Trevor Wong Named Finalist for 2026 NCHC Sportsmanship Award

Trevor Wong celebrates his goal against SCSU on Dec. 9. 

Photo courtesy of Omaha Athletics

By Bridget (Weide) Brooks

Omaha sophomore forward Trevor Wong has been named a finalist for the 2026 NCHC Sportsmanship Award, the National Collegiate Hockey Conference announced Wednesday.

The award recognizes a student-athlete whose conduct positively impacts the culture of the sport while demonstrating respect, integrity, and the spirit of the game — even in challenging situations.

Wong’s nomination reflects a season defined by both production and discipline. The sophomore currently leads Omaha in scoring with five goals and 14 assists for 19 points, while taking only two minor penalties all season.

“Trevor Wong consistently plays with discipline and respect, leading our team in points while taking only two minor penalties all season. He accepted a two-game eligibility suspension with maturity and handled the situation without complaint, supporting his teammates throughout the start of the season while not being a full participant,” said Omaha Hockey Head Coach Mike Gabinet. “Trevor models strong habits in practice, represents the program well academically and is widely respected by coaches and teammates. His approach to competition, honest and team-first, reflects the core values of sportsmanship.”

Wong scored the game-winning goal against St. Cloud State on Jan. 9, one of the highlights of his sophomore campaign.

He is one of three finalists for the honor, joined by Blake Mesenburg (Miami) and Grant Slukynsky (Western Michigan).

The NCHC Sportsmanship Award has been presented annually since the league’s inaugural season in 2013-14, recognizing the player who best exemplifies sportsmanship within the conference. Tyler Vesel remains the only Omaha player to win the award, earning the honor in 2017.

Winners of the NCHC’s individual awards will be announced throughout the postseason, with the Sportsmanship Award scheduled to be revealed March 11.

Wong is also one of the top candidates for the MavPuck.com Player of the Year honors. 

Jérémy Loranger Named NCHC Rookie of the Month for February

By Bridget (Weide) Brooks

Freshman forward Jérémy Loranger, a Columbus Blue Jackets draft pick, has been named the NCHC Rookie of the Month for February after a breakout stretch that helped propel Omaha Hockey into the postseason.

The honor marks the first monthly award of Loranger’s collegiate career and comes after a productive February in which he led all freshmen in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference in scoring.

Loranger recorded seven points in February, tallying three goals and four assists in six games for a 1.17 points-per-game average. He also generated 21 shots on goal during the month and recorded a point in four of the Mavericks’ six games, including two multi-point performances.

The freshman caught fire midway through the month, scoring in three consecutive games from Feb. 14-21. That streak began with a goal against then-No. 8 Denver and continued during Omaha’s road series at Arizona State.

Loranger’s biggest night came Feb. 21 at Arizona State, when he factored into all three Omaha goals in a 6-3 loss, recording one goal and two assists for a career-high three points.

One night earlier, he scored the game-winning goal in Omaha’s 4-2 victory at Arizona State, a critical result in the Mavericks’ push toward the postseason.
Loranger closed out the month with two assists in Omaha’s 5-3 win over Miami on Friday, Feb. 27, including a helper on the game-winning goal that helped secure the Mavericks’ place in the NCHC Frozen Faceoff.

Following his strong February, Loranger now has seven goals and 11 assists for 18 points in 26 games, ranking fourth on the team in scoring.

For Omaha, Loranger’s emergence has provided an important scoring boost down the stretch. The freshman has steadily earned a larger role in the lineup as the season has progressed, using his speed, finishing ability, and offensive instincts to create scoring chances and contribute in key moments.

His surge came at exactly the right time. As the Mavericks fought through a tight race for the final playoff spot, secondary scoring became critical, and Loranger stepped into that role. His goals at Arizona State helped secure one of Omaha’s biggest wins of the month, and his three-point night the following evening showed just how dangerous he can be when he gets rolling. For a team that has often relied on a small core of scorers, Loranger’s emergence adds another layer of offense as the Mavericks head into postseason play.

With the Mavericks now turning their attention to the postseason, beginning with an NCHC quarterfinal matchup against North Dakota at Ralph Engelstad Arena this weekend, Loranger’s momentum could prove to be a significant factor as Omaha looks to extend its season.

