Series Preview: Omaha at Denver, Oct. 30-31, 2026

By Bridget (Weide) Brooks

After picking up its first two regular-season wins last weekend at Lindenwood, Omaha Hockey faces a much tougher test this weekend as the Mavericks travel to Denver to open NCHC play against the defending national champions.

Omaha (2-2-0) will face No. 3 Denver (3-2-1) Friday, Oct. 30, and Saturday, Oct. 31, at Magness Arena. Friday’s game begins at 8 p.m. Central, with Saturday’s Halloween matchup scheduled for 7 p.m. Central.

Both teams are opening conference play this weekend.

The Mavericks are coming off a sweep of Lindenwood, winning 7-4 Friday and rallying from a two-goal deficit for a 4-3 overtime victory Saturday. Omaha scored 11 goals over the two games after managing just three in its season-opening losses to Augustana.

Head coach Mike Gabinet liked the way his team responded at Lindenwood, particularly after falling behind in both games.

“I really liked the resilience of the group to find a way to get two big wins on the road,” Gabinet said during Wednesday’s press conference.

Saturday’s comeback was especially encouraging. After falling behind 3-1, the Mavericks battled back to tie the game in the third period on a goal by Luke Woodworth. Sean Tschigerl scored the game-winner at 2:29 of overtime, giving Omaha its first weekend sweep of the season.

Gabinet acknowledged that his team “lost its identity” for about 20 minutes Saturday before getting back to the way it needed to play.

“You can tell they’re building that confidence, they’re building that resiliency, they’re getting used to the level, how you have to play, shift in, shift out,” he said.

Denver Presents a Tough Test
Denver enters the weekend ranked No. 3 nationally in both the USCHO and USA Hockey polls. The Pioneers are coming off a 5-2 victory and 2-2 tie against then-No. 18 Boston College last weekend.

Denver won both games at Alaska Anchorage to open the season before dropping a pair of games to Michigan. The Pioneers rebounded against Boston College, although the Eagles erased two-goal deficits in both games. Boston College won Saturday’s shootout, 1-0, but the game officially counts as a tie.

Sophomore forward Clarke Caswell leads Denver with eight points, all assists, through six games. He recorded two assists in each game against Boston College and enters the Omaha series with a four-game point streak.

Senior captain Kieran Cebrian and Sam Harris lead the Pioneers with four goals apiece.

Denver’s freshman defensemen have also made an early impact. Daxon Rudolph has seven points through six games and scored the game-winning power-play goal Friday against Boston College. Blake Fiddler recorded his first collegiate goal Saturday.

The Pioneers have been particularly effective defensively, allowing an average of just 21.7 shots on goal per game. No opponent has reached 30 shots against Denver this season.

Junior goaltender Tyler Krivtsov has started Denver’s last five games, including both contests against Boston College. However, last year’s Frozen Four goaltender for the Pioneers, Johnny Hicks, could get a start in net this weekend.

The Pioneers are also looking to continue their recent success against Omaha. Denver is 6-0-1 in the last seven meetings between the teams, including a pair of victories at Baxter Arena last February.

Omaha’s last trip to Magness Arena, Jan. 31-Feb. 1, 2025, included a 3-3 tie that the Mavericks earned the extra NCHC point in a 16-round shootout, followed by an 11-2 Denver victory.

Special Teams Could Be a Factor
Special teams have been a bright spot for Omaha through the first four games.

The Mavericks have killed all 11 opponent power-play opportunities this season, giving them a perfect 100% penalty kill entering conference play.

Omaha also scored three power-play goals during its sweep of Lindenwood, including two Friday and one Saturday. Myles Hilman also scored a shorthanded goal against Lindenwood.

Denver enters the series with an 87.5% penalty kill (14-for-16) and an 18.8% power play (6-for-32).

Gabinet said special teams have been particularly important with Omaha dealing with injuries among its forwards.

“I thought we had a couple key power play goals in that series that really helped us come away with two big wins,” he said of the Lindenwood weekend.

He expects special teams to continue playing an important role, particularly in close games.

Berge Making an Early Impact
Senior defenseman Parker Berge leads Omaha in scoring with six points (two goals, four assists) through four games.

Berge contributed assists on all three of Omaha’s regulation goals Saturday against Lindenwood. His six points also put him among the defensemen featured in this week’s NCHC national scoring leaders graphic.

Gabinet has been pleased with Berge’s offensive contributions, but he’s also seeing improvement in his play away from the puck.

“I thought even Lindenwood, you could see his improvement from Augustana away from the puck and just those key decisions at the right times,” Gabinet said.

Freshman forward Logan Wormald also reached a milestone Saturday, scoring his first collegiate goal against Lindenwood.

Wormald, who played more than 300 games in the Western Hockey League before coming to Omaha, said the transition to college hockey has required some adjustments.

“It’s a man’s game, that’s for sure,” Wormald said Wednesday. “Faster paced game, bigger players. So it’s been an adjustment, but something I’m getting used to.”

Gabinet praised Wormald’s hockey intelligence, competitiveness, and versatility.

“He’s a really, really intelligent hockey player,” Gabinet said. “He’s competitive. He finds himself in the right spaces a lot of the time.”

Gabinet added that Wormald can contribute in a variety of situations, including the power play, penalty kill, and four-on-four play.

Injuries Continue to Challenge Omaha
One concern for the Mavericks heading into Denver is their health.

Gabinet confirmed Wednesday that Omaha is dealing with several injuries among its forwards, although he did not provide individual player updates or a timetable for their return.

“Every healthy forward played against Lindenwood,” Gabinet said.

He expects Omaha’s lineup to remain somewhat depleted this weekend but said the injuries have created opportunities for other players to earn more ice time.

Scouting Denver
Gabinet knows the Mavericks will have their hands full against a Denver team loaded with talent and NHL draft picks.

Asked what Omaha needs to do to be successful this weekend, Gabinet emphasized puck management, discipline, and playing to the team’s strengths.

“You have to decide where you want to give them the puck. That’s step number one,” he said.

He also pointed to the importance of winning puck battles, making smart line changes, and staying out of the penalty box.

For Wormald, the Denver series will be his first experience against the Pioneers and his first NCHC conference games.

He expects Omaha’s toughest challenge yet.

Watch the Oct. 28 Press Conference (with full transcript) 

Weekend Game Information
Friday, Oct. 30
8 p.m. Central
Magness Arena, Denver, Colorado
Streaming: NCHC.tv

Saturday, Oct. 31
7 p.m. Central
Magness Arena, Denver, Colorado
Streaming: NCHC.tv

Both games will also be available on the Varsity Network, with Mike Vaillancourt and Terry Leahy on the call.

Season 9, Episode 6: Omaha Hockey Sweeps, Jake Guentzel Immortalized, Denver Series Predictions 

On this episode of the MavPuckCast, Jon and Bridget look at the University of Nebraska at Omaha Maverick Hockey team’s recent series at Lindenwood — includes their picks for Player of the Week. They talk about the recent announcement that former Omaha Hockey forward Jake Guentzel will be inducted into the Omaha Athletics Hall of Fame and have his jersey retired at Baxter Arena on Friday, Nov. 6. They conclude the episode with their preview and predictions for Omaha Hockey’s first National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) series against the #3 Denver Pioneers.

