Series Preview: Omaha at No. 15 Augustana, Oct. 15 & 17, 2026

By Bridget (Weide) Brooks

Omaha Hockey opens the 2026-27 regular season with a home-and-home series against No. 15/17 Augustana University. The Mavericks travel to Sioux Falls, S.D., for Thursday night's opener at Midco Arena before returning to Baxter Arena on Saturday for their home opener and Military Appreciation Night.

Omaha enters the season receiving votes in the latest USCHO national poll after winning both exhibition games, defeating Air Force 4-1 and Manitoba 9-2. 

Augustana is already two games into its regular season, carrying a 1-0-1 record after an impressive opening weekend against nationally ranked Minnesota Duluth.

The Mavericks and Vikings have met six times since Augustana launched its Division I hockey program in 2023-24, with the all-time series tied 3-3. The teams split their December 2025 series in Sioux Falls, with Augustana winning 7-4 on Friday before Omaha responded with a 4-1 victory on Saturday.

Omaha enters its 10th season under head coach Mike Gabinet with a significantly different roster from the one that finished 12-24-0 last season. The Mavericks have 14 returning players and 11 newcomers, including several with experience in major junior hockey and professional leagues.

The Mavericks scored 13 goals in their two exhibition victories, with 10 different players finding the back of the net. Their nine-goal performance against Manitoba came within two goals of the program's single-game record of 11, set against Miami during the 2017-18 season.

Among the returning offensive leaders is junior forward Maxime Pellerin, who led Omaha with 23 points (10 goals, 13 assists) last season. Sophomore forward Luke Woodworth finished second with 21 points (4 goals, 17 assists), while Trevor Wong contributed 20 points (5 goals, 15 assists).

Omaha also has a new leadership group, headed by junior defenseman Marc Lajoie, the program’s 28th Menke Family Captain. Woodworth, Pellerin, and junior forward Myles Hilman serve as assistant captains.

The Mavericks have added experience and size on defense, including North Dakota transfer Jayden Jubenvill and Parker Berge, who spent three seasons playing professionally in the ECHL. Carter Sotheran, a 2023 Philadelphia Flyers draft pick, also joins the blue line after recording 35 points in 30 games with Edmonton last season.

In goal, sophomore Dawson Cowan and freshman William Lacelle each saw action in both exhibition games. Cowan appeared in 12 games last season, posting a 4-8-0 record, a 3.21 goals-against average, and a .901 save percentage.

Gabinet has not announced his starting goaltender for Thursday's season opener.

Scouting the Vikings
Augustana enters the weekend ranked No. 15 (USCHO) and No. 17 (USA Hockey) nationally after an impressive start to its fourth season of Division I hockey.

The Vikings opened the regular season at home against then-No. 5 Minnesota Duluth, earning a 4-3 overtime victory on Friday before skating to a 1-1 tie on Saturday. Augustana also won the shootout following Saturday's tie.

Brett Meerman scored the overtime winner in Friday's victory, which Augustana described as the highest-ranked win in program history.

The Vikings also collected two CCHA weekly honors following the series. Defenseman Landon Fandel was named CCHA Defenseman of the Week, while goaltender Mathis Langevin earned CCHA Goaltender of the Week recognition.

Augustana is led by head coach Garrett Raboin, who is beginning his fourth season with the program. The Vikings have established themselves as a competitive opponent despite being one of the newest programs in Division I hockey.

The Vikings will look to build on their successful opening weekend when they face Omaha.

From the Locker Room
At Tuesday's weekly media availability, Gabinet said the two exhibition games gave his coaching staff an opportunity to evaluate the roster and begin establishing the team's identity.

One of the challenges heading into the season opener is deciding who will be in the lineup.

“It’s a good problem to have,” Gabinet said. “We’ve got some great depth here, we’ve got a lot of really good players, and it’s great when there’s tough decisions to make.”

That includes the goaltending position. Both Cowan and Lacelle started one exhibition game and entered the other midway through.

“Both did well,” Gabinet said. “I think even you can tell the players’ confidence level in both those guys is extremely high, and they’ve both earned that.”

Asked about Augustana, Gabinet pointed to the Vikings’ speed and ability to move the puck.

“They break out the puck very well, they transition very well, they’re a fast team,” he said. “You can tell they’ve played together before, and they’re building off some of that success they had last season.”

Lajoie said the Mavericks have developed chemistry over the past two months, particularly with the newcomers fitting into the group.

