Source: Instagram via College Puck NXT
Gavin Hodnett — a forward from Winnipeg, Manitoba — announced his commitment to the University of Nebraska Omaha Hockey program on April 20, 2026. Hodnett is expected to join Omaha for the 2026-27 season.
Hodnett, a left-shot winger, comes to Omaha after a five-year career with the Edmonton Oil Kings of the Western Hockey League (WHL), where he developed into one of the most productive players in recent franchise history.
Originally selected 19th overall by Edmonton in the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft, Hodnett made his WHL debut as a 15-year-old during the Oil Kings’ 2021-22 championship season, appearing in five regular-season games and earning a WHL title ring that year.
Over the next four seasons, Hodnett became a central piece of the Oil Kings’ lineup. He played 229 career regular-season games, recording 71 goals and 156 assists for 227 points. Those totals rank among the best in franchise history, including third all-time in assists and fifth in points.
Hodnett’s offensive progression year-over-year:
2022-23: 43 points (12 goals, 31 assists) in 61 games
Here is a video of all of Hodnett’s 2022-2023 WHL goals, including his first one:
2023-24: 70 points (23 goals, 47 assists) in 61 games
2024-25: 62 points (24 goals, 38 assists) in 61 games
2025-26: 50 points (12 goals, 38 assists) in 41 games
His 70-point season in 2023-24 (1.15 points per game) came on a rebuilding Oil Kings team and highlighted his ability to generate offense even without a deep supporting cast.
Hodnett served as captain of the Oil Kings for the past two seasons (2024-25 and 2025-26), a role that speaks to both his on-ice production and his leadership within the organization.
“I think it was just… I felt a lot more comfortable… and that’s credit to the guys that we had in the room. I think I got to learn a lot of lessons… just learning how to be a leader away from the ice,” Hodnett said following the Oil Kings’ final game of the season.
2024-25: 62 points (24 goals, 38 assists) in 61 games
2025-26: 50 points (12 goals, 38 assists) in 41 games
His 70-point season in 2023-24 (1.15 points per game) came on a rebuilding Oil Kings team and highlighted his ability to generate offense even without a deep supporting cast.
Hodnett served as captain of the Oil Kings for the past two seasons (2024-25 and 2025-26), a role that speaks to both his on-ice production and his leadership within the organization.
“I think it was just… I felt a lot more comfortable… and that’s credit to the guys that we had in the room. I think I got to learn a lot of lessons… just learning how to be a leader away from the ice,” Hodnett said following the Oil Kings’ final game of the season.
Despite dealing with injuries during the 2025-26 season — including missing significant time early with a lower-body injury and later dealing with an upper-body injury before returning for the playoffs — Hodnett still finished with 50 points in 41 games and appeared in four postseason contests.
In those playoffs, he returned earlier than expected and made an impact both on and off the ice, emphasizing leadership even when not at full strength.
“I was ready to go… just tried to provide a spark for our team and be a leader for guys on the bench,” Hodnett said.
From a scouting perspective, Hodnett is viewed as a high-IQ, playmaking forward. The Elite Prospects 2024 NHL Draft Guide describes him as a player who thrives in transition with “instant middle-lane attacks, turbo-speed give-and-goes, and incisive east-west passes,” highlighting his ability to create offense through speed and vision.
His strengths match up with what scouts have noted elsewhere — strong offensive instincts, smooth skating ability, and a reliable two-way game — though his size (5-foot-8, 160 pounds) has been cited as a factor in NHL draft projections.
Hodnett was ranked 223rd among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting ahead of the 2024 NHL Draft.
Prior to his WHL career, Hodnett developed in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League (CSSHL), including a standout 2021-22 season at the U18 level where he recorded 59 points (17 goals, 42 assists) in 35 games and led the league in assists.
He also represented Canada White at the 2022 World U17 Hockey Challenge, posting six points in six games. (Source: EliteProspects)
During his WHL career, Hodnett earned several team honors, including Oil Kings MVP and Top Rookie (2022-23) and Unsung Hero (2024-25).
