Omaha Hockey Press Conference: Tuesday, March 3, 2026 (NCHC Quarterfinals Preview vs. North Dakota)

March 3 Press Conference

 

Emma Goldstein (Sports Information, Omaha Athletics):

Questions for Simon.

 

Mike Patterson, Omaha World-Herald:

All right. Simon, just kind of (your) general thoughts with the playoffs here and playing up at North Dakota — just the challenge that’s ahead for the Mavs?

 

Simon Latkoczy (Senior Goaltender, Omaha Hockey):

I think it’s exciting. It’s the most exciting part of the year, I think. And going to NoDak (North Dakota) I think it’s fun. I’m excited. I think that everyone in the room is. It’s a good opponent to play against. And even though we are underdogs, it’s kind of good. I think that’s going to fit us well.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

In a best-of-three series, you can’t really count on stealing one game and making it work. So how do you think about consistency, both from the goaltending perspective and also as a co-captain?

 

Simon Latkoczy (Senior Goaltender, Omaha Hockey):

Well, I think it’s still better than to play a best of seven. And if you steal one, you are up one-nothing. There is even more pressure for the other team then. And we’ve done it before. We did it in Colorado two years ago. So, it’s not something that we are not able to do. And yeah, consistency, I think that my game has been consistent, in my opinion. Maybe the numbers don’t show so, but I think that I feel pretty consistent. And I think that my game is in a really good spot. And I’m really excited for this weekend. And I didn’t get a chance to play there this season, so I’m even more excited to do that.

 

Mike Patterson, Omaha World-Herald:

Do you like playing in front of that hostile crowd up there, Simon?

 

Simon Latkoczy (Senior Goaltender, Omaha Hockey):

Well, it’s not easy, right? They have a good crowd and good fans. But sometimes that gives you energy. And they came to our place a couple of times, and they beat us here. So I think that it’s our time now to beat us there — beat them there, sorry. Yeah, I am excited. And I don’t have a problem playing in front of big crowds.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

You’ve talked a lot about leading with your performance, being that kind of consistent strength for the team. With the number of young guys and new guys — this is their first playoff series — how do you think you can be a good role model and leader for them in this situation?

 

Simon Latkoczy (Senior Goaltender, Omaha Hockey):

Well, I think that my experiences say a lot about me. I think that I’ve been multiple times in these positions where — I wouldn’t say the team relies on me, but goalies usually need to carry the team if you are (the) underdog in the series like this. 

 

And I’ve been in this position not just in Omaha, but even before in USHL when I played for Madison. (We) went from the seventh or eighth place right to the finals. I’m pretty sure that I can make it happen here again.

 

Tyler Doremus, UNO Gateway:

You talked a lot about consistency. Over the past month or so, your game’s been … you really elevated it. What’s kind of been the secret behind that?

 

Simon Latkoczy (Senior Goaltender, Omaha Hockey):

I think just being more calm and connected. I think that I’m getting really good help from the coaches around me. And I think that just that — kind of it’s all coming together, in my opinion. All four years, the whole development that I have had here, I think that it’s all coming together. And I think that it’s coming together at the right time.

 

Mike Patterson, Omaha World-Herald:

The regular season maybe hasn’t gone the way the Mavs had hoped, Simon. But do you just kind of look at this as maybe a fresh start, and you’re just at the same level as everybody else heading into the playoffs?

 

Simon Latkoczy (Senior Goaltender, Omaha Hockey):

I think so. I think it is a I wouldn’t say a new season, but it is definitely a new competition. And I think that we are ready, to be honest. I think that it’s a — as I said before, it’s exciting. And we can kind of close the door behind what we have done. But also, I think that we have done a lot of good things this season.

 

And I think that the things that we have been through helped us be ready now. And maybe some teams haven’t been through all that hard stuff as we had. And I think that it’s going to serve us well in the important games when we are under pressure because we have been under pressure for the last six weeks.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

You guys have faced North Dakota four times already. Obviously, you didn’t get much playing time (at the games) up there (in Grand Forks). What is the team’s mindset going into this, from that perspective?

 

Simon Latkoczy (Senior Goaltender, Omaha Hockey):

Now I would come back to that as new competition, right? I think that we still played good hockey. And yeah, we lost four games against them. But now it’s not going to really matter. It (is) still the first game there. The pressure is on them. And as I said, I don’t think there is a lot of pressure on us coming into this series.

 

We can just gain from this. And I think that we are ready to go.

 

Timothy Rowher, UNO Blue Line Club Newsletter:

You mentioned earlier that you were on a team from…in seventh place that came back to win the top spot. So that must add even more optimism for you for this weekend. I mean, could that help with the team, you think?

 

Simon Latkoczy (Senior Goaltender, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah. Well, I always like to believe. I think that I believe in myself, in the teammates, and in coaches. I think that we’ve been doing a really good job here. And yes, I know that I’ve done it before, and I know that I can do it again. I think that many people say it, right? Playoff is a different start, a different competition. And it doesn’t really matter. You win one game, and you are on the horse there. And that’s all that matters. So yes, I’m pretty positive that we can do it.

 

Emma Goldstein (Sports Information, Omaha Athletics):

Okay.

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Awesome. Thanks. Good job.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

Good luck.

 

Simon Latkoczy (Senior Goaltender, Omaha Hockey):

Thank you, guys.

 

Tyler Doremus, UNO Gateway:

Thanks, Simon.

 

Emma Goldstein (Sports Information, Omaha Athletics):

Questions for Coach (Gabinet)?

