Game Preview: Omaha vs. the University of Manitoba (Exhibition), Dec. 30, 2025

By Bridget (Weide) Brooks

Omaha Hockey closes out the 2025 calendar year with a home exhibition on Tuesday night, welcoming the University of Manitoba Bisons to Baxter Arena.

The exhibition is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT on Tuesday, Dec. 30, and serves as a tune-up for both programs before they open the second half of their respective seasons.

Omaha enters the game 7-11-0 overall, coming off a non-conference road series split at Augustana. 

Omaha scored eight goals over the weekend at Augustana, with Brett Hyland, Jérémy Loranger, and Marcus Nguyen each recording two goals in the series. Through 18 games, 19 of 26 different Mavericks have found the back of the net, with three players scoring five or more goals. Luke Woodworth leads Omaha with 13 points (3G, 10A), followed by Maxime Pellerin with 12 points (6G, 6A).

Freshman goaltender Dawson Cowan, a native of Warren, Manitoba, has appeared in seven games this season, recording 20 or more saves in each appearance while posting a 2.90 goals-against average and a .912 save percentage.

Tuesday’s matchup provides the Mavericks an opportunity to reset before opening 2026 with a road trip to Cornell on Jan. 2-3.

Manitoba arrives in Omaha 6-10-0 overall and 5-3-0 in away games. The Bisons are currently on a two-game losing streak after dropping games to the Mount Royal Cougars by scores of 8-2 and 6-2. Earlier this season, Manitoba faced North Dakota in preseason action, falling 7-0 on Oct. 4.

Tuesday’s game is part of a brief exhibition stretch for the Bisons. Following their visit to Omaha, Manitoba will head to Duluth, Minn., for an exhibition matchup against Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs on Friday, Jan. 2.

While the contest does not count toward the regular-season standings, exhibitions often provide extended looks at line combinations and in-game situations. For Omaha, it’s also a chance to sharpen details before NCHC play resumes in January.

Season Ticket Member Appreciation Night

Tuesday’s exhibition is also Season Ticket Member Appreciation Night.

Season ticket holders will have access to:

• 1,000 autographed posters, available on a first-come, first-served basis on the concourse near Section 120.

• A postgame skate on Kemp Ice, with free skate rentals available

• $2 beverages at the Blue Line Bar from doors open until puck drop (beer, soda, and water)

It’s a night built to thank the fans who help create one of the best atmospheres in college hockey.

When:

> Tuesday, Dec. 30 – 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 from Terry Leahy.

TV:

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

Live Stats:

Live stats can be found here. 

On this episode of the Mavpuckcast, Jon and Jason talk about the Omaha Maverick Hockey team’s recent road trip to Augustana (includes their picks for “Player of the Week”). They talk about some Things You Missed at Midco Arena during the Augustana series. Jon and Jason have a “6-7” debate regarding the start time for Omaha Hockey games on Saturday nights. They wrap up the episode with their preview and predictions for Omaha’s upcoming hockey series against Cornell University at Lynah Rink in Ithaca, New York.

Support our sponsors:

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Find your next home!
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Grab a drink and a bite to eat at Wilson & Washburn in Omaha’s Old Market! Learn more at https://www.wilsonandwashburn.com

Up Next:

Following Tuesday’s exhibition, Omaha opens the second half of the season with a road series at Cornell on Jan. 2-3 in Ithaca, N.Y. Both games will stream on ESPN+, with radio coverage available on 1290 AM and the Varsity Network app.

MavPuckCast Podcast – S8 Ep 14: Mavs Split, Things You Missed at Midco Arena, The MavPuck 6-7 Debate, Cornell Preview

MavPuckCast Podcast – S8 Ep 14: Mavs Split, Things You Missed at Midco Arena, The MavPuck 6-7 Debate, Cornell Preview

Jon and Jason are back to recap Omaha’s road split at Augustana and close out the 2025 calendar year. They also select their Players of the Week and share first impressions of Midco Arena, which they praised for its layout, atmosphere, and fan-friendly experience. The episode closes with a preview of Omaha’s Jan. 2–3 road series at Cornell.

Special thanks for your support of the podcast and MavPuck.com. Your support is greatly appreciated!! Special thanks to our Founding Members for the 2025-26 season.

