On paper, UND is a better team in all regards. Omaha has had success in Grand Forks and tends to do better on the road than at home. They have been playing better of late and I think they can find a way to steal a game. But UND will not go quietly and they have the fire power to overwhelm the Mavericks.
Jon’s Pick: UND in 2
North Dakota has outscored their opponents in NCHC play 96-58 this season. By the same token, Omaha has been outscored by NCHC opponents 86-57. If these numbers hold, and UND freshmen goalie Jan Špunar continues his sub-2.0 GAA average, it will be a tough weekend for the Mavericks.
#2 Denver vs. Miami
Jason’s Pick: DU in 2
Denver wants a #1 seed and will need a strong showing against the RedHawks to begin a climb in the national rankings. Even then it may not be enough. DU is a fast team with a lot of skill. If they get solid goaltending they are a team to fear.
Jon’s Pick: DU in 2
Miami has only won 2 out of their last 8 games. The month of February has not been kind to the RedHawks. The RedHawks have had a good run this season, going 18-14-2 overall and winning 9 games in NCHC play after having not tallied a single win in conference play in the 2024-25 campaign. But Denver has one of the top D-corps in the NCHC. DU goaltender Johnny Hicks has a 1.14 goals against average and .958 save percentage.
#3 Western Michigan vs. Colorado College
Jason’s Pick: Western in 2
Western Michigan is ready to defend their title. But they are likely to be placed in a tough bracket. Winning the NCHC might be their only ticket to a good draw. But CC has a goaltender who is known for stealing games and is playing his final collegiate hockey games. This is certainly an upset watch.
Jon’s Pick: Western in 2
Western Michigan has too much firepower on the roster. They have multiple lines that will come at you in waves. Breakout performer William Whitelaw could have a big weekend against the Tigers. I don't think Kaidan Mbereko will be enough in net for CC to stop the onslaught at Lawson.
#4 Minnesota Duluth vs. St Cloud State
Jason’s Pick: SCSU in 3
Duluth is trending down the second half of the season. They go the way the Plante family goes. If they catch fire it could be a bloodbath for Duluth. SCSU has surprised many and look to keep the run going. Expect a defensive battle, could be three 2-1 games.
Jon’s Pick: UMD in 2
Observers typically look at the 4-5 matchup as the “upset special” in the NCHC playoffs. And while that is a possibility between these in-state rivals, I think the effectiveness of UMD's top line featuring Hobey Baker nominees (and brothers) Zam Plante and Max Plante will likely decide this series. If the games are tight, sophomore Slovakian goaltender Adam Gajan (2.27 GAA, .905 SV%) could prove to be the difference for UMD in net.
All right, Trevor, I’ve got some questions for you. So take us back to Friday night. You scored twice in the third, including that empty net goal. What changed for you and your linemates in that last period that kind of opened things up?
Trevor Wong (Sophomore Forward, Omaha Hockey):
Yeah, I think just kind of sticking to our game and just trying to play the right way the whole time. Obviously, not cheating for offense and just playing a 200-foot game, so luckily it got rewarded.
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:
You had five shots in that game.˙ Was that intentional, like, “I’m going to shoot tonight,” or is that just how the game came to you?
Trevor Wong (Sophomore Forward, Omaha Hockey):
I didn’t know that. I don’t think I had five shots, but no, I think, yeah, just trying to throw a puck to the net and create, obviously. We got to score more goals to win games, so just throwing pucks whenever we can at the net, and even if that creates scrums, it’s good for us.
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:
You’ve experienced a lot of different stages already: WHL, USports, now NCAA. What’s been the biggest adjustment for you in this league?
Trevor Wong (Sophomore Forward, Omaha Hockey):
Yeah, it’s a really good league and a hard-structured league, so I think it’s a big step (up) from both USports and (the) WHL. And the structure is just phenomenal against every team you play, so five-on-five points are very, very hard to come by.
And then, when you get to the special teams, they’re so crucial because they’ll give you momentum or kill your momentum. So you can’t take a shift off in this league, and you’re playing against top-end teams all the time, and obviously our conference is very difficult. So I think it’s just a step up in every situation.
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:
Speaking of stepping up, you wore a captain’s letter before, and you were known as more of a lead-by-example guy than the loudest voice. What does leadership look like for you on this team?
Trevor Wong (Sophomore Forward, Omaha Hockey):
Yeah, I mean, I think we already have such a great leadership group that I was lucky enough to come here, and they’ve already established their culture here and stuff like that.
But obviously, with a little bit of leadership experience, exactly like you said, (I’m) just trying to lead by example on the ice, and just try to be the best teammate I can and lift guys up and just bring good energy to the room and on the bench and on the ice during practice or whatever it is. So yeah, and then on the ice, lead by example, obviously just trying to play the right way all the time.
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:
Looking ahead to this weekend, Western Michigan’s rolling, and they’ve got confidence all over their lineup, obviously. As a forward, what’s the biggest challenge that you think is going to face you this weekend?
Trevor Wong (Sophomore Forward, Omaha Hockey):
Yeah, that’s a good question. I think, obviously, for us, we got to score more goals. We’re not going to win scoring one or two goals and just rely on our goalies, obviously. So like you said, they’re rolling, obviously, and us forwards, we want to help our team win, and we got to put the puck in the net.
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:
You’ve talked before about how a trade early in your career felt like a “dark moment” to you and then later became a place that felt like home. What’s been a “this feels like home” moment for you in Omaha?
Trevor Wong (Sophomore Forward, Omaha Hockey):
Honestly, I think it’s just coming to the rink every day with these guys. It’s a very special group. It’s a unique situation bringing in a lot of guys from all different places and different levels of hockey. So, you know, when you come to the rink and (you’ve) felt welcomed, it’s just a great feeling just being part of something bigger than yourself.
And I think that’s, for me, just coming to the rink every day and being with the guys and the coaches and all our support staff around the room.
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:
What’s something about your game that you’ve learned to laugh at — or not overthink — as you’ve gotten older?
Trevor Wong (Sophomore Forward, Omaha Hockey):
Tough question. ‘
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):
That’s a tough question.
Trevor Wong (Sophomore Forward, Omaha Hockey):
That is a tough question.
Sorry, that I laugh at?
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:
That you laugh at now, you’re like, “Oh, that worried me when I was younger,” but I don’t even give it a second thought now. About your game. It doesn’t have to be personal.
Trevor Wong (Sophomore Forward, Omaha Hockey):
That’s a tough question. That might be the hardest question I’ve got.
I mean, I think now in my career, I think not being so worried about … being worried about just wins and …
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):
Points or something like that.
Trevor Wong (Sophomore Forward, Omaha Hockey):
Yeah, not individual stuff, I think, is a good way to put it. Yeah. I think when you’re younger, and you have junior drafts or NHL drafts, you’re so worried about your individual points and what you’re going to produce and stuff like that.
But I think in my career now, I think I’m just more focused on enjoying it all, really, because I’ve been so lucky to just have been on the career path that I’ve been on. I never thought I could play in the WHL, USports, and NCAA.
So I’m really just enjoying it all, and this experience has been so amazing.
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:
I think that’s a good place to leave it. Thanks so much, Trevor.
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):
Awesome, Trevor. Thanks, bud.
Trevor Wong (Sophomore Forward, Omaha Hockey):
What a tough question.
Emma Goldstein (Sports Information, Omaha Athletics):
Questions for head coach Mike Gabinet.
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:
So coach, when you look back at the Colorado College series, what did you like most about your team’s performance this past weekend?
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):
Yeah, I thought it was a good step for us this weekend. Again, just pockets of the game that I thought we could be better at.
I thought we started tentatively a little bit both nights, just a little bit of maybe nervous on what’s going to happen, instead of just initiating the game. But again, overall, I thought the guys took a nice step.
Again, I thought easily could have — two very close games that could have gone in our favor pretty easily both ways. And so that’s a nice confidence boost for the guys. The work we put in that week, I think, that really showed up on the weekends here, and we got to continue that to this weekend here.
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:
Game one really felt like you got rewarded late for sticking with your play, your identity. What did you see change in the final like 15 or 20 minutes that changed that game?
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):
Yeah, like you said, I think just staying with it, and being comfortable in those situations, and just continuing to play the game the right way for long periods of time can be difficult. But as we’ve seen this season, it’s one or two crucial plays that ultimately make the difference in the game. You never know when that’s going to happen.
And so, the longer you can do that consistently, I think that separates a little bit of the good teams from the great teams with the ability to stick with that longer than they’re willing to stick with it there. So yeah, tremendous investment by the guys there, and it was nice to get rewarded with a big win.
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:
(New Omaha defenseman) Ryan McCleary stepped in quickly. What have you liked about his adjustment to college hockey so far, and specifically, what did you like about his weekend against Colorado College?
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):
Yeah, again, I haven’t seen him a ton yet to get a really good feel for his game, but I think the first word that comes to mind — I think you’re hearing it even from players on the bench — is really solid.
Just played really solid and very efficient game out there that just kind of was hard to play against, (he) moved pucks quickly. He’s a big guy that’s pretty rangey there.
And again, like I mentioned earlier with (Jacob) Guevin out, having another right shot guy, that really helps your transition and a little bit of things on the offensive line when you have your right-handed guys playing together. So yeah, overall, I was just really impressed with his play and (he was) just really solid out there.
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:
Trevor (Wong) obviously had a big weekend, the two-goal night on Friday. What are you seeing in his game right now that’s working, and what do you want him to do to take that next step?
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):
Yeah, I think he’s been one of our best players here as of late, for sure. I think you can see that on theice, just the way he’s moving now and making plays and moving his feet and seeing the game. And very creative player, very intelligent player out there.
And I think that’s really crucial for us is that we have certain guys step up right now. We have a lot of guys that are kind of the same, and now hopefully you’re seeing some of these guys take that next step there. And as you mentioned, getting that crucial goal, making that crucial play. And he’s one of those guys who can do those sort of things.
So (we’re) really happy with his progress here, and you can see him getting more comfortable. Even in practice this week, you can see some of those guys…a lot of times you see it in practice before you see it in the games, and you can see some of these guys starting to feel the puck and making more plays and hanging on to it for a little extra time and not rushing the plays, being quick but not hurrying, having poise at the right times. And those are usually good things when offense starts to generate.
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:
Looking ahead to Western Michigan, they swept us at Baxter (Arena) earlier in the season. But when you watch that series back and you prepare for this one, what are the two or three biggest differences that you need to see on Friday and Saturday in Kalamazoo?
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):
Yeah, I think if you remember, I thought we had a really good game on Saturday, just one of those games that obviously we came up short, but I thought we really — I think they got maybe an empty netter that game. But yeah, so just continue to build on some of those things that we did well.
And they’re an interesting team, right? They’re a very kind of high transition team and like to stretch guys. So you have to pick your times to be very aggressive, and then you have to pick your times also to make sure you’re defending properly and not letting them get behind you.
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:
You’ve got a lot of guys who haven’t experienced a game at Lawson yet. What’s the message to them about that environment, and how do you make sure they’re ready to go on Friday night?
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):
Yeah, I think we just need a little bit of joy and fun too, and so kind of take it as maybe an opportunity to have a little jam and go into a real tough environment and kind of just go hard and you know, try to keep it quiet in there, right?
So I think it’s obviously always a loud place to play. And so I think just kind of take it as a challenge and kind of walk right into it head-on rather than worry about it too much. I think that’s the mindset that we’re going to take it into this weekend.
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:
You had Simon (Latkoczy) as the featured player at last week’s press conference, and then he goes out and earns NCHC Goaltender of the Week. And the same thing happened back in November with the Colorado College road series. Is that a funny coincidence, or…?
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):
Yeah, just give sometimes — and that’s a good reminder for me too — to give players confidence, right?
At times, you need somebody to believe in you to get confidence. And I think that’s really important sometimes as a coach, especially when guys have maybe been struggling a little bit there, that you got to remember how do you get them to perform at their best and how do you coach?
And sometimes that’s accountability. Sometimes that’s a firm hand and a push, and sometimes that’s getting them to make sure they believe in themselves and understand they’re capable of doing things they don’t realize they’re capable of doing. So we’ve had kind of all those talks throughout the thing.
But I think if you want different results, you got to do different things. And whether that’s coaching or the player taking responsibility and working on their mindset, it’s everybody working for the same thing. It’s not us or we or me or them. It’s us. It’s we. And when you do that together, usually that’s where you keep improving.
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:
You’ve got one more weekend and then a bye week to get some guys healthy — or healthier anyway. Can you give us an injury update?
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):
Yeah, Jacob Guevin. He’s still out right now, so probably questionable for this weekend. So we’ll see what happens there. But hopefully he’s not far off from a return here.
But I haven’t talked to our trainer today after practice. But with that bye week coming up, it’s always a little bit difficult — you know, if a player’s not quite ready or close — falling by a bye week, sometimes the medical staff’s a little bit more cautious knowing that they got another week right on the horizon there.
So we’ll probably make a decision here tomorrow when we travel.
Thanks, Bridget. You know what? You always do a really good job. Just one point for you. You always do a really good job of doing background into the players and asking good questions. So we appreciate that for sure.
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:
I didn’t mean to put Trevor on the spot today. Poor guy felt like he was in a job interview.
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):
Yeah, that’s — you know what? But you always do a good job researching the players. And I know they appreciate that, and it’s always good to get those guys stumped once in a while.
Emma Goldstein (Sports Information, Omaha Athletics):
Omaha Hockey and Colorado College entered the weekend tied at the bottom of the NCHC standings, and they left it the same way. But the path there told two very different stories.
Behind a strong night from Simon Latkoczy and a three-point weekend opener from Trevor Wong, Omaha took Friday’s series opener 3-1 at Baxter Arena. Saturday looked like it might go the same way early, but Colorado College flipped the script with a dominant second period and skated away with a 3-1 win to earn the split on the weekend.
Friday: Wong leads late as Omaha snaps skid Friday night was tight, physical, and scoreless for nearly 33 minutes — exactly the kind of game you expect when two teams are fighting for traction in league play.
Colorado College tested Simon Latkoczy early, throwing pressure at him in the opening minutes, and even appeared to grab a first-period lead before an offsides review wiped the goal off the board. Omaha had a goal of its own waved off later in the period, keeping the game locked at 0-0 through 20 minutes.
The breakthrough finally came late in the second period when Aidan de la Gorgendiere stepped into a power-play shot from the blue line and ripped it through traffic to give Omaha a 1-0 lead. The goal shifted the energy in the building.
Trevor Wong doubled the lead early in the third, redirecting a Griffin Ludtke shot from the point past Kaidan Mbereko to make it 2-0. Colorado College answered late to cut into the margin, but Wong sealed the win with an empty-net goal in the final minute, finishing the night with two goals and an assist.
Latkoczy stopped 25 shots for the win as Omaha snapped a three-game skid and pulled even with the Tigers in the standings.
Saturday: Fast start, rough middle, familiar ending If Friday was about patience, Saturday was about swings, and Colorado College got the biggest one.
Omaha came out flying in the first period, controlling possession and piling up shots. The Mavericks outshot the Tigers 21-8 in the opening 20 minutes and were rewarded when Brett Hyland scored midway through the period, finishing off a play set up by Wong and Samuel Huo.
At that point, it looked like Omaha was in position to go for the season sweep.
Then the game turned.
Colorado College completely flipped the ice in the second period, outshooting Omaha 16-4 and turning sustained pressure into goals. A power-play goal tied the game, and Connor Hvidston capitalized on a one-on-one chance late in the period to give the Tigers their first lead of the weekend.
