The Omaha Hockey team is back in action at Baxter Arena this weekend with its first NCHC conference series of the 2024-25 hockey season. The Mavericks (2-4-0, 0-0-0) will take on the no. 14 Western Michigan Broncos (3-1-0, 0-0-0).
Both teams were idle last weekend.
Coach Gabinet and Senior Forward Zach Urdahl met with the media in advance of this weekend’s series.
Urdahl addressed the rigors of the NCHC schedule. “Night in and night out is going to be these top 20 matchups. I think it’s important for us to start well … and get out to a couple good wins here.”
This season, Urdahl was reunited with Sam Stange, who transferred to UNO from Wisconsin. “We grew up playing together and then went through high school and (attended) Wisconsin for two years. So I’ve known him since I was eight or nine years old, probably.”
Urdahl’s family turns out to see him play, whether at Baxter Arena or on the road. “It’s incredible. You know, it’s one of my biggest motivators. Everything they’ve done for me to give me the position that I’m in right now. So, the fact that they travel as much as they do, and they want to come see games and be a part of everything, is really awesome,” he said. “I’m really thankful that they travel as much as they do.”
He’s looking forward to the weekend series. “I think the group’s pretty excited to get going and [it] should be a fun one this weekend.” Looking at Western Michigan, “they’re a heavy team, and they play fast. So it’s important for us to counter that and transition well, get up the ice and then track back, be above their speed so they can’t get out many rushes against us.”
Coach Gabinet echoed Urdahl’s assessment. “They’re a big, heavy team that plays hard. They go north in a hurry. They have some predictability to their game that they do, so you [have] to know what to expect.”
“You have got to make sure that you know the players know the plan — and, as we’re learning [from] five one-goal games, details matter, and every play matters. You have to have that mindset going into the weekend,” he added.
Gabinet said the team is still coming together. “We’re just kind of figuring out our team a little bit. Guys are playing different roles. We got a couple guys that can scoot, and when they’re using it, it’s to our advantage as a team as well.”
Following being swept in two consecutive series, Gabinet said the team is focusing on mindset. “That’s one of the beauties of our league, is you get to work on your mental toughness a lot. It’s just who you face on a nightly basis. You have to prepare for that. You [have] to do it consistently — and it’s not easy to do — but the elite teams find a way to do it. You just have to be so on point all the time when you’re playing competition that’s so tight.”
Western Michigan has gotten off to a fast start in its games this year, scoring at least two goals during each first period they've played this season. WMU has scored in the opening five minutes of a game three times already this season. The Broncos have scored 17 goals in four games while allowing just eight. Omaha is averaging 1.5 goals a game.
The Broncos also have the top faceoff percentage in the nation — 60 percent — through four games.
Omaha will be playing without sophomore forward Tanner Ludtke. He will be out “for the long-term” after getting banged up in the Friday game in Mankato, Gabinet said. Ludtke was the leading point producer for UNO in the 2023-24 season.
Before the bye, Omaha traveled to Mankato, MN to face MSU-Mankato. UNO came back from being down 3-0 on Friday night to tie the game 3-3 before Mankato scored the go-ahead goal in the closing moments of the game. MSU-Mankato swept Omaha and regained the “Spirit of the Mavericks” trophy with a 1-0 victory on Saturday night.
>> Watch the full preseason press conference:
For Fans Attending the Game in Person:
The west lot outside of Baxter, Lot 25, is open to donors only (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 does Lot 26 (west of the arena, across the creek). Omaha Athletics is also encouraging fans to park in one of the public garages at Aksarben Village.
Fans should arrive early, especially if entering via 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 in place at all entrances. All concession stands are card only (no cash).
Blue Line Club members and Maverick Room pass holders may enter the arena 90 minutes before puck drop. (Learn more about how to become a Blue Line Club or Maverick Room pass holder here.)
Promotions:
Homecoming & Parents Weekend
Friday night — Omaha will celebrate Homecoming.
Homecoming 2024 Maverick FanFest
Saturday, Nov. 9 – 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Holland Ice at Baxter Arena
An all-ages celebration for alumni and friends (OPEN TO THE PUBLIC) to celebrate Homecoming weekend. Features music, yard games, and a festive Photo Booth. Light snacks provided and cash bar available. Free admission, but RSVPs required here.
Inductees to the Omaha Athletics Hall of Fame will be honored on the ice on Saturday night. Honorees include former UNO goalie Dan Ellis.
Series preview articles:
