Friday, February 28, 2025

Line Chart – Friday, Feb. 28, 2025 – Omaha vs. Arizona State University

Friday, Feb. 28, 2025

Omaha vs. Arizona State University at Baxter Arena

Final: 4-1 ASU

Thursday, February 27, 2025

Series Preview: Omaha vs. Arizona State University, Feb. 28-March 1, 2025

The Omaha Maverick Hockey team (16-13-1, 12-7-1 in the NCHC) welcomes the Arizona State Sun Devils to Baxter Arena for the final home series of the 2024-25 hockey season. ASU is 18-12-2 overall, and 13-8-1 in the NCHC but is coming off a split with Western Michigan University last weekend. (Omaha had a bye weekend.)

In their previous meeting in Tempe, Ariz., in November, Omaha won 4-2 on Friday, and lost 3-2 on Saturday, splitting the series.

But a pair of regulation wins this weekend against the Sun Devils would propel Omaha to home ice for only the second time in NCHC history. (The first was in March 2023, when Omaha lost to North Dakota in a 3-game quarterfinal series at Baxter Arena.)

Omaha has been strong at home, remaining unbeaten at Baxter Arena in seven games (beginning with a Saturday night win versus Lindenwood on Dec. 14).

It may turn out to be a battle of the goal-scorers. ASU has three of the top nine scorers in NCHC play, while Omaha’s Sam Stange and Brady Risk also made the list. ASU also led the NCHC in goals scored (77) going into the WMU series.

Special teams will also be a factor. ASU’s power play ranks third in the NCAA, with a 27.6 percent success rate. On the penalty kill, ASU has gone six straight games without allowing an opponent power play goal (19/19 successful kills).

Stange met with the media in advance of the ASU series.

“We want to keep our offense as potent as we can be, and limit theirs,” Stange said. “They definitely have a lot of offensive talent.”

Coach Mike Gabinet echoed Stange’s assessment. “I think they arguably got one of the most talented rosters in the conference. So you know what you’re going to face when you play a team like that. They’ve got lots of ability to make plays, and lots of talent.”

Stange said the team’s confidence has grown throughout the season.

“We’ve kind of just been building and building, and we’re obviously entering one of the most important stretches, so we’re going to be looking to fall back on what we’ve been working towards this whole year,” he added.

Gabinet reflected on the impact of the fifth-year seniors, graduate transfers, and senior forward Zach Urdahl.

“It’s been awesome to have [Nolan] Krenzen, [Brock] Bremer, and [Jimmy] Glynn around for a long time. There’s lots of options [in] today’s environment, and for those guys to stick around for five years speaks a lot about the program — and a lot about those guys as individuals [who] want to see this program continue to grow and excel,” Gabinet said. “And then obviously, adding new guys like [Sam Stange] and [Harrison] Israels, [Brady] Risk, and [Aiden] Gallacher that came in here and made immediate impacts on the team — even in just one season — has been special as well. And then [Zach] Urdahl — who’s our lone senior — has been just a tremendous addition for the last two seasons as well.”

“It’s going to be sad to have those guys move on, but we’re excited for what they’ve brought to the program and [we’re] excited to get to watch them play down the stretch here.”

Gabinet said forwards Tanner Ludtke and Harrison Israels will both be unavailable this weekend. T. Ludtke has been out since October, and Israels suffered a lower body injury in a faceoff against WMU’s Tim Washe on the Saturday of the WMU series.

Stange said the two teams that are meeting up this weekend are different than the teams that met up in Tempe in November.

“I think they had some people out, and we had some guys out too. We know that we’re a fairly [evenly] matched team, and it’s going to be a battle,” Stange added. “We’re not going to look past this weekend because it’s so important. Every night is a big three points on the line.”

>> 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, Feb. 28 – Leap-For-A-Cure Night

Methodist Health System is sponsoring the Friday game and the annual Leap-For-A-Cure jersey auction begins on Friday, with proceeds benefiting the Leap-For-A-Cure Foundation through Methodist. Details here.

Saturday, March 1 — Senior Night and White Out game

The hockey seniors and graduate student-athletes will be honored before the game. The first 4,000 fans will receive a set of white “Thunder Sticks.” Fans are encouraged to wear white for a “white out.”