 

Mike Patterson, Omaha World-Herald:

Well, Mike, there was some question whether the Mavs were going to make the playoffs. Now you’re in the playoffs. So just what’s the team’s mindset heading up to North Dakota?

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

 

Yeah. First off, just want to give our team a lot of credit. Like Simon said, we’ve been playing pretty intense games right down the last six weeks here — and found ways to get some big wins every weekend. And yeah, (it’s) exciting. Now we’re excited, man. You want to keep playing. You never want your season to end. And now we have an opportunity to keep playing.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

Simon mentioned, obviously, pressure. North Dakota is a very familiar opponent for us, both regular season (and) postseason. And he mentioned the idea of getting that first win and putting the pressure on them. But isn’t the pressure on them anyway just because they’re the number one seed? I mean, you guys have nothing to lose. You can go in there and play your game and maybe make a statement?

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Yeah. Again, I think the most important thing is that you’re laser-focused on what you need to do as a team. I think when you get too much about what “they should be feeling” or what ”you should be feeling,” I think that’s up to them on what they want to feel. And again, they’ve had a great season. They won the Penrose. They’ve been doing a lot of good things there. So I can’t tell you how they feel.

 

But I can tell you for us, we need to be laser-focused on what we’re about, and how we approach this series and be ready to go here for the weekend here. So we’re taking it as a big opportunity here. We’re excited to go. And the energy’s been great all week. And you can tell the guys put a lot of work into being in this position to be able to play.

 

And we’re excited to get that opportunity.

 

Tyler Doremus, UNO Gateway:

Coach, how important is it for you to not let this series turn into a special teams track meet?

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Yeah, for sure. I mean, I think hopefully — playoff hockey, I think the fans… I think everybody wants to see some five-on-five hockey. I don’t think anybody wants to see the officials take over a series. So that’s up to the players too, to make sure you’re playing with your stick on the ice and checking with your legs and doing anything you can in your power to make sure that you’re not giving them an opportunity to make calls.

 

So that’s our focus heading into the weekend here. And be disciplined and making sure we’re doing everything in our power here to play the game the right way and to have some good five-on-five hockey here.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

Looking back at last weekend, what were some of the things that you liked and that you’ve been working on all season that you can carry now into this playoff series?

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Yeah. Again, I think if you just even look at the Friday game after our first start there, just a lot of really good quality things by the team doing there. We managed the puck properly. We made sure we were doing a lot — without getting overly technical on you — on some things that we think we need to do again this weekend here. Just a lot of playing the right way, so to speak, to summarize it a little bit there.

 

And again, I think, like Simon said, just that belief. You’re just seeing some of these new guys that you can tell they’re hanging on the puck a little bit longer. They’re making plays. They’re smart with the puck at the right times, not trying — their risk management is getting better and understanding when to fight to live another day and when to make that play and try to make an offensive play.

 

And so again, I give the team a lot of credit. They’ve been coachable. They’ve been working. They’ve been doing the things necessary to improve. And you can see it in their game, both individually and collectively as a group. And (we’re) so excited to continue that trend of improvement.

 

Mike Patterson, Omaha World-Herald:

Mike, in the past, you played North Dakota late in the season and then turned around and played them again right away in the playoffs. Now you haven’t seen them in a couple of months. Does that make any difference?

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

I like it. I like it. I think we’ve ad nauseum almost, right, had each other down the stretch here. And it’s intense games. And then you get up and play them right again. So I think it’s just fun for a new opponent here and a chance to play them again. I think it was before Christmas since the last time we played them, right? So we’re looking forward to — they’ve improved, we’ve improved. And looking forward to a really good competition here this weekend.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

Speaking of the new guys and improvement, talk about Jérémy Loranger getting named NCHC Rookie of the Month.

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Yeah. How awesome is that? I mean, again, just kind of I think, again, you could — I think probably single out a few more guys on our team too that just had some good growth here in the second half. And we knew that going in. It takes the time. It’s a big step when you come from a different league to this league. Everybody, I think, thinks they know … and then they get here. And even talking to the players, just how much less time you have with the puck, how fast things happen, just the intensity of the games, the intensity of the plays, shift in, shift out, period in period, period in period out. So you could see it in his game, right? He was having some areas of growth early on in the season. But when you stick with it, and you’re coachable and you take personal responsibility, you get better. And we’re seeing that. 

 

So I’m a big fan of how he plays and just his growth we’ve seen here in the second half. And he’ll be a big part of our team here down the stretch here.

 

Mike Patterson, Omaha World-Herald:

Mike, Simon was just in here. Just talk a little bit about his journey here and the importance of having him in the net this weekend.

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Yeah. It’s great. I think you can tell it — just his confidence in the process that we go through here. And he’s — I’ve said it from day one. He’s a very mature individual, both playing experience-wise and mentally-wise. And he has a real understanding of, I think, how hard it is as a team to perform at your best and going through this conference.

 

And so he’s just he’s one of those guys that understands the grind you have to go through as a team to be successful here and embraces that and helps his other teammates understand that, and how hard you got to work and how professional and how disciplined you have to be in your day-to-day approach and (he) does that.

 

And that’s why his play’s been as consistent as it’s been here. So again, went through that tough injury spell there. And I think you’re just seeing his game grow and grow, like he said here. And he’s just even the last couple of weeks and even practice, you’re just seeing that level of play that you know he’s capable of, which is exciting for us.

 

Tyler Doremus, UNO Gateway:

Coach, just with the ups and downs of the season, the fact that you’re even just in the playoffs now, do you think that that just shows how mentally tough this team is?

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Yeah. Again, right, I think I don’t know. You guys would know more than me. I think we finished with the second-hardest schedule in college hockey, right? And I think if you look at the top somebody was just telling me the other day, if you look at the top five strength of schedules in college hockey, they’re all below 500. So when you play a schedule like that — with a lot of new players and you don’t have the opportunity maybe to make some mistakes early, and still come away with some wins, you start behind the eight ball a little bit. And it’s not easy to do. And it’s easy to point fingers or to blame or complain. It’s tough to dig in and just take responsibility and find ways to keep improving. And I think that’s what the staff has done. I think that’s what the players have done. And we’ve always been in it together. And I think when you do that, I’m pretty proud. 

 

There’s a good hockey team not playing right now, right? You look at ASU’s lineup. You look at CC’s lineup. You look at all these lineups. There’s a lot of talent in this league. And there’s going to be a good team not playing. And I thought it was just by us sticking together and really, really improving and growing that gives us an opportunity now to keep playing. So that’s something I’m really proud of. It’s not easy to do. And I think with this many new players, it’s challenging. And sometimes you reflect on your season as a coach or you think. And sometimes your best coaching is actually when your maybe results aren’t like they would be and vice versa. And I think for me personally, I know our results are the results. But I feel like we’ve done a really good job growing this team. And I think when you talk to the guys as individuals, they’ve really embraced that as well. So again, they deserve a lot of credit. It’s not easy to go through. But at the end of the day, our schedule is what it is. And our results are what they are. But like I said, man, I believe in this group. We got a lot of good kids in there that are working their butts off to get better and make everybody proud of us.

 

And I’m proud of them. And I’m excited, man. I’m excited for this weekend. And I know they’re (North Dakota) a good opponent. But I also believe in our group and what we’re capable of doing. And I believe we’re going to step up and do the right things when it matters the most.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

You celebrated the seniors during the Denver weekend. But really, Friday night was Senior Night. To see those guys that have been here all four years step up and put the team on their back and get on the score sheet, what does that mean? And how important is that going to be this upcoming weekend?

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Yeah. That was just great. That was just a great, great game by those guys. And (I) just couldn’t be more happy for those guys to see those guys step up, not only play well away from the puck, but contribute on the score sheet, and just how hard they play and Rollie (Tyler Rollwagen) is playing some really good hockey. 

 

And obviously, great to see (Cam) Mitchell get going. He’s had a lot of chances down the stretch. And now he’s hopefully got that kind of monkey off his back. You can feel it in practice. Sometimes you just take one or two of those plays to go in and you get that juice going. You get a little bit of that confidence going here. And obviously, just heart and soul players there with all our senior group, which was great to see. 

 

Okay.

 

Thanks, guys. Thanks for the support all season. Thank you.

 

Mike Patterson, Omaha World-Herald:

Thanks, Mike. 

 

Tyler Doremus, UNO Gateway:

Thanks, coach.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

Good luck.

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Thank you. Thanks, guys. Thank you.

 

Omaha Hockey Press Conference: Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026 (Miami (OH) Preview)

Feb. 25 Press Conference

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Hey, Coach. I’ll start it off, and then G (Griffin) can join when he gets here.

 

Emma Goldstein (Sports Information, Omaha Athletics):

Questions for Head Coach Mike Gabinet?

 

Timothy Rowher, UNO Blue Line Club Newsletter:

Well, before anything, can we get your comment on the Team USA performance there? And with the fact that, you know, Jake (Guentzel) was on (the) team, does that say anything about the program here?

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Yeah, absolutely. I think it’s pretty special that you’ve had an Olympian come through the program there, and do so well. And what an exciting hockey game there. And obviously, former Coach David Quinn — who recruited me to Omaha — so (I) sent him a text as well. So that was pretty exciting to see those two guys get to celebrate a gold medal there. And we were obviously out in Arizona there, but I think the whole team was up at 6 o’clock (a.m.) to take in the game there. So, really good. Probably one of the fastest first periods of hockey I’ve ever seen. And obviously, great win for Team USA. And congratulations to Jake (Guentzel) and David Quinn.

 

Mike Patterson, Omaha World-Herald:

Does it surprise you what Jake has gone on to accomplish professionally, Mike?

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Yeah. Just the times I’ve been on the ice with him and just watching him play, no. I think that’s a rare talent to have somebody with that ability. I mean, he’s one of the 12 best forwards in the whole country. So I think that’s pretty special what he’s done there. And yeah, again, even Lindsey (Ekwerekwu), our academic advisor that kind of handles all our academics for our department — I won’t butcher her last name — but she was just commenting on, too, how even though he left after his junior year, he finished his degree and just the type of kid he was and always nervous to making sure everything was done on time, and just how he conducted himself.

 

So, (he’s a) pretty special hockey player and obviously made a good impact as a human being with his character as well.

 

Timothy Rowher, UNO Blue Line Club Newsletter:

So they got up 6:00 in the morning to (watch)?

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Yeah, I think so. I think it was pretty exciting to watch. And I know I was up. And yeah, kind of definitely something that a lot of people wanted to see for sure.

 

Mike Patterson, Omaha World-Herald:

Moving on to this weekend, Mike — huge series with Miami. Just talking about the last couple of games here at Baxter this season, and the importance of this series.

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Yeah. Well, we needed two points there in ASU. We got three. Obviously, we wanted six. But again, you can see we’ve been doing the things we need to do to keep ourselves in the mix here. And yeah, now two, obviously, super critical games here coming down the stretch here. So again, talking to the guys, I think we’re trying to use it as excitement, excitement as an opportunity to play some meaningful hockey here down the stretch, and be ready to go. So, really looking forward to that opportunity here to compete this weekend against a good Miami team.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

You’ve talked a lot about players taking ownership of the team’s environment. How have you seen that leadership show up this season, especially at this point in the season?