Dawson Cowan Earns First NCHC Honor After Shutout Win at UMD

By Bridget (Weide) Brooks

Freshman goaltender Dawson Cowan has been named the NCHC Rookie of the Week, following his stellar performance in Omaha’s 2-0 win over then-No. 3 Minnesota Duluth on Saturday, Nov. 15, at AMSOIL Arena.

Making just his second career appearance, the Warren, Manitoba native turned aside 32 shots, including 17 saves in the second period alone, to record the Mavericks’ first shutout of the 2025-26 season. Cowan finished the night with a 1.000 save percentage, backstopping Omaha to its fifth ranked win of the season in what was also the program’s 10th straight ranked matchup.

Through his first two collegiate games, Cowan has compiled 68 total saves, a .944 save percentage, and a 2.02 goals-against average — impressive early numbers for the freshman netminder. The honor marks the first NCHC weekly award of his Maverick career.

Earlier NCHC Honors for Omaha This Season

Cowan becomes the third Maverick to earn a conference weekly award this year:

• Simon Latkoczy – NCHC Goaltender of the Week

• Aidan de la Gorgendiere – NCHC Defenseman of the Week

Both upper-classmen helped set the early tone for Omaha’s season, and Cowan’s emergence adds another strong piece to the Mavericks’ goaltending and defensive storylines heading into the heart of conference play.

Simon Latkoczy Named NCHC Goaltender of the Week

𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗸𝗼𝗰𝘇𝘆 𝗡𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝗡𝗖𝗛𝗖 𝗚𝗼𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸

Omaha senior goaltender and co-Menke Family Captain Simon Latkoczy has been named the KJ Branding National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) Goaltender of the Week, following his stellar performance at Ed Robson Arena in Colorado Springs.

The Trencin, Slovakia, native — and reigning NCHC Goaltender of the Year — backstopped Omaha to a 5-4 upset win over then-No. 15 Colorado College on Friday, Oct. 31. Latkoczy stopped a season-high 49 shots, ensuring the Mavericks never trailed in the matchup.

His effort helped (RV) Omaha earn its first conference win of the season while handing the Tigers just their second loss of the year. Latkoczy finished the game with a .961 save percentage, anchoring the Mavericks’ road sweep of the weekend.

Through the first five games of the 2025–26 campaign, Latkoczy has totaled 172 saves, posting a .925 save percentage and 2.83 goals-against average.

This week’s recognition marks his first weekly honor of the season — and the fifth of his collegiate career.

Simon Latkoczy Named NCHC Goaltender of the Year (2024-25)

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Junior goaltender Simon Latkoczy was named the NCHC Goaltender of the Year, it was announced at the conference's Award Celebration on Thursday night.

Latkoczy became the first Maverick goaltender to win the award and the program's inaugural netminder named to the First-Team All-NCHC on Wednesday, March 12.

Through 85 career games with Omaha, Latkoczy has recorded the fourth-most wins in program history and is one of four goaltenders to record 40 or more wins as a Maverick.

Among NCHC goaltenders (min. 33% of the team's minutes played), the Trencin, Slovakia native ranks first in saves and seventh in the nation (952), third in save percentage (.922) and 10th in goals against average (2.71).

Over his three seasons, his .922 save percentage is a new career high.

The 5-foot-11, 177-pound goaltender also set a new program high against then-No. 5 Minnesota with 53 saves in a 2-1 victory to take the 2024 Ice Breaker Tournament title in Las Vegas.

In a single game, 53 saves was the most by an NCHC goaltender and the fifth-most in Division I this season.

 Since the NCHC began play in 2013-14, Latkoczy's 952 saves are the fifth-most a junior in the conference has made in a single season.

 952 saves is the 13th-most by any goaltender in NCHC history, trailing his 953 in 2023-24 (12th-most).

The 2025 Mike Richter Award semifinalist recorded four of the NCHC's top 10 games with the most saves recorded by an individual. Latkoczy was the only netminder in the conference to record a game with 50 or more saves, doing it twice.

Latkoczy, who had one shutout this season, also recorded 40 or more saves in a single game on five occasions in the 2024-25 campaign.