Series preview articles:

ASU Sun Devils:

https://sundevils.com/about/news/we-control-our-destiny-12-hockey-looks-lock-home-ice-playoff-run

Omaha.com ($):

https://omaha.com/sports/college/uno/article_3436b344-f534-11ef-b659-bb67f84a7294.html

Hurrdat:

https://hurrdatsports.com/omavs-hockey/series-preview-mavericks-host-arizona-state-in-regular-season-home-finale/

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

NOTE: If you subscribe to NCHC.tv, choose OMAHA as your home team and the program will receive 80% of your subscription fee for new subscriptions (as well as renewals).

Live Stats:

Game stats will be available here.

Next up: Omaha Hockey heads to Grand Forks, North Dakota for the final series of the NCHC regular season on March 7-8, 2025. Friday night’s game is at 6:30 p.m. (on CBS Sports Network); Saturday is at 6:05 p.m. Central.

Follow MavPuck:

Twitter/X: https://www.twitter.com/mavpuck

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mavpuckpage

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mavpuck

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mavpuckcast

Friday, February 21, 2025

MavPuckCast Podcast – S7 E19: Struggles, Standings, Fixing the NCAA Tournament, Sun Devils

Season 7, Episode 19:

Struggles, Standings, Fixing the NCAA Tournament, Sun Devils

On this episode of the #MavPuckCast, Jon and Jason discuss the Omaha Maverick Hockey team’s recent series at Lawson Ice Arena against the Western Michigan Broncos — includes their picks for “Player of the Week.” They analyze the current National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) standings, look at where UNO is ranked in the latest Pairwise rankings, and discuss ways to improve the NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey tournament. They conclude the episode with their preview and predictions for Omaha’s upcoming hockey series against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Baxter Arena. Special thanks for your support of the podcast and MavPuck.com this season. Your support is greatly appreciated!! Become a member of MavPuck.com: https://mavpuck.com/join Support the MavPuckCast: https://mavpuck.com/donate Chapters: 00:00 - WMU Series Recap 19:45 - Players of the Week 23:40 - Standings, Pairwise, NCAA Tournament 40:05 - Arizona State Series Preview

Saturday, February 15, 2025

Line Chart – Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025 – Omaha vs. Western Michigan University

Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025

Omaha vs. Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI

Final: 6-1 WMU

Friday, February 14, 2025

Line Chart – Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 – Omaha vs. Western Michigan University

Friday, Feb. 14, 2025

Omaha vs. Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI

Final: 5-4 (OT) WMU

Series Preview: Omaha at Western Michigan, Feb. 14-15, 2025

By Bridget Brooks

The Omaha Maverick Hockey team faces its toughest test of the 2024-25 season as it heads to Kalamazoo, Michigan to face the top team in the NCHC on Feb. 14-15. The Mavericks are coming off a sweep of Minnesota Duluth at Baxter Arena, while the Broncos swept St. Cloud State last weekend at Lawson Ice Arena (4-0 Friday, 6-1 Saturday).

The Broncos are ranked no. 3/4 in the national polls, while the Mavericks returned to both the USCHO and USA Hockey/The Rink Live polls at no. 20 this week.

Omaha is 16-11-1 (12-5-1 in conference, in second place in the NCHC). WMU is 20-5-1 (13-2-1, first place in the NCHC). The Mavericks are 8-1-1 in the last 10 games. Omaha is 35-30-6 all-time against WMU. The Broncos swept the Mavericks in Omaha last November, 2-1 and 4-2.

Omaha has continued to improve its offensive production throughout the season and is now averaging 3.0 goals per game, while limiting opponents to an average of 2.5 goals against. Western Michigan’s high-powered offense is averaging 3.6 goals per game while only giving up an average of 1.7 goals.

A duel of between the team’s goaltenders is expected this weekend.