He also doesn’t expect the unusual Thursday-Saturday home-and-home format to present much of a challenge, noting that many of Omaha’s players have experience with frequent travel and changing venues from their junior hockey careers.

Lajoie also believes the team’s additional experience will make a difference this season. He pointed to the number of players who already understand what it takes to compete in NCHC and NCAA hockey, something he felt last year’s team lacked.

As for what Omaha needs to do to have a successful opening weekend, Lajoie emphasized playing to the team's strengths.

“Just be ultra-competitive, play fast, play to our strength,” Lajoie said.

Interesting Tidbits

• The Mavericks scored 13 goals in their two exhibition games, with 10 different goal scorers.
• Augustana’s 4-3 overtime victory over then-No. 5 Minnesota Duluth was the highest-ranked win in Vikings program history.
• Omaha is 6-3-1 in its last 10 season openers and has won its last three.
• Omaha’s last victory over a ranked opponent on the road came when Omaha defeated then-No. 3 Western Michigan 4-1 on Jan. 23, 2026.
• Saturday marks Omaha’s first regular-season home game of 2026-27 and its annual Military Appreciation Night, presented in partnership with WoodmenLife.

Watch the Press Conference:

For Fans Attending the Game in Person

Puck drop is at 6 p.m. CT. Doors open at 4:30 p.m.

The west lot outside Baxter Arena, Lot 25, is open to donors and single-game pass holders only, and a parking pass is required. Lot 27, north of the arena, and Lot 26, west of the arena across the creek, offer free parking on a first-come, first-served basis. Omaha Athletics is also encouraging fans to use the public parking garages in Aksarben Village.

Fans should arrive early, especially if entering through 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.

The clear bag policy remains in effect at Baxter Arena, metal detectors are in place at all entrances, and concession stands are card-only.

Game Information

When:
Thursday, Oct. 15 – 7:07 p.m. CT at Midco Arena (Sioux Falls, SD)
Saturday, Oct. 17 – 6 p.m. CT at Baxter Arena (Omaha, NE)

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

TV/Streaming:
Thursday: Midco Sports Plus ($)

Saturday: NCHC.tv ($)

Live Stats:
Thursday: Augustana Live Stats
Saturday: Omaha Live Stats

Tickets:
Thursday: Augustana Tickets
Saturday: Omaha Tickets

Watch Episode 4 of Season 9 of the MavPuckCast

On this episode of the MavPuckCast, Jon and Jason look at the University of Nebraska at Omaha Maverick Hockey team’s exhibitions against Air Force and Manitoba to start the season using their new “3 Takeaways of the Week” format. They make their picks for Player of the Week. They look at some of the rule changes the NCAA has implemented for the 2026-27 men’s ice hockey season. They conclude the episode with their preview and predictions for Omaha Hockey’s upcoming home-and-home series against Augustana.

Up Next
Following the Augustana series, Omaha heads to St. Charles, Mo., for a two-game non-conference series against Lindenwood on Friday, Oct. 23, and Saturday, Oct. 24. Both games are scheduled for 7 p.m. CT.

Omaha Scores Six in Second Period, Tops Manitoba 9-2 in Exhibition

By Bridget (Weide) Brooks

Omaha Hockey closed out its exhibition schedule with a 9-2 win over Manitoba Wednesday night at Baxter Arena, scoring six goals in the second period to pull away from the Bisons.

Cameron Briere, Brett Hyland, and Spencer Sova each scored twice for the Mavericks, while Sean Tschigerl, Carter Sotheran, and Marcus Nguyen added goals.

After a scoreless first period, Briere opened the scoring at 2:31 of the second period, with freshman Maël Lavigne picking up the assist.

Omaha extended its lead with two shorthanded goals. Tschigerl made it 2-0 at 3:44 off an assist from Myles Hilman, and Hyland scored at 9:57, assisted by Nguyen, to give the Mavericks a 3-0 advantage.

Manitoba got on the board at 10:31 when Dawson Pasternak scored on the power play, with Kaycee Coyle earning the assist.

The Mavericks responded with three goals in just over five minutes.

Sova scored at 12:38 off an assist from Briere. Sotheran followed with an unassisted goal at 14:32, and Nguyen made it 6-1 at 15:36, with Sova picking up the assist.

Briere scored his second goal of the night at 7:42 of the third period, again assisted by Lavigne. Hyland added his second at 13:40, with assists from Nguyen and Jayden Jubenvill.