Omaha had chances early in the third, including a scramble right off the opening faceoff — but Kaidan Mbereko stood firm. With the Mavericks pressing late and Simon Latkoczy pulled for the extra attacker, Colorado College hit the empty net to put the game away.
Latkoczy made 32 saves in the loss, which came on a meaningful night for the senior goaltender: his 100th career appearance as a Maverick.
Series Notes:
Special teams mattered: Omaha went 1-for-4 on the power play Friday, scoring the game’s first goal, but did not convert Saturday as Colorado College flipped the momentum with a second-period power-play tally.
Shot totals told two different stories: Omaha held a decisive edge in first-period shots Saturday (21-8), while Colorado College controlled the final 40 minutes, outshooting the Mavericks 27-10 over the last two periods.
Wong’s weekend continued a trend: Trevor Wong’s three-point Friday extended his role as one of Omaha’s most consistent point producers in close games, factoring directly into multiple one-goal or late-sealing situations this season.
Latkoczy milestone watch: With his 100th career appearance Saturday, Latkoczy continues to climb Omaha’s all-time goaltending lists while anchoring the Mavericks in high-volume shot nights. After the weekend, Latkoczy has 49 career wins.
The split keeps Omaha and Colorado College tied in eighth place in the NCHC standings.
Omaha now heads on the road to Kalamazoo, Michigan, to face No. 3 Western Michigan, the defending national champion.
Omaha Hockey returns home for an NCHC series against (RV) Colorado College, as the Tigers visit Baxter Arena for games Friday, Jan. 23 and Saturday, Jan. 24.
Omaha enters the weekend 8-16-0 overall and 4-10-0 in NCHC play, while Colorado College comes in 9-10-3 overall and 3-6-3 in the league.
There’s a little extra buzz on Friday night, too: Chuck-a-Puck (or, as Brent Bean has called it, “Hurl-a-Helmet,”) returns to Baxter Arena, presented by Kiewit Corporation. Fans can purchase one puck for $5 or five for $20 for a chance to win a $1,000 travel voucher.
Note: Omaha will also observe a moment of silence pre-game in honor of Colleen Barstow. Barstow was an Omaha Blue Line Club past president. She died of cancer on Jan. 10.
The Home Stretch
This series comes as Omaha goes into its final stretch of the regular season, and it also marks a return of a familiar opponent: the Mavericks swept Colorado College in Colorado Springs earlier this season (Oct. 31-Nov. 1), winning 3-2 on opening night and 5-4 the following night.
Offensively, Maxime Pellerin continues to set the pace for Omaha. The sophomore forward leads the Mavericks with seven goals and eight assists (15 points) and had a goal plus two assists in Omaha’s Jan. 10 game against (RV) St. Cloud State.
In net, Simon Latkoczy returned from injury last weekend at (RV) Miami (Ohio), making his first appearance since Dec. 12. Latkoczy shut out the RedHawks through two periods before Miami scored three times in the third; he finished with 22 saves.
Scouting the Tigers
Colorado College is led in scoring by Owen Beckner (16 points: 6G, 10A), with Gavin Lindberg close behind at 15 points (6G, 9A).
In their most recent action, the Tigers played an exhibition vs. Simon Fraser and won 8-3, with Lindberg and Connor Hvidston each posting two goals and an assist (per Colorado College’s notes). Before that, CC split a home series vs. No. 4 North Dakota on Jan. 9-10.
A couple of important highlights for CC:
The Tigers are averaging 33.7 shots per game (11th nationally).
They lead the NCHC (and are third nationally) in faceoff winning percentage at 54.9%.
Series history
This weekend marks the 55th and 56th meetings between the programs.
Omaha holds a 34-15-7 advantage in the series overall, including an 18-5-5 mark in Omaha, and that the Mavericks have won six straight in the series, including the two games in Colorado Springs earlier this season.
The last time the teams met at Baxter Arena was Jan. 10-11, 2025, when Omaha swept the Tigers, winning 5-2 and 3-1.
Coach Mike Gabinet opened his weekly press conference by announcing defenseman Ryan McCleary as a new addition to the Omaha Hockey roster, acknowledging that his staff and university administration worked quickly get him enrolled and on campus.
“(We’re) pretty excited to get him here and get him with the team. It takes a lot of work to get a person into school that quickly. He started classes this week (and) we’re excited for his addition,” Gabinet said.
When asked what McCleary brings, Gabinet pointed to experience, size, and a right-shot option on the blue line — and also noted Omaha is dealing with an injury on the back end.
“He’s got some pretty good experience. (He) played a lot of junior hockey there and (has) substantial professional hockey (experience) as well. He’s a right shot d-man, a bigger body too, which is nice. Obviously we got Jacob Guevin right now with an injury. I think [McCleary will] be able to step in right away and help contribute,” Gabinet added.
McCleary joined the program Jan. 20 and previously played junior hockey in the WHL and professional hockey in the ECHL. He was selected by Pittsburgh in the seventh round of the 2021 NHL Draft.
Senior goaltender Simon Latkoczy spoke candidly about the frustration of an injury timeline that kept stretching out, and the relief of being back in game action.
“It’s never great to be injured. It was supposed to be two weeks, then three weeks… then it was four and five (weeks). It took a longer time than expected," Latkoczy said. "I’m happy to be back. I was happy to play on Friday.”