Support the MavPuckCast — Become a Member: https://www.mavpuck.com/join Support Our Sponsors This Season: Thank You to Wahoo Distillery!
https://www.wahoodistillery.com Find your next home! Contact Ryan Bowden with Realty ONE Group at (402) 779-1182

Grab a drink and a bite to eat at Wilson & Washburn in Omaha’s Old Market!
Learn more at https://www.wilsonandwashburn.com Chapters: Chapters:
00:00 - Augustana Series Recap 18:07 - Players of the Week 22:00 - Wilson & Washburn 23:43 - Things You Missed at Midco Arena 31:06 - Agent Ryan Bowden 32:21 - The MavPuck 6-7 Debate 50:10 - Cornell Series Preview & Predictions Follow MavPuck.com online!
https://www.mavpuck.com   / mavpuckpage  
  / mavpuck     / mavpuck  
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Current Standings for MavPuck Players of the Week (Season 8, 2025-26):
https://mavpuckblog.blogspot.com/2025/10/mavpuckcast-players-of-week-season-8.html

Season Ticket Member Appreciation: Tuesday, Dec. 30 (Omaha vs. Manitoba Exhibition)

Season Ticket Member Appreciation Night: Tuesday, Dec. 30 vs. Manitoba

Omaha Hockey is rolling out the red carpet for season ticket holders.

On Tuesday, Dec. 30, when Omaha Mavericks men's ice hockey takes on Manitoba in an exhibition game, it’s Season Ticket Member Appreciation Night — a game dedicated entirely to saying thank you to the fans.

From exclusive giveaways to postgame ice time and discounted drinks, this is one night where being a season ticket holder really pays off.

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🎁 1,000 Autographed Posters — Season Ticket Members Only

Season ticket holders will have access to 1,000 autographed Omaha Hockey posters, available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Details:

• 📍 Concourse at the top of the Main Staircase (near Section 120)

• ⏰ From doors open until puck drop

• 🎟️ Exclusive to Season Ticket Members

Once they’re gone, they’re gone — so arrive early if you want to snag one. (Remember that Blue Line Club members can get in at 5:30 p.m. before doors officially open at 6 p.m. Show your BLC card at the Baxter Arena west entrance.)

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⛸️ Postgame Skate on Kemp Ice

After the final horn, the night isn’t over.

Season Ticket Members are invited to stay after the game and skate on the ice at Baxter Arena, an experience reserved exclusively for season ticket holders.

• 🧤 Free skate rentals available at the Skate Shop

• 🕒 Skate begins following the conclusion of the game

It’s a rare chance to step onto the Baxter Arena main ice surface.

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🍻 $2 Beverages at the Blue Line Bar

From the moment doors open until puck drop, season ticket holders can enjoy $2 beverages at the Blue Line Bar.

• 🍺 Beer

• 🥤 Soda

• 💧 Water

Just show your Season Ticket Member QR code at the register to receive the discount. (It’s in an email from Omaha Athletics dated Dec. 23, 2025)

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A Night Built for the Fans

Season Ticket Member Appreciation Night is a celebration of the fans who make Baxter Arena one of the best atmospheres in college hockey.

If you’re a season ticket holder, Dec. 30 vs. Manitoba is a day to celebrate you! Come early, stay late, and enjoy perks you won’t find anywhere else.

We’ll see you at Baxter. 🏒❤️🖤

Omaha vs Augustana Weekend Recap (Dec. 19-20, 2025)

Omaha closed out the 2025 calendar year with a non-conference road split against (RV) Augustana at Midco Arena in Sioux Falls, S.D. After falling behind early in Friday’s opener, the Mavericks showed offensive resilience throughout the weekend and responded with a complete, 60-minute performance Saturday night to earn the series split.

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Friday, Dec. 19

(RV) Augustana 7, Omaha 4

Omaha twice climbed back within a goal Friday night, but Augustana’s early scoring and timely responses proved decisive in a 7-4 Vikings win.

Augustana scored on its first shot of the game just 2:01 in and led the rest of the way. Leonid Bulgakov struck twice in the opening period — including a power-play goal — as the Vikings carried a 2-0 lead into the first intermission despite Omaha holding a 14-12 edge in shots.

The Mavericks began their push early in the second period. Marc Lajoie put Omaha on the board at 10:36, taking a cross-crease feed from Sean Tschigerl and snapping home his fifth goal of the season. Less than four minutes later, “Big Sam” Huo buried a chance following a faceoff win by Trevor Wong to make it 3-2.

Augustana halted the momentum with a late second-period power-play goal, but Omaha answered again early in the third. Marcus Nguyen converted on the man advantage just 2:10 into the frame, pulling the Mavericks within 4-3.

Each Omaha comeback was met with a response from Augustana. The Vikings scored twice more in the third before Brett Hyland notched a goal from the right wing with 1:59 remaining to make it 6-4. Augustana added an empty-netter in the final minute.

Omaha finished with a 36-30 advantage in shots on goal. Dawson Cowan made 23 saves in net, and Marc Lajoie (1G, 1A) and Spencer Sova (2A) led the Mavericks offensively.

