2024-25 Omaha Hockey Roster

The 2024-25 roster is out! Soooo many new names and faces this season! Stay tuned for more player profiles!

Here are a few we’ve already done:

Aiden Gallacher 

Dylan Gratton 

Sam Stange 

Harrison Israels 

Brady Risk 

𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻 ➡️ 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗮 – Austin Rush Leaving Omaha Hockey Program

Austin Rush

Austin Rush, Assistant Athletic Director - Communications (HKY, TF/XC, MTEN), announced on July 16 that he has accepted a new position in the American Hockey League and will be leaving his job at UNO. His last day with the hockey program will be Friday, July 19.

Assistant Director of Communications Anna Watson (WBB, SB, MSOC, SWIM & DIVE, WTEN) will be the new point of contact for the hockey program.

Rush joined the Mavericks in August of 2022 as an Assistant Director of Athletic Communications. He was promoted to Assistant Athletic Director – Communications in June of 2023.

Rush joined Omaha Hockey after working for a year with the Madison Capitols of the United States Hockey League as their Director of Media Relations. While with the Capitols, Rush was responsible for all social media and content creation, player and media relations, curation of the Capitols website and served as the play-by-play voice of the team.

Before joining the Capitols, he spent a year and a half as the Digital Media Coordinator for the National Collegiate Hockey Conference. Rush worked primarily in content creation and social media during his time with the NCHC.

One of his highlights from his time at the NCHC is when he joined them in Omaha for the NCHC Pod in December of 2020. While in the Pod, he helped create highlight packages from all 39 games, had a hand in running social channels for behind-the-scenes content, took over the ncaaicehockey Instagram for a day and helped get players and coaches to their TV and media responsibilities.

A four-year graduate of the University of Minnesota Duluth in 2019. Rush credits his start to working in sports information to his time at UMD. The Plymouth, Minnesota native worked for the UMD Sports Information Department where he directly worked with the UMD men’s hockey team from his sophomore year until graduation.

Omaha Hockey 2024-25 Schedule Officially Released

We’ve been assembling the 2024-25 Omaha Hockey schedule since April 19, but the program released the official schedule today. (We had everything on it except the Dec. 29 home exhibition versus Manitoba, and the opponent — Wisconsin — for the Oct. 5 home exhibition). 

Here’s the official news release:

The Omaha Mavericks have unveiled their full schedule for the 2024-25 season. Omaha finished the 2023-24 campaign with a record of 23-13-4. They secured the program's second winningest season along with its fifth NCAA Tournament berth and first ever NCHC Frozen Faceoff appearance.

Like last season, the Mavericks will open October with an exhibition. The Wisconsin Badgers roll into Omaha on Oct. 5 for the first time since November of 2019. It will be a special night at Baxter Arena as Mike Kemp Ice will officially be unveiled and celebrated. Coach Kemp was a long-time assistant with the Badgers before becoming the head coach at UNO.

The Mavericks officially open the 2024-25 college hockey season at the 2024 Ice Breaker Tournament in Las Vegas, Nevada. Omaha draws Massachusetts in the opening game of the tournament on Oct. 11. They'll finish the weekend with either host team Minnesota or Air Force the following night. The Mavericks will return home to battle Augustana on Oct. 18-19 and will wrap up October on the road against Minnesota State on the 25-26. It will be the first time the two Maverick squads have played each other in the regular season since October of 2015.

Following their Minnesota State series, Omaha will break for a bye week before opening up NCHC play with Western Michigan, Nov. 7-8. The series will also mark the celebration of UNO's 2024 Homecoming weekend. Omaha gets their first look at Arizona State as an official member of the NCHC the following weekend in Tempe, Nov. 15-16. The Mavericks return home to play the RedHawks of Miami on Nov. 22-23. During the series finale on Saturday the 23rd, Omaha will host their annual Military Appreciation Night in partnership with WoodmenLife.

The Mavericks meet St. Cloud State on the road for their opening series of December. They'll battle the Huskies in St. Cloud, Minn. on Dec. 6-7. Omaha heads back to Baxter Arena the following weekend to take on Lindenwood for the first time in program history Dec. 13-14. Omaha will break for the holiday and return to action on Dec. 29 in a home exhibition against Manitoba. The final contest of 2024 against the Bison will serve as Season Ticket Holder Appreciation Night.

The Mavericks open the new year in Palm Springs for the inaugural Cactus Cup hosted by UMass Lowell. Omaha will face Holy Cross in the first game of the tournament before playing Lowell or Michigan Tech the next night. A highly anticipated series against Colorado College is next up for the Mavericks at home January 10-11. Omaha wraps up January on the road against Miami (Jan. 17-18) and St. Cloud State at Baxter Arena (Jan. 24-25).

The Mavericks will meet the defending national champion Denver Pioneers Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 in the Mile High City. They'll return to Baxter Arena to face the Bulldogs of Minnesota Duluth on Feb. 7-8 and then hop right back on the road against Western Michigan, Feb. 14-15.

Omaha's final home series of the regular season will be against Arizona State on Feb. 28 and March 1. The Friday night game of the ASU series will serve as the Leap-for-a-Cure night in partnership with Methodist. Lastly, they'll face a familiar foe in North Dakota for their regular season series finale in Grand Forks, March 7-8.

Transfer Profile (2024): Defenseman Aiden Gallacher (Northern Michigan ➡️ Omaha)

 

Senior Defenseman Aiden Gallacher

Former School: Northern Michigan (Wildcats)

Hometown: Rochester Hills, Michigan

Birthday: March 30, 2000

Height: 6' 1"

Weight: 190

Shoots: Right

@AidenGalla (Twitter)

Junior Hockey Career: 

• Led all Youngstown Phantoms (USHL) defensemen in goals (8), assists (17), and points (25) in 46 games played in 2019-20, including 13 points (3 goals, 10 assists) on the power play. He was also team captain in the 2019-20 season.
• Had 10 points (3 goals, 7 assists) and was +20 in 37 games with Youngstown in 2018-19.
• Recorded 10 points (1 goal, 9 assists) and a +5 rating in his first season in junior hockey with the Bismarck Bobcats of the NAHL in 2017-18.

College Hockey Career:

• Played his freshman and sophomore seasons with Michigan State, recording 1 goal and 3 assists. As a freshman (2020-2021), he appeared in all but one game and was an AHCA/Krampade Academic All-American Scholar. As a sophomore (2021-22), he had 1 goal, 1 assist, and 26 blocked shots in 32 games. He was Academic All-Big Ten and a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar.
• Transferred to Northern Michigan where he skated in all 38 games as a junior. Gallacher led the nation with 104 blocks that season (2022-23) and had 2 goals and 5 assists with a +6 plus/minus rating. He recorded one short-handed goal, one game-winning goal and one multi-goal game (2 goals against Bemidji state in January 2023).
• He was a co-captain for the Wildcats his senior season (2023-24), playing in all 34 games. He had 3 goals, 5 assists and led the team with 78 blocked shots. He scored his second career game-winning goal in a 3-1 win over Michigan Tech in December 2023. He was named to the CCHA Scholar-Athlete Team.

News articles:

– From Mike McMahon’s College Hockey Insider newsletter

A two-way defenseman with good offensive instincts … Possesses excellent on-ice awareness and vision … Has a quick shot release from the blue line … Uses his size and quick feet very well to defend in his own zone.

— From “Spartan Hockey Signs Four for 2020-21”

Our thanks to the Sacred Heart Hockey blog for the inspiration for the blog post concept. 

Menke Family Captain’s Scholarship To Support Omaha Hockey

 

Menke Family Establishes Scholarship for Omaha Hockey Captain                                                          

The family of Brandon M. Menke, M.D., has established the Menke Family Captain’s Scholarship for the captain of the Omaha Hockey program. This is the first position-specific scholarship for any sport within Omaha Athletics.

The investment in the Maverick Hockey program will assist Omaha Hockey head coach Mike Gabinet in recruiting and retaining prospective student-athletes who excel on the rink and demonstrate excellent leadership qualities. The scholarship will be in place for five years.

“I’m grateful to the Menke family for their investment in our program and our student-athletes,” Gabinet said. “Their gift demonstrates to our players just how much Maverick fans care about the success of this team and its players, on and off the ice. The team captain is a difference-maker for our hockey program, and I’m pleased to have this as a named position.”

Dr. Menke made a generous gift commitment through the University of Nebraska Foundation to establish the full scholarship. The amount of the gift is not being disclosed at the donor’s request.

