By Bridget (Weide) Brooks
Omaha Hockey opens the second half of the 2025-26 season and returns to NCHC play with a home series against (RV) St. Cloud State, as the Huskies visit Baxter Arena for games Friday, Jan. 9 and Saturday, Jan. 10.
Omaha enters the weekend 7-13-0 overall and 3-7-0 in NCHC play, while St. Cloud State comes in 10-10-0 overall and 3-7-0 in the league.
The matchup also brings a little extra buzz on Friday night: the first 3,000 fans in the building will receive a Jake Guentzel bobblehead presented by Vance Thompson Vision.
Omaha’s path in the second half
Omaha opens the new year coming off a road series at then-No. 17 Cornell, dropping a pair of games (6-4 and 3-2) in Ithaca. In the opener, the Mavericks erased an early 3-0 deficit with four unanswered goals before Cornell answered late.
Even without the win, there were tangible signs of growth, especially from a freshman group that’s being asked to carry real minutes. Jérémy Loranger’s offense has been one of the brightest sparks lately. The game notes credit him with four goals over his last three games, including a pair that came against (RV) Augustana and then-No. 17 Cornell.
In net, Dawson Cowan continues to make big saves. He’s made 265 saves in 9 games, with a season-high 37 saves at Cornell on Jan. 2.
Scouting the Huskies
St. Cloud State arrives in Omaha with momentum after winning the Cactus Cup, beating Yale 6-2 and host school UMass Lowell 3-2 in Palm Springs.
The Huskies have been powered by one of the most productive top groups in the league. Tyson Gross leads St. Cloud with 27 points and a team-high 16 assists, while Austin Burnevik has scored 13 goals.
Special teams are also a major part of St. Cloud’s identity. The Huskies are converting at 28.9% on the power play (24-83), good for fifth nationally in power play percentage.
One other trend matters a lot in this matchup: St. Cloud has been extremely effective playing from in front. The Huskies are 10-1-0 when scoring first and 0-9-0 when allowing the first goal.
Series history
This weekend marks the 55th and 56th meetings between the programs, with St. Cloud holding a 30-20-4 edge in the all-time series.
The Huskies have been strong historically in Omaha (11-11-2), and recent meetings have included plenty of swings — including stretches where neither side has found it easy holding home ice advantage.
From the locker room
The series marks the start to the second-half of the season, and for Omaha, that means a return to conference play where the margins only get thinner. Coach Mike Gabinet described last weekend at Cornell as “two essentially one-goal games,” and while the result wasn’t what Omaha wanted, he pointed to the same overall theme that has defined much of the first half: the Mavericks are often right there, but the next play at the next moment has to be cleaner.
When asked what he wants Omaha to be better at six games from now, Gabinet didn’t hesitate: discipline and decision-making. “One is penalties,” he said, and he also emphasized controlling the slot area — both the initial looks and the secondary chances that come from it. He acknowledged how one mistake at the wrong time can swing a one-goal game, especially for a younger group playing a demanding schedule, but he also made it clear the effort and buy-in aren’t the issue for the team: “They’re dialed in… they’re hungry to get better.”
That slot emphasis showed up again from freshman forward Jérémy Loranger. He credited teammates for finding him “in the bumper in the slot” on the power play for “grade A’s (scoring chances),” then added, “we need some slot shots more and more in the coming games.”
Loranger also had a great line when talking about his recent multi-point nights: “I’m never satisfied about just one goal. Why not try to get three?” But he balanced that with the long-view version of development, too — especially when asked what he grades himself on that most fans wouldn’t think about. “Details without the puck,” he said. “If I want to make it (to the NHL), it’s going to be a complete 200-foot game.”
And that’s where this weekend gets interesting, because St. Cloud is the kind of opponent that forces you to live in those details. Gabinet called the Huskies “really structured” and “predictable in how they play,” which is exactly what makes them difficult: if you’re late on a decision, if you’re careless with a puck, if you give them early momentum, they’re built to make you pay.
Injury-wise, Gabinet said goaltender Simon Latkoczy is “questionable” for the weekend, but added the good news is he’s back on the ice and participating in practice.
Additionally, Gabinet acknowledged that sophomore defenseman Joe Gramer left the program mid-season to join the WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds. He said Gramer was looking for more playing time and that the Mavericks will explore options to potentially fill the roster spot as the semester resumes next week.
Interesting tidbits:
St. Cloud thrives on the early lead — and struggles when it doesn’t. The Huskies are 10-1-0 when scoring first this season, but 0-9-0 when allowing the opening goal, making the first 10 minutes especially meaningful in this series.
Omaha’s scoring has been more balanced than the results suggest. Through 20 games, 19 different Mavericks have found the back of the net, with seven different players scoring over the last three games alone.
St. Cloud’s power play has been feast-or-famine. The Huskies converted at nearly 40% over their first nine games, but that number dropped to 17.5% over their last 11.
Jérémy Loranger isn’t just scoring — he’s shooting. Over his recent stretch, Loranger has consistently generated chances from the slot and bumper areas, aligning directly with Omaha’s recent emphasis on interior offense.
The Huskies don’t give games back once they’re in control. St. Cloud is 9-0-0 when leading after one period and 9-1-0 when leading after two.
This is Omaha’s first home conference series since before Thanksgiving. The Mavericks haven’t played an NCHC game at Baxter Arena since Nov. 22.
Bobblehead Night logistics
Friday night’s opener also features Jake Guentzel Bobblehead Night at Baxter Arena. A total of 3,000 bobbleheads will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, with one bobblehead per person. All ages are eligible, and fans do not need to be season ticket holders to receive one — everyone must be physically present and in line. Bobbleheads are scheduled to be distributed at both the Main (West) and North entrances. Fans planning to attend specifically for the giveaway are encouraged to arrive early.
The west lot outside Baxter, Lot 25, is open to donors and single-game pass holders only and 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 is 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. Concession stands are card only (no cash).
> Friday, 7 p.m. CT at Baxter Arena (Omaha, NE)
> Saturday, 7 p.m. CT at Baxter Arena (Omaha, NE)
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 provided by Terry Leahy.
TV:
The game will be streamed on NCHC.tv ($)
Live Stats:
Game stats will be available here.
