Friday, January 19, 2024

Series Preview: Omaha vs. Denver, Jan. 19-20, 2024

Omaha returns to Baxter Arena for the first time in 40 days as the Mavericks take on the number eight team in the Pairwise.

Denver (15-5-2, 6-3-1 in conference) is currently tied for third in the NCHC with 17 points. Omaha is in seventh place, with 11 points. The Mavericks are 11-7-2 overall and 4-5-1 in NCHC play.

The Pioneers are 14-9-3 all-time in Omaha (and 38-14-5 overall). Denver split a series with SCSU last week, winning 5-1 on Friday night and skating to a 4-4 tie (with a shootout loss) on Saturday. 

Omaha split the series with the Pioneers in Denver in November, losing 8-4 on Friday but winning 4-3 on Sunday. (The second game was suspended on Saturday night after the first period when there was an issue with the ice. Play resumed with the second period on Sunday afternoon with the teams tied 0-0.)

“They are a very good team. They are ranked fifth in the country for a reason,” Coach Gabinet said. “The guys are aware of the plan.”

Gabinet said Friday night’s overtime win over North Dakota gave the team confidence, especially since they rebounded three separate times from being down in that game. He also praised the play of Ty Mueller (named NCHC Forward of the Week) and Jack Randl (who scored Friday’s overtime game winner). 

Gabinet said the team is taking things “week by week,” saying he tells the team to "focus on the next game at hand. Don't look too far down the road.”

Graduate forward Jesse Lansdell said, “They [Denver] are a really good team. Top five basically every year. We know what we need to do – stick to our game plan.”

He said the team is excited to get back in front of the home crowd this weekend. “It’s a big weekend for us. As soon as the puck drops, it’s our shift. It’s a big weekend for us.” 

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). Omaha Athletics is also encouraging fans to park in the garage at Aksarben Village.


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).

Promotions:

Saturday night, the first 500 fans will have the opportunity to get a free beanie hat. 



In addition, Saturday is $2 Beverage Night. There will be a limited selection of alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages at the concession stand in the Blue Line Club area. Note: The BLC will relocate to the club lounge (Buildertrend Breakaway Lounge) temporarily on Saturday night. 

Series preview articles:

Omavs.com:

Denver Pioneers:
Omaha.com ($):

When:
> Friday, 7:07 p.m. CT at Baxter Arena (Omaha, NE)
> Saturday, 7:07 p.m. CT at Baxter Arena (Omaha, NE)

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:
Friday and Saturday night’s games will be streamed on NCHC.tv ($) 

Live Stats:
Friday and Saturday night stats will be available here.


See what you missed when the team was in Grand Forks by watching the twelfth episode of the sixth season of the MavPuckCast, with Jon and guest co-host Bridget. In the 40-minute episode, they recap the North Dakota series, talk about the new format for the NCHC playoffs, and preview the Denver series.



Next up: Omaha takes on SCSU in St. Cloud on Jan. 26-27. Friday’s game in St. Cloud is at 7:30 p.m. CT; Saturday’s game is at 6 p.m. CT.

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