A rock in net all season, while leading conference play with a .926 save % 😼🙅‍♂️

Congrats to @OmahaHKY junior @SLatkoczy on winning 2024-25 #NCHChockey Goaltender of the Year! 🏅#NCHChockey // #GoMavs pic.twitter.com/9PtxmBF8Kc

— The NCHC (@TheNCHC) March 20, 2025

Mike Kemp Presented With NCHC’s 2024 Distinguished Service Award

For his work as an administrator at the University of Nebraska Omaha and ambassador of college hockey, the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) has honored Omaha Executive Associate Athletics Director Mike Kemp with the 2024 NCHC Distinguished Service Award. Kemp is retiring in May after a 48-year career in college athletics as a coach and administrator.

Kemp was bestowed with the NCHC Distinguished Service Award in person on Monday night, April 29, at the NCHC Annual Meeting dinner and reception at the Naples Grande Beach Resort. NCHC staff presented Kemp with the Distinguished Service Award with representatives from the entire membership in attendance.
 
While Kemp made a massive impact during his coaching career, his move to the ‘front office’ as an administrator was just influential. His biggest contribution to the NCHC, along with helping Omaha be a founding member of the Conference, is serving as the director of the NCHC Pod. In addition, Kemp has served on the NCHC’s Athletic Council during the entirety of the Conference (11 years).
 
“We are honored to present Mike with our Distinguished Service Award. He has been an important and influential dignitary in college hockey for many years,” said NCHC Commissioner Heather Weems. “As the first hockey coach at Omaha, he helped put the Mavericks on the map and has only continued to build the program in his administrative role. From serving as Chair of the Ice Hockey Championship Committee to hosting the NCHC Pod, Mike has always had the NCHC’s and college hockey’s best interest at heart. He is more than deserving of this award.”
 
Kemp played a major role in UNO’s Baxter Arena serving as the host venue for the NCHC Pod, which was held in Omaha in December of 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kemp oversaw the unprecedented task of playing 38 NCHC games in 21 days with eight teams in one venue – something never done in any college sport – while helping complete it safely and successfully, which it was. From team arrivals, to locker room set-up and rotation, to practice and morning skate schedules, to venue operations and COVID-19 testing, Kemp had a hand in making sure the Pod was run smoothly while providing a secure environment for all.
 
In April 2021, Kemp was awarded the NCHC’s first Commissioner’s Award for his work in hosting and overseeing the NCHC Pod.
 
Kemp also served on the NCAA Ice Hockey Championship Committee for five years from 2017-22, including holding the role of Chair for two years in 2021 and 2022. While Chair, Kemp and his committee had to hand-select the 2021 NCAA Tournament field during the pandemic due to a lack of non-conference games and no Pairwise Ratings. He also had to adjust a regional location on short notice in 2021, while ensuring a safe and successful tournament. During his two years as Chair, Kemp presented the National Championship trophy to UMass (2021) in Pittsburgh and NCHC member Denver (2022) in Boston.
 
Along with coaching Omaha to its first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance in 2006, Kemp also secured Omaha’s first on-campus arena in his position as a UNO administrator. He played a key role in the design and construction of Baxter Arena, which opened in 2015. The Mavericks announced on April 19 that the ice at Baxter Arena would be renamed 'Kemp Ice’ in honor of their first head coach.
 
"This is another honor to highlight the impactful career of Mike Kemp." said Adrian Dowell, Vice Chancellor / Director of Athletics at Omaha. "We are very appreciative to the NCHC for appropriately recognizing Mike's contributions over decades to not only UNO but also the conference and college hockey."
 
Kemp has been a part of the Omaha Mavericks’ family for 27 years, serving in multiple functions. He has been in his current role as Omaha senior associate AD for events and facilities since being promoted in March of 2019. Prior to that, he was an associate athletic director at UNO for 12 years, moving into that role in 2009 after completing a 12-year run as the program’s first head hockey coach. A member of the Omaha Hockey Hall of Fame and Omaha Sports Hall of Fame, Kemp helped start the Omaha hockey program in 1997, joining the staff in 1996. He now oversees UNO’s hockey program and Baxter Arena in his current position.
 
