Omaha Adds Defenseman Jayden Jubenvill via Transfer Portal

Omaha Hockey continues to shape its 2026-27 roster, adding defenseman Jayden Jubenvill from North Dakota Fighting Hawks via the NCAA Transfer Portal.

Jubenvill brings two years of experience in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference — and that matters. He’s played in this league against the same teams he will face every weekend at Baxter Arena.

Proven Freshman Impact in the NCHC
As a freshman in 2024-25, Jubenvill appeared in 37 games, recording two goals and four assists for six points. He led all UND rookie defensemen in scoring, ranked second on the team with a +8 rating, and blocked 43 shots — fourth-most on the roster.

He played regularly, handled defensive assignments, and showed he could hold his own in one of the toughest conferences in college hockey.

Omaha fans will remember one moment in particular.

Jubenvill scored the game-winning goal late in the third period to eliminate Omaha in the NCHC Quarterfinals on March 15, 2025 — jumping into the rush and finishing a comeback win for North Dakota. 

JAYDEN FREAKING JUBENVILL! #UNDproud | #LGH pic.twitter.com/cDliDvdyu8

— North Dakota Hockey (@UNDmhockey) March 16, 2025

A Fresh Opportunity
In the 2025-26 season, Jubenvill played in 15 games, recording two assists. A deep defensive corps for the Fighing Hawks meant Jubenvill had fewer minutes on the ice. The move to Omaha gives him the opportunity for more ice team as the Mavericks need to replace departing defensemen Griffin Ludtke, Jacob Guevin, and Aidan De La Gorgendiere. 

Head coach Mike Gabinet pointed to both experience and competitiveness in Jubenvill’s addition.

“We are excited to add Jayden to our team. He brings two valuable years of experience in the NCHC. I have always liked his game and appreciate his competitiveness.”

By the Numbers
Across two seasons at North Dakota:

• 52 games played
• 2 goals, 6 assists (8 points)
• 43 shots (4.7% shooting)
• 47 penalty minutes
• 1 game-winning goal (the aforementioned one vs. Omaha)

Jubenvill appears to be a more “defensive defenseman” as indicated by his plus/minus rating as a freshman and his willingness to block shots. 

Junior Hockey Pedigree + Clutch Factor
Before college, Jubenvill spent two seasons with the Dubuque Fighting Saints in the United States Hockey League, totaling 42 points in 115 games.

During Dubuque’s 2023-24 playoff run to the Clark Cup Final, he was named the top defenseman of the USHL Conference Finals after scoring twice in the series — including an overtime game-winner.

What This Means for Omaha
Jubenvill fits a familiar profile for Omaha: a player with NCHC experience, defensive reliability, and room to grow into a larger role.

He adds proven depth to the blue line and is expected to get regular playing time as a steady, defense-first defenseman.

Transfer Portal Opens Sunday: "Crazy Environment" is the New Norm

The transfer portal opens on Sunday and the “absolute chaos” of the 2025 “preseason” (“there is no offseason, only preseason™”) is here.

Omaha Hockey went 18-17-1 (14-9-1 in the NCHC) in 2024-25. The Mavericks were swept by North Dakota in the NCHC quarterfinals at Baxter Arena on March 14-15, ending the season.

Omaha welcomed 14 new players in the 2024-25 season, including eight freshmen (Joe Gramer, Marcus Broberg, Alexi Van Houtte-Cachero, Myles Hilman, Liam Watkins, Chase LaPinta, Kevin Reidler, and Isaiah Norlin) and six transfer student-athletes (Aiden Gallacher, Sam Stange, Brady Risk, Garrett Pinoniemi, Harrison Israels, and Dylan Gratton). 

More change is underway for 2025-26, as eight Omaha players have exhausted their playing eligibility: Gallacher, Stange, Urdahl, Risk, Nolan Krenzen, Jimmy Glynn, Harrison Israels, and Brock Bremer.

That means at least eight new names and faces on the roster for the next season. There will likely be more.

With the changing nature of college athletics — and the NCAA’s decision to lift the ban on Canadian Hockey League (CHL) players, allowing them to play in NCAA Division I hockey starting Aug. 1, 2025 (provided they aren’t compensated “beyond necessary expenses” while in the CHL), change is going to be the new constant.

Players have more opportunities to change their playing situation than in the past. In April 2024, the NCAA eliminated the “year-in-residence” rule, allowing Division I student-athletes to transfer and be immediately eligible to play, regardless of how many times they have transferred, as long as they are academically eligible (“in good standing in accordance with their previous institutions standard; and meet the applicable ‘progress-toward-degree’ requirements at their new institution”).

Student-athletes seeking to transfer must enter the transfer portal during the prescribed “windows,” unless there are certain circumstances, such as the departure of the head coach. This year, the hockey transfer portal window is March 30 to May 13, 2025.

Coach Gabinet said his two main priorities in recruiting are “Making the roster better and maintaining the culture.”

“The new reality of college athletics is there is a lot of movement — and there will be movement every year,” Gabinet said. “Nobody likes it.” 

There will be Omaha players whose names are in the transfer portal tomorrow. 