Period scoring:
Omaha 0-2-2 = 4
Augustana 2-2-3 = 7

Key storyline:
Omaha’s offense showed persistence, but Augustana’s early lead forced the Mavericks to chase all night.

Goaltending:
• Dawson Cowan (Omaha): 23 saves on 29 shots
• Josh Kotai (AU): 32 saves on 36 shots

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Saturday, Dec. 20

Omaha 4, (RV) Augustana 1

Omaha delivered a decisive response Saturday night, jumping out to an early lead and never relinquishing control in a 4-1 victory that snapped a three-game losing streak and secured the series split.

The Mavericks opened the scoring just four minutes in when Brett Hyland finished a rebound after Jacob Guevin’s initial shot was blocked. Omaha doubled the lead later in the first as Marcus Nguyen buried another rebound, this one off a Luke Woodworth shot, giving the Mavs a 2-0 advantage despite being outshot 16-9 in the period.

Dawson Cowan anchored the effort early, stopping all 16 Augustana shots in the opening frame.

Omaha stretched the lead midway through the second period on the power play. Jérémy Loranger scored his first goal as a Maverick just 25 seconds into the man advantage, making it 3-0. Augustana carried a 28-15 edge in shots through two periods, but Cowan turned aside every chance.

Loranger added his second of the night — and second of the season — at 7:11 of the third, finishing a play set up by Trevor Wong and Guevin to extend the lead to 4-0. Augustana broke the shutout late, but Cowan closed the door from there.

Cowan finished with 36 saves, earning first-star honors. Loranger’s two-goal night highlighted a balanced Omaha attack, while Guevin and Woodworth each recorded two assists.

Period scoring:
Omaha 2-1-1 = 4
Augustana 0-0-1 = 1

Key storyline:
Omaha capitalized on early chances, blocked shooting lanes, and leaned on elite goaltending to control the game state from start to finish.

Goaltending:
• Dawson Cowan (Omaha): 36 saves on 37 shots
• Josh Kotai (AU): 22 saves on 26 shots

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Weekend Themes & Notes

Response and resilience:
After trailing nearly the entire opener, Omaha dictated Saturday’s game with fast starts, clean defensive structure, and improved puck management.

Special teams impact:
The Mavericks went 2-for-7 on the power play over the weekend, with goals from Nguyen and Loranger, while holding Augustana to two power-play goals across both games.

Cowan closes strong:
Cowan logged 119:02 of action over the weekend, stopping 59 of 66 shots, including a dominant 36-save performance Saturday.

Depth scoring emerging:
Seven different Mavericks found the net across the two games, with Loranger’s first career multi-goal game highlighting Omaha’s offensive balance.

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Up Next…

Omaha is off until Tuesday, Dec. 30, when the Mavericks return home to host an exhibition against Manitoba on Kemp Ice at Baxter Arena before opening the second half of the season.

Line Chart – Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025 – Omaha vs. Augustana (Sioux Falls, SD)

Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025

Omaha vs. Augustana at Midco Arena (Sioux Falls, SD)

Final: 4-1 Augustana

Scoring for Omaha:

Brett Hyland

Marcus Nguyen

Jérémy Loranger

Jérémy Loranger

Line Chart – Friday, Dec. 19, 2025 – Omaha vs. Augustana (Sioux Falls, SD)

Friday, Dec. 19, 2025

Omaha vs. Augustana at Midco Arena (Sioux Falls, SD)

Final: 7-4 Augustana

Scoring for Omaha:

Marc Lajoie

Samuel Huo

Marcus Nguyen

Brett Hyland

Series Preview: Omaha at Augustana, Dec. 19-20, 2025

By Bridget (Weide) Brooks

Omaha Hockey closes out the first half of the 2025-26 season with a pair of non-conference road games at Augustana University, as the Mavericks head north to Sioux Falls, S.D. for a weekend series at Midco Arena.

Omaha enters the weekend 6-10-0 overall and 3-7-0 in NCHC play, while Augustana comes in at 9-5-3 overall and 6-4-2 in the CCHA. The Vikings are receiving votes nationally and have not lost a game at Midco Arena this season (6 wins, 3 ties).

The programs have met four times since Augustana launched Division I hockey in the 2023-24 season. Omaha swept the home-and-home series in November 2023 by scores of 5-2 and 2-1. Last season, the Vikings returned the favor with a sweep in Omaha, winning 2-1 and 4-0. The all-time series is tied 2-2.

The Mavericks are coming off being swept at No. 4 North Dakota last weekend at Ralph Engelstad Arena. Despite the losses, Omaha showed resilience throughout the series, including strong defensive stretches and timely scoring contributions from a pair of young players.