Kemp is the seventh recipient of the NCHC Distinguished Service Award, which is not necessarily bestowed upon someone annually, but is presented to an individual who has served, supported and promoted the goals and ideals of the NCHC and who, through personal effort and dedication, has enhanced the ability of the Conference and/or its member institutions to provide a positive experience for the stu­dent-athletes enrolled at NCHC member institutions.
 
The inaugural NCHC Distinguished Service Award was presented to Mr. Bill Hybl, the Chairman and CEO of El Pomar Foundation, in 2016, while former Denver Director of Athletics Ron Grahame received the honor in 2017. In 2018, Peg Bradley-Doppes, former University of Denver Vice Chancellor for Athletics, and Brian Faison, former University of North Dakota Director of Athletics, were co-honorees, both of whom were heavily involved in the founding of the NCHC, along with 2019 winner Ken Ralph, the former Colorado College Director of Athletics. The most recent recipient is nine-year NCHC Commissioner Josh Fenton, who received it in 2022 following his final season.
 
PREVIOUS NCHC DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD WINNERS
2016 – Bill Hybl, Chairman and CEO of El Pomar Foundation
2017 – Ron Grahame, former Athletics Director at University of Denver
2018 – Peg Bradley-Doppes, former University of Denver Vice Chancellor for Athletics
2018 – Brian Faison, former University of North Dakota Director of Athletics
2019 – Ken Ralph, former Colorado College Director of Athletics
2022 – Josh Fenton, former NCHC Commissioner

Wrapping Up the Weekend: Colorado College Series (Nov. 30-Dec. 1, 2018)

It was a mixed weekend for the Mavs. The team picked up an extra point in the NCHC standings with a shootout win on Friday night (the game was officially recorded as a 3-3 tie in NCAA standings), but lost 6-3 on Saturday night.

Taylor Ward picked up Rookie of the Week honors:

☑️ Career-high 3🍎 & points Fri. vs. CC
☑️ Second ⭐️ of the Game Fri.
☑️ Scored UNO's final 🚨 on Sat.

✅ Bauer #NCHCHockey Rookie of the Week

📰: https://t.co/7bY58noy8V | #EveryoneForOmaha🐮 pic.twitter.com/xhK1cCogIN

— The NCHC (@TheNCHC) December 4, 2018

He was also named NCHC Rookie of the Month:

After 2 points in Oct., led #NCHCHockey rookies with 🔟 points in Nov.
➕
Points in 6 of 7 games (3⃣ multi-point games)
➕
Two-time NCHC Rookie of the Week in Nov.
=
November Rookie of the Month

📰: https://t.co/jzFOV5gZdw | #EveryoneForOmaha pic.twitter.com/e029eqqV53

— The NCHC (@TheNCHC) December 5, 2018

And Mason Morelli was named NCHC Player of the Month:

Led #NCHCHockey with 12 points, 7🍎 & 1.71 ppg in November
➕
4⃣ multi-point games in Nov.
➕
Single-game career highs of 4 points & 3 assists
=
November Player of the Month

📰: https://t.co/jzFOV5gZdw | #EveryoneForOmaha pic.twitter.com/Qr2rbAbON1

— The NCHC (@TheNCHC) December 5, 2018

In addition, Morelli made the NCHC's Top 5 Plays of the Week:

Between the legs passing, tic-tac-toe, silky mitts and a sprawling pad save...

All in the @TRIAortho #NCHCHockey Top 5⃣ Plays of the Week!

👀🚨🚫 pic.twitter.com/iSPYTrehbG

— The NCHC (@TheNCHC) December 5, 2018

You can hear what Jason & Jon thought about the series on the tenth episide of the MavPuckCast: 



Poll Results:
The Mavs finally got a vote in a poll this week, garnering a single vote in the USCHO poll:

USCHO poll for Monday, Dec. 5:

The Mavs haven't cracked the USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine weekly poll at all this year:

Media Roundup:
Here's the OMavs story about Friday night's tie and shootout win:
https://omavs.com/news/2018/11/30/hockey-mavericks-pull-off-gritty-shootout-win-over-colorado-college.aspx