Watch the latest MavPuckCast episode on YouTube

Up Next:

Following the Denver series, Omaha returns to Baxter Arena Nov. 6-7 to host St. Cloud State. Friday’s game will feature the jersey retirement ceremony for former Maverick Jake Guentzel, the first player in Omaha Athletics history to receive that honor.

Omaha Hockey Press Conference: Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026 (Denver Preview)

 
Omaha Hockey Press Conference: Forward Logan Wormald and Coach Mike Gabinet (Oct. 28, 2026)
 
Jordan McAlpine
Alright, Logan, you guys head out to Denver this weekend. Just, uh, what do you know about the Pioneers?
 
Logan Wormald, Freshman Forward
Yeah, obviously coming off a championship last, last year. I mean, it's my first time playing them, but I'm obviously expecting our hardest challenge yet. (We) watched a little bit of video and, I mean, here and there throughout the throughout the week. So, obviously expecting a, a highly, highly paced team and, one that wants to strike in transition. So, yeah, we're working on some things this week that can transfer along to the games this weekend.
 
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com
Walk us back to last weekend, Logan, when you scored a goal. Walk us through how that went and how that felt for you.
 
Logan Wormald, Freshman Forward
Yeah, obviously amazing. (It) felt like a long time coming since we've been here and (I’ve) been kind of itching to get the game started. So, yeah, that first weekend was kind of just a, a little feel of how it's going to be for the rest of the year. And, we felt that with Augustana. So, yeah, we wanted to come back next week and, in Lindenwood and, take that sweep and, and get things started. So, yeah, obviously the goal felt really good — and hopefully more to come.
 
Noah Sacco, KETV
Logan, how do you feel like this group has meshed together so far this year?
 
Logan Wormald, Freshman Forward
Yeah, really good. A lot of us have played together in, in the Western Hockey League and, against each other and whatnot. So I feel like kind of the moment we got here, it was it was pretty easy to mesh with, with other guys. And, yeah, I feel like guys — some older guys — have been making it feel like home for some of us younger, younger players. So, yeah, it's been amazing so far and been talking about our, our kind of blueprint here and, how that's been. And I feel like we've been doing a good job at following that.
 
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com
After four regular season games, what differences have you noticed between the WHL and NCAA play, especially with, like, time and space and speed?
 
Logan Wormald, Freshman Forward
Yeah, it's a man's game. It's a man's game, that's for sure. Obviously, obviously faster paced and, I feel like every, every team is so connected and coached super well. And I feel like it's, it's kind of hard to find weaknesses in, in team's games and those are kind of the little things throughout the week that you have to try, try and expose and pick at throughout weekend games. And, yeah, like I said, faster paced game, bigger players. So it's, it's been an adjustment, but something I'm getting used to.
 
Noah Sacco, KETV
What did you learn about this team, especially the last time out? You know, what did you learn about this team under pressure, erasing that two-goal deficit to Lindenwood, winning in overtime? I know it's still early on in the season, but to have those kinds of moments where you're up against the wall, you know, how do you feel this team responded?
 
Logan Wormald, Freshman Forward
Yeah, uh, like I like I said with that question a few questions ago, our culture blueprint, we kind of just all fell on that. And, we were kind of talking about that after the game that, you know, we felt like we were winning that game no matter what. We had a not-so-good second period and Gabs came in and talked to us and kind of the word throughout the room was that we're winning this game and, what do you know, we, we went out and did that. So, yeah, just the belief around the room is, is super high and doing our best not to turn on each other. I feel like that's, that's kind of a main thing for us is stick together. And that goes to kind of the, the meshing question that you asked. I feel like we're super tight-knit and can push each other through those those hard moments.
 
Noah Sacco, KETV
Not t belabor the preseason, but this team, you know, picked last in the preseason conference standings. Does that fire this team up at all? Does that mean anything to this team? And if it does, you know, what kind of momentum have you seen in this team, you know, taking that to heart, maybe playing with a bit of a chip on your shoulder?
 
Logan Wormald, Freshman Forward
Yeah, I feel like it's something you kind of notice at the start of the year. I feel like, you know, like those internet polls and everything, it's — sometimes they're hard to ignore. But I feel like our group took it took it super well and kind of I feel like we're taking that as a challenge that, you know, that many people had us had us ranked at the bottom and didn't really believe in us. But, yeah, like I said, we're taking that as a challenge and going to take that to heart and play with kind of that, that fuel and fire every weekend. So that's something we want to do.
 
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com
You were a captain in Lethbridge and spent a lot of time on the ice, — lots of experience coming in. How is it coming in as a freshman here when you were such a veteran in the WHL?
 
Logan Wormald, Freshman Forward
Yeah, it's different. Uh, it's, I feel like I'm kind of going through it again with the Western Hockey League. I mean, obviously you come in at 16. It's, it's a lot different and it's kind of nice doing it this time, with it's kind of like the same thing, like I said. But, yeah, it's, like I said, it's been awesome. Guys have been super welcoming and the coaches have been amazing. Everybody's so easy, easy to talk to. And I feel like I've already learned so much about, you know, how the game goes and, how it's kind of the next step to, you know, the National Hockey League. And, I've seen that and now I'm, I'm starting to get used to that. And, but yeah, the experience has been awesome.
 
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com
Building on that, what do you know now as a 21-year-old freshman that you didn't know when you were 16 — either about hockey or about life?
 
Logan Wormald, Freshman Forward
Yeah, I feel like, the change in pace, honestly. I feel like going to the Western Hockey League, it was kind of the same thing. So, yeah, you kind of get told about how good the league is here and, how nobody's nobody's a bad team. And, so yeah, that was something I picked up was, was how fast the, the game's going to change. And, I mean, like I said, every team's a great team. So, coming out there ready to go and preparing throughout the week is, is has been a big thing.
 
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey)
Oh, the seats warm here.
 
Emma Goldstein, Omaha Hockey
We'll just go right to questions.
 
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey)
Sure.
 
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com
So, coach, you got your first two regular season wins and scored 11 goals. What did you like from the team this past weekend?
 
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey)
Yeah, I thought two, two good responses. Not easy games — had to come from behind on, on both games. And yeah, I really liked the resilience of the group to, to find a way to get two big wins on (the) road, against a team that split in all their series previously.
 
Jordan McAlpine
What do you feel like you've learned about this team so far this year?
 
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey)
I think that we're learning. I think, one of the things that's pretty clear is that, you know, they're learning how you got to play to be successful. I thought, again, I really liked our Friday, especially the last, you know, couple periods on Friday night — just how we played the game, how resilient we were, just the way we executed the game plan there. 
 
And then on Saturday, I actually didn't mind our start. And then for about 20 minutes, we, we lost our identity there and, and they took advantage of it and then reestablished that in the third period. So again, you can tell — just even through the video and through the one-on-one meetings and, and talking with the players — you can understand they're, they're building that confidence, they're building that resiliency, they're, getting used to the level, how you have to play, shift in, shift out. Again, I told these guys, I don't envy — just like you heard (Logan Wormald) talk about — it's a it's a tough, tough environment to be successful and you have to bring it every single shift.
 
And you don't know which shift or which play is going to be the determining factor in that game as we got to experience with Augustana, two very tight games. So, they're learning it and continue to grow from it.
 