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Yeah, I think it’s constantly growing. I think you’re seeing guys… And I think one of the nice things as a coach is when you don’t have to always say state the obvious or state what needs to be worked on, you’re starting to hear the players talk about it. “This is how we need to play to be successful.” “Hey, we got to be doing these habits, these details to our game in order for us to be playing our best hockey.”

 

And so I think when you hear the players talking about it, you’re seeing them improve at it. That’s when you know you’re trending in the right direction, and you’re seeing that growth.

 

Mike Patterson, Omaha World-Herald:

Mike, the last home games for the seniors, just talk about the seniors, including Griffin (Ludtke) and Simon (Latkoczy) and the rest.

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Well, I think it was nice. We had senior weekend the weekend before, and we’ve seen quite a few teams do that around the country there in the past few years. And I think it was nice to do that, because it’s such a great…we have an event after the game, and you get a chance to see all the families and the parents that you’ve got to know so well over the years and really get a chance to celebrate them.

 

And then now you get to go and focus on playing two really important hockey games here and kind of being just present in that moment. You don’t have any outside emotions or distractions. There’s extra stuff that obviously they will still be going through. So again, I thought it was a real special senior weekend there to get a chance to see everybody there.

 

And then now, like you said, hopefully, these guys just get to enjoy it and be excited about it. And let’s get after it. Let’s play some good hockey. Let’s compete out there. Let’s do everything we can to give ourselves a chance of success here. So that’s my message to them. Stay present here, and stay in the moment, and enjoy it. And I’m looking forward to watching these guys play this weekend.

 

Tyler Doremus, UNO Gateway:

What would it mean just to send the seniors out on a high note with a series win this weekend?

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Yeah, let’s do it, man. I think that’d be great. I think that’s what we’ve been building towards. That’s why we put in all the work, and keep showing up and keep harping on the guys, keep holding guys accountable, keep on having high standards and how we do things here. And it’s all for that. It’s all to let these guys have a chance to play their best hockey when it matters the most. And they’re all capable of doing it because of the work they put in.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

What did you like coming out of that Arizona State series, and what are you emphasizing this week looking forward to Miami?

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Yeah. I didn’t love our first maybe seven minutes of the game on Friday, but after that, I thought we played some really good hockey on Friday night. And then actually, that first period on Saturday, looking back, it was surprising. I was pretty upset after the game. And I think that’s why it’s always good to watch back and see what the facts are telling you and what reality is telling you.

 

I think oftentimes — whether you’re a fan or media or whatever — you can really get swayed by the outcome, right? And I think it’s really important as a coach to go back and look at the actual game and see what you did well.

 

And so I think it wasn’t as bad as I thought it was, looking back, but definitely some things that we needed to do to be successful that we’re not quite doing consistently enough that we did on Friday night. So that’s the message. You really got to get these guys to understand and keep learning on sometimes you just got to keep on playing — I hate the word simple — but you got to do some things that are just going to give you that chance of success. And if you start playing with fire and you start giving pucks to teams that are really skilled, it can go the opposite way there. So not as bad as I thought it was right after the game, but definitely some things that we have to get better at in order to win two hockey games, which is obviously the goal here moving forward.

 

Tyler Doremus, UNO Gateway:

What can you say just about Marcus Nguyen’s performance on Friday night — and just his growth throughout the season?

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Yeah. Again, I think he’s just like any young player, right? You’re seeing that — some really good things, and you’re seeing those areas where he’s got to keep getting more consistent at, right? And those are just the facts. That’s what I tell him to his face. 

 

But you’re seeing that growth, man. You’re seeing that growth. And I think he’s bringing some really good speed to that line. You can see he’s got the ability to finish on the net and score big goals for us there, too. So he just keeps getting better. And again, just another guy that I just feel like is getting better. He’s just been getting better all season long. And he continues to work on that consistency, and bringing that effort and that energy every night. And obviously, he’s a big part of our team here.

 

Mike Patterson, Omaha World-Herald:

I know you take them one at a time this weekend, Mike, but if you could get the sweep, you know you’re going to be in the playoffs. So it’s still in your hands.

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Yeah. What an opportunity, right? What an opportunity for us there, right? It’s in our hands to do that. It’s an opportunity to work on some of the things we’ve talked about working on all season — what I just talked about, that consistency and bringing it there. And yeah, we get that opportunity this weekend here.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

You obviously faced a high-scoring forward in Cruz Lucius just last weekend. This weekend, you’ve got David Deputy coming in. What does it take defensively as a unit to shut down not just one player, but an entire offense like that?

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Yeah. You’re seeing that a little bit in our league, right? Teams have a top line, right, or maybe a top two lines, and you have to be conscious of that. And I think one of the biggest compliments you can get as a team or a player is playing smart, right?

 

And I think that goes to a lot of things going into that. One is knowing your opponent and respecting them, obviously, but also doing the things necessary to make it a really tough night for them against you and taking pride in that, too. So I think that’s something we’ve talked about as a group. You have to be conscious of who you’re out against and what that play is calling for you to do that best helps the team. And so that’s something that obviously we got to be conscious of this weekend when you’re facing firepower.

 

Tyler Doremus, UNO Gateway:

What do you take just from the first series against Miami earlier this year? What do you kind of take to this weekend?

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Yeah. Again, just, hey, looking back, what do we need to be better at, and how do we keep improving, and then boom, move forward and get after it.