Maverick junior goaltender Simon Latkoczy was named NCHC Goaltender of the Week for his performance in net last weekend against the Bulldogs. It is his fourth time receiving this honor this season. He is also the reigning NCHC Goaltender of the Month (January). This week, Latkoczy was named one of 10 semifinalists for the Mike Richter Award, given to the nation’s top goaltender in men’s college hockey. He is also a Hobey Baker Memorial Award candidate (vote here). He has a 13-10-1 record this season and is averaging 2.42 goals against in the conference with a .932 save percentage in NCHC contests.

WMU goaltender Cameron Rowe (a former Maverick commit) has eight career shutouts and currently touts a 1.73 GAA and .934 save percentage. Rowe is also a Mike Richter Award semifinalist. He is splitting time in net with freshman Hampton Slukynsky, who has compiled a 1.62 GAA and .942 save percentage. He leads the NCHC in both GAA and save percentage.

Omaha’s Brady Risk was named NCHC Forward of the Week for his 5-point performance against UMD (3 goals, 2 assists). He also recorded his 100th career point on Saturday night against the Bulldogs. Risk has 11 goals and nine assists this season.

Junior forward Tyler Rollwagen met with the media (via Zoom this week due to the weather) to talk about the WMU series.

“We know where we stand in the standings, and we’re right behind (WMU),” Rollwagen said. “I think we’re playing some good hockey right now, and I think a lot of (our) guys are excited to keep it rolling.”

Rollwagen said they learned some things in the first series against WMU in Omaha that will help them in Kalamazoo. “They’re a fast-paced team. They like to go north in a hurry. So staying above them will be big. I think we’ve learned a lot … keep guys in front of us,” he said. “I think where we were then and where we are now is just a testament to how much work we’ve put in.”

Lawson Arena can be a difficult environment for opposing teams. “I think it’s super fun to play there. Everyone doesn’t like us, and you kind of have to relish that. So I think it’s exciting,” Rollwagen said. “You have to take it with a grain of salt … when stuff does go wrong, (we have to) keep our cool.”

Rollwagen has 3 goals and 10 assists so far this season and is one of nine players who has appeared in all 28 games. “I’m just focusing on helping the team win and I think that comes with getting some more opportunity too. The coaches helped me in the summer (to) get what they thought I needed to be in that role I’m in now, and I think it’s just having that confidence that I can do it too and (be) a top-end player on the team,” he said.

He said it’s “cool” to make it back into the national polls but the team is focusing on “the games in front of us, and not looking too far ahead.”

“Just keep controlling what we can control and having that mindset of, you know, no one’s coming to help us,” he said.

Coach Gabinet said Rollwagen’s competitive nature makes him an asset to the team. “I think he’s a winner. I think he’s a competitor. Oftentimes for me, when it’s close (deciding) between players, I want to go with the guy that’s a competitor. I want to go with a guy that wants to compete, compete, compete, compete — and just keep showing up, and enjoys those pressure situations.”

Gabinet said he expects the games to be competitive. “We can see our team getting better, playing more connected, playing as a team, (and) understanding how to play in certain situations.”

The Maverick power play has recorded four goals in the last four games. However, the Broncos are spectacular on the penalty kill — leading the NCAA with a kill rate of 93.3 percent. Western has allowed just four power play goals all season. The Broncos have gone 17 straight games without allowing a power play goal, killing off 40 straight penalties.

“I think our power play has been really critical to our success as of late, scoring key goals at key moments, and games, and (we’ve) got to keep that going,” Gabinet said. “Credit to Western Michigan, they’ve got an unbelievable penalty kill. So we know it’s gonna be a battle, but that’s something you look forward to, and (we’re) looking forward to that challenge.”

“I’m just looking forward to getting another crack at these guys and playing them on their home ice,” Gabinet added.

Jon and Bridget with the Western Michigan University Broncos mascot in Kalamazoo in January 2008.