Jordan McAlpine
How excited is this group to get into NCHC play?
 
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey)
Yeah, I think so. I, I think again, I think everything's, everything's kind of new and fresh right now. So I think any weekend's a big weekend. And, and obviously — but when you're playing the defending national champions and, you know, getting into NCHC play — it ramps up even more. So, so again, you can tell it's been a focused week to practice there and we'll be ready to go for this weekend.
 
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com
Talk to us about special teams. Obviously, they're important in Lindenwood and, uh, Denver's doing pretty well on their penalty kill this year. How do you see the special teams battle shaping up for this weekend?
 
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey)
Yeah, I think, you know, with some of our injuries we've had up front, I think special teams has been a huge factor of us being successful — against Lindenwood, right, helping find ways to score goals and, and obviously preventing them from scoring. But just to talk about the power play first, I thought we had a couple key power play goals in that series that really helped us come away with two big wins. And again, it's, it's so important when these games are so tight and, and bringing momentum and goals for your team and finding ways to score on special teams. And, and obviously the PK (penalty kill) has been great all season long here too. So, very important when you when you have a team that's got our makeup, you're going to be in a lot of tight hockey games and, and special teams is a key factor to being successful.
 
Noah Sacco, KETV
Is there an added level of hunger with this team entering league play — looking at where this team was ranked, you know, in those preseason conference polls? Is that are you guys up a little bit more to want to prove to some of those league opponents just who this team is?
 
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey)
Yeah, I think again, I think you maybe talk about it once and then you get to work and, and every weekend's a new opportunity to, to exactly prove to yourself, uh, how your development's coming along and, and to the league on how good a team you are. So absolutely, the guys will be excited to, to play against the, you know, defending national championships and team and be ready to go.
 
Jordan McAlpine
What has Parker Berge added to this program?
 
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey)
Yeah, I think he's been solid. I, I think obviously offensively we've seen his growth there offensively there, contributing to some offensive plays. And, and again, we just talked the other day. I think it's a really good environment for him to learn that kind of play without the puck too and just that defensive aspect of the game and, and just how important that is as well. So yeah, really excited to see his development. 
 
He's such a good kid and, and just wants to learn and get better and, and takes coaching so well and asks questions. And again, I thought even Lindenwood, you could see his improvement from Augustana away from the puck and just those key decisions at the right times. And obviously when he has the puck on his stick, two goals already and made some really nice passes and has contributed offensively as well there too. So just a guy that's, uh, taking steps in the right direction.
 
Jordan McAlpine
One more with him individually. How interesting or, or maybe valuable is it, with the pro experience he has to be able to bring that into a locker room like this?
 
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey)
Yeah, I think even just talking to him about it too, it's, it's a different experience, right? You probably a little bit of a slower game, lot more games. So sometimes it's a little bit less intense per game, so to speak. And now you're coming to that environment where the game's played at a really high speed and very intense and every play matters. So it's been a really nice opportunity for him to be in that type of environment too, to continue to grow his game. Because he does so many things really well already and you can just see his growth and the things he wants to continue to get better at. And that's why I think this environment's a great opportunity for him to do just that.
 
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com
Can you talk a little bit about Logan, who we just talked to? He has over 300 games of WHL experience under his belt — speaking of lots of experience. And obviously, like a lot of the guys comes in with some leadership experience being a team captain at Lethbridge. What does he bring to the team, and what do you like about his game through those first four games?
 
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey)
I really like his game. I think he's a really good hockey player, a really, really intelligent hockey player. He's competitive. He finds himself in the right spaces a lot of the time. He didn't get on the score sheet in the first few games. And if you just watch his development, if you watch closely or watch it back closely, he's a guy that just continues to make impacts in the right areas there. So I'm not surprised to see him get a goal this weekend — and played a lot of minutes for us this weekend. Just one of those guys you can kind of like 4-on-4, he can go power play, he can go penalty kill, he can go. And those intelligent players that play like that and really good experience through junior he's a really good player. I think he I don't know if he knows how good he can be too. I think he's going to be a guy that's just going to keep getting better and better.
 
Noah Sacco, KETV
Logan mentioned that you told the team when they were had that two-goal deficit against Lindenwood last time out, you said you told the team something along the lines of, you know, we are winning this game, we're not losing this game.
 
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey)
Yeah.
 
Noah Sacco, KETV
What does it mean to you as a coach to see this team take ownership and finish it out the way they did?
 
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey)
I'm glad he structured my words properly there. And to me, I, I just I didn't like our 20 minutes there in Lindenwood on Saturday. And to me, that's not part of our identity. That's not who we are. And, and we need to play a certain way to be successful. And, and I just said we're, we're doing it. You know, this is part of who we are. This is how we're going to play. This is what we're going to do. And, and I know they believe in it too. And, and then it's about doing it. And, and they did just that. So, again, just a really resilient (team) — it's not easy to come from behind. It's, it's not easy to chase a game. And, and again, I think you're starting to see that makeup of that character in that locker room that, that just kind of refused to lose a little bit there and, and just go out and find a way to win a game.
 
Jordan McAlpine
Big news yesterday with the (Jake) Guenztel jersey retirement coming up. Uh, how exciting is that for the program and what's he mean to this place?
 
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey)
Yeah, again, I think he's obviously probably our most notable, you know, NHL player that's come through the program there. And just obviously the success he had here during his time here, what he's gone on to do at NHL level is very impressive at the Olympic level as well now. It's tremendous, you know, right? And a guy that's from here, married a girl that played soccer here. So kind of a neat story just about … born in Omaha. I know he grew up in Minnesota, but has some roots here. And, and I know he gets back here when he can in the summertime too, to spend some time here. And just a great role model for guys coming through the program and what's possible. Wasn't, you know, was obviously a very, very good hockey player all throughout his life, but wasn't that first-round draft pick that just a surefire NHL player — had his earn his way, uh, you know — to be an elite college player, earn his way to be an elite NHL player. And, and those are great examples for guys that come through our program to, to model themselves after.
 
Noah Sacco, KETV
Do you have a do you have a favorite moment from Jake? I know he's found success at all levels, so it may be hard to pick one, but what comes to mind?
 
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey)
I just think for, for, for me, when I first got here, he came to practice with us one time and just it was pretty unbelievable instantaneously just to see his hockey IQ and just the way he thinks (about) the game, even in a one, one-hour practice. You know, he's one of the smartest players I've seen on the ice. And, and obviously that's carried over to every level he's played at. So, pretty, pretty special for him. And, and obviously I think winning a gold medal, uh, for your country is pretty neat too. So, there's lots of things you can reflect back on as positives, but, you know, I think those are probably my top two just thinking about him that come to mind.
 
Noah Sacco, KETV
You mentioned that IQ, you know — what else about just Jake's character, obviously his physical ability — but what has allowed him to become the player that he has, you know, on and off the rink, you know, to have the kind of success he's had? A lot of great players that we've seen come from this program, but Jake is the one you think of when you think of, you know, one of the best.
 