 

Mike Patterson, Omaha World-Herald:

Mike, what can you say about Griffin (Ludtke), someone who stayed with the program all the way?

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Yeah. You know what? It was good. Emma asked me today who (to have as the player in the press conference). Usually Emma picks the press conference (player) or (gets) requests for people. But it was nice.

 

I said, "Hey, let’s get G (Griffin) up here." Obviously, I think that was kind of fun – to kind of a guy that’s been our captain all season long with Simon here and just done a tremendous job staying positive and keeping working and showing up and being consistent in his daily approach here, which is great. So I think it’s just kind of nice to recognize him for a little bit here.

 

And I know he’s talked a lot. He’s probably just looking forward to playing this weekend here. But again, nice to have him up here with me. And again, I think in today’s environment, it’s a partnership, right? You really got to work with your team. You got to be together. You win together. You lose together. It’s not “me” when we win and “them” when they lose. It’s “us” all the time. And I think that’s the sign of — when adversity hits, I think that’s when you get your biggest indicator of mental toughness, character, all those things. And like I said, you got to go back, look at the facts, and then you got to show up and get better, you know, right? And you’re doing that. People that care and that you care about, good things happen. And I think when it matters most, good things will happen.

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Awesome. Okay. Thanks. Thanks, G (Griffin). I’ll let you go. Okay.

 

Emma Goldstein (Sports Information, Omaha Athletics):

Questions for Griffin?

 

Mike Patterson, Omaha World-Herald:

Griffin, just kind of your thoughts on this last weekend here at home as one of the seniors.

 

Griffin Ludtke (Senior Defenseman, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah. I think it’s going to be tough to explain. I think something that I’ve been really just emphasizing and trying to be all year is present, and just enjoying the small moments from day to day and just moving from one day to the next throughout the week. So I think there’s going to be a lot of emotions that I can try to prepare for, but that really will do me no service. So I think I’m just excited to play. Kind of like (Coach Gabinet) said, there’s a lot of anticipation for this weekend, and a great opportunity ahead of us. 

 

So I know win or lose on Saturday, that that’s my last game at Baxter — along with the six other seniors — five who have been here the whole time. And I know that that’s going to be a special moment. And we’re going to do everything we can to be on the right side of it.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

We probably should have kept Gabs (Coach Gabinet) here for this because we always ask him what he thinks about the players. But talk about him as a coach — and the coaching staff — especially over these last four years.

 

Griffin Ludtke (Senior Defenseman, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah. I owe a lot to this staff. I remember (coach) Dave Noel-Bernier recruited me when I was 15 at the Omaha Lancers camp here and brought (Coach Gabinet) along to come watch me. So I’m 23 now. So I’ve known these guys for eight years of my life. And it’s been a really special eight years.

 

And I believe that relationships will go far beyond my time here as a player and as a student. So, I’ve seen them grow a lot over the last four years, too. And I think that’s something that you have to have. I think college hockey — and college sports as a whole — has changed a lot. And I give them credit for adapting even in areas that aren’t necessarily natural to their strengths, too. And I think that’s something us as players recognize. And also, when we’re faced with opportunities to grow in areas we’re not necessarily gifted in — or that come naturally — I think it’s a lot easier to do that when you have strong examples at the top.

 

Tyler Doremus, UNO Gateway:

What’s just the team mindset going into this final weekend?

 

Griffin Ludtke (Senior Defenseman, Omaha Hockey):

I think it’s honestly the same mindset it’s been the last few months. Like, we’ve … every series is we’ve treated like a playoff series. And sometimes we come out of it with two wins, one win, or no wins, but we’re treating it the same way. And I think that’s what’s so cool about this group is our mentality hasn’t changed. We have fun every single day. You wouldn’t think we were the last-place team in the NCHC based on how we show up, on how we work, but also on how we love and care on each other, too.

 

I don’t think losses should change your outlook on how you’re going to operate throughout the week. I think you have to obviously take those (seriously) and grow where it’s needed. And if you can’t do that, then I don’t think the league or this team is for you. But I think everyone on our team is capable of doing that, and having fun and enjoying each other’s presence at the same time. 

 

So the mentality is simple. We won practice today. We’ll win practice tomorrow. And then Friday will roll around. And we just take it day by day.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

You guys showed some tremendous resilience on Saturday night battling back to tie the game. And Miami has had flashes where they get up and then they give it away. Does that give you some idea of how quickly things can change maybe this weekend if you don’t come out to the start that you want?

 

Griffin Ludtke (Senior Defenseman, Omaha Hockey):

To be honest, I didn’t even know that that was a trend that they had in their game. I think both teams are going to emphasize having a great start. And I think that’s something we still want to have, and will push to have, because that can dictate a lot of the game, too.

 

And I think part of our growth areas this season has just been keeping our foot on the pedal and not having that lull in the second period, and coming out ready to play in the third (period). But I think a lot of that just starts with our first few shifts, getting everyone into the rotation, and then going from there. 

 

So, to be honest, I haven’t thought about that. And I don’t think I will. I just think we’re going to pride ourselves on a great start and go from there.

 

Mike Patterson, Omaha World-Herald:

As someone from Minnesota, Griffin, what was it like — (cough) excuse me — watching that Olympic hockey game on Sunday with all those Canadian guys? And just your thoughts on Jake Guentzel, someone from the UNO hockey program, being part of that?

 

Griffin Ludtke (Senior Defenseman, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah. First, just to speak on Jake, I haven’t met him. But when I committed here, my parents sent out a jersey to him. And he signed it and wrote “To Griffin, enjoy UNO and best of luck with your career." So I have that up in my room back at my house in Minnesota.