He is a partner and ophthalmologist at Ilumin Eye Center in Omaha and a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve. His wife, Dr. Kristen Menke, is a psychologist at Omaha Integrative Care. The couple has two daughters, Sloane and Blaire.

“To me, a great captain is not someone who scores the most goals or most assists but rather helps others achieve their goals to help the team as a whole,” Dr. Menke said. “A captain does not care who scores the winning goal as long as the team wins. A captain is a leader.”

He said he grew up playing hockey and loves the sport. He brought older daughter Sloane to her first hockey game when she was just 2 years old, and now younger daughter Blaire attends games, too. Maverick Hockey has become a family affair.

Dr. Menke said he hopes the family’s gift will inspire others to support the Maverick Hockey program.

“The close community and small college feel that UNO has, coupled with great hockey, made for the perfect match for my family to connect to,” he said. “My wife’s parents and my parents also instilled a mindset of giving back and philanthropy. Whether it be time, money or simply caring, giving back is what helps anything succeed.”

The inaugural recipient of the Menke Family Captain’s Scholarship will be announced by fall 2024. The scholarship can be renewed if the recipient continues to serve as team captain and is in good academic standing. The gift was made as part of Only in Nebraska: A Campaign for Our University’s Future. The campaign is a historic effort to engage 150,000 benefactors to give $3 billion to support University of Nebraska students, faculty, academic and clinical programs and research to address the needs of the state. Scholarships are a top priority of the campaign.

“We are so grateful to the Menke family for their incredible generosity in support of Maverick Hockey student-athletes,” Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Adrian Dowell said. “The momentum of our hockey program is exciting and made possible by an incredible fanbase and donors like the Menke family.

Mike Kemp Presented With NCHC’s 2024 Distinguished Service Award

Mike Kemp

For his work as an administrator at the University of Nebraska Omaha and ambassador of college hockey, the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) has honored Omaha Executive Associate Athletics Director Mike Kemp with the 2024 NCHC Distinguished Service Award. Kemp is retiring in May after a 48-year career in college athletics as a coach and administrator.

Kemp was bestowed with the NCHC Distinguished Service Award in person on Monday night, April 29, at the NCHC Annual Meeting dinner and reception at the Naples Grande Beach Resort. NCHC staff presented Kemp with the Distinguished Service Award with representatives from the entire membership in attendance.
 
While Kemp made a massive impact during his coaching career, his move to the ‘front office’ as an administrator was just influential. His biggest contribution to the NCHC, along with helping Omaha be a founding member of the Conference, is serving as the director of the NCHC Pod. In addition, Kemp has served on the NCHC’s Athletic Council during the entirety of the Conference (11 years).
 
“We are honored to present Mike with our Distinguished Service Award. He has been an important and influential dignitary in college hockey for many years,” said NCHC Commissioner Heather Weems. “As the first hockey coach at Omaha, he helped put the Mavericks on the map and has only continued to build the program in his administrative role. From serving as Chair of the Ice Hockey Championship Committee to hosting the NCHC Pod, Mike has always had the NCHC’s and college hockey’s best interest at heart. He is more than deserving of this award.”
 
Kemp played a major role in UNO’s Baxter Arena serving as the host venue for the NCHC Pod, which was held in Omaha in December of 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kemp oversaw the unprecedented task of playing 38 NCHC games in 21 days with eight teams in one venue – something never done in any college sport – while helping complete it safely and successfully, which it was. From team arrivals, to locker room set-up and rotation, to practice and morning skate schedules, to venue operations and COVID-19 testing, Kemp had a hand in making sure the Pod was run smoothly while providing a secure environment for all.
 
In April 2021, Kemp was awarded the NCHC’s first Commissioner’s Award for his work in hosting and overseeing the NCHC Pod.
 
Kemp also served on the NCAA Ice Hockey Championship Committee for five years from 2017-22, including holding the role of Chair for two years in 2021 and 2022. While Chair, Kemp and his committee had to hand-select the 2021 NCAA Tournament field during the pandemic due to a lack of non-conference games and no Pairwise Ratings. He also had to adjust a regional location on short notice in 2021, while ensuring a safe and successful tournament. During his two years as Chair, Kemp presented the National Championship trophy to UMass (2021) in Pittsburgh and NCHC member Denver (2022) in Boston.
 