Here's Tony Boone's Friday night Omaha World-Herald article:
https://www.omaha.com/uno/hockey/uno-hockey-edges-colorado-college-in-shootout-after-skating-to/article_e7dd664e-3489-5e10-93c1-15114bb14694.html

Here's the Omavs story about Saturday night's loss:
https://omavs.com/news/2018/12/1/hockey-mavericks-drop-6-3-decision-to-colorado-college.aspxAnd here's the Boone's Omaha World-Herald writeup of Saturday's win:
https://www.omaha.com/uno/hockey/mavericks-take-step-back-as-colorado-college-rolls-from-start/article_8e435380-72ab-5244-ac6c-918d939184ac.html

Finally, here's our MavPuck writeup of Tuesday's news conference:
UNO Hockey Press Conference Notes – Dec. 4

Looking Ahead to This Weekend:
The Mavs go on the road to St. Cloud State University this weekend. The Huskies are currently on top of the NCHC standings, so this will be a big test for the Mavs.

NCHC Playoffs: Back to Denver: March 11-13, 2016

It's deja vu all over again as UNO returns to Magness Arena for the NCHC playoffs. For the first time in its short history in the conference (the conference has only been around for three seasons too), the Mavs will be on the road for the playoffs.

And it's "do or die" for the Mavs. Lose this weekend and the season is likely over. Win, and the path to a possible NCAA regional spot remains viable. UNO is currently in 15th place in the Pairwise, and Jim Dahl's "College Hockey Ranked" article outlines why a pair of wins are probably necessary to keep the Mavs season going. Read that here:
http://collegehockeyranked.com/2016/03/10/these-teams-should-really-try-to-win-this-weekend/

This weekend's games are a best-of-three series. Win two, and the Mavs would head to the Frozen Face-off in Minnesota for the first time ever.

The Mavs dropped to #17 in the USCHO poll this week, and dropped out of the USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine poll entirely:
http://www.omaha.com/uno/mavericks-drop-out-of-one-poll-fall-to-th-in/article_5b736a22-e4ba-11e5-a2d6-2391b1232f5f.html

Headed into the postseason, it's time for awards!

The 2015-16 #NCHCHockey All-Rookie Team: https://t.co/IgEq9R743b
Boeser, Gambrell, Roslovic
Borgen, Schuldt
Weninger pic.twitter.com/yNPLHYVgtV

— The NCHC (@TheNCHC) March 8, 2016

Evan Weninger was named to the NCHC All-Rookie Team:
http://www.nchchockey.com/news_article/show/622526?referrer_id=878553

Jake was named to the NCHC All-Conference Second team. This is the third year Guentzel has received NCHC honors:
http://www.omavs.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=31400&ATCLID=210787015

And Guentzel was the only Mav tapped for possible NCHC awards next week:
He's a finalist for NCHC Forward of the Year:
http://www.omavs.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=31400&ATCLID=210792689

Here's the media roundup for this weekend's series

OMavs. com series preview article:
http://www.omavs.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=31400&ATCLID=210790700

Here's the series preview from the Omaha World-Herald:
http://www.omaha.com/uno/mavs-hope-to-take-control-of-their-destiny-in-nchc/article_d30e4ffa-8949-5a63-ba47-188113bf5d54.html

Here's the series preview article from the Denver Post:
http://www.denverpost.com/colleges/ci_29623886/montgomery-led-pioneers-reload-rather-than-rebuild

OMavs.com story after Friday's loss:
http://www.omavs.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=795013&SPID=135111&DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=31400&ATCLID=210796138


Game Times:
Friday night's game is at 8:37 p.m. Central time.
Saturday night's game is at 8:07 p.m. Central time
Sunday night's game (if necessary), will be at 8:07 p.m. Central time
(Don't forget to change your clocks, though, with Daylight Saving Time!)

TV Coverage:
All games will be on NCHC.tv.

Radio Coverage:
All games will be broadcast on 1180 AM (1180 The Zone 2). Dave Ahlers will provide play-by-play on the radio broadcasts and Terry Leahy will provide color commentary. Coverage begins at 8:07 Central Friday and 7:37 p.m. Central Saturday (and Sunday, if necessary) with the First national Bank Pre-Game Show.