game stats will be available here.

In Episode 7 of Season 7, Bridget and Jon discuss the team’s recent trip to MSU-Mankato for a two-game series. They also look at some “Things You Missed in Mankato.” The episode concludes with a preview and predictions for the Western Michigan series.

Next up: Omaha Hockey goes on the road to Tempe, AZ, for a conference series against Arizona State University. The Friday, Nov. 15 game will be at 8 p.m. Central. The Saturday, Nov. 16 game is at 6 p.m. Central.

Follow MavPuck: 

Twitter/X: https://www.twitter.com/mavpuck 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mavpuckpage 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mavpuck 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mavpuckcast 

Line Chart – Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024 Omaha vs. Minnesota State Mankato

Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024

Omaha vs. No. 18 Minnesota State-Mankato

Final:1-0 MSU-Mankato

Line Chart – Friday, Oct. 25, 2024 Omaha vs. Minnesota State-Mankato

Friday, Oct. 25, 2024

Omaha vs. No. 18 Minnesota State-Mankato

Final: 4-3 MSU-Mankato

Series Preview: Omaha at MSU-Mankato, Oct. 25-26, 2024

By Bridget (Weide) Brooks

Yesterday (Wednesday, Oct. 23) was the ninth anniversary of the first home series at Baxter Arena. It’s also been nine years since the “Red Mavericks” of Omaha Hockey have faced off in a regular-season series against the “Purple Mavericks” of MSU-Mankato. In the previous regular-season series — Oct. 9-10, 2015 — Omaha swept MSU-Mankato, 3-2 and 2-0 in Mankato.

In the intervening years, Omaha and MSU-Mankato have only met in exhibition games. In 2022, the teams played in Omaha, with Omaha beating MSU-Mankato 7-2. Last year, the exhibition was in Mankato, and UNO won 1-0. Forward Matt Miller scored the lone goal in that contest.

The “Spirit of the Mavericks Trophy” is at stake again. The “Red Mavericks” currently possess the trophy, awarded to the team that wins the annual series. The winner will be decided by one team winning both games, one team winning one game (with the other ending in a tie), or in the case of a series split, the winner will be determined by the total goals differential. Should the series end in a split — and both teams score the same number of goals — the trophy stays with the team that previously held the trophy. 

Former MSU-Mankato Blue Line Club President Brad Reeves and UNO Blue Line Club President Jim Semerad (now deceased) originally came up with the trophy as a way to try and spur a rivalry between the two schools (who played more frequently two decades ago). 

Fun Fact: I had the opportunity to be involved in the presentation of the Spirit of the Mavericks Trophy in February 2008. (I was the UNO Blue Line Club representative in attendance for the series finale that season.)

Interesting Tidbits:

• Both teams made the jump to Division I men's hockey in the same season 1997-98) and have competed against one another in various conference and non-conference matchups since since that season (we were also in the same conference as Mankato from 2009 to 2013). 
• Omaha Coach Mike Gabinet played four games in the “Mavs vs. Mavs” series during the 2002-03 and 2003-04 seasons, recording several shots and serving one penalty.
• MSU-Mankato leads the all-time series 18-16-5.

Coach Gabinet met the media on Wednesday and said the team is moving forward after getting swept last weekend by unranked Augustana at Baxter Arena.

“Losses are losses. They’re hard to take and don’t make you feel good,” Gabinet noted. He said they had good practices early in the week — including some special teams work.

“You got to just find ways to … just keep moving forward. What do you have to focus on this week? How did you get better? What was the feedback from the weekend that we can use to keep on developing? That’s exactly what we did,” he added.

Looking ahead to MSU-Mankato, Gabinet praised Coach Luke Strand’s team. “They beat Michigan, they beat North Dakota … they almost beat North Dakota twice. So you know they’re a good team. They play very fast, and they skate extremely well. It’s going to be a tough competition.”

With the Spirit of the Mavericks trophy on the line, “it’s kind of nice to revive a little bit of a rivalry that even goes back to when I played here,” Gabinet said. He added that it’s “nice to play some of these teams that are within driving distance for our fans and for the team. I think rivalries are good for sports, and especially with the proximity of the locations and obviously both (being) Maverick (named) teams.”

Gabinet said he is looking forward to the first real road games of the season. (The Ice Breaker games were neutral site contests.) “I think it will be a good experience for the guys. It’s always a hostile environment when you go on the road and teams have good fan bases. So I think it’s a really good opportunity to come together as a group… and face that head on as a group together.”

Omaha Hockey Press Conference - Oct. 23, 2024:  

MSU article about the series:

https://msumavericks.com/news/2024/10/23/mens-hockey-preview-18-mavericks-welcome-16-mavericks.aspx

UNO Gateway article about the series:

https://www.unothegateway.com/sports/omaha-hockey-head-coach-mike-gabinet-reflects-on-tough-series-as-mavericks-shift-focus-to/article_6384bb96-9193-11ef-b5d2-5beb83995909.html

The MavPuckCast podcast with Jason & Jon 

S7, E6: Omaha Hockey Gets Swept, Mavs vs. Mavs in Mankato:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PUs4_nGFTU

When:

Friday, 7:07 p.m. Central

Saturday, 6:07 p.m. Central

Radio/TV Coverage:

The series will be streamed on Midco Sports Plus. Subscribe to the Midco Sports Plus 2 package to view the games live or on demand. The app is available on mobile/tablet apps (iOS and Android), connected TV device apps (AppleTV, FireTV and Roku), and a web-based browser interface. A monthly subscription is $24.99. To subscribe, visit MidcoSportsPlus.com.

The series will be broadcast live on 1290 KOIL or the Varsity Sports app. “Voice of the Mavs” Mike Vaillancourt will provide play-by-play and Terry Leahy is back with color commentary. Coverage begins 30 minutes before puck drop each night.

Live audio and stats:

MSU Live audio link https://radiomankato.com/ktoe/.

Varsity Network App: https://thevarsitynetwork.com/audioapplink/source/university-of-nebraska-at-omaha:oas-1342/content/nebomaha:allaccess-Live-10111

Live stats link here.

Next Weekend:

Omaha is off for a week following the MSU-Mankato series. The Mavs return to Baxter Arena to begin NCHC conference play on Friday, Nov. 8 and Saturday, Nov. 9 (Homecoming Weekend) in a series against the Western Michigan Broncos.