Coming off two wins at the Ice Breaker at Tournament in Las Vegas, the Omaha Hockey team is back in action at Baxter Arena this weekend.
Omaha defeated the UMass Minutemen 3-2 in overtime on Friday to advance to the championship game on Saturday, a rematch with Minnesota (which knocked Omaha out of the NCAA regionals in March 2024). The Mavericks beat the Gophers 2-1 in overtime to claim the Ice Breaker Tournament trophy.
Senior forward Zach Urdahl was named to the all-tournament team and junior goaltender Simon Latkoczy was named the tournament’s “Most Outstanding Player” after his school record-tying 53-save performance in the championship game.
Junior defenseman Jacob Guevin was named the KJ Branding NCHC Defenseman of the Week for his play in the tournament, including potting the game winning goal on Saturday. Latkoczy also was recognized as the KJ Branding NCHC Goaltender of the Week.
Coach Gabinet highlighted the “two big wins against two very good opponents” and spotlighted Latkoczy’s play. “He’s just been fun to watch.”
Latkoczy praised his teammates for contributing to his Saturday play. “The guys helped me a lot. So they made that work a little bit easier.” He added, “I think (the team) gave me many easy shots when our guys did a good job of not being in my way to try and block the shot. So I saw all the pucks, and they also helped me with the rebounds. There were many pucks that could (have ended) up in the net if the guys didn’t help me.”
When asked about the school record, he seemed unaware he had tied the record. “I didn’t know about it,” he said.
Latkoczy has previously said he visualizes the complete game in his head before the puck drops. He said his “everyday work” in practice helps him be prepared for the game. “I see all these saves before (the game) in my head. So, it’s not something that I’m not used to.”
Coach Gabinet said the team’s identity was solidified with the tournament win. “We’re just a team that finds a way to keep showing up and keep engaging, no matter what situation we get presented with.” He added, “It could be easy to throw in the towel when you face adversity.”
The no. 12 Mavericks face the unranked Augustana Vikings in a series on Friday, Oct. 18 and Saturday, Oct. 19.
Augustana (1-1-0) is in its second season and was swept by Omaha last year in a home-and-home series. Omaha (2-0-0) won the Friday game at Baxter Arena 2-1 before traveling to Sioux Falls, SD and winning the second game 5-2.
UMass won the faceoff battle on Friday, 29-24 and Minnesota and Omaha both won 29 face-offs Saturday. Coach Gabinet said the team is working on face-offs in practice. “That’s something we’ve really challenged our center men and our wingers nowadays, that we can get rotated in to take a draw if you get kicked out.”
The team isn’t resting on its success in the Ice Breaker Tournament, however. “Whether it’s after two big wins or after a loss — or two losses — you have to be consistent in your approach to things. You have to constantly look (at) how to keep improving.”
Coach Gabinet said Augustana plays ”extremely hard.” He pointed to the Vikings’ 4-1 exhibition win over North Dakota a few weeks ago as an example. “You can see they like to push two guys all over the ice and (have) a very aggressive style of play.”
>> Watch the full preseason press conference here.
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:
The NCAA Regional banner (Sioux Falls Regional) will be unveiled pregame on Friday.
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