 

So I’m grateful for that. And I thought it was so cool that he played here because my favorite player is still Sidney Crosby. And at that point, Jake was playing with Sid. And they were pretty special together. So I think it’s great for him, great for our country, (and) great for our university to have ties to Jake. I know we’re proud of him here. And honestly, just me and Tyler Rollwagen and Chase LaPinta, I believe, are the three — we have a couple of dual citizens — but we’re the three Americans on the team as players. 

 

And we were pretty proud. We love our country. And we’re super happy to see (it), especially the reactions of the U.S. players, too. I thought it was so cool how they’re proud to be American and proud to represent our country. So it was special. And it was fun to win, surrounded by surrounded by some Canadians, too, where there’s a little more on the line.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

Last week, speaking of Tyler (Rollwagen), he quoted you as saying, “We hold the pen to our story.” With the final chapters being written now, is this group capable of writing a surprise ending? And what has to be true for that to happen?

 

Griffin Ludtke (Senior Defenseman, Omaha Hockey):

100%, we’re capable. We’ve been capable of more than we’ve shown this year. And I think everyone in our locker room would agree with that. It’s unique. I think you just asked (Coach Gabinet) a question. But we still have that opportunity. Despite everything, despite the one-goal losses, despite a couple of kicks to the gut where you just are like, “Oh, we got to flush that weekend,” we still have control — or a chance at control. And I think that’s something that can’t be overlooked. And I think that’s something that should be exciting, and not debilitating. It shouldn’t make us freeze.

 

I think if you’re going to — if it’s going to come down to the last weekend and the last game, I think those are games you dream about, at any level. So, of course, we have the ability. And there’s a lot of belief in the room. And it’ll be a special weekend.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

I have one more (question) then. So I want to close the loop on something real fun. Going back to the first press conference, I had asked you who was holding the aux (cord) in the locker room. And you said it was still on rotation. You have a whole season worth of data now. Tell us, who’s the best DJ.

 

Griffin Ludtke (Senior Defenseman, Omaha Hockey):

So unfortunately, still on rotation. But Cam Briere is going to take the cake for that one. He’s done a great job. And he’s got a wide variety. But the freshmen are heavily into EDM (electronic dance music) and, I don’t know, bass music. So they’re coming in to stretch at night. And they’re still listening to music you’d hear at a club. So they’re a funny group. But yeah, Cam Briere.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

Awesome. 

Omaha Hockey Press Conference: Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 (Arizona State Preview)

Feb. 18 Press Conference

Emma Goldstein (Sports Information, Omaha Athletics):

Questions for Tyler (Rollwagen).

 

Mike Patterson, Omaha World-Herald:

Well, uh, Tyler, just talk about this big series coming up against Arizona State. The Mavs really need to have a good series on the road.

 

Tyler Rollwagen (Senior Forward, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah. Yeah. I think we're, uh, we focused on a good week of practice to start. Uh, I think we had three good days here. And, um, yeah, uh, going into ASU, it's a playoff series. So that's what we talked about. Um, you know, we gotta get some points and, uh, going in there and, uh, just playing our game and, and focusing on us and what we can do to, uh, impact the game and get to our game.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

On Saturday night, you had a season high for yourself — four shots and two blocks. And that's obviously a high for you. What was the mentality for you going into that game? Is it something the coaches challenged you on, or is it just personal, you know, coming down to the end of your college career here, "I'm gonna do whatever I can"?

 

Tyler Rollwagen (Senior Forward, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah. Yeah. I think, like, you know, uh, uh, going into that game, I don't think there was anything, like, “shoot the puck more.” But, uh, no, I think that's just the way the game goes sometimes. You get more looks. And, um, I thought our line played, played pretty well on Saturday. And, uh, yeah, coming down to the last couple games here as a Maverick, uh, I think throughout the whole year and I — I would hopefully say my whole career here — every game, I kinda, you know, lay it all out there, so.

 

Mike Patterson, Omaha World-Herald:

Kind of piggybacking off that, Tyler, um, as a senior, just kind of what are your general thoughts on how the season's gone so far?

 

Tyler Rollwagen (Senior Forward, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah. A lot of learning. It's been great. Um, you know, you see the day-to-day process every day. And our habits are good, our day-to-day process coming to the rink every day and, and trying to learn and get better. Um, I think that's the biggest thing I've taken away throughout the year. It's sometimes the results. Sometimes it's hockey. Sometimes you play really good and don't get a win.

 

Sometimes, you know, the opposite as well. So I think coming every day to the rink, I think this group has done a great job of bringing energy, bringing some juice, and, and ultimately putting in the work, whether that, that weekend went well or not.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

You've talked about getting to your game first and letting your play take over. What does that look like on the road at Arizona State?

 

Tyler Rollwagen (Senior Forward, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah. I think for, first and foremost, like, getting to a good start. I think we wanna play simple. We wanna play fast and, and get to our, uh, like, forecheck. I think our forecheck is gonna be big. Um, I think we're, are at our best when we're playing down low and, and really making other teams defend. So I think having that mentality of, of playing simple first and then, um, you know, letting our plays take over and, and keeping some of that offense alive and, and really, uh, honing in on some areas that we feel like they may struggle in.

 

Tyler Doremus, UNO Gateway:

Uh, piggybacking off of that too, uh, the team has kind of struggled with some consistency just over playing full games.

 

Tyler Rollwagen (Senior Forward, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah.