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey)
Yeah, I, I, you know, I can't speak for him, but I'm assuming his work ethic is second to none again, right? You don't — he wasn't gifted in an NHL job, you know, right off the bat. (He) had to earn it there. And, and just to see his growth, like whether it was in college or at the junior level or onto the professional ranks, just continues to climb the ladder every place he goes. And I think when you think the game at that level, you're intelligent and guys want to play with you too, right? And then he's been fortunate to play (with) some really good players, uh, not by accident. That's because of how he plays the game and what he does on a consistent basic there. 
 
So yeah, just a tremendous individual, tremendous hockey player. And, and it's, it's nice we can honor him here in, in Omaha.
 
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com
Going back to the Denver series, what is it going to take to be successful against that team this weekend?
 
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey)
Yeah, without getting into too much, you know, maybe game plan-ish discussion, the guys know what you need to do to be successful against a team like that. Obviously, (they are an) ultra-talented team with the with all the draft picks and all the high-quality players that they have, you have to decide where you want to give them the puck. That's, that's step number one. And then just again, playing to your identity and strengths and making sure you make it hard on them too. And ultimately too, some of the non-structural stuff too, like how you how you play the game, how your behaviors are, your compete, your willingness to get in the hard lanes, the track, the reloads, the smart changes, the discipline, staying out of the penalty box. Like there's a lot of stuff in hockey that's structural and there's just as much stuff that's non-structural and just how you behave during that structure that ultimately determines whether you win or lose the game. And there's a 50/50 puck battle. One guy wins it, you know, so how many of those can you win?
 
And, uh, that's going to be a key to this weekend.
 
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com
You mentioned missing some guys up front. Do you have an update for us on any of the guys for this weekend?
 
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey)
Yeah, we're getting hit hard by the injury bug right now, I'll tell you. Yeah, every, every healthy forward played against Lindenwood and, and so we're missing some key people, but (it’s) also early in the year and nice to see an opportunity for other guys that, that want that time. And again, it's a little bit of evaluation too, you know, for guys that, you got to play a certain way to be successful with our program and, and in this in this league and this conference. And, and guys are having that opportunity now. So it's a really good opportunity for guys to, to — and even some of those behavioral things we just talked about to do, you know, you got to do it. And, but unfortunately, yeah, just still some guys banged up and the lineup's going to be a little bit depleted here. But hey, like I said, next man up and, and opportunity for some of those guys that've been wanting an opportunity to go grab it. 
 
Awesome. Okay. Thanks, guys.
 
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com
Thank you.
 
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey)
Thanks, guys. Okay. Thanks.
 
 

Jake Guentzel Will Be First Omaha Hockey Jersey Retired

Photo courtesy of Omaha Athletics 

By Bridget (Weide) Brooks

Jake Guentzel will become the first player in Omaha Athletics history to have his jersey retired. The former Maverick helped Omaha reach its first Frozen Four in 2015 and went on to become a Stanley Cup champion and 2026 Olympic gold medalist.

The jersey retirement ceremony will take place Friday, Nov. 6, at Baxter Arena during Omaha’s game against St. Cloud State. Guentzel will also be inducted into the Omaha Athletics Hall of Fame that weekend, along with former Omaha Hockey head coach Mike Kemp, football player Chris Cooper, and track and field athlete Anastasia Kyvelidou.

Guentzel, who wore No. 20 for the Mavericks from 2013-16, played 108 games for Omaha, recording 40 goals and 79 assists for 119 points. He led the team in scoring during his sophomore and junior seasons and became the 14th player in program history to reach 100 career points.

As a sophomore in 2014-15, Guentzel recorded 39 points (14 goals, 25 assists), helping the Mavericks advance to their first NCAA Frozen Four. He scored Omaha’s only goal in the national semifinal against Providence, a 4-1 loss that ended the Mavericks’ season.

Guentzel returned for his junior season in 2015-16 and served as co-team captain. He finished that season with 46 points (19 goals, 27 assists) in 35 games, earning second-team All-NCHC honors before leaving Omaha to begin his professional career.

A Family Hockey Connection
Guentzel was born in Omaha while his father, Mike Guentzel, was head coach and general manager of the Omaha Lancers. The family moved to Woodbury, Minnesota when Mike returned to his alma mater the University of Minnesota as an assistant coach. His father, Mike Guentzel, was hired as an assistant coach at Omaha during the 2010-11 season before returning to Minnesota as an assistant from 2011-2018.

Jake’s two older brothers also played college hockey. Ryan played at Notre Dame, while Gabe played at Colorado College.

Before arriving at Omaha, Jake played one season for the Sioux City Musketeers, where he was named the 2012-13 USHL Rookie of the Year after recording 73 points (29 goals, 44 assists). He was selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the third round of the 2013 NHL Draft, 77th overall, before beginning his college career that fall.

The Omaha connection extends to his wife, Natalie, who played soccer for the Mavericks. Jake returned to complete his undergraduate degree, graduating from Omaha in December 2017.

Remembering the 2015 Frozen Four
Following Omaha’s first Frozen Four appearance in 2015, the Omaha Storm Chasers hosted a “Salute to UNO Hockey” night at Werner Park. The Mavericks were recognized on the field and signed autographs for fans.

I attended the event and wrote about it in a blog post titled “Why’d They Put the Ginger in the Sun?”, which includes photos from the celebration.

From Omaha to the NHL and Olympics
Guentzel made his NHL debut with Pittsburgh on Nov. 21, 2016, against the New York Rangers. He scored on his first shift and added another goal later in the game.

His rookie season ended with a Stanley Cup championship. Guentzel scored 13 goals and added eight assists during Pittsburgh’s 2017 playoff run, including the game-winning goals in Games 1 and 2 of the Stanley Cup Final against Nashville.

He spent parts of eight seasons with the Penguins before being traded to Carolina in March 2024. After finishing that season with the Hurricanes, he joined the Tampa Bay Lightning, where he recorded 85 points (37 goals, 48 assists) in 81 games during the 2025-26 season.

Guentzel added an Olympic gold medal to his accomplishments in February 2026, when Team USA defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime at the Milano Cortina Winter Games. It was the first Olympic gold medal for the U.S. men's hockey team since 1980.

Guentzel played in all six games for the Americans, recording one goal.

First a Bobblehead, Now a Jersey Retirement
Omaha Hockey fans celebrated Guentzel earlier this year with another program first.

On Jan. 9, 2026, the Mavericks gave away 3,000 Jake Guentzel bobbleheads, presented by Vance Thompson Vision, during a game against St. Cloud State. It was the first player bobblehead giveaway in Omaha Hockey history.

I have one of those bobbleheads.

Photo courtesy of Omaha Athletics

The opponent for Guentzel’s jersey retirement on Nov. 6 is also St. Cloud State.

Guentzel and Kemp Among Hall of Fame Honorees 
Guentzel’s jersey retirement is part of Omaha Athletics’ 2026 Hall of Fame weekend. The four inductees will be recognized during Friday’s hockey game, with the formal induction taking place Saturday, Nov. 7, at the UNO Alumni Association’s Honors Brunch at the Thompson Alumni Center.

Mike Kemp, who was Omaha’s first hockey head coach and led the program from 1997-2009, will be inducted alongside Guentzel.

“It was great to hear that Jake Guentzel is having his jersey retired. With what Jake accomplished as a student-athlete, and now as a professional and Olympian, no one is more deserving of this honor,” Kemp said in the university's announcement.