Manitoba's Tanner Willick scored an unassisted goal at 14:44 to make it 8-2, but Sova capped the scoring at 16:23 off an assist from Trevor Wong.

Freshman William Lacelle started in goal for Omaha and held Manitoba scoreless before Dawson Cowan took over at 9:57 of the second period.

The Mavericks open the regular season with a home-and-home series against Augustana. Omaha travels to Sioux Falls on Thursday, Oct. 15, for a 7:07 p.m. puck drop before hosting the Vikings at Baxter Arena on Saturday, Oct. 17, at 6 p.m.

Game Preview: Omaha vs. Manitoba (Exhibition), Oct. 7, 2026

By Bridget (Weide) Brooks

Omaha Hockey gets one more chance to experiment before the games start counting when the Mavericks host the University of Manitoba in a Wednesday night exhibition at Baxter Arena.

Omaha is coming off a 4-1 exhibition win at Air Force on Friday, a game that gave the Mavericks more than just a victory. They played with the physicality and intensity head coach Mike Gabinet wanted to see, used both Dawson Cowan and William Lacelle in goal, faced a six-on-five situation late in the game, and even played a prearranged three-on-three overtime after regulation.

Now, Gabinet gets another opportunity to evaluate his team before the regular season begins Oct. 15 at Augustana.

“It’s nice to get a chance to play and play real competition there, and get a chance for guys to get experience, and for us to evaluate a little bit too as coaches,” Gabinet said Monday. “So I really like the idea of back-to-back exhibition games before we get started.”

Building on the Air Force Win
Four different Mavericks scored Friday, with Myles Hilman, Joel Plante, Luke Woodworth, and Parker Berge finding the net. (The OMavs recap gave credit to Marcus Nguyen, but the official scoresheet credited Berge.)

Cowan started and stopped 14 shots before Lacelle took over midway through the second period. The freshman stopped all 16 shots he faced as the two combined for 30 saves. 

Gabinet was especially pleased with the way Omaha played without the puck.

“I thought we played hard. I thought we were physical. I thought we tracked well. I thought we checked hard,” Gabinet said. “Some of those identity pieces that we talked about before the weekend being really important for us.” 

Hilman, who scored Omaha’s first goal on Friday, said getting into an actual game also showed the Mavericks something practice couldn’t.

“It’s just another level of speed,” Hilman said. “You can practice as hard as you want, but games are a completely different thing.”

He said getting those “game legs” back was one of the biggest benefits of the trip to Air Force. 

One More Chance to Experiment
With less than two weeks between the start of official practice and the regular-season opener, the Mavericks have used the two exhibitions as an extension of their preseason preparation.

Special teams were a priority in practice Monday after Omaha had only one power-play opportunity against Air Force.

“We did quite a bit of special teams today,” Gabinet said. “We only had one power play against Air Force, so (we) worked on that a little bit more today.”

The Mavericks will also continue experimenting with line combinations. Omaha dressed everyone available at Air Force, and Gabinet said the Mavericks will have 14 forwards against Manitoba following an injury to freshman Aiden Oiring.

“The lines will jump around a little bit there,” Gabinet said. “But definitely trying to look at some combinations here and get a feel for some chemistry and take it from there.”

Manitoba Gets Another NCHC Test
Manitoba comes to Omaha after facing No. 4 North Dakota in an exhibition Sunday afternoon in Grand Forks.

The Bisons lost 5-1 as North Dakota held a 56-9 advantage in shots. Manitoba was held without a shot in the first period before Grady Lane scored a power-play goal early in the second to cut UND’s lead to 2-1.

North Dakota scored the final three goals for the 5-1 victory.

Manitoba is coached by Gordon Burnett, who is beginning his fourth season with the Bisons. Omaha’s game notes list both teams at 0-0-0 entering Wednesday because the exhibition results do not count toward their regular-season records. 

For Omaha, the result Wednesday matters less than what the Mavericks learn from it.

“Anytime you get this experience before it starts counting for real, it’s really valuable,” Gabinet said. 

Watch Bridget’s Interviews with Coach Mike Gabinet and Myles Hilman:

For Fans Attending the Game in Person

Puck drop is at 6:30 p.m. CT. Doors open at 5 p.m.