 

Tyler Doremus, UNO Gateway:

How do you just keep that consistency and keep playing your game for an entire 60 minutes?

 

Tyler Rollwagen (Senior Forward, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah. I think we've talked about it a lot too. I think, uh, Coach said something on Friday. Like, we played a good game for 30 minutes there, 40 minutes there. So, uh, you need to play a full 60-minute game to win in this league. And, um, it's not easy to do. Uh, it's, uh, something that we're really trying to work on, that, that consistent approach of the last, you know, three minutes of a period the first three minutes of the period, the couple shifts after a goal, for and against. So I think having a great mindset of when that stuff and when the big moments in the game come up is, uh, really kinda rising into the occasion.

 

Mike Patterson, Omaha World-Herald:

With, uh, the season winding down, Tyler, playing in the NCHC, how tough is it to stay mentally, uh, focused? I know the season hasn't gone the way the Mavs have, have wanted it to, but how tough is it to stay mentally in it?

 

Tyler Rollwagen (Senior Forward, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah. I would say it's a little bit tough. But I think, like anything, um, I don't think we'd be here if we weren't mentally tough. So, uh, I think this group has done a great job of, of showing up every day, like I said, and, and kinda just, uh, whatever the noise is and we've talked about that this week, some noise, um, and whether that can affect you or not is, at the end of the day, is, uh, a choice that you need to make. So, um, yeah, it's really tough. And, and I think, uh, Griff (captain Griffin Ludtke) said it, “We hold the pen to our story.” So I think it's all in our hands right now. And I think there's not a guy in that room that wouldn't want it any other way, so…

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

Speaking of your story, uh, looking back at your career as a Maverick — and again, there's still four regular season games and hopefully lots more after that — but it might be our last chance to see you in this setting. What, um, what have you learned over these last years that really have helped kinda define who you are and, and what it means to be a Maverick?

 

Tyler Rollwagen (Senior Forward, Omaha Hockey):

Mm-hmm. I think kinda one thing I've been just kinda reflecting on is, is sometimes things aren't as big as you make them. Um, I know we've really talked about that a lot — is, is kinda you get that false narrative of your in your head of kinda just stuff snowballing. And it's how quickly you can just, you know, you know, cancel that out and, and really think about kinda stuff that can go right in your life. And whether that be in hockey or, or stuff in your personal life, I think that's something I'll always take away from this place is, is having that mindset of kinda just “what can go right.”

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

One last question. Who do you have winning the gold in the hockey and the Olympics, women and men?

 

Tyler Rollwagen (Senior Forward, Omaha Hockey):

Uh, USA, USA! So I think they (the women) play tomorrow. And then (the men’s team for) USA is playing right now. So we got a good bunch of guys around the TV rooting for Sweden, so…

 

Mike Patterson, Omaha World-Herald:

I'm not sure the guy sitting next to you will agree.

 

Tyler Rollwagen (Senior Forward, Omaha Hockey):

Yeah.

 

Emma Goldstein (Sports Information, Omaha Athletics):

Questions for Coach?

 

Mike Patterson, Omaha World-Herald:

Coach, just kinda general thoughts on this really big series coming up against a team that's just ahead of you (in the NCHC standings).

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Yeah. Like Rollie (Tyler Rollwagen) said, kinda fun 'cause it's, you know, you guys gotta approach it like a playoff series,right? Obviously, very important games. We all know that. And yeah, trying to keep, uh, keep, uh, you know, keep calm about it a little bit. But obviously, there's a lot of urgency here, just like it would be for a playoff weekend here. So it's, uh…everybody knows. Everybody knows what's at stake here.

 

And we're preparing appropriately and making sure we're doing everything in our power here to, to give ourselves the best chance of success this weekend here. So, like Rollie said, man, you guys have been showing up and putting the work in. Attitude's been great. And practice has been fantastic. And so we're working, man. We're working and, uh, looking forward to getting after (it) this weekend.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

Against Denver, you had to defend for long stretches of time. What from that series needs to carry over to Arizona State?

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Yeah. Again, I, I think Saturday night, I, I really liked our game. You know, (we) did a lot of good things. And, and like you said, I think it's just that, you know, those big moments in the game, you gotta find ways to make sure you're on the right side of those big moments, whether it's, uh, a turnover, a, a draw, um, you know, something — you gotta make sure that you're prepared, whether to defend that or to capitalize on that in those big moments of the game. And I think you're seeing that a lot during the season.

 

Um, there's really good stretches, of pretty back-and-forth hockey. And then it's those key moments that are gonna define the, the game. And so we gotta make sure that we're prepared for those, and that we come out on the right end of those.

 

Mike Patterson, Omaha World-Herald:

Mike, how much has the have you and the team talked about the exact standings going into this weekend and just the urgency of, of hopefully getting at least one (game) and

maybe two (games) down there?

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Yeah. And everybody knows. Everybody knows the stats. Everybody, everybody's done the math in their head and, uh, and just knows, you know, how important it is to, to get some points down there — and, uh, so everybody's aware. Everybody knows. Um, and, uh, we're preparing accordingly. And, uh, we'll be ready to roll here. Mm-hmm.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

Special teams, obviously, (are) important, especially on the road. Um, and Arizona State had a lot of penalties last weekend against Western (Michigan). What have you liked from your power play recently, and what does it still need to be, uh, to be sharp this weekend?

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Yeah. Well, first off, I think our you know, just even if you look at the start of the year until now, I think our guys have really grown in that department, both whether it's taking penalties, drawing penalties, um, power play being good, penalty kill being good. Like, again, you see the growth. And that's what I think Rollie talked about a little bit. So it can be frustrating at times when you're seeing the growth, but you're not always seeing the immediate results.