Gabinet said this is the new normal for college hockey — it will be more like the pro ranks each year. “The team is made up of 28 free agents at the end of each season” — they are free to move on if they choose to. 

But Gabinet said the future is bright. “We have some really good guys coming in.” 

He promises several “big pieces are coming back” from last year’s team, and they hope to announce the returning players soon.
 

Mavs on the Move 2024-25 | Portal Moves, Pro Signings, Incoming Recruits

 

With the season over, it’s time for the “Mavs on the Move” player watch...

Incoming Mavericks (from the transfer portal):

• None yet.

Mavericks in the transfer portal:

• Portal opens 3/30/25 for non-graduate players and closes 5/13/25.
• Sydney Wolf reports (3/27/25) that forward Charlie Lurie (4-6-10 in 20 games) is in the portal. Lurie has committed to Minnesota St.-Mankato as of 4/5/2025.

Players in the portal on March 30, 2025:

• Noah Ellis (junior defenseman) – committed to Sacred Heart University 4/4/25 per Sacred Heart Hockey Blog  
• Dylan Gratton (junior defenseman) – committed to Vermont 4/10/25 per Mike McMahon 
• Tanner Ludtke (sophomore forward) – committed to Minnesota 4/2/25 per Brad Schlossman 
• Charlie Lurie (sophomore forward) – committed to Minnesota State-Mankato 4/5/25 per his Instagram 
• Isaiah Norlin (freshman defenseman) – committed to Colgate University 4/5/25 per Mike McMahon 
• Garrett Pinoniemi (junior forward)
• Kevin Reidler (freshman goaltender) – committed to Penn State 4/14/25 per his Instagram account 
• Alexi Van Houtte-Cachero (freshman forward) – transferred to McGill University in Quebec per Sydney Wolf 6/13/25 
• Liam Watkins (freshman forward) – committed to Minnesota State-Mankato 4/7/25 per Brad Schlossman 

Here are some transfer portal trackers:

Sydney Wolf Men’s Transfer Portal 2025 

Gopher Puck Live Transfer Portal Tracker 

Brad Schlossman/Grand Forks Herald Portal Tracker 

Players who have exhausted their playing eligibility include:

• Graduate defenseman Aiden Gallacher 
• Graduate forward Sam Stange 
• Senior forward Zach Urdahl – signed a one year contract for 2025-26 with Wilkes-Barre Scranton (AHL) 
• Graduate forward Brady Risk 
• Graduate defenseman Nolan Krenzen (signed an ECHL contract with the South Carolina Stingrays 3/19/25) 
• Graduate forward Jimmy Glynn (signed an ATO with the Kansas City Mavericks 3/21/25) 
• Graduate forward Harrison Israels (signed with Florida Everblades 3/28/25)
• Graduate forward Brock Bremer 

Mavericks going pro:

Defenseman Jackson van de Leest has been loaned to the Stingrays by the @UticaComets, and the Stingrays have signed defenseman Nolan Krenzen to an ECHL contract. Welcome to the Lowcountry, Jackson and Nolan! 🌴

🗞️ https://t.co/SVE6clayZN pic.twitter.com/4X1FjUK3Z2

— x - South Carolina Stingrays (@SCStingrays) March 19, 2025

• The Mavericks have signed forward Jimmy Glynn to an ATO contract! pic.twitter.com/00Ew6vX8kN

  — Kansas City Mavericks (@kc_mavericks) March 21, 2025

 

Player signing by @FL_Everblades: F Harrison Israels/@HarrisonIsraels (10G & 15A in 34 GP with @OmahaHKY this season). pic.twitter.com/t4mTsRzXeO

— ECHL Week (@ECHLWeek) March 28, 2025

h/t Brent Bean

>> Information updated as of 7:03 p.m. on 4/10/25.

We will update this blog post as we hear of more “Mavs on the Move.” 

>> In addition to this ongoing blog post, be sure to follow us on Twitter/X for all the updates as they happen – click here!

Below is the Omaha Hockey team’s final lineup for the NCHC quarterfinal round game two against North Dakota at Baxter Arena. Emojis have been placed over players whose eligibility has expired, entered the transfer portal, or signed on with a team to play professional hockey.

Key: 

👋 - Eligibility expired 

💰 - NHL 

💸 - Minor league

🤷‍♀️ - Eligibility left, but… 

🏒 - Returning for 2025-26 

🪽 - Transfer portal 

Graphic current as of 7:07 p.m. on 4/10/25

14 Newcomers to the Omaha Hockey Roster (Full Analysis)

 

The University of Nebraska at Omaha Hockey team is rebuilding and retooling its roster this season (after a 23-13-4 result in the 2023-24 season). Fourteen of the 28 players on the roster are new to the Mavs this season. 