Along with coaching Omaha to its first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance in 2006, Kemp also secured Omaha’s first on-campus arena in his position as a UNO administrator. He played a key role in the design and construction of Baxter Arena, which opened in 2015. The Mavericks announced on April 19 that the ice at Baxter Arena would be renamed 'Kemp Ice’ in honor of their first head coach.
 
"This is another honor to highlight the impactful career of Mike Kemp." said Adrian Dowell, Vice Chancellor / Director of Athletics at Omaha. "We are very appreciative to the NCHC for appropriately recognizing Mike's contributions over decades to not only UNO but also the conference and college hockey."
 
Kemp has been a part of the Omaha Mavericks’ family for 27 years, serving in multiple functions. He has been in his current role as Omaha senior associate AD for events and facilities since being promoted in March of 2019. Prior to that, he was an associate athletic director at UNO for 12 years, moving into that role in 2009 after completing a 12-year run as the program’s first head hockey coach. A member of the Omaha Hockey Hall of Fame and Omaha Sports Hall of Fame, Kemp helped start the Omaha hockey program in 1997, joining the staff in 1996. He now oversees UNO’s hockey program and Baxter Arena in his current position.
 
Kemp is the seventh recipient of the NCHC Distinguished Service Award, which is not necessarily bestowed upon someone annually, but is presented to an individual who has served, supported and promoted the goals and ideals of the NCHC and who, through personal effort and dedication, has enhanced the ability of the Conference and/or its member institutions to provide a positive experience for the stu­dent-athletes enrolled at NCHC member institutions.
 
The inaugural NCHC Distinguished Service Award was presented to Mr. Bill Hybl, the Chairman and CEO of El Pomar Foundation, in 2016, while former Denver Director of Athletics Ron Grahame received the honor in 2017. In 2018, Peg Bradley-Doppes, former University of Denver Vice Chancellor for Athletics, and Brian Faison, former University of North Dakota Director of Athletics, were co-honorees, both of whom were heavily involved in the founding of the NCHC, along with 2019 winner Ken Ralph, the former Colorado College Director of Athletics. The most recent recipient is nine-year NCHC Commissioner Josh Fenton, who received it in 2022 following his final season.
 
PREVIOUS NCHC DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD WINNERS
2016 – Bill Hybl, Chairman and CEO of El Pomar Foundation
2017 – Ron Grahame, former Athletics Director at University of Denver
2018 – Peg Bradley-Doppes, former University of Denver Vice Chancellor for Athletics
2018 – Brian Faison, former University of North Dakota Director of Athletics
2019 – Ken Ralph, former Colorado College Director of Athletics
2022 – Josh Fenton, former NCHC Commissioner

2024-25 Omaha Hockey Schedule

We’re starting to put together the pieces of the 2024-25 Omaha Hockey schedule. (Let us know if you hear of any games/series!)

Updated 7/2/24 (with the official release of the schedule).

Oct. 5, 2024 

Exhibition at Baxter Arena: Wisconsin

Oct. 11-12, 2024

Ice Breaker Tournament – Las Vegas, Nevada

Omaha, Minnesota, Air Force Academy, Massachusetts

Friday, Oct. 11 

Omaha vs. Massachusetts

Saturday, Oct. 12

Omaha vs. Minnesota or Air Force

Oct. 18-19, 2024

Augustana at Baxter Arena

Oct. 25-26, 2024
@ Minnesota State Mankato (Mankato, MN)

Nov. 8-9, 2024
Western Michigan at Baxter Arena

Nov. 15-16, 2024
@ Arizona State (Tempe, AZ)

Nov. 22-23, 2024
Miami at Baxter Arena

Dec. 6-7, 2024
@ St. Cloud State (St. Cloud, MN)

Dec. 13-14, 2024
Lindenwood at Baxter Arena

Dec. 31 (Sunday), 2024

Exhibition at Baxter Arena: Manitoba

Jan. 3-4, 2025

Coachella Valley Cactus Cup – Palm Springs, California

Friday, Jan. 3 – 3:30 p.m. – Omaha vs. Holy Cross

Saturday, Jan. 4 – 3:30 p.m. OR 7 p.m. – Omaha vs. Michigan Tech or UMass Lowell

Jan. 10-11, 2025
Colorado College at Baxter Arena

Jan. 17-18, 2025
@ Miami (Oxford, OH)