As a co-captain, Latkoczy also emphasized the team’s mindset, even with the record where it is.
“We have not given up. We are still here and we are fighting. Ten games is a good amount of games… a good amount of points. A lot can change game to game.” Latkoczy added.
Gabinet echoed that idea from the coaching side: narrowing the focus, and identifying what’s costing Omaha in tight games.
“It’s smart anytime you’re going through adversity to narrow the focus. Shift by shift, kind of day by day, game by game is a smart place to live,” he said.
On what needs to translate more consistently, Gabinet pointed to two areas: possession leading to finishing, and turnovers at the wrong time.
“I like some of our o-zone play. Now it’s about finding ways to finish and put the puck in the back of the net,” Gabinet said. “A common theme right now are turnovers. Turnovers at the wrong time. That’s an area of growth for us (to) keep managing the puck properly and making sure we’re making the right decision at the right time and keep working on those things.”
And when asked what’s missing when effort doesn’t translate to results, Gabinet kept coming back to communication and leadership in difficult stretches.
“I don’t think this team is ever not trying hard. When you get punched in the face a couple times, you’re gonna naturally have a little bit of a down (time), and then you gotta kind of get yourself right back up and get back to work,” he added. "Great leaders during difficult times communicate. And then ultimately, the most important thing is to step up and do the work.”
This weekend also coincides with the Baxter Arena Birthday Bash, as the venue celebrates its anniversary with added in-game activities and fan experiences throughout the weekend.
Fans can expect photo opportunities and special in-game elements tied to the celebration, along with several concession specials available inside the arena. Season Ticket Holders can redeem a $6 souvenir fountain beverage using a QR code, while all fans can take advantage of a $10 hotdog and beverage combo (soda or select beer) at the 1908, 7th, and Bistro concession stands.
There are also a few themed drink options tied to the celebration. A 20-ounce mocktail, the “Durango Juice,” will be available for $5 and served in a lighted glass at 1908, the Club level, and Tailgate. For those looking for specialty cocktails, the 12-ounce “Palomaha Maverick” vodka drink will be offered for $10 at the Club, Nutrl, Suite, Mav Room, and Tailgate locations, while a 12-ounce bourbon sour will be available for $10 at Bull Market, the Club level, Suites, and the Mav Room.
For Fans Attending the Game in Person: The west lot outside Baxter, Lot 25, is open to donors and single-game pass holders 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 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. Concession stands are card only (no cash).
Radio: The game 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.
On this episode of the Mavpuckcast, Jon and Jason talk about the Omaha Maverick Hockey team’s recent series at Miami (OH) (includes their picks for “Player of the Week”). They present this week’s “Weekly Top 20.” They talk about the current National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) race, and where things stand for the Mavs. They wrap up the episode with their preview and predictions for Omaha’s upcoming hockey series versus the Colorado College Tigers at Baxter Arena.
Next Weekend:
Omaha is on the road to Kalamazoo, Michigan, for a conference rematch against the Western Michigan University Broncos on Jan. 30-31 before returning home for Stripe the Arena (Feb. 13) and Senior Night (Feb. 14) against Denver.
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey): Yeah, good to see everybody. Uh, just, just first off, just want to announce an addition to the team here, uh, Ryan McCleary. Pretty excited to get him here and get him with the team. Obviously, with, uh, Joe Gramer departing there, (it’s) nice to get, uh, another body on the back end there. So, uh, (I’m) really grateful to our, our assistant coaches and just even the administration and, um, just getting every — it takes a lot of work to get a person into school that quickly. So, um, everybody was all hands on board getting that going, and he started classes this week, so we’re excited for his addition.
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:
I have a follow-up question to that. So how do you know somebody like him is interested in coming, and available and eligible, and how does that all work?
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey): Yeah, that’s why you’re — the hours of being a coach nowadays are a lot different than they used to be. And, and again, just a lot of credit to the staff and, um, you know, you’re reaching out to — we actually thought we maybe had one other player lined up, and then, you know, that, you know, circumstances change. You got guys in junior hockey, obviously. You got guys nowadays in pro. Um, so it just kind of ended up working out through the advisor there that he had some interest there and, uh, coming back, coming to school and experiencing college hockey there. So, um, lots of moving parts there to make it happen there. But again, that’s where you gotta spend a lot of time on the phone and talking to people and figuring out who’s available and who’s interested.
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:
Can you just talk a little bit about what you’re hoping that he brings to the blue line and how his addition is gonna help us down the stretch?
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey):
Yeah, again, I think he’s got some pretty good experience, right? Played a lot of junior hockey there and then a lot of, uh, you know, pretty substantial professional hockey as well there too. Some, so some lots of good experience there. He’s a right shot d-man (defenseman), a bigger body too, which is nice. Um, obviously we got Jacob Guevin right now with an injury too from Friday night in Miami there.
So, all of a sudden now you’re down another guy. So, um, just again, a big body. Um, he’s got lots of experience there, right shot there that I think will be able to step in right away and help contribute to the team.
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:
So following up on, uh, noticing Jacob (Guevin) being out, Hunter (McInnes) was in the lineup on Saturday night. How are you approaching those decisions with him in regards to him playing, redshirting, whatever, as the season goes on?