Current Omaha head coach Mike Gabinet also commented on Guentzel’s place in program history.

“Jake is an important part of the history of Omaha Hockey, and having his jersey retired is a special moment for our program,” Gabinet said.

Guentzel expressed his appreciation for the honor and his years at Omaha.

“Omaha means a lot to me and my family. Some of my best memories are from my time there, both on and off the ice,” Guentzel said. “Having my jersey retired is pretty special, and I’m really grateful for the honor and everyone who was part of those years.”

Weekend Recap: Omaha Sweeps Lindenwood, Oct. 23-24, 2026

Photo courtesy of Omaha Athletics

By Bridget (Weide) Brooks

Omaha Hockey picked up its first two victories of the 2026-27 season over the weekend, sweeping Lindenwood University in a two-game non-conference series at Centene Community Ice Center in Maryland Heights, Mo.

The Mavericks (2-2-0) defeated the Lions 7-4 Friday before rallying from a two-goal deficit Saturday to earn a 4-3 overtime victory.

Omaha scored 11 goals over the weekend after managing just three in its season-opening series against Augustana. The Mavericks also scored their first three power-play goals of the season, added a shorthanded goal, and remained perfect on the penalty kill.

The wins came in different ways. Friday, Omaha overcame an early 2-0 deficit and scored four goals in the third period. Saturday, the Mavericks trailed 3-1 midway through the second period before scoring three unanswered goals, including the overtime winner.

Friday: Omaha 7, Lindenwood 4 
Lindenwood jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first period on goals by Ty Nash at 9:18 and Noah Dziver at 11:47.

Parker Berge got Omaha on the board with his second goal of the season at 18:58, assisted by Marcus Broberg and Luke Woodworth.

The Mavericks tied the game at 13:05 of the second period when Broberg scored his first goal of the season on the power play, with assists from Trevor Wong and captain Marc Lajoie.

Junior forward Maxime Pellerin then gave Omaha its first lead of the night, scoring with just 14 seconds remaining in the period. Woodworth and Sean Tschigerl assisted on Pellerin’s first goal of the season.

Lindenwood tied the game 3-3 just 1:50 into the third period when Adam Raesler scored his fifth goal of the season.

But Omaha responded with four consecutive goals.

Pellerin scored his second goal of the night at 3:46, assisted by Maël Lavigne and Berge, to put the Mavericks back in front, 4-3.

Just 49 seconds later, Marcus Nguyen scored an unassisted goal to extend Omaha’s lead to 5-3. It was Nguyen’s first goal of the season and proved to be the game-winner.

Lajoie added a power-play goal at 8:16, assisted by Spencer Sova and Wong, giving Omaha a three-goal advantage.

Assistant captain Myles Hilman made it 7-3 with a shorthanded goal at 14:24, assisted by Joel Plante.

Lindenwood’s Andrew LeBlanc scored at 17:23 to make the final score 7-4.

Pellerin led Omaha with two goals, while Broberg and Lajoie each finished with a goal and an assist. Woodworth and Wong recorded two assists apiece.

The Mavericks outshot Lindenwood 37-34 and converted both of their power-play opportunities. Omaha also killed all three Lindenwood power plays.

Sophomore goaltender Dawson Cowan made his first regular-season start of 2026-27, stopping 30 shots to earn the victory.

Saturday: Omaha 4, Lindenwood 3 (OT)

The Mavericks needed another comeback Saturday, this time erasing a 3-1 deficit before winning in overtime.

Freshman forward Maël Lavigne opened the scoring with a power-play goal at 12:17 of the first period. Woodworth and Berge assisted on Lavigne’s second goal of the season.

Lindenwood answered less than a minute later when Chris Thibodeau scored at 13:10 to tie the game 1-1.

The Lions took control in the second period, scoring twice in less than six minutes. Ethan Zielke put Lindenwood ahead 2-1 at 5:43, and Brady McIsaac extended the lead to 3-1 at 11:25.

Omaha cut the deficit to one goal with just 24 seconds remaining in the period.

Freshman Logan Wormald scored his first collegiate goal at 19:36, assisted by Berge and Broberg, to make it 3-2 heading into the third period.

The Mavericks tied the game at 8:43 of the third when Woodworth scored his first goal of the season, with assists from Berge and Nguyen.

Omaha outshot Lindenwood 18-8 in the third period but couldn't get the go-ahead goal in regulation.

That set the stage for overtime.

At 2:29 of the extra period, Tschigerl scored his first goal of the season, assisted by Vincent Desjardins, to give Omaha the 4-3 victory and complete the weekend sweep.

Berge led the Mavericks with three assists, contributing to Lavigne’s power-play goal, Wormald’s first collegiate goal, and Woodworth’s game-tying goal.

Woodworth finished with a goal and an assist.

Omaha outshot Lindenwood 43-33, including 18-8 in the third period. The Mavericks went 1-for-3 on the power play and killed Lindenwood’s only power-play opportunity.

Freshman goaltender William Lacelle made 30 saves to earn his first collegiate victory.

Special Teams Make a Difference 
After going 0-for-6 on the power play against Augustana, Omaha converted three of its five opportunities against Lindenwood.

The Mavericks scored twice on the power play Friday and once Saturday, improving their season total to 3-for-11 (27.3%).

Omaha’s penalty kill remained perfect through four regular-season games, successfully killing all four Lindenwood power plays. The Mavericks are now 11-for-11 on the penalty kill this season.

Hilman’s shorthanded goal Friday was another highlight of the weekend’s special teams performance.

The results were particularly encouraging considering Lindenwood entered the series having scored four power-play goals in its previous game against Air Force.

Pellerin Finds the Scoresheet
Pellerin entered the Lindenwood series without a point through Omaha’s first two regular-season games.

At Tuesday’s weekly media availability, he was asked how he handles stretches when the points aren’t coming, despite being one of the team’s most consistent offensive producers.

“Points are a thing, but they don’t always come,” Pellerin said. “Even though you can play a good game and get no reward or points for it, and you can play a really bad game and get a point.”

He emphasized controlling his play, paying attention to details, and continuing to do the right things.

Three days later, he scored twice in Omaha’s 7-4 victory.

Pellerin finished the weekend with two goals and 11 shots on goal, including a team-high seven shots Saturday.

By the Numbers

• Omaha scored 11 goals against Lindenwood after scoring three in its opening series against Augustana.
• The Mavericks outshot Lindenwood 80-67 over the two games.
• Omaha went 3-for-5 on the power play (60%) and killed all four Lindenwood power plays.
• The Mavericks scored their first shorthanded goal of the season Friday, courtesy of Myles Hilman.
• Parker Berge finished the weekend with a goal and three assists for four points.
• Maxime Pellerin scored his first two goals of the season Friday and recorded 11 shots on goal over the weekend.
• Luke Woodworth recorded four points (one goal, three assists) in the series.
• Logan Wormald scored his first collegiate goal Saturday.
• Dawson Cowan and William Lacelle each recorded 30 saves in their respective victories.
• Omaha improved to 3-1-0 all-time against Lindenwood.

Up Next
Omaha opens NCHC play this weekend with a two-game road series against defending national champion Denver at Magness Arena.