Series preview articles:

Omavs.com:

https://omavs.com/news/2025/2/13/hockey-second-place-no-20-omaha-heads-to-first-place-no-3-western-michigan-for-a-two-game-battle.aspx

Western Michigan Hockey:

https://wmubroncos.com/news/2025/2/13/mens-ice-hockey-hockey-gears-up-for-key-series-against-no-20-omaha.aspx

Omaha.com ($):

https://omaha.com/sports/college/uno/omaha-hockey-has-proved-it-can-win-at-home-but-can-the-mavs-win-on/article_8b5f1902-ea1e-11ef-a3b5-fb27119826e5.html

When:

> Friday, 6 p.m. CT at Lawson Arena (Kalamazoo, MI)

> Saturday, 5 p.m. CT at Lawson Arena (Kalamazoo, MI)

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:

Both games will be streamed on NCHC.tv ($)

Live Stats:

Live stats can be found here Friday and here Saturday.

On this episode of the MavPuckCast, Jon and Jason discuss the Omaha Maverick Hockey team’s recent series at Baxter Arena against the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs — including video clips and their picks for “Player of the Week.” They discuss something interesting that you might have “Missed at Baxter Arena.” They analyze the current National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) standings and look at where UNO is ranked in the latest Pairwise ranking. They conclude the episode with their preview and predictions for Omaha’s upcoming hockey series against the Western Michigan Broncos at Lawson Ice Arena.

Next up: Omaha has a bye weekend before returning to Baxter Arena for a two-game NCHC series against Arizona State on Feb. 28-March 1. Both games will start at 7:07 p.m.

Saturday, February 8, 2025

Line Chart – Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025 – Omaha vs. University of Minnesota Duluth

Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025

Omaha vs. University of Minnesota Duluth at Baxter Arena

Final: 5-2 Omaha

Friday, February 7, 2025

Line Chart – Friday, Feb. 7, 2025 – Omaha vs. University of Minnesota Duluth

Friday, Feb. 7, 2025

Omaha vs. University of Minnesota Duluth at Baxter Arena

Final: 4-1 Omaha

Series Preview: Omaha vs. University of Minnesota Duluth, Feb. 7-8, 2025

Omaha Hockey (14-11-1, 10-5-1 in the NCHC) will face the University of Minnesota Duluth (10-13-1, 6-8-0 in conference) on Feb. 7-8 at Baxter Arena. This is the only time the Mavericks and the Bulldogs will square off during the regular season.

It’s another battle of the goaltenders. Omaha junior Simon Latkoczy garnered NCHC Goaltender of the Month honors for January, posting a 5-1-1 record during the month while UMD’s freshman goaltender Klayton Knapp was named the NCHC’s Rookie of the Month after backstopping the Bulldogs 4-3-1 during January.

The Mavericks collected two valuable conference points last weekend in Denver, with a tie on Friday in regulation leading to a record NCHC shootout. Omaha captain Nolan Krenzen secured the shootout win in the 16th round.

Minnesota Duluth is coming off a bye weekend after splitting with Denver the week before in Duluth (4-2 Friday, 1-2 Saturday). The second half of the season has found the Bulldogs finding their groove. They have won four of their last five games (all against top 20 teams), going 5-3-1 since the first of the year.

UMD leads the all-time series 29-18-4 against the Mavericks, but the Mavs went 3-1-1 against the Bulldogs in the 2023-24 season (including a sweep at Baxter Arena). Twenty of the all-time games have been decided by one goal or less. Eight of those contests went to overtime.

Omaha is on a five-game home winning streak.

Latkoczy met with the media this week and gave credit to his teammates for his success.

“I think that we had a good January as a team, and usually it reflects back on the goalie. So (it) was definitely with the help of my teammates (that I got goaltender of the month). I appreciate that award. It was great to get it.”

“It’s always nice to collect those awards, but that’s not my primary goal. I want to win a championship here, and that’s where we are kind of going, and that’s my goal,” he added.

Latkoczy said he likes the challenge of a tough series. “Denver is a good team, and I need to be at my absolute best to win the game, and that’s another challenge we need to face as a team, and I’m excited about it.”

UMD offers another challenge. “They’re a good team, for sure, but we need to play our game, and I think that we have played our game most of the games recently, so we need to kind of come back to it, and I hope that everything’s going to go the way we want. We are going to put all the effort in and try to win the game.”

Coach Mike Gabinet praised Latkoczy. “He’s always been good, but I think if you really pay attention to his game, he’s really taking steps in the right direction. It’s been fun to see his development.”