The west lot outside Baxter Arena, Lot 25, is open to donors and single-game pass holders only, and a parking pass is required. Lot 27, north of the arena, and Lot 26, west of the arena across the creek, offer free parking on a first-come, first-served basis. Omaha Athletics is also encouraging fans to use the public parking garages in Aksarben Village.

Fans should arrive early, especially if entering through 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.

The clear bag policy remains in effect at Baxter Arena, metal detectors are in place at all entrances, and concession stands are card-only.

More info: What to Know Before an Omaha Hockey Game at Baxter Arena

Game Information

When:
Wednesday, Oct. 7, 6:30 p.m. CT at Baxter Arena in Omaha

Doors Open:
5 p.m.

TV/Stream:
NCHC.tv ($)

Listen:
Varsity Network App Mike Vaillancourt will have the play-by-play with Terry Leahy providing color commentary. 

Live Stats:
StatBroadcast

Tickets:
Ticketmaster

MEET THE NEW MAVS: NEW MAVERICKS ROUNDUP

Read our profiles of all 11 new players to join the Omaha Mavericks Hockey program for the 2026-27 season!

> New Mavericks Roundup - 2026-27 Edition 

There are TWO new episodes of the MavPuckCast this week in advance of the two exhibitions to start the season!

On this episode of the MavPuckCast, Jon and Jason talk about some of the new University of Nebraska at Omaha Hockey players joining the Mavericks for the 2026-27 season. They take an in-depth look at all 10 National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) teams this season and make their preseason predictions in the race for the Penrose Cup. They conclude the episode with their “best guess” regarding which NCAA ice hockey team will win the national championship this season.

On this episode of the MavPuckCast, Bridget talks with University of Nebraska at Omaha Director of Spirit, Tradition, and Signature Events Bill Pickett. Pickett discusses the origins of UNO’s Office of Spirit and Tradition, building a student presence at the university’s athletic events, organizing and fundraising for student trips to road games, Durango Days, De-Stress Fest, and other events to keep the student population engaged.  

Support Spirit & Tradition’s 100th trip with a donation:
Wear Black, Give Back 

Next Up

Omaha opens the regular season next week with a home-and-home series against Augustana. The Mavericks travel to Sioux Falls on Thursday, Oct. 15, for a 7:07 p.m. puck drop before hosting the Vikings at Baxter Arena on Saturday, Oct. 17, at 6 p.m.

Omaha Tops Air Force 4-1 in Exhibition

Joel Plante (27) celebrates with his teammates after scoring to give Omaha a 2-1 lead in the second period against Air Force. Cameron Briere (9) and Maël Lavigne (39) assisted on the goal.

Photo credit: Omaha Hockey

 

By Bridget (Weide) Brooks

Omaha Hockey opened the 2026-27 season with a 4-1 exhibition win over Air Force Friday night at Cadet Ice Arena in Colorado Springs.

Myles Hilman, Joel Plante, Luke Woodworth, and newcomer Parker Berge scored for the Mavericks, while Dawson Cowan and freshman William Lacelle combined for 30 saves. Air Force outshot Omaha 31-27.

Hilman gave Omaha a 1-0 lead at 6:56 of the first period, batting the puck out of midair off an assist from freshman Gavin Hodnett.

Air Force answered just over two minutes later. Cole Christian scored on the power play at 8:57, with assists from Nick Sajevic and Nolan Cunningham, to tie the game at 1-1. 

Omaha took control with two goals in the second period.

Plante put the Mavericks back in front at 9:52, scoring off assists from Cameron Briere and freshman Maël Lavigne. Woodworth made it 3-1 less than three minutes later at 12:29, with Maxime Pellerin picking up the assist.

As planned, Omaha changed goaltenders midway through the second period. Cowan left at the 10:30 mark after allowing one goal on 15 shots. Lacelle stopped all 16 shots he faced over the final 29:30 in his first appearance in a Maverick uniform. 

Air Force pressed in the third period, but Lacelle kept the Falcons off the scoreboard. Omaha also killed off an early Air Force power play and blocked 11 shots in the period. 

The Falcons pulled goaltender Dominik Wasik with 3:19 remaining, but Berge sealed the win with an empty-net goal from deep in Omaha’s end at 18:55. The goal was Berge’s first in a Maverick uniform. 

Because it was an exhibition, the teams also agreed to play a 3-on-3 sudden-death overtime period after regulation, with Spencer Sova scoring to end the extra session.

Air Force finished with a 31-27 advantage in shots. The Falcons went 1-for-4 on the power play, while Omaha was 0-for-1. The Mavericks blocked 17 shots and won 34 of 66 faceoffs. 

Omaha returns home for its second and final exhibition game Wednesday, Oct. 7, against Manitoba. Puck drop is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Baxter Arena.

Line Chart – Friday, Oct. 2, 2026 – Omaha at Air Force (Exhibition)

Friday, Oct. 2, 2026

Omaha at Air Force at Cadet Arena (Colorado Springs, CO)

Final: 4-1 Omaha

Scoring for Omaha:

Myles Hilman

Joel Plante

Luke Woodworth

Parker Berge (empty net)

Game Preview: Omaha at Air Force (Exhibition), Oct. 2, 2026

By Bridget (Weide) Brooks

Omaha Hockey gets its first chance to see its new-look roster in game action Friday night when the Mavericks travel to Colorado Springs for an exhibition against Air Force.

With 11 newcomers joining 14 returning players, head coach Mike Gabinet said Wednesday that his first priority isn’t necessarily systems. He wants to see how the Mavericks play.

“What’s our compete level? What’s our response? How’s our intensity and urgency around the ice?” Gabinet said. “First and foremost, let’s establish those norms.”

Gabinet said the Mavericks will also look at their structure and identify areas that need more work in practice, but establishing the team’s identity comes first.

The exhibition will also provide the first look at Omaha’s goaltending combination. Sophomore Dawson Cowan will start and play the first 30 minutes before freshman William Lacelle takes over for the second half.

Cowan returns to Colorado Springs, where he earned his first win as a Maverick last season against Colorado College. He appeared in 12 games as a freshman, finishing 4-8 with a .901 save percentage and 3.21 goals-against average.

Cowan said the biggest difference entering his second season is experience.

“You know what to expect,” Cowan said. “I think in my game itself, (I) just matured more in the details and habits and consistency.”

Cowan said he spent the summer getting stronger and working on the technical side of his game, including his edge work, positioning, and simplifying his game.

A First Look at the New Mavericks
Omaha’s 11 newcomers include five forwards, five defensemen, and Lacelle in goal. The group brings considerable junior, collegiate, and professional experience.

Three incoming forwards — Aiden Oiring, Logan Wormald, and Vincent Desjardins — surpassed 200 points during their junior careers. The Mavericks also added North Dakota transfer Jayden Jubenvill and former ECHL defenseman Parker Berge on the blue line. Carter Sotheran, a fifth-round selection of the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2023 NHL Draft, joins Omaha after recording 35 points in 30 games with Edmonton last season. 

Gabinet said he likes what he has seen from the newcomers in practice, but Friday will provide a different challenge.

“You can practice as much as you want, but the game’s just a little bit different level of physicality, especially against a team like Air Force,” Gabinet said.

He said the exhibition will give the coaching staff a chance to see how the newcomers respond to adversity and the speed of game action. 

Air Force has plenty of new faces, too. The Falcons welcomed 11 freshmen in their Class of 2030, including forward Christian Kim, who recorded 60 points in 52 games with the BCHL’s Trail Smoke Eaters last season, and goaltender Jack Solomon, the 2026 NAHL Goaltender of the Year. 

A Strong Test for Omaha

The Falcons are coming off their first winning season since 2018-19, finishing 18-15-4 and going 8-4-2 over their final 14 games. Air Force led Atlantic Hockey America and ranked sixth nationally with 34.1 shots per game. Four of the Falcons’ six 20-point scorers from last season return.

Goaltender Dominik Wasik returns after starting Air Force’s final 32 games last season. He finished with a 2.47 goals-against average, four shutouts, and 17 victories while earning third-team All-AHA honors. Junior defenseman Nolan Cunningham, who had 20 points last season, also earned third-team All-AHA honors.

For Cowan, that makes Air Force an ideal opponent for Omaha’s first game action.

“Air Force is a good team,” Cowan said. “I couldn’t think of a better exhibition game. We’re kind of just jumping in the water. We can’t dip our toes.”

Serratore Begins Final Season Against Omaha

Friday’s exhibition also carries some history for the two programs — and for Air Force head coach Frank Serratore, who announced this week that he will retire following the 2026-27 season.

Serratore is beginning his 30th season at Air Force and has a school-record 490 victories with the Falcons. His 539 career NCAA Division I wins are second among active NCAA coaches. Associate head coach Joe Doyle has already been named Serratore’s successor beginning in 2027-28.

Serratore’s first series as Air Force’s head coach came against Omaha during the Mavericks’ inaugural 1997-98 season. Friday marks Omaha’s first trip back to Air Force since that weekend.

“What a career, right?” Gabinet said. “To coach that long and to be at the level he’s been at for that long is pretty awesome.”

Gabinet said he is looking forward to congratulating Serratore and wishing him well in his final season.

That first Omaha-Air Force series provided one of the most memorable stories in Maverick Hockey history. Air Force won the opener 4-2 before a snowstorm that dropped more than three feet of snow in northern Colorado Springs delayed the second game until Sunday. Omaha won the rescheduled game 6-1 for the program’s first Division I victory.

The teams met again in Omaha in 1999 before Air Force returned in October 2015 for the first two games played at Baxter Arena. Omaha swept that series 4-2 and 4-1.

Omaha leads the regular-season series 5-1 and has won the last five meetings.

The Mavericks and Falcons also met in an exhibition last October at Baxter Arena. Omaha built a 2-0 lead before Air Force scored twice in the third period to force overtime. Joel Plante scored the game-winner to give Omaha a 3-2 victory.

Leading the Mavericks

Junior defenseman Marc Lajoie will serve as Omaha’s captain this season, with sophomore forward Luke Woodworth and junior forwards Maxime Pellerin and Myles Hilman serving as assistant captains.

Pellerin led Omaha with 23 points last season, while Woodworth finished second with 21. Lajoie played all 36 games, scoring six goals with seven assists while leading the Mavericks with 36 blocked shots. 

Watch Bridget’s interviews with goaltender Dawson Cowan and Omaha Hockey Head Coach Mike Gabinet:  

MEET THE NEW MAVS: NEW MAVERICKS ROUNDUP

Read our profiles of all 11 new players to join the Omaha Mavericks Hockey program for the 2026-27 season!

> New Mavericks Roundup - 2026-27 Edition 

When:
Friday, Oct. 2, 8:05 p.m. CT (7:05 p.m. MT) at Cadet Ice Arena in Colorado Springs, Colorado

Stream:
FloHockey ($)

Radio:
Varsity Network
Mike Vaillancourt will have the play-by-play with Terry Leahy providing color commentary. 

Live Stats:
StatBroadcast

There are TWO new episodes of the MavPuckCast this week in advance of the two exhibitions to start the season!

On this episode of the MavPuckCast, Jon and Jason talk about some of the new University of Nebraska at Omaha Hockey players joining the Mavericks for the 2026-27 season. They take an in-depth look at all 10 National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) teams this season and make their preseason predictions in the race for the Penrose Cup. They conclude the episode with their “best guess” regarding which NCAA ice hockey team will win the national championship this season.

On this episode of the MavPuckCast, Bridget talks with University of Nebraska at Omaha Director of Spirit, Tradition, and Signature Events Bill Pickett. Pickett discusses the origins of UNO’s Office of Spirit and Tradition, building a student presence at the university’s athletic events, organizing and fundraising for student trips to road games, Durango Days, De-Stress Fest, and other events to keep the student population engaged.  

Support Spirit & Tradition’s 100th trip with a donation:
Wear Black, Give Back 

Next Up

Omaha returns to Baxter Arena for another exhibition Wednesday, Oct. 7, against Manitoba. Puck drop is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

The Mavericks begin the regular season Oct. 15 at Augustana before hosting the Vikings at Baxter Arena on Oct. 17. 

NCHC Media Days 2026 Insights (Day 2)

NCHC Associate Commissioner Michael Weisman 

moderated the Media Day sessions on Zoom.

By Bridget (Weide) Brooks

The National Collegiate Hockey Conference wrapped up its annual Media Day Wednesday, Sept. 23, with six more teams looking ahead to the 2026-27 season.

Day 2 featured Miami, Western Michigan, North Dakota, Colorado College, Arizona State, and Denver. 

Our recap of Day 1, featuring Minnesota Duluth, St. Thomas, St. Cloud State, and Omaha, is here:
NCHC Media Days 2026 Insights (Day 1) 

Miami Builds on Last Year’s Turnaround
Miami enters Anthony Noreen’s third season with something it didn’t have a year ago: continuity.

The RedHawks return 16 players from last season’s 18-16-2 team, including nine of their top 12 scorers and goaltender Matteo Drobac. Noreen said that experience has allowed Miami to build on what it established last season instead of essentially starting over.