Friday’s game is scheduled for 8 p.m. CT, with Saturday’s finale set for 7 p.m. CT.

The Mavericks return to Baxter Arena Nov. 6-7 to face St. Cloud State. Friday’s game will feature the retirement of former Maverick Jake Guentzel’s No. 20 jersey, the first jersey retirement in Omaha Athletics history.

Series Preview: Omaha at Lindenwood, Oct. 23-24, 2026

By Bridget (Weide) Brooks

Omaha Hockey heads to Missouri this weekend looking for its first regular-season victory of 2026-27 as the Mavericks face Lindenwood in a two-game non-conference series Friday and Saturday, Oct. 23-24, at Centene Community Ice Center.

The Mavericks (0-2-0) are coming off a pair of one-goal losses to nationally ranked Augustana, falling 2-1 Thursday in Sioux Falls before dropping a 3-2 overtime decision Saturday at Baxter Arena.

Lindenwood (3-3-0), which is receiving votes in the latest national polls, has split each of its first three series against Arizona State, Lake Superior State, and Air Force. The Lions enter the weekend averaging 4.67 goals per game, ranking fifth nationally in scoring offense.

But Lindenwood has also surrendered 28 goals in six games, setting up an interesting matchup between a high-scoring team that has struggled defensively and an Omaha squad still searching for consistent offensive production.

The Mavericks scored three goals on 59 shots against Augustana, with Maël Lavigne, Vincent Desjardins, and Parker Berge each finding the back of the net.

Omaha also went 0-for-6 on the power play, although its penalty kill was perfect, successfully killing all seven of Augustana’s power-play opportunities.

Freshman goaltender William Lacelle started both games and made 73 saves on 78 shots, posting a .936 save percentage and 2.43 goals-against average. His 40-save performance in Thursday’s collegiate debut made him just the fifth NCHC freshman goaltender since 2015 to record at least 39 saves in his first career game. Three of those performances have come from Omaha goaltenders.

Despite the losses, Omaha had opportunities to win both games. Thursday’s contest was tied 1-1 entering the final minute, while Saturday’s game saw the Mavericks build a 2-0 lead before Augustana rallied. Omaha also had several chances to extend its lead, including Gavin Hodnett hitting a post late in the third period.

The Mavericks will need to convert more of those opportunities this weekend against a Lindenwood team that has shown it can score goals in bunches.

Omaha and Lindenwood have met just twice previously, splitting a December 2024 series at Baxter Arena. The Lions won the first meeting 3-2 before the Mavericks responded with a 2-1 victory the following night.

Scouting the Lions
Lindenwood is in its fifth season competing at the NCAA Division I level and its second under head coach Keith Fisher, who led the program to a school-record 15 victories in 2025-26.

The Lions have been one of the nation’s most productive offensive teams through the first three weeks of the season, scoring 28 goals in six games. They’ve scored at least seven goals in three contests, including a 9-6 victory over Arizona State, a 7-4 win over Lake Superior State, and a 7-4 victory at Air Force.

Lindenwood has also generated an impressive number of shots, averaging 42.8 per game. The Lions have recorded at least 41 shots in each of their last four contests and have outshot their opponents in all four.

The offensive production has been spread throughout the lineup, with 15 different players scoring goals and 21 recording at least one point.

Freshman forward Caden Brown and senior defenseman Michael Bevilacqua lead Lindenwood with seven points apiece. Brown has two goals and five assists, while Bevilacqua has a goal and six assists.

Junior forward Adam Raesler leads the team with four goals and has six points. Sophomore forward Brady McIsaac has three goals and two assists, while senior forward Ethan Zielke has a goal and four assists. 

Lindenwood’s roster includes a familiar face for Omaha fans. Junior forward Chase LaPinta, who previously played for the Mavericks, transferred to Lindenwood during the offseason. LaPinta has appeared in all six games for the Lions this season.

The Lions also feature a new leadership group, with Bevilacqua serving as captain and Zielke and junior defenseman Ethan Elias as alternate captains.

The Lions are coming off a split at Air Force, losing 5-2 Thursday before rebounding with a 7-4 victory Friday.

Special teams played a major role in that turnaround.

After opening the season 0-for-22 on the power play, Lindenwood scored four consecutive power-play goals Friday, establishing a new program single-game record. The Lions overcame a two-goal first-period deficit before pulling away with three goals in the third.

Defensively, Lindenwood has allowed at least four goals in all six games this season. Its penalty kill has struggled, successfully killing just eight of 12 opponent power-play opportunities (66.7%).

From the Locker Room 
At Tuesday’s weekly media availability, Omaha head coach Mike Gabinet acknowledged the frustration of coming away empty-handed against Augustana despite being in position to win both games.

He pointed to missed opportunities and defensive mistakes late in the contests as areas the Mavericks need to address.

Gabinet said the coaching staff has emphasized reviewing those situations, holding players accountable, and making sure the team learns from the experience.

He also wants Omaha to improve its starts. Gabinet felt the Mavericks were too tentative early in both games, particularly during the first eight to 10 minutes Saturday.

Against Lindenwood, he wants his team engaged immediately, winning races and puck battles rather than spending the opening minutes reacting to its opponent.

Gabinet also emphasized the importance of pressuring Lindenwood’s breakouts and establishing sustained offensive-zone possession. That approach could help slow a Lions offense that thrives on transition opportunities and getting pucks to the net.

Special teams could be another deciding factor.

Asked about Omaha’s perfect penalty kill against Augustana and Lindenwood’s four power-play goals against Air Force, Gabinet emphasized how important those situations can become in close games.

“When your power play can find a way to get a goal and your penalty kill can find a way to not let them score, that could be the difference in the game,” Gabinet said.

Junior forward and assistant captain Maxime Pellerin also discussed the missed opportunities against Augustana, particularly a late power play Saturday that could have helped Omaha put the game away.

Pellerin, who led the Mavericks with 23 points last season, has yet to record a point through the first two regular-season games. He said he is focused on maintaining his approach rather than becoming frustrated by the lack of offensive production.

“Even though you can play a good game and get no reward or points for it, and you can play a really bad game and get a point,” Pellerin said.

He believes concentrating on the details and continuing to make the right plays will eventually lead to results.

As for the approach against Lindenwood, Pellerin wants the Mavericks to take control of the game rather than react to their opponent.

“I think playing our game and trying to install our pace of play, dictate the game, and be more in control,” he said.

The Mavericks may also have some lineup decisions to make. Gabinet indicated Tuesday that Aiden Oiring remains sidelined, while several other forwards were dealing with injuries or uncertain availability.

Read the complete Oct. 20 Omaha Hockey press conference transcript.

Interesting Tidbits 

• Lindenwood ranks fifth nationally in scoring offense at 4.67 goals per game but has allowed an identical 28 goals in six games.
• The Lions have scored seven or more goals three times this season and have registered at least 41 shots in four consecutive games.
• Omaha has successfully killed all seven opposing power plays this season, while Lindenwood scored four power-play goals in its most recent game.
• Lindenwood has 15 different goal scorers through six games, compared with three for Omaha through two games.
• Freshman goaltender William Lacelle has a .936 save percentage through his first two collegiate games.
• Former Maverick Chase LaPinta is now a junior forward for Lindenwood.
• The teams have met only twice, splitting their December 2024 series in Omaha. Both games were decided by one goal.
• Lindenwood is hosting Omaha as part of the university’s Homecoming Weekend.

