Omaha Hockey (12-10-0, 8-4-0 in the NCHC) will face No. 17 St. Cloud State University (11-11-0, 4-8-0 in conference) on Jan. 24-25 at Baxter Arena in their second matchup of the 2024-25 season.
The last time the two teams met was in St. Cloud, Minn., with the Mavericks winning 4-3 in overtime on Friday, and the Huskies taking the 5-2 victory on Saturday night to split the series.
St. Cloud is on a four-game losing streak, having been swept by Minnesota-Duluth in Duluth 2-0 and 5-2, and being swept by Arizona State in St. Cloud 6-3 and 5-3 last weekend.
Omaha is on a four-game winning streak, sweeping Colorado College at Baxter Arena before sweeping Miami in Oxford, Ohio last weekend. Omaha had six different goal-scorers last weekend, and nine players with assists. The Mavericks are currently third in the NCHC with 23 points.
SCSU leads the all-time series with Omaha 30-18-4. Omaha is 5-4-1 in the last 10 matchups.
Junior defenseman Jacob Guevin and Omaha Hockey head coach Mike Gabinet met with the media to preview the series.
SCSU is outscoring its opponents in the first two periods. “That’s really important to start on time and making sure you’re prepared appropriately to make sure that you’re doing the things right off the bat and not taking time to get into the game,” Gabinet said.
He said Omaha and SCSU are similar. “We’re a little bit similar in how we play the game and our structure,” Gabinet said. “We always know [it’s] going to be a hard-fought battle against them. They compete hard, they’re disciplined. We’re prepared for them. And it should be a good series.”
Gabinet praised several defensive players, including junior transfer Dylan Gratton, named KJ Branding NCHC Player of the Week. “Nice to see him step up and have a really big impact on both games.”
On Isaiah Norlin: “He’s a guy that can really make things happen offensively. He’s a dangerous player with [the] puck, in a positive way. I think he’s got a chance to be a really, really good player — and he’s working towards that now — and it’s been fun to watch him develop and continue to grow.”
On Jacob Guevin: “He’s a big-time worker. He really competes hard in practice every day, and he puts the work in necessary to be good come the weekend time. From day one, he’s been not only doing well offensively, but defending hard, being very competitive out there, eating some big minutes for us, and just [continuing] to develop.”
Guevin attributed his success this season to “growing and opportunities.”
“Coming in as a freshman, I had some stuff to learn, and I got to get better, get stronger, so I think I did my part, and then opportunities also came along the way,” Guevin said. “So I think this year I’m playing a little bigger role. And yeah, it’s been nice to see some results along the way for sure.”
Looking ahead to this weekend, Guevin said “I think it’s fun to play St. Cloud. They have a good team this year, for sure. They’re in a tough stretch right now, but they’re going to come out hard.”
“We have plenty of confidence right now, and we’re just gonna try to keep winning some hockey games,” he added.
>> Watch this week’s press conference:
For Fans Attending the Game in Person:
The west lot outside of the main entrance at 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 credit/debit 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:
Friday, Jan. 24
“Parad(ice) Night”
Saturday, Jan. 25
Stripe the Arena Night (with Rally Towel Giveaway)
Series preview articles:
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