“I just think it’s really clear what this program is about,” Noreen said. “And I think last year we were still building that, and you’re always building it. But now we’ve really got a group of returners that we trust.”

Noreen said the goal is for Miami to become a player-led program, with the returners helping establish the standards for the RedHawks’ 11 newcomers.

Senior captain Doug Grimes described Miami’s identity as one built around work ethic and a desire to improve.

“Every single guy in the room is a hard worker,” Grimes said. “The work ethic in our room is off the charts.”

Miami was picked fifth in the NCHC preseason media poll after posting its first winning season since 2014-15, but Noreen made it clear the RedHawks aren’t satisfied with last year’s improvement.

“There’s not a single person that’s satisfied or happy with the way things went last year,” Noreen said. “Like, not even close.”

“We see it as we need to be better,” he added. “Like, we need to be way better.”

The RedHawks will open NCHC play Oct. 30-31 against new conference member St. Thomas, bringing former Miami head coach Rico Blasi back to Oxford.

“He should be honored. He deserves to be honored,” Noreen said, pointing to Blasi’s role in building Miami’s hockey tradition and program.

Once the game begins, however, Noreen said the focus will be on the players on the ice.

“And that’s what it should be about.”

Western Michigan Embraces Change in Final Season at Lawson

Western Michigan enters the 2026-27 season with 11 newcomers, but head coach Pat Ferschweiler sees the changing college hockey landscape — particularly the addition of players from the Canadian Hockey League — as an opportunity.

“I think college hockey will never be better than it is in the next several years,” Ferschweiler said. “I think almost every other player will come through college hockey at some point.”

The Broncos have taken advantage of the expanded talent pool, adding four transfers and seven freshmen to a team that went 27-11-1 last season and advanced to the NCAA regional final.

There are some familiar faces returning, too. Ferschweiler said defenseman Joona Väisänen, who suffered a season-ending knee injury early last season, is back at 100 percent after spending the summer training in Finland.

“He looks as good as he did the day he went down last year,” Ferschweiler said.

Cole Crusberg-Roseen, who suffered a similar injury, is about six weeks behind Väisänen in his recovery. Ferschweiler said the Broncos hope he will be ready for the start of the season, but aren’t certain yet. 

Western also has a new option in goal in Denver transfer Quentin Miller. 

Ferschweiler said the 6-foot-4 Montreal Canadiens draft pick has made a positive early impression.

“He’s got a real presence about him,” Ferschweiler said. “Seems to be a great, great teammate, and just comes to work every day.”

This season will also mark the end of an era for Western Michigan, which will play its final season at Lawson Arena before moving into the new Kalamazoo Event Center in fall 2027.

Ferschweiler played at Western Michigan himself and said “a piece of my heart” will always remain at Lawson. He compared the transition to his time with the Detroit Red Wings, when the team played its final season at Joe Louis Arena before moving to Little Caesars Arena.

“We are going to enjoy every second of the last season of Lawson Arena, for sure,” he said. 

The Broncos will also take hockey outside this season, hosting Michigan at Waldo Stadium on Jan. 30. For senior forward Zaccharya Wisdom, the game brings things full circle: he started skating on an outdoor rink behind his school as a kid.

What is he looking forward to most?

“Beating them, obviously,” Wisdom said.

He also called the chance to play Michigan outdoors at Waldo “such a privilege.”

Ferschweiler credited Michigan and head coach Brandon Naurato for agreeing to the game during what otherwise would have been a bye week for both teams.

“He just basically said yes, and then we’ll just make it work,” Ferschweiler said. 

North Dakota Looks to Build on Frozen Four Season 

In his first year as head coach, Dane Jackson led North Dakota to 29 wins, a Penrose Cup, and the program’s first Frozen Four appearance in 10 years.

Now, the challenge is doing it again.

Jackson said the Fighting Hawks aren’t looking to change the approach that worked last season. Instead, they’re focused on the same day-to-day preparation that helped last year’s team, with 15 newcomers, come together faster than he expected.

“We really had an approach where every practice was important and led to good performance in our game,” Jackson said. “So I really want to kind of not have any complacency and just really stick with that mentality.”

Jackson said one of the lessons from last season was the importance of bringing the right people into the program. It’s an approach he traces back to former North Dakota coach Gino Gasparini, who coached Jackson during his playing career.