Game Information

When:
Friday, Oct. 23 – 7 p.m. CT
Saturday, Oct. 24 – 7 p.m. CT

Where:
Centene Community Ice Center
Maryland Heights, Mo. (St. Louis area)

Listen:
Both games will be available on the Varsity Network app, with Mike Vaillancourt providing play-by-play and Terry Leahy serving as analyst.

Lindenwood’s radio broadcast is also available on 89.1 KCLC.

TV/Streaming:
Friday: FloHockey ($)
Saturday: FloHockey ($)

Live Stats:
Both games: Lindenwood Live Stats

Tickets:
Friday: Lindenwood Tickets
Saturday: Lindenwood Tickets



Watch the MavPuckCast

Season 9, Episode 5: Omaha Swept, Hockey Fan Etiquette Rant, Lindenwood Series Predictions

Watch the latest MavPuckCast episode on YouTube.

Jon and Bridget recap Omaha’s opening series against Augustana, including their Player of the Week selections. They also discuss fan etiquette at hockey games before wrapping up with a preview and predictions for the Mavericks’ upcoming series at Lindenwood.

Up Next
Following the Lindenwood series, Omaha opens NCHC play with a two-game road series against Denver on Friday, Oct. 30, and Saturday, Oct. 31. 

Friday’s game is scheduled for 8 p.m. CT, with Saturday’s finale set for 7 p.m. CT.

MavPuck.com Players of the Week (Season 9, 2026-27)

 

Tracking the MavPuck.com Players of the Week for Season 9 (2026-27)

After each series, the hosts of the MavPuckCast name a “Player of the Week.” This blog post serves as a running list of those picks by week. (Note: There is no Player of the Week for episodes that focus on interviews instead of game recaps.)

S9, Ep 4: Exhibition Takeaways, NCAA Ice Hockey Rule Changes, Augustana Series Predictions 

Jason: Cameron Briere (honorable mention: Ryan McCleary)
Jon: Sean Tschigerl 

S9, Ep 5: Omaha Swept, Hockey Fan Etiquette Rant, Lindenwood Series Predictions 

Bridget: William Lacelle 

Jon: Maël Lavigne

Omaha Hockey Press Conference: Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026 (Lindenwood Preview)

Omaha Hockey Press Conference Transcript – 10/20/2026
 
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey)
Thanks for coming. Yeah, looking — looking forward to heading off to Lindenwood here on Wednesday for two big non-conference games, and we’ll have Max Pellerin join us as well here after myself.
 
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com
So Coach, you had a lead in both games against Augustana, including a 2-0 lead on Saturday. What did you see change as those games progressed, and what needs to happen for this team to be able to finish those type of games?
 
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey)
Yeah, obviously two kind of heartbreaking games where you’re, you know, you’re 1-1 with a minute left in the game on Thursday, and then up by 1 with a couple minutes left on Saturday there. So again, you have to learn from those mistakes. 
 
You know, if we look back on Thursday, obviously it was a, you know, back-and-forth game. I thought our goaltender (William Lacelle) played well and had a chance to come away with a — at least get into overtime there with that game, and, you know, a costly decision there just near the end of the game. So again, you just got to talk about it. You got to have those hard conversations, show it, talk about it — what do we need to be doing differently — and then grow from it.
 
And then same thing Saturday, you know, a couple opportunities. Man, I thought we could go up 3-1 there, a couple crossbars, and a couple big saves by their goaltender on Saturday, and ultimately just a little bit of soft coverage there with a couple minutes left and they tie the game up there. So again, all growing opportunities there.
 
I thought you saw an experienced team in Augustana. You could tell they’ve played a lot of college hockey, and I thought they played — they were a very good team to play against. And then obviously some opportunities for us here to hold ourselves accountable to where we got to be better and, you know, address a few things that we need to improve at there and continue to work on those and grow and not make the same mistakes twice.
 
Jordan McAlpine
How do you go about maybe using a series like this this early in the season against great teams as a measuring stick where this group is at?
 
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey)
Yeah, I think it’s — I think it’s good. I mean, again, you got to — you got to show the positive stuff too there. I thought we’d, you know, I didn’t like our start on Saturday. I thought we watched too much for the first 8 to 10 minutes, and then I liked the rest of our game where we were a lot better on the ice. So you got to show the positives, and you got to show the areas of growth. 
 
But to your point, there’s a team that just beat and tied Minnesota Duluth, you know, who’s probably a national contender this year with the roster they have. So you’re not far off, but you have to learn how to win those games, and not beat yourselves. And I think those are the toughest losses as a coaching staff, is when you find ways to kind of beat yourself instead of maybe, you know, you just didn’t play well and the opponent played better than you. So you got to talk about it, you got to work on it, you got to practice it, you got to put them in the same situations they’re going to face in the games and then continue to grow.
 
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com
Any update on the team’s health leading into the Lindenwood series? Any players that you were not having available that you’re expecting to get back in the lineup?
 
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey)
Yeah, unfortunately we’ve been hit by the injury bug here a little bit here early, and so (we’re) still going to have Aiden Oiring out, and then a couple other guys are questionable here from the series. A couple — (a) practice injury here recently here too. So yeah, we’ll have to — hopefully we’ll know more here on — but three of our forwards didn’t skate today, and so everybody that was healthy up front was in the lineup. And then — so we should know more a little bit there. But again, that happens. That’s why you got depth. That’s why you got other guys that are ready to step in and play, and could be good opportunities for guys that haven’t played yet to get into the lineup.
 
Jordan McAlpine
You get to go on Thursday, but weekends are home. What have you thought about Maël so far?
 
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey)
Myles (Hilman), did you say? Sorry.
 
Jordan McAlpine
Maël (Lavigne).
 
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey)
Oh, Maël. Yeah. Again, I think just you can see him net presence, you know, even on Saturday. Obviously the goal Thursday and then just excellent net presence on Berge’s goal on Saturday there, and doing some great things around the net. I think that’s one — I think he was one of the highest-rated net-front players out of the QMGHL recruiting him out there, and we wanted a little bit more size up front, and he’s done just that. And then he continues to develop away from the puck as well, and defensively too. Like all young players that, you know, got to get used to the speed, kind of just how fast things happen defensively. 
 
I think as a team in general too, just the speed of the game was a little bit of an eye-opener. Obviously Air Force plays hard and fast, and so does, you know, Manitoba’s an older team, but I think that was another level of just how on top of the forecheck they are and how quick decisions have to be made, how you got to decide things when you’re fatigued to make the correct decision.
 
So great opponent to kind of welcome to college hockey a little bit there too, just how fast things can happen at this level.
 
Jordan McAlpine
It seemed like that lineup level two with (Cameron) Briere and (Joel) Plante there just really clicked together throughout the weekend. Did you like their plays?
 
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey)
Yeah, I didn’t like them as much on Thursday, to be honest. I thought they had a goal there, and I thought they really struggled defensively on Thursday, and then I thought they were a lot better on Saturday on both ends of the sheet.
 
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com
Looking ahead to the Lindenwood series, you guys were perfect on your penalty kills, but Lindenwood got four power play goals on Friday against Air Force. How important do you think special teams are going to be this upcoming weekend?
 