Jan. 24-25, 2025
St. Cloud State at Baxter Arena

Jan. 31-Feb. 1, 2025
@ Denver (Denver, CO)

Feb. 7-8, 2025
Minnesota Duluth at Baxter Arena

Feb. 14-15, 2025
@ Western Michigan (Kalamazoo, MI)

Feb. 28-March 1, 2025
Arizona State at Baxter Arena

March 7-8, 2025
@ North Dakota (Grand Forks, ND)

March 14-16, 2025

First Round NCHC Playoffs (campus sites)

March 21-22, 2025

NCHC Frozen Faceoff (St. Paul, MN)

March 27-30, 2025

NCAA Tournament Regionals

Allentown, PA

Fargo, ND

Toledo, OH

Manchester, NH

April 10 & 12, 2025

Frozen Four

Enterprise Center (St. Louis, MO)

- Updated 7/2/2024

Transfer Profile (2024): Defenseman Dylan Gratton (Penn State ➡️ Omaha)

 

Sophomore Defenseman Dylan Gratton

Former School: Penn State (Nittany Lions)

Hometown: Pottstown, Pennsylvania

Birthday: Feb. 25, 2003

Height: 6' 0"

Weight: 180

Shoots: Left

@DylanGratton1 (Twitter)

Junior Hockey Career: 

• Played with the Sioux City Musketeers in 2021-22 (3 goals, 15 assists – 18 points), the Youngstown Phantoms in 2020-21 (4 goals, 13 assists – 17 points), and the Muskegon Lumberjacks in 2019-20 (1 goal, 8 assists – 9 points). Helped lead the Musketeers to its fourth Clark Cup Championship.
• Had a +19 rating in the 2021-22 season with the Musketeers.

College Hockey Career:

• 24 points (5 goals, 19 assists) in 69 games (2022-2024). 
• Played in 36 games as a sophomore. 
• As a freshman, led all Nittany Lion freshmen with 11 points (2 goals, 9 assists). His first goal for PSU was the game-winning goal in a 6-3 victory vs. Mercyhurst.

News articles:

• Report: Former Penn State Men’s Hockey Defenseman Dylan Gratton Transfer to Omaha (The Daily Collegian)

“Gratton started most of his sophomore season alongside linemate Simon Mack. In December coach Guy Gadowsky called the duo his most consistent pairing and applauded Gratton’s individual performance throughout the year.”

Our thanks to the Sacred Heart Hockey blog for the inspiration for the blog post concept. 

Transfer Profile (2024): Forward Sam Stange (Wisconsin ➡️ Omaha)

Senior Forward Sam Stange

Former School: Wisconsin (Badgers)

Hometown: Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Birthday: April 20, 2001

Height: 6' 1"

Weight: 208

Shoots: Right

Drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in the fourth round of the 2020 NHL Draft

@sam_stange3 (Twitter)

@samstange3 (Instagram)

Junior Hockey Career: 

• Played with the Sioux City Musketeers and Sioux Falls Stampede (2019-20) in the USHL. Scored 45 points in 48 games (26 goals, 19 assists). Tied for fifth in scoring in the USHL that year. Named 2020 Third-Team All-USHL. 
• Played for both Team Wisconsin (UMHSEHL) and Eau Claire North during the 2019-19 season. Named 2019 Wisconsin State Player of the Year. Named to the U.S. High School All-USA Hockey Second Team by USA Today. Named 2019 Wisconsin Hockey Coaches Association All-State First Team.

College Hockey Career:

• 29 points (13 goals, 16 assists) in 106 games (2020-2024).
• Saw limited playing time in the 2023-24 season, appearing in only 7 games. According to an article on BadgerExtra.com, “Stange missed the last 16 games of the season as either a healthy scratch or because of a lower-body injury he suffered.” 
• Impressive academic career – majored in neurobiology at Wisconsin. Named Academic All-Big Ten in 2022-23 and 2023-24, and was the Ivan B. Williamson Scholastic Award recipient in 2022-23.