Hodnett’s commitment also continues a familiar pipeline for Omaha. He played alongside current Maverick Marc Lajoie during the 2023-24 season in Edmonton, giving him an existing connection to the program. Current teammate Carter Sotheran will join him in Omaha this fall.
In announcing his commitment, Hodnett expressed both gratitude for his time in Edmonton and excitement for what’s next: “I’m extremely proud and excited to announce my commitment to the University of Nebraska Omaha… It was a huge honor to serve as Captain for the past two seasons… Excited for what’s ahead with the Mavericks!”
What This Means for the Mavericks
Hodnett fits the mold of the type of player Coach Mike Gabinet has targeted in recent recruiting classes: skilled, competitive, and capable of playing a fast, transition-based game.
With nearly a point-per-game career in the WHL and a track record of leadership as a team captain, Hodnett brings both production and experience to the Mavericks’ forward group.
It’s early, but this addition looks like another example of Omaha continuing to tap into high-end Canadian junior talent — particularly players who combine hockey IQ with offensive upside.
In those playoffs, he returned earlier than expected and made an impact both on and off the ice, emphasizing leadership even when not at full strength.
“I was ready to go… just tried to provide a spark for our team and be a leader for guys on the bench,” Hodnett said.
From a scouting perspective, Hodnett is viewed as a high-IQ, playmaking forward. The Elite Prospects 2024 NHL Draft Guide describes him as a player who thrives in transition with “instant middle-lane attacks, turbo-speed give-and-goes, and incisive east-west passes,” highlighting his ability to create offense through speed and vision.
His strengths match up with what scouts have noted elsewhere — strong offensive instincts, smooth skating ability, and a reliable two-way game — though his size (5-foot-8, 160 pounds) has been cited as a factor in NHL draft projections.
Hodnett was ranked 223rd among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting ahead of the 2024 NHL Draft.
Prior to his WHL career, Hodnett developed in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League (CSSHL), including a standout 2021-22 season at the U18 level where he recorded 59 points (17 goals, 42 assists) in 35 games and led the league in assists.
He also represented Canada White at the 2022 World U17 Hockey Challenge, posting six points in six games. (Source: EliteProspects)
During his WHL career, Hodnett earned several team honors, including Oil Kings MVP and Top Rookie (2022-23) and Unsung Hero (2024-25).
Hodnett’s commitment also continues a familiar pipeline for Omaha. He played alongside current Maverick Marc Lajoie during the 2023-24 season in Edmonton, giving him an existing connection to the program. Current teammate Carter Sotheran will join him in Omaha this fall.
In announcing his commitment, Hodnett expressed both gratitude for his time in Edmonton and excitement for what’s next: “I’m extremely proud and excited to announce my commitment to the University of Nebraska Omaha… It was a huge honor to serve as Captain for the past two seasons… Excited for what’s ahead with the Mavericks!”
What This Means for the Mavericks
Hodnett fits the mold of the type of player Coach Mike Gabinet has targeted in recent recruiting classes: skilled, competitive, and capable of playing a fast, transition-based game.
With nearly a point-per-game career in the WHL and a track record of leadership as a team captain, Hodnett brings both production and experience to the Mavericks’ forward group.
It’s early, but this addition looks like another example of Omaha continuing to tap into high-end Canadian junior talent — particularly players who combine hockey IQ with offensive upside.
A letter from the cap. 💌 pic.twitter.com/YtdlqxvkWy
— Edmonton Oil Kings (@EdmOilKings) April 20, 2026
Here is a video of all of Hodnett’s 2022-2023 WHL goals, including his first one:
Headed to Omaha! ✈️
— Edmonton Oil Kings (@EdmOilKings) April 20, 2026
Oil Kings F Gavin Hodnett has committed to the University of Nebraska Omaha for the 26/27 season! Congrats, Hods! 👑
🔗READ HERE: https://t.co/2FPkdJfpYt pic.twitter.com/uARNMTfb4Y