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey): Yeah, to be honest, I think I was excited to get him in, and I know he was excited to play, and he’s done a great job in practice. Um, you know, for a while there (him) kind of being our eighth defenseman there and really contributing every day in practice. I know the guys were really excited for him to get into the lineup. So, and I thought he did a really good job. I think he played about 10 minutes and did a really solid job there. And, um, you know, we’re definitely not afraid to play him, that’s for sure.
Emma Goldstein (Sports Information, Omaha Athletics):
Questions for Simon (Latkoczy).
Mike Vaillancourt, Learfield Sports:
Hey, Simon, when, uh, when you were out after that North Dakota series, what was your mindset as you had to sit back and, and watch your teammates play in practice? And how, how did you approach that time mentally?
Simon Latkoczy (Senior Goaltender, Omaha Hockey):
Well, it’s never great to be injured. I mean, we all wanna play and we all wanna be healthy. Uh, unfortunately, that’s a part of the journey, and injuries are part of the seasons. Uh, I got one recently, and, uh, uh, the one sad thing was that, like, it was kind of like coming back. So it was supposed to be two weeks, then three weeks, and then it was four and five (weeks). So it, uh, took a longer time than expected, uh, throughout the Christmas break as well. And, uh, yeah, uh, I’m happy to be back, to be honest, and, uh, uh, ready to get started. I was happy to play on Friday.
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:
As a co-captain, how do you help your teammates stay confident without letting that frustration creep in when things get difficult during the season?
Simon Latkoczy (Senior Goaltender, Omaha Hockey):
Yeah, I think, uh, there is a lot of talking from, uh, me and Griffin (Ludtke) and (the) other captains. I think that we are doing a good job, especially, you know, like, it’s, uh, very easy to give up at this moment. Uh, but, uh, the coaches and the coaching staff are doing a great job too, uh, leading that way and showing us that, uh, that’s not an option, and that’s not the mentality right here.
And, uh, then it’s, uh, a little bit easier for us as captains to kind of like learn from that mindset, and that just kind of show it to the other guys too, you know, like they always look up to the leaders and coaches. And, uh, if we are on the same page, uh, as we are, I think that’s, uh, just really important to not give up.
And, uh, I, to be honest, I think that we are, uh, getting closer and closer to each other because, uh, in my opinion, these tough times, uh, are bringing the team more together. And, uh, everything’s perfect when we are winning, but, uh, really it just shows up how strong, how strong we are when the things are not, not going our way.
Mike Vaillancourt, Learfield Sports:
When you stepped back into crease on, on Friday night, uh, what was the adjustment like? Did you feel like you were game speed ready? Did, did it take a couple of shots for you to kind of get back into the groove of things? How was that adjustment for you?
Simon Latkoczy (Senior Goaltender, Omaha Hockey):
Yeah, mentally a little harder. Uh, I would say just to kind of get back into it after an injury. Uh, you are never really 100% sure that you can trust it as you, as it was before. Uh, if you are practicing with the pain, I would say, like, throughout that injury time, it doesn’t just go away like that. But I think that, uh, uh, the support staff, uh, did a good job, uh, kind of helping me there, and giving me the confidence. And then, uh, once I step into the net, I don’t try to think about anything else, and it’s just about, uh, to stop the puck.
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:
Following up on Mike (Vaillancourt’s) question, on a night when you’re feeling good in net, how early do you know that it’s gonna be a good, good night? Do you know that right away, or does it take a couple of shots before you figure that out?
Simon Latkoczy (Senior Goaltender, Omaha Hockey):
That’s a tough question, to be honest, to answer. Uh, you know, it’s usually the feeling that you have. Uh, and it starts before a game. But, uh, (the) first couple of saves are always important. You never know how the game is gonna go. And, uh, yeah, uh, to be honest, I don’t know, uh, the answer to this question.
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:
So, for fans watching from the stands, what’s one misconception about the team right now, and what would you want them to understand as we go down these last couple of games of the stretch?
Simon Latkoczy (Senior Goaltender, Omaha Hockey):
You said from the team or from the fans?
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:
From — if the fans are looking at the team, what’s one misperception that they have? They’re not in your shoes. They don’t know what you guys know. What would you tell them looking at these next 10 games?
Simon Latkoczy (Senior Goaltender, Omaha Hockey):
That we have not given up. Definitely. We are still here and we are fighting. And, uh, we believe in each other. Uh, I think that, uh, we still have, uh, 10 games is a good amount of games in college hockey, in my opinion. It’s, uh, more than 30% or around that, you know. Uh, that’s a good amount of, uh, hockey, and a good amount of points.
If we are still on the same boat, as we are, I think that there is a lot that can happen and a lot that can change from, uh, a game to game. We just gotta, uh, kind of stick to the process, in my opinion, and do the same thing again and again, and do the work.
Mike Vaillancourt, Learfield Sports:
She brought up 10 games. This is your senior season. Uh, 10 games down the stretch here. Have, have you thought at all about the last few weeks, uh, of your senior year? Have you, have you even thought (about) the last three and a half years? Like, what, what does this experience mean to you?
Simon Latkoczy (Senior Goaltender, Omaha Hockey):
It gave me a lot. Omaha gave me a lot. Uh, people around me gave me, gave me a lot. And, uh, I’m excited about, uh, these last couple of games here, because I think that it’s all coming together. And I’m, uh, I believe and I’m sure that it’s all gonna show up at the right time. Now it’s time for me to, uh, I would say that, uh, enough was said in the locker room by me, but it’s, uh, time for me to lead on the ice by my performance and the results. And I’m excited to do it.