Looking back on last weekend, Gabinet said the team would learn from the Denver series.

“We (have) to look at where we can be better at; obviously, there’s room for growth there. And so you can’t sweep it under the rug completely, but you also have to be good at moving on from things like that. And you have got to move on and get better, but you have to also reflect back on it, and how do we learn and grow from it?” he said.

“You can work on your mindset and work on kind of flushing the previous play that happened, or the previous situation you’re in, and you gotta move on and be ready for the next shift. So, some really good stuff for us to learn and grow from, and continue to get better,” Gabinet said.

Gabinet said the power play has come in with some timely goals recently. “I think (the power play has) been good for us. The last number of weekends — even in Miami, had some big goals for us St. Cloud weekend — that’s been good. Some things that we’re improving, that we got to continue to improve on those things.”

Looking ahead to UMD: “Watching their last couple of games, we know what type of opponent they are coming in here, and we’ll have to be ready to go,” Gabinet said. He noted the team is also confident “in what we’ve been doing and have to continue to do to be successful.”

He is looking forward to a big, energetic crowd at Baxter this weekend. “I think our administration and team has done an awesome job coming up with different themes and getting the energy going in the building.” He said he doesn’t always get to appreciate that in the moment. “I don’t get to see it as much as the fans get to experience it, but you can feel it and you know it’s there. And we’re so grateful to have that. It’s been awesome and all the support (has) been tremendous.”

UMD Senior Dominic James will skate in his 100th game for the Bulldogs on Friday night. Also keep an eye on freshman Max Plante who has recorded at least one point in nine of the 11 games he has played this year. Three of his last five games have included one goal and one assist each.

Latkoczy has 41 wins as a Maverick, the fourth-most in program history. He trails Jerad Kaufmann by four victories.

>> Watch this week’s press conference:

For Fans Attending the Game in Person:

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, Feb. 7

Country and Cowbells

Break out your boots and cowbells! 👢🤠🐄

Omaha Hockey takes on Minnesota Duluth for Country and Cowbells night Friday, February 7th at 7:07 pm at Baxter Arena!

We are in the fight to host the first round of the NCHC Playoffs, let’s show the Bulldogs what it’s like playing in… pic.twitter.com/63pj3qOxh8
— Omaha Hockey (@OmahaHKY) February 6, 2025

Saturday, Feb. 8

Maverick Miracle Night

🧸✨ This Saturday is Maverick Miracle Night! We’ve teamed up with @UNO_DM, @MavPro, and @UNOmavmaniacs to raise awareness for the Rainbow House at Children’s Hospital! You can bring a new stuffed animal or purchase one at the door to donate!

Omaha Hockey and Minnesota Duluth… pic.twitter.com/noUDoaAlwN
— Omaha Hockey (@OmahaHKY) February 6, 2025

Saturday night is also Blue Line Club Member Appreciation from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Maverick Lounge. (Open to Blue Line Club members only.)

Series preview articles:

Omavs.com

https://omavs.com/news/2025/2/6/-rv-hockey-enters-series-with-minnesota-duluth-on-a-five-game-home-winning-streak.aspx

UMD Bulldogs:

https://umdbulldogs.com/news/2025/2/5/mens-hockey-bulldogs-hit-the-road-to-omaha-to-face-nebraska-omaha-this-weekend.aspx

Omaha.com ($):

https://omaha.com/sports/college/uno/omaha-goalie-simon-latkoczy-ready-to-get-back-to-work-after-loss-to-denver/article_4bc74166-e4a6-11ef-8281-7f28e5888137.html

When:

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

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

Radio:

TV:

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

NOTE: If you subscribe to NCHC.tv, choose OMAHA as your home team and the program will receive 80% of your subscription fee for new subscriptions (as well as renewals).

Live Stats:

Game stats will be available here.

On this episode of the #MavPuckCast, Jon and Jason discuss the Omaha Maverick Hockey team’s recent series at Magness Arena against the Denver Pioneers – including their picks for “Player of the Week.” They discuss the current National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) standings, and where UNO sits. They conclude the episode with their preview and predictions for Omaha’s upcoming hockey series against the UMD Bulldogs at Baxter Arena.