News articles:

• Sam Stange Joins Omaha Hockey (WQOW.com)

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to play at Omaha for my fifth year. The chance to develop under this coaching staff and play in front of the Baxter faithful is something I could not pass up,” Stange said. “The top-notch facilities and resources available to us, along with a great locker room, is also something I’m very excited for. I’m grateful to be a Maverick and I can’t wait to get started.”

• Prospect Roundup (TheHockeyNews.com)

“Stange comes off the Red Wings’ reserve list Aug. 15, and this move suggests they aren’t going to sign him.” 

Our thanks to the Sacred Heart Hockey blog for the inspiration for the blog post concept. 

Transfer Profile (2024): Forward Harrison Israels (Alaska ➡️ Omaha)

 

Senior Forward Harrison Israels 

Former School: Alaska (Nanooks) 

Hometown: Mississauga, Ontario

Birthday: Sept. 1, 1999

Height: 6' 1"

Weight: 200

Shoots: Left

Junior Hockey Career: 

• Played with the Oakville Blades in the OJHL (2019-20). Scored 86 points (29 goals, 57 assists). Named the OJHL MVP.
• In two seasons with the Blades, he recorded a total of 134 points (27 goals and 21 assists for 48 points in 2018-19).

College Hockey Career:

• 53 points (33 goals, 20 assists) in 96 games (2021-2024).
• Finished the 2023-24 season third in scoring with 26 points (20 goals, 6 assists).
• Solid on special teams  – scored eight power play goals and 3 short-handed goals.
• Impressive in face-offs: won 355 face-offs (.583 FO win percentage, a team-high)
• Personal bests: 3 points in a game (Jan. 26, 2024 vs. LIU); hat trick (Jan. 26, 2024, first career hat trick, Alaska vs. Stonehill)
• Scored two goals in a single game five separate times.
• Appeared in 33 of 34 games for the Nanooks in 2023-24.
• Finished with a +10 plus/minus rating.
• Captain for the Nanooks (2022-23 and 2023-24)

Our thanks to the Sacred Heart Hockey blog for the inspiration for the blog post concept. 

Transfer Profile (2024): Forward Brady Risk (Alaska ➡️ Omaha)

 

Senior Forward Brady Risk

Former School: Alaska (Nanooks) 

Hometown: Medicine Hat, Alberta

Birthday: March 16, 1999

Height: 5' 9"

Weight: 175

Shoots: Right

Junior Hockey Career: 

• Played with the Drumheller Dragons “A” of the AJHL in 2019-20. Scored 36 goals with 27 assists in 54 games.
• In three previous seasons with the Dragons, he recorded 101 points (14 points in 2016-17, 33 points in 2017-18, and 54 points in 2018-19).

College Hockey Career:

• 80 points (36 goals, 44 assists) in 97 games (2021-2024).
• Finished the 2023-24 season with 13 goals and 20 assists (33 points). 
• Personal bests: 4 points in a game (twice, most recently March 6, 2024 vs. Stonehill); hat trick (Jan. 7, 2022, Alaska vs. Maine)
• Scored two or more points in a game 10 times in the 2023-24 season.
• Finished the year with a +5 plus/minus rating
• Alternate captain for the Nanooks (2023-24)

Our thanks to the Sacred Heart Hockey blog for the inspiration for the blog post concept. 

Mavs on the Move 2023-24 | Portal Moves, Pro Signings, Incoming Recruits

With the season ending, it’s time for the “Mavs on the Move” player watch...

Incoming Mavericks (from the transfer portal):

• Brady Risk, transfer from Alaska. He was the team’s leading scorer with 13 goals and 20 assists. He was also an alternate captain for the Nanooks last year.
• Harrison Israels, transfer from Alaska. He was captain of the 23-24 Nanooks and led the team in goals last season (with 20). 
• Sam Stange, transfer from Wisconsin. He played four years for Wisconsin, but saw limited playing time during the 2023-24 season. He has 13 goals and 16 assists over his college career.
• Garrett Pinoniemi (PIN-uh-KNEE-me), transfer from Minnesota. A sophomore during the 2023-24 season, he appeared in 35 games, finishing the season with one goal and two assists.
• Dylan Gratton, transfer from Penn State. A sophomore defenseman during the 2023-24 season, he appeared in 36 games for the Nittany Lions, and had 3 goals and 10 assists. 
• Aiden Gallacher, transfer from Northern Michigan. Gallacher was captain for the Wildcats his senior season (2023-24), a career best year for him with 3 goals and 5 assists. He previously played two seasons with Michigan State. 

Mavericks in the transfer portal:

• Sophomore forward Ray Fust (as of 3/31/24 per Brad Schlossman of the Grand Forks Herald) —> headed to Clarkson (announced 4/3/2024)
• Sophomore forward Michael Abgrall (as of 3/31/24 per Brad Schlossman of the Grand Forks Herald) —> headed to Holy Cross (announced 4/1/2024) 
• Sophomore defenseman Joaquim Lemay —> headed to Northeastern (as of 4/7/24 per Mike McMahon's College Hockey Insider newsletter) 

Players who have exhausted their playing eligibility include:

• Graduate defenseman Kirby Proctor (signed with Lions de Trios-Rivières 4/5/24)
• Graduate defenseman Dom Vidoli 
• Graduate forward Nolan Sullivan (signed with the Kansas City Mavericks 4/2/24) 
• Graduate forward Jesse Lansdell (signed with the Florida Everblades 4/1/24)
• Graduate forward Jack Randl (Signed with the Bridgeport Islanders 4/4/24) 
• Graduate goaltender Seth Eisele (signed with the Calgary Wranglers 4/1/24)

Seniors with eligibility remaining (due to COVID year):

• Senior defenseman Nolan Krenzen (will return for a fifth season at UNO, announced 4/4/24) 
• Senior forward Jimmy Glynn (will return for a fifth season at UNO, announced 4/9/24)
• Senior forward Brock Bremer (will return for a fifth season at UNO, announced 4/8/24) 
• Senior forward Matt Miller (signed with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms 4/3/24) 

Mavericks going pro:

• Junior forward Ty Mueller signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Vancouver Canucks (NHL). 

Vancouver Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin announced today that the club has agreed to terms on a three-year, entry-level contract with forward Ty Mueller.

DETAILS | https://t.co/6ZQXWboXjW pic.twitter.com/CFiNvIiOgw

— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) March 30, 2024

• Fifth year forward  Jack Randl signed with the Bridgeport Islanders (AHL).

Transaction: The Bridgeport Islanders have signed forward Jack Randl for the 2024–25 season.#Isles | @OmahaHKY pic.twitter.com/a8Za3fLLdx

— Bridgeport Islanders (@AHLIslanders) April 4, 2024

• Senior forward Matt Miller signed with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms (AHL). 

Congratulations #oldbull @_MattMiller__ on signing with @LVPhantoms!

💪🏻🏒https://t.co/s1vzCgjY29

— Mavpuck (@Mavpuck) April 3, 2024

• Fifth year forward Nolan Sullivan signed with the Kansas City Mavericks (ECHL). 

Nolan Sullivan is the newest addition to the Mavs crew! Give Sully a warm welcome 🤩https://t.co/fETvtyBY5r@ECHL pic.twitter.com/VZZNj9WbLG

— xy-Kansas City Mavericks (@kc_mavericks) April 3, 2024

• Fifth year goaltender Seth Eisele signed with the Calgary Wranglers (AHL). 

🚨 Roster Update:

The Wranglers have added (G) Seth Eisele to the roster on an ATO. pic.twitter.com/SCukqmoLhL

— x - Calgary Wranglers (@AHLWranglers) April 1, 2024

• Fifth year forward Jesse Lansdell signed with the Florida Everglades (ECHL). 

Player signing by @FL_Everblades: F Jesse Lansdell/@Jlansdell14 (3G & 12A in 39 GP during his final year of college eligibility for @OmahaHKY this season). pic.twitter.com/ru5OiLwBfY

— ECHL Week (@ECHLWeek) April 1, 2024

• Junior defenseman Victor Mancini signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the New York Rangers (NHL). 

#NYR have agreed to terms with defenseman Victor Mancini on a two-year, entry-level contract. Full details ➡️ https://t.co/YEPpC4H9si pic.twitter.com/iOzK8d17bK

— x - New York Rangers (@NYRangers) April 2, 2024

• Fifth year defenseman Kirby Proctor signed with the Lions de Trios-Rivières (ECHL).