“You start with the player and the kind of the person, the character guy that he is,” Jackson said.

“I really felt last year we could become a good team by the end of the year,” Jackson said. “I was surprised by how we became a pretty good team early.”

One of those newcomers was Cole Reschny.

Reschny had 35 points (six goals, 29 assists) as a freshman and was named NCHC Rookie of the Year. This season, the sophomore will serve as North Dakota’s captain after being selected in a vote by his teammates.

He is the youngest captain by age in program history and only the third underclassman to wear the “C” for North Dakota.

“Honestly, it’s an honor,” Reschny said. “It’s a special feeling. You know, to know that they think that highly of me, it’s such an honor.”

Reschny is one of three North Dakota sophomores named to the NCHC Preseason All-Conference Team, along with defenseman Keaton Verhoeff and goaltender Jan Špunar.

“All the accolades are nice, but at the end of the day, it’s what we do on the ice as a team and what we can accomplish as a team,” Reschny said.

Špunar returns after winning NCHC Goaltender of the Year as a freshman, while newcomer Caleb Heil will compete with him in goal.

Jackson also talked about the influx of players from the Canadian Hockey League and how it has affected college hockey.

“I’m not sure the exact percentage, but I kind of said I think it’s one-third better, the level, than it was even just a few years ago,” Jackson said. “The depth, the high end, the overall competition is outstanding.”

“I don’t think college hockey has ever been higher.”

“We know the expectations are high,” Jackson said. “We’re trying to not just get by on the people before us, but really try to add to that tradition and continually kind of push and challenge to earn our spot near the top of college hockey.”

Arizona State Looks to Rebound With More Depth

Arizona State’s Media Day session took place under difficult circumstances, with sophomore defenseman Matthew Mayich hospitalized since Aug. 20 following a team activity.

Head coach Greg Powers opened the session by saying Mayich and his family remain at the forefront of the team’s thoughts as the Sun Devils prepare for the season. Powers said an ASU police investigation is ongoing and declined repeated questions about the Aug. 20 activity and accountability for what occurred.

Junior forward Ben Muthersbaugh, a transfer from Union and one of ASU’s alternate captains, said the players have grown closer through the experience.

“We still have a season to play for, and we’re playing for him,” Muthersbaugh said. “It’s always bigger than hockey.”

On the ice, Arizona State enters its third NCHC season looking to rebound after winning seven conference games last year. Powers said the experience reinforced the need for more depth, balance, and stronger defensive play.

“You have to be deep. You have to be balanced. You have to be very committed to the defensive side of the puck,” Powers said. “You’ve got to keep the puck out of your net, and we didn’t do a really good job with that last year.”

Powers said increased size and depth at center were priorities in building this year’s roster. He also praised ASU’s transfer additions and said the team’s freshman class may be getting overlooked.

Denver’s Goal Is Another National Championship

Denver enters the season as the defending national champion and the preseason favorite in both the NCHC and national polls, but head coach David Carle made it clear there is only one trophy the Pioneers are focused on.

“I don’t really care about any trophies other than national championship,” Carle said. “And neither does our program.”

Carle said the other championships are opportunities to learn and grow toward the ultimate goal of playing on the final weekend of the season.

“Everybody’s back at base camp,” he said. “It’s a new climb. It’s a new challenge. Everybody’s back to square one.”

Senior forward Kieran Cebrian was named Denver’s captain shortly before the Media Day session. The Denver native has already won two national championships with the Pioneers and spent three seasons with the Tri-City Storm in Kearney, Neb., before returning home for college.

“My time in Kearney was amazing,” Cebrian said. “I had a great billet family who has helped me grow into who I am today.”

Denver has also made changes off the ice. The Pioneers added Amanda Kremer as chief of staff and former Omaha Lancer Angelo Ricci as director of skill development, while Tavis MacMillan has been named general manager. Carle said college hockey’s changing landscape requires programs and their staffs to adapt.

Carle also pointed to two areas where he believes college hockey itself needs to change. He said recruiting timelines have shifted because of the new CHL eligibility rules and that the recruiting calendar needs to “modernize.” He also supports expanding the number of games teams can play, saying Denver tries to play as many games as possible because players prefer games to practices.

On the ice, Denver welcomes eight NHL-drafted newcomers, including two first-round picks and two second-round picks. Carle said Denver had only five first-round picks in program history before this summer and has never previously had two on the same team.