For a full analysis of the 14 newcomers on UNO’s roster this season, click here:

14 Newcomers to the Omaha Hockey Roster (Full Analysis) 

Transfer Profile (2024): Defenseman Aiden Gallacher (Northern Michigan ➡️ Omaha)

 

Senior Defenseman Aiden Gallacher

Former School: Northern Michigan (Wildcats)

Hometown: Rochester Hills, Michigan

Birthday: March 30, 2000

Height: 6' 1"

Weight: 190

Shoots: Right

@AidenGalla (Twitter)

Junior Hockey Career: 

• Led all Youngstown Phantoms (USHL) defensemen in goals (8), assists (17), and points (25) in 46 games played in 2019-20, including 13 points (3 goals, 10 assists) on the power play. He was also team captain in the 2019-20 season.
• Had 10 points (3 goals, 7 assists) and was +20 in 37 games with Youngstown in 2018-19.
• Recorded 10 points (1 goal, 9 assists) and a +5 rating in his first season in junior hockey with the Bismarck Bobcats of the NAHL in 2017-18.

College Hockey Career:

• Played his freshman and sophomore seasons with Michigan State, recording 1 goal and 3 assists. As a freshman (2020-2021), he appeared in all but one game and was an AHCA/Krampade Academic All-American Scholar. As a sophomore (2021-22), he had 1 goal, 1 assist, and 26 blocked shots in 32 games. He was Academic All-Big Ten and a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar.
• Transferred to Northern Michigan where he skated in all 38 games as a junior. Gallacher led the nation with 104 blocks that season (2022-23) and had 2 goals and 5 assists with a +6 plus/minus rating. He recorded one short-handed goal, one game-winning goal and one multi-goal game (2 goals against Bemidji state in January 2023).
• He was a co-captain for the Wildcats his senior season (2023-24), playing in all 34 games. He had 3 goals, 5 assists and led the team with 78 blocked shots. He scored his second career game-winning goal in a 3-1 win over Michigan Tech in December 2023. He was named to the CCHA Scholar-Athlete Team.

News articles:

– From Mike McMahon’s College Hockey Insider newsletter

A two-way defenseman with good offensive instincts … Possesses excellent on-ice awareness and vision … Has a quick shot release from the blue line … Uses his size and quick feet very well to defend in his own zone.

— From “Spartan Hockey Signs Four for 2020-21”

Our thanks to the Sacred Heart Hockey blog for the inspiration for the blog post concept. 

Transfer Profile (2024): Defenseman Dylan Gratton (Penn State ➡️ Omaha)

 

Sophomore Defenseman Dylan Gratton

Former School: Penn State (Nittany Lions)

Hometown: Pottstown, Pennsylvania

Birthday: Feb. 25, 2003

Height: 6' 0"

Weight: 180

Shoots: Left

@DylanGratton1 (Twitter)

Junior Hockey Career: 

• Played with the Sioux City Musketeers in 2021-22 (3 goals, 15 assists – 18 points), the Youngstown Phantoms in 2020-21 (4 goals, 13 assists – 17 points), and the Muskegon Lumberjacks in 2019-20 (1 goal, 8 assists – 9 points). Helped lead the Musketeers to its fourth Clark Cup Championship.
• Had a +19 rating in the 2021-22 season with the Musketeers.

College Hockey Career:

• 24 points (5 goals, 19 assists) in 69 games (2022-2024). 
• Played in 36 games as a sophomore. 
• As a freshman, led all Nittany Lion freshmen with 11 points (2 goals, 9 assists). His first goal for PSU was the game-winning goal in a 6-3 victory vs. Mercyhurst.

News articles:

• Report: Former Penn State Men’s Hockey Defenseman Dylan Gratton Transfer to Omaha (The Daily Collegian)

“Gratton started most of his sophomore season alongside linemate Simon Mack. In December coach Guy Gadowsky called the duo his most consistent pairing and applauded Gratton’s individual performance throughout the year.”

Our thanks to the Sacred Heart Hockey blog for the inspiration for the blog post concept. 

Transfer Profile (2024): Forward Harrison Israels (Alaska ➡️ Omaha)

 

Senior Forward Harrison Israels 

Former School: Alaska (Nanooks) 

Hometown: Mississauga, Ontario

Birthday: Sept. 1, 1999

Height: 6' 1"

Weight: 200

Shoots: Left

Junior Hockey Career: 

• Played with the Oakville Blades in the OJHL (2019-20). Scored 86 points (29 goals, 57 assists). Named the OJHL MVP.
• In two seasons with the Blades, he recorded a total of 134 points (27 goals and 21 assists for 48 points in 2018-19).

College Hockey Career:

• 53 points (33 goals, 20 assists) in 96 games (2021-2024).
• Finished the 2023-24 season third in scoring with 26 points (20 goals, 6 assists).
• Solid on special teams  – scored eight power play goals and 3 short-handed goals.
• Impressive in face-offs: won 355 face-offs (.583 FO win percentage, a team-high)
• Personal bests: 3 points in a game (Jan. 26, 2024 vs. LIU); hat trick (Jan. 26, 2024, first career hat trick, Alaska vs. Stonehill)
• Scored two goals in a single game five separate times.
• Appeared in 33 of 34 games for the Nanooks in 2023-24.
• Finished with a +10 plus/minus rating.
• Captain for the Nanooks (2022-23 and 2023-24)

Our thanks to the Sacred Heart Hockey blog for the inspiration for the blog post concept.