Simon Latkoczy (Senior Goaltender, Omaha Hockey):
Simon, it came out today that you were, um, on the Hobey Baker nomination list for the Hobey Baker Award. I know awards are not a big thing for you. You’re all about the team. But what does it mean to be one of just 18 players that are on that list (for the NCHC)?
Simon Latkoczy (Senior Goaltender, Omaha Hockey):
Uh, I think that decision is made by the coaches, if I’m correct or not.
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey): Yep.
Simon Latkoczy (Senior Goaltender, Omaha Hockey):
Uh, I think that’s, uh, a great way to give your goalie confidence without any words and, uh, that they believe in me throughout the end of the season, even if the things are not going our way. And, uh, I’m, uh, thankful for that and, uh, uh, responsible and, uh, I’ll do my best to, uh, put it, uh, to play as I should and, uh, to done, uh, to, to just not, like, mess it up, kind of.
Mike Vaillancourt, Learfield Sports:
You, you come into this weekend against CC, uh, goaltender on the opposite side of theice that you know quite well from your days back at the USHL. Um, maybe rivalry is not the right word, but it’s certainly a premier matchup. How do you approach these weekends when you know that you’ve got a guy that you’ve faced off against for several years, who’s quite good himself? Does that, uh, help give you an extra boost?
Simon Latkoczy (Senior Goaltender, Omaha Hockey):
Yeah, (Kaidan) Mbereko is a good goalie. I think I talked about this, uh, before. I think that, uh, there is, uh, a lot of good goalies in our conference, and, uh, every team has some. Uh, we always have good matchups together. I’m excited that, uh, now it’s in our barn, and, uh, I’m just excited to get going and, uh, play some games, uh, with the support of the fans.
I think that it’s gonna be good. And, uh, yes, I’m excited about it, and I’m excited for this weekend.
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey): All right. Good job, man. Good job.
Emma Goldstein (Sports Information, Omaha Athletics):
Questions for Coach (Gabinet)?
Mike Vaillancourt, Learfield Sports:
As you approach, uh, the CC (Colorado College) weekend, obviously, you know, 10 games, there’s a lot that can happen within those 10 games. How much, though, are you getting the guys focused on, “Let’s play one shift at a time. Let’s take one shot at a time, one pass at a time,” as opposed to looking at the big picture down the stretch here?
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey): Yeah, I think it’s smart anytime you’re going through adversity to, to narrow the focus a little bit there. And as you said, shift by shift, uh, kind of day by day, game by game is a smart place to live. You know, as much you can be in the present as possible, uh, that’s usually what, you know, drives the best outcome.
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:
Looking back at the Miami series, what’s one thing that the team did better than the scoreboard reflected — and one thing that still needs to show up with more consistency with only 10 games left?
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey): Yeah, again, I, I like some of our o-zone (offensive zone) play. I think if you look at the, you know, the results after, I think we, we won the o-zone possession time during the game there. Now it’s about finding ways to, to finish and, and put the back, uh, the puck in the back of the net. And then I think just, again, if you go through the process of reflecting on the goals against, you know, how are they scoring against us?
I think, again, a common theme right now are turnovers that keep showing up, right? So kind of turnovers at the wrong time. So again, when you break it down like that, it gives you a focus on what you need to keep working on. And, uh, so I think that’s an area of growth for us, uh, uh, you know, (to) keep managing the puck properly and making sure we’re, we’re making the right decision at the right time there and, and, uh, to keep working on those things.
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:
There’s been stretches this season where the effort hasn’t translated to results. The effort’s been there, but the results haven’t been. How do you diagnose that with the team? Is it confidence, execution? What is, what is it that that’s that little missing piece that just hasn’t quite clicked consistently?
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey): Well, I think, like Simon mentioned, uh, you know, I, I, I don’t think this team is ever not trying hard, right? I think that’s one of the makeups we’ve been for a long time. It’s just that compete and that work ethic. And I think, you know, when you get punched in the face a couple of times, you’re gonna naturally have a little bit of a down (time), and then you gotta kind of get yourself right back up and get back to work.
So, um, I think one of the big things for that is leadership. You know, you gotta step up and be a leader, and you gotta communicate and talk about it. I think that’s something when you’re going through difficult times, it’s easy to get quiet or to not communicate as much or, you know, just hope things get better. And I think, you know, I think great leaders during difficult times communicate and talk about it and talk about the reality, the situation you’re facing and how you feel. And then ultimately, the most important thing is to step up and, and do the work, right? And I think, again, that’s what I’m really proud of, the, the staff and the group is we got to work this week, man. We’re getting better. We’re getting better at certain things, whether it shows up, uh, on Friday and Saturday or not, to be determined, but we’re getting better.
And I know we are, and I think that’s something we take a lot of pride in. And, and, uh, and the players, uh, you know, can earn their confidence that way as well.
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:
Speaking of leadership, how important is it to have Simon back in the net this weekend?