On Friday night in Grand Forks, sophomore forward Trevor Wong scored his first goal as a Maverick. On Saturday, freshman forward Cam Briere opened the scoring early in the second period, giving Omaha a 1-0 lead and recording his second career goal.

Freshman forward Luke Woodworth continues to lead the Mavericks offensively with 11 points, while sophomore forward Maxime Pellerin has tallied a team-high six goals for 10 points. Senior defenseman Griffin Ludtke leads the team with nine assists.

Between the pipes, Omaha will likely turn to freshman goaltender Dawson Cowan this weekend. Cowan entered Friday’s game against North Dakota just two minutes in, following an injury to senior goaltender Simon Latkoczy. He finished the night with 23 saves. Cowan followed that performance with a 28-save effort on Saturday. Head coach Mike Gabinet confirmed that Latkoczy will not be available for the Augustana series.

The Vikings
Augustana picked up five of six points last weekend against then-No. 14 Minnesota State, earning a 3-1 win on Friday before skating to a 4-4 tie on Saturday.

Freshman forward Jacob Jastrzebski leads the Vikings with 14 points (5G, 9A) and was named CCHA Rookie of the Week following his four-point weekend against Minnesota State. Leonid Bulgakov has scored a team-best seven goals.

Josh Kotai will likely get the start in the Vikings’ net. Kotai is the program’s all-time leader in multiple goaltending categories, including career saves, save percentage, shutouts, minutes played, and wins.

Assistant coach Taylor Nelson will be behind the bench this weekend, as head coach Garrett Raboin is with Team USA for the upcoming 2026 World Junior Championships.

From the Locker Room
Coach Gabinet acknowledged the challenge Augustana presents, particularly on home ice.

“You got to give them credit. They’re playing well,” Gabinet said. “You got to be coming there ready to play… but also be focused on us and making sure we’re improving in the areas we can improve in.”

He also emphasized that Omaha’s focus remains internal as the team works through a difficult stretch.

“There’s a lot of personal responsibility in that locker room,” Gabinet said. “They’re doing a lot of good things when you watch our games. We’re right there and just coming up short.”

Briere echoed that mindset, stressing that the Mavericks’ biggest opponent is often themselves.

“Everybody always talks about it being ‘us versus everybody,’ but something good that was said was it’s ‘us versus us,’” Briere said. “The only time we ever get put in a bad position is when we put ourselves in a bad position.”

Briere also pointed to Augustana’s speed and offensive activation from the back end as a key focus area.

“They have really offensive, fast D (defense). They like to join the rush,” he said. “It’s going to be a good challenge for us to make sure we’re tracking back hard and taking care of defense first.”

Interesting Tidbits

• Omaha has played 14 ranked opponents this season, collecting five wins over ranked teams, including a 2-0 road shutout of then-No. 3 Minnesota Duluth on Nov. 15.

• Cowan has a 2.64 goals-against average and a .919 save percentage this season.

• Augustana is allowing just 2.1 goals per game and has converted at a .234 clip on the power play.

• The Vikings are 26-5-2 all-time at Midco Arena since opening the facility.

When:

> Friday, Dec. 19 – 7:07 p.m. CT at Midco Arena (Sioux Falls, SD)

> Saturday, Dec. 20 – 6:07 p.m. CT at Midco Arena (Sioux Falls, SD)

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 from Terry Leahy.

TV:

Both games will be streamed on Midco Sports Plus ($)

Note: Viewers must have Midco Sports Plus 2 or Midco Sports Plus All-In. Midco Sports Plus 1 does not provide access.

Live Stats:

Live stats can be found here.  

On this episode of the Mavpuckcast, Jon and Jason talk about the Omaha Maverick Hockey team’s recent road trip to North Dakota (includes their picks for “Player of the Week”). Jason presents his NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Top 20 for the week. They wrap up the episode with their preview and predictions for Omaha’s upcoming hockey series against the Augustana Vikings at Midco Arena in Sioux Falls. 

Support our sponsors:

Save 20% on your order at Wahoo Distillery!
Use PROMO CODE: mavpuckcast
https://www.wahoodistillery.com 

Find your next home!
Contact Ryan Bowden with Realty ONE Group at (402) 779-1182 

Grab a drink and a bite to eat at Wilson & Washburn in Omaha’s Old Market! Learn more at https://www.wilsonandwashburn.com

Up Next:

Omaha Hockey returns home for an exhibition matchup against Manitoba on Monday, Dec. 30 at Baxter Arena. The Mavericks will open the second half of the season with a road trip to Ithaca, N.Y., to face Cornell on Jan. 2-3 at Lynah Rink. Both games against the Big Red will stream on ESPN+, with radio coverage available on 1290 AM and the Varsity Sports app.