After getting a split on the road versus Minnesota Duluth last weekend (Friday loss, overtime win Saturday), Omaha returns to Baxter Arena for the final home series of 2023.
They will be facing a white-hot St. Cloud State University (SCSU) squad that is 6-0 in the NCHC. (Omaha is 3-3-0 in conference play.) SCSU is ranked no. 15 nationally, while Omaha has fallen out of the top 20, but received votes.
Omaha is 9-4-1 overall, while SCSU is 8-5-1. The Huskies are 28-16-2 all-time against the Mavericks.
Coach Gabinet said the team is looking forward to a good quality opponent in SCSU. “The guys are excited to keep playing well. You want to give your best effort. It’s important to stay focused,” Gabinet said.
SCSU has swept Miami, Western Michigan, and Minnesota Duluth so far this year.
Gabinet said the SCSU team is a “quick, high skilled, high energy team that plays with a lot of structure.” He noted they play “lots of clean, hard hockey” and said the Mavs need to make sure “we are playing our style.”
Gabinet said the team benefited in Duluth from the play of sophomore goaltender Simon Latkoczy.
“I like Simon’s mindset. He’s not afraid of big moments,” Gabinet said.
Latkoczy said he does a lot to prepare for games. “My preparation started in August,” Latkoczy said. “I do things every day and every night. Eight to 10 p.m. is kind of my time. I do some meditation. I work on my confidence — on the visualization. I see every game happen five times before it actually happens. I’m prepared for every possible outcome that can happen in a game.”
Gabinet noted that forwards Matt Miller and Zach Urdahl are not likely for this weekend’s games.
For Fans Attending the Games in Person:
The west lot outside Baxter, Lot 25, is now open to donors only and parking passes are required to park in that lot. The north lot, Lot 27, offers free parking on a first-come, first-served basis, as is Lot 26 (west of the arena, across the creek).
Fans should arrive early to avoid crowds, especially at the west entrance. Have digital tickets ready to scan in the Omaha Mavericks app (or add them from your MyMavs account to your phone’s wallet app). If you have questions, stop by the box office at Baxter Arena before the game or call 402-554-MAVS.
The clear bag policy remains in effect at Baxter Arena, and metal detectors are now at all entrances. All concession stands are card only (no cash).
Theme Nights:
Saturday night is the Sheila Leahy Toys for Tots collection. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate or donate cash in person or online.
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