  Les Lions de Trois-Rivières ont annoncé avoir signé le défenseur Kirby Proctor.🦁
  
  Welcome to the team Kirby!👊#Lions3R #ForgésEnsemble pic.twitter.com/N87xOfjZKa

  — Lions de Trois-Rivières (@Lions3r) April 5, 2024

>> Information updated as of 1:09 p.m. on 4/30/2024.

We will update this blog post as we hear of more “Mavs on the Move.” 

>> In addition to this ongoing blog post, be sure to follow us on Twitter/X for all the updates as they happen – click here!

Below is the Omaha Hockey team’s final lineup for the NCAA tournament game against Minnesota at the Sioux Falls Regional. Emojis have been placed over players whose eligibility has expired, entered the transfer portal, signed on with a team to play professional hockey, and seniors who have an extra year of eligibility (due to the COVID season in 2020-21). 

Key: 

👋 - Eligibility expired 

💰 - NHL 

💸 - Minor league

🤷‍♀️ - Eligibility left, but… 

🏒 - Returning for 2024-25 

🪽 - Transfer portal 

NCAA Tournament: Omaha vs. Minnesota in Sioux Falls

Omaha has advanced to the NCAA tournament for the fifth time in program history. Previous appearances include:

• 2006 (Worcester, Massachusetts). Boston University beat Omaha 9-2.
• 2012 (St. Louis, Missouri). Michigan defeated Omaha 3-2 in overtime. 
• 2015 (South Bend, Indiana). Omaha beat Harvard 4-1 and then beat RIT 4-0 to advance to the program’s first-ever (and only) Frozen Four appearance.
• 2021 (Loveland, Colorado). Minnesota defeated Omaha 7-2.

Omaha (23-12-4) will face Minnesota (22-10-5) again in a NCAA regional for the first time since that 2021 loss. The Mavericks are the host school for the Sioux Falls regional, having successfully bid to host both the 2024 and 2026 regionals.

Omaha is coming off its first-ever appearance in a NCHC conference tournament. Omaha upset North Dakota 6-3 in the Friday semi-final before losing to Denver 4-1 in the conference final. 

Minnesota swept Penn State in the Big 10 conference tournament but lost to Michigan 2-1 on March 16. The Gophers haven’t played a game in almost two weeks. Minnesota is coached by former SCSU head coach Bob Motzko who is in his sixth season with the program.

Minnesota advanced to the 2023 Frozen Four, beating Boston University 6-2 before losing to Quinnipiac 3-2 in overtime in the championship game.

Series preview articles:

Omavs.com:

https://omavs.com/news/2024/3/26/hockey-no-11-mavericks-to-make-ncaa-tournament-return-against-no-7-minnesota.aspx

Minnesota Hockey:

https://gophersports.com/news/2024/3/27/mens-hockey-u-faces-omaha-in-ncaa-sioux-falls-regional-thursday

Omaha.com ($)

https://omaha.com/sports/college/uno/not-done-yet-omaha-hockey-red-hot-heading-into-1st-ncaa-tournament-game-since-2021/article_e7422b22-ec5b-11ee-b22f-630f4f4eb353.html

When:

> Thursday, 7:30 p.m. CT at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center (Sioux Falls, SD)

> (With a win, Omaha would play in the regional final game on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. CT at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center in Sioux Falls.)

Radio:

Both games will be broadcast live on 1290 AM and on The Varsity Network app. Pre-game coverage begins 30 minutes prior to face-off with the FNBO Pre-Game Show. “Voice of the Mavs” Mike Vaillancourt will have the play-by-play, with color commentary provided by Terry Leahy.

TV:

ESPNU and ESPN+ (streaming)

(A subscription to ESPN+ is $10.99/month.)

Also available on TSN+ in Canada.

Watch Party:

The UNO Alumni Association is doing a watch party at Aksarben Cinema. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Details here.

Live Stats:

Live stats can be found here. 

In the 40-minute 21st episode of the sixth season of the MavPuckCast, Jon and Jason discuss the Omaha Maverick Hockey team’s first-ever appearance in the NCHC Frozen Faceoff, take a look at “Things You Missed in St. Paul,” show highlights from the Selection Sunday event, and preview the NCAA regionals In Sioux Falls.

Next up: Omaha’s season is on the line. Win tonight and advance to Saturday’s regional championship game. Lose and the season is over.