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey)
Yeah, I think it’s really important. Obviously, you know, both penalty kills did a really good job this past weekend with no power play goals, I think, by either team. But I think in those tight games, you know, when your power play can find a way to get a goal and your penalty kill can find a way to not let them score, that could be the difference in the game. So always obviously super important. 
 
They’re (Lindenwood) a high-scoring team. I think if you look at their last six games or whatever they played, I think they’re averaging, I don’t know, it’s high — maybe six — yeah, four goals at least a game, and kind of a — kind of a two-way team that, you know, thrives off transition and likes to attack the net and shoot a lot of pucks on net. So (we) have to be prepared for that.
 
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com
When a team starts 0-2 despite being competitive in both games, what are you looking for from your leadership group — since we’ve got Max (Pellerin) coming in here — to help them stay on track?
 
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey)
Yeah, I think you have to be in charge and you have to be process-focused and you have to be a leader, I think. You know, I think especially just during these times when you — you know, those are just, again, tough weekends where you’re, you know, two minutes away from maybe a 2-0 weekend. And that overtime, you know, counts as a loss. You get some Pairwise points, but it still feels like a loss. 
 
And so you really have to come in with a plan, I think, on Monday and a good positive attitude and time to get to work and have those tough, honest conversations and hold yourself and people accountable, but also maintain some enthusiasm and energy that you need to get better and what you got to do to work. So again, that’s your job. 
 
That’s why, you know, sometimes that’s the fun in coaching when you have a tough situation and you’ve got to bring that juice, that energy, and that plan to continue to work and get better and help guys understand how to keep improving.
 
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com
So speaking of that, what are you looking for the team to come out with on Friday to establish that and get that “juice” going?
 
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey)
Yeah, I think to start, I think to, you know, just to start on time I think is an area of growth for us. You know, I think just — I thought Thursday too we watched a little bit early there too and kind of taking in information instead of just playing and winning races, winning some battles early and not overthinking and just getting yourself engaged into the game. So I think from the — one of the main things is going to be the start. 
 
And then again, I want to continue to work on our pressure break outs. I think the more you can spend energy early defensively allows you to have a little bit more energy in the offensive zone. And when you have some more sustained O-zone (offensive zone) time, usually that leads to them not breaking out as cleanly, you establishing your gap in the offensive zone and slowing down their transition rush offense. So some things that we can improve on going into Lindenwood right there. Okay. Okay, thanks guys.

------

 
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com
So Max, you had a 2-0 lead against Augustana Saturday night and you had some opportunities to extend that lead — including Gavin Hodnett hitting a post late in the third there. From a player’s perspective, what changed for you as the game went along, and what can you take from that experience going forward?
 
Maxime Pellerin, Junior Forward
I mean, obviously in college hockey it’s not over till the buzzer hits. Yeah, I mean, we missed a couple chances, whether it was Hods (Hodnett) or even defensively chances of killing plays. But I think for me, a big thing going into the weekend is that we could have taken that game away with a power play (goal) with five minutes left in the game. 
 
But I mean, what’s done is done and we’re looking forward to next weekend and getting to Lindenwood to win games.
 
Jordan McAlpine
Max, I don’t know if the results you guys wanted this first weekend, but just to get a real test against another opponent — see how you guys stack up, especially against a ranked team like that — how much can you build off that for the rest of the season?
 
Maxime Pellerin, Junior Forward
Oh, I think we can build a ton off of it. We learned, obviously we played those two preseason games and then played (a) ranked opponent. So I think as a group we learned a lot last weekend and we can just bring — if we bring our pace and really our pace of play for the game this weekend, I think I like our chances.
 
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com
You’ve been a pretty consistent offensive producer throughout your entire career. How do you balance that when the points aren’t quite coming? How do you have that patience — or know when it’s time to jump in and spark something?
 
Maxime Pellerin, Junior Forward
Well, you know, points are a thing, but they don’t always come. Even though you can play a good game and get no reward or points for it, and you can play a really bad game and get a point. But obviously it would be nice to get going here. I mean, all you can control as a player, I believe, is just the way I play, the details, and keep doing the right things and suddenly good things will happen — either on or off the score sheet. But we’re looking forward to (getting) the wins.
 
Jordan McAlpine
What do you guys know about Lindenwood? 
 
Maxime Pellerin, Junior Forward
Oh, yeah. It’s in St. Louis, I mean, they’re not in a conference. I know they’re a pretty good team. They battle. They’re an offensive team. You know, we watch college hockey and we’re aware of what’s happening. They beat good teams this year. So obviously we’re coming prepared.
 
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com
What are you looking to do differently against Lindenwood than what you did against Augustana?
 
Maxime Pellerin, Junior Forward
I think playing our game and trying to install our pace of play, dictate the game, and be more in control.
 
Jordan McAlpine
You guys got a lot of new faces this year. Having an early season road trip like this, how much can that help the chemistry and kind of bond between you guys getting on the road?
 
Maxime Pellerin, Junior Forward
Oh, it for sure helps. I mean, we’ve been here for training camp. I don’t even feel like they’re new faces anymore. You know, we’ve been hanging out together a lot and getting to know each other, on and off the ice. Yeah, and it was just fun too to see the guys contribute early on this season. I think of Maël, Dejs (Vincent Desjardins), obviously other guys these guys scored, yeah.
 
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com
Building on that, what is something about this group of guys that fans may not know — that you want them to know?
 
Maxime Pellerin, Junior Forward
Excuse me, can you repeat that?
 
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com
Yeah, so building on what you were talking about, the cohesion that you guys have, what are some things — maybe one thing — that the fans should know about this group of guys?
 
Maxime Pellerin, Junior Forward
I think we put in the work every day. It’s pretty cliché, but we’ve been doing that for two months and I really think our intentions — and our intensity — has been there throughout those two months. So we’re really looking to convert (that) to on the ice during games now.
 
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com
You were captain of your hometown team in Victoriaville, and now you’re (an) assistant captain here at Omaha. What did that experience in Victoriaville, teach you — that is bringing that — that is giving you that opportunity to provide that same kind of leadership?
 
Maxime Pellerin, Junior Forward
Oh, it taught me a lot of stuff, meaning managing guys and just knowing your role. Also on a team, when you wear a letter, guys look up to you — and also being sometimes just a big brother for the guys and trying to read who needs — who sometimes need help, who sometimes don’t. I mean, yeah, back from Victoriaville, has taught me a lot and just kind of building off that. 
 
I mean, here we have a lot of guys who wore letters in the past that are either captain or A’s (assistant). So it obviously makes our job as a leader easier because everyone kind of leads their own way, vocal or not, by example or not. So obviously makes our job easier, yeah.
 
Jordan McAlpine
Max, you saw Maël in the Q (QMJHL). Where he’s at now, how much has his game grown over the years?
 
Maxime Pellerin, Junior Forward
It’s funny because Maël got traded at 17 years old to where I play. So I think his game has gone up ever since. Always intriguing player, but I think he’s super smart, kind of always in the right spot, and also likes to play a physical game and get under (an) opponent’s skin. So it’s always nice when you got that type of guy on your team, I feel like, yeah. 
 
Thank you guys.