 

And, um, but again, I thought both special teams, you know, performed well. Again, they're key. You know, when you're playing these good teams, it's key. It's key. It, uh, gives you a chance of game momentum to get in the game, to put the game away. Um, so (we) gotta continue what we did against Denver here and, and, uh, be ready for, you know, ASU that's got a talented power play. And, um, you know, obviously, we'll, we'll see what it looks like here with the officiating this weekend.

 

Tyler Doremus, UNO Gateway:

You talked about them having a really talented power play. Uh, but your penalty kill has always been really good, especially in the last two series. How do you just keep that going?

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Yeah. Just keep working on it. You know, just like anything, you gotta keep focused on it. You gotta keep looking at it, finding ways to get better at it, talking to the guys, watching video with the guys. We worked on it again today for a long time. So just keep, keep with it, you know, right? Keep, uh, keep tweaking it, keep growing for it, keep learning from it, work on your execution, and, uh, uh, all the all the above.

 

Mike Patterson, Omaha World-Herald:

Mike, thoughts on Arizona State, a team that's in the same boat as the Mavs? They're desperate for points.

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Yeah. Yeah. You could tell they played extremely hard against Western Michigan, watching those games back. They, they're, they're you know, they're not leaving stuff to chance either. They're playing extremely hard. And again, a little bit of story of the league, right? Extremely talented roster, just like, you know, if you, you know, it's kinda, kinda mind-blowing a little bit that you've got us and CC and ASU, like, you know, pretty — in my opinion, pretty good hockey teams that are, are right there, Miami, St. Cloud, all those teams. So, um, yeah, they're you know, they know the situation too, I'm sure. And, uh, that should be, uh, should be for a hard-fought series here.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

Any updates on player availability for this weekend?

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Yeah. I think it's, uh, it's looking pretty good. We got a couple of guys right now that are banged up a little bit. But we'll see here. Uh, we'll, we'll, we'll travel tomorrow here and, and, uh, see who's all available. But hopefully, uh, everybody's healing up okay here after the, the weekend and should be available for, for Friday night here.

 

Tyler Doremus, UNO Gateway:

Uh, with the idea of both teams obviously needing to win, do you expect it to be a really physical series?

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

I thought they played Western (Michigan) physical. So, um, I'm sure it will be intense and be physical, a little bit of that playoff atmosphere a little bit there for sure. So, um, they're, they're a team that forechecks hard and, and likes to get after you there. So, uh, um, uh, we're expecting it to be, uh, to be some physical confrontations out there for sure.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

You've got a, a Slovakian in goal with, uh, Simon, and they have a Slovakian that might be a net for them.

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Mm-hmm.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

What does that say about the development path for European goaltenders? Or is it just kind of a neat story?

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Yeah. No, I think if you look around right now, there's I mean, there's a lot of good goalies everywhere. But there's, um, you know, lots of good Slovakian goalies there, lots of good Czech goalies, Swede goalies there, U.S. goalies, Canadian goalies. So it's, uh, um, yeah, kinda neat to see, obviously, just the, the, the way that you know, what's the rules now, the player pool has expanded, you know, expanded. And, and so now you're seeing, you know, people from all over the world, obviously, uh, playing at the highest levels.

 

Timothy Rowher, UNO Blue Line Club Newsletter:

I'm, uh, doing an article on, on (coach) Jamie (Huffman). And, uh, recruiting. And he mentioned he now goes all over the world.

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Yeah.

 

Timothy Rowher, UNO Blue Line Club Newsletter:

And, uh, including, you know, mentioning Europe and as well as Canada. What kinda impact has he brought, uh, you know, to the program, you know, with his recruiting?

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Yeah. He's been tremendous. Again, it's, uh, it's just a completely different landscape now, right? Everything's just yu know, everything's getting kinda flipped over on its head here. It kinda seems to be, year after year. So to have somebody that can, you know, have the ability to, to watch a lot of players, to check in on your current recruits, to keep, you know, expanding your, your view on, on everybody out there — whether it's in Europe, whether it's in the US, whether it's in Canada. So, um, and again, it's a lot to take on. I think, you know… you're …anybody that's ever been in this job, I think the first year is always the most difficult 'cause it's just you're learning so much. And there's so much to learn and so many moving parts and stuff. But he's done a great job navigating that there.

 

And it's been nice to, um he probably would like to be home a little bit more often. He's been on the road a lot. Um, but, you know, (he’s) just doing a tremendous job, uh, to help our program here as we move forward with this new landscape here.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

Same question for you then to, to end up, uh, who do you see getting gold for men and women in hockey?

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

Man, I think I mean, I think it would be great to see a U.S.-Canada final. I think that'd be pretty special. You know, uh, obviously, really tight game for Canada this morning there. And, uh, I thought that Four Nations (tournament last year) was pretty fun to watch. Um, I think they each got one win in that, in that situation there. So, uh, I think that could be a fun, uh, uh, fun. I know we got a lone Swede on the team, (Marcus) Broberg, whose brother's playing for Team Sweden.

 

So he's, he came in there chanting for Team Sweden today. And, and, uh, obviously, Rollie’s got the USA going too. So it's kinda fun. It's just fun to see. I mean, at the end of the day, you like to see that good hockey going. And, uh, pretty neat to watch best on best.

 

Bridget Brooks, MavPuck.com:

Very diplomatic.

 

Head Coach Mike Gabinet:

That's a smart answer, right? Smart answer. Yeah.