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey): Yeah, again, it’s, uh, you know, again, you know, if you would’ve said to me in the (beginning of the) season, “Hey, we’ll be without Simon for a long stretch of the season,” you know, he obviously was probably one of our top players returning. So that’s never easy on a team, especially when you’re going through a tough schedule. Um. So, uh, it’s always nice to have him back, right? He’s just got that experience. He’s been in these situations before. He’s played a lot. And, um, we’re definitely excited to, you know, get him back into game shape here. We gave him the one game on the weekend, uh, (we) didn’t wanna push it too much there. And I think he’s feeling better and better as he gets more practice time in there. So, um, (we’re) excited to have him back.
And again, I don’t wanna downplay Dawson (Cowan). He’s been thrown into the fire as a freshman goalie. That’s not an easy task in this league and, and (he’s) got some very valuable, valuable experience along the way as well too. So it’s nice that he’s, you know, got a good chunk of experience as well that will serve him well in the future.
Mike Vaillancourt, Learfield Sports:
You mentioned Dawson (Cowan). How valuable is it, though, to have that reliable backup, uh, should the situation arise? And now that Dawson’s got that experience, he knows — not just physically what it takes in this league, but the mental aspect of it too. How valuable is that, uh, as you hit the stretch run?
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey): Yeah, I think so. Sometimes there’s no, no substitute for experience, right? You know, you have to kind of go through it to actually know what it feels like to sit in that chair and experience it that day in and day out. And probably would’ve liked to do it a little bit slower for him, where he didn’t have to go all the time against those opponents that we had to face, you know, one after another. But hey, at the end of the day, you can just see his growth, and just even his mindset.
And, and, you know, I spent a lot of time talking to him as well too. And it’s, it’s just kind of nice to see his development through this journey that he’s gone on. And there’s been some adversity as well. And again, that’s how you grow. Nobody wants to go through it, trust me. There’s, uh, not a guy in the locker room that wants to be in the situation we’re in and, and isn’t devastated by it. But at the same breath, like, that’s life, and you gotta freaking step up and, and do the work and deal with it. And that’s how you grow. You gotta attack it head on. And, and he’s a guy that has that same type of mentality.
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:
This group swept Colorado College back in Colorado Springs back in October. When you watch the tape now, what feels most transferable to this weekend, and what doesn’t anymore?
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey): I mean, uh, they’re a good hockey team, you know, right? Uh, uh, so again, I think you just gotta keep growing and, and learning and playing and, um, you know, (we’re) trying to simplify some things for our group. I think that’s important too, just to let guys play a little bit more free where they’re not overthinking. Um, they’re, you know, trusting their instincts a little bit just to play. And I think you’re faster that way. You’re more competitive that way when you’re not thinking. I think when, you know, you’re a little nervous or things have been tough, right, you don’t wanna make a mistake. You don’t wanna mess up. Um, and we have to be responsible that way at this level.
But at the same breath, I’d like to see our guys just play a little bit and, and simplify their game and just go — and go and compete and don’t overthink the future or what’s happened in the past. Just be as present as you can and engage and compete and, uh, be vocal and have great body language. And I think, you know, when you’re doing that, you’re showing confidence and you’re playing your best.
Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:
Are the guys having fun? Is it still fun for them even at this point?
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey): Yeah. Again, yeah. Again, if you really watch our games, I mean, it’s a lot of close hockey games, right? You know, so it’s, uh, which sometimes almost makes it, you know, talking to guys makes it more frustrating at times, you know, when you’re right there and, you know, you look back at Western or Nodak (North Dakota) or Cornell and you’re on these wrong ends of all these ones.
But in the same breath, that’s what’s happening. And you, you gotta deal with it. So I think, again, just to the communication (and) leadership, you have to acknowledge the feeling of down. I had a tough day on Sunday. That’s what I told the team. That was probably one of my toughest Sundays in a long, long time. And you just gotta share that. That’s, that’s how it feels. I can’t sleep. You’re overthinking things. You’re, you know, you’re trying to help everybody and probably got 20 other guys that feel the same way.
So I think by talking about it, and addressing it and then saying, “Okay, well, how does the best version of myself react to this?” And then stepping up and we can’t say, “Oh, shucks — we gotta freaking get to work today.” So it’s a workday. It’s gonna be a workday. And then you do it. And then after practice, you feel better, right? You feel better and you get a little bit of that juice back and you start feeling good ‘cause you did something about it.
You didn’t just think about it. You didn’t complain about it. You didn’t feel sorry for yourself. You did something about it. And I think that’s what the great leaders do, you know, and that’s what our team’s made of. And I’ve (said) from day one, I love this group, man. It’s nobody in there wants to be, to be losing, I’ll tell you that much, you know, but we gotta, you know, we gotta deal with it, but we gotta keep pushing and winning. And you never know when the tide’s gonna change. And I believe it’s gonna change.
Timothy Rohwer, UNO Blue Line Club Newsletter:
So it sounds like, I mean, you mentioned earlier you’re getting better, so that you still have that good optimism to end up having, you know, more success.
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey): Yeah.
Timothy Rohwer, UNO Blue Line Club Newsletter:
As they’re coming up. So it’s still there, that optimism.
Mike Gabinet (Head Coach, Omaha Hockey): Yeah. You gotta be. It’s not there all the time. And you gotta, but you gotta find it again and, uh, and bring it up to light and, uh, um, 100%, man. You gotta believe. You gotta believe.
