By Jordan McAlpine, Reporter
After making it to the NCAA Tournament last March, the Omaha hockey team returned nearly everyone from last year’s roster and added a highly touted graduate transfer in Minnesota’s Brannon McManus to the fold. With so much returning depth and experience heading into this season, the Mavericks came in with high expectations for 2021-22.
So far they’re off to a strong start. The Mavericks are 7-1-0 through their first eight games and are currently ranked in the top 10 in both national polls.
“It’s been an impressive start for our team,” said Omaha head coach Mike Gabinet. “It’s always nice to start the season on a good note. It gives our team some confidence and continue to build and gain momentum as we get into the season.”
After falling in overtime on opening night against Lake Superior State, Gabinet’s team has responded with seven consecutive wins. The two most recent victories came this past weekend against Long Island University.
It’s the first time an Omaha team has won seven straight since the 2012-13 season and is creeping up on the longest win streak in program history eight games).
“The group knows what we’re capable of here,” said junior center Nolan Sullivan. “We’re building in the right direction but just want to keep moving forward.”
Sullivan said the mood around the group has been great throughout this first month of the season and the confidence has been building by the game. The opening night loss also provided some adversity and may benefit this team in the long run.
Another added benefit of this season has been getting back to nonconference play. The Mavericks were limited to only facing NCHC competition last season due to the pandemic.
“I think we’ve grown a lot as a group so far just having different teams that we’re not used to playing,” Sullivan said. “It’s fun to get back to some out of conference games. Through that there’s been some adversity and some growing. It’s been good to get the young guys in as well and get them used to the culture.”
With the eight nonconference games now in the rearview mirror, the Mavericks will shift their attention to conference play and their first NCHC test- the Miami RedHawks. A coach that stresses staying in the present moment, Gabinet is encouraging his players not to look too far ahead of this upcoming series.
If they continue playing at the pace they have so far this season though, Omaha has a very good chance to finish in the top half of the conference for a second straight season.
“I think right now my focus is just on the present games and don’t want to look too far ahead,” Gabinet said. “We talk about today matters here and really keep your focus where your feet are at and maintain that mindset, but we’re excited to get conference play underway shortly.”
In the meantime, the focus is on taking it one day at a time. It’s worked so far and some national recognition has come with it. Omaha is currently ranked No. 9 in the USCHO poll and No. 7 by the USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine poll.
“It’s not only great for our hockey program, but great for our university,” Gabinet said. “Getting ranked in the top 10 in the country obviously means the team is off to a great start and we’re heading in the right direction. Still have lots of work to do and the competition is going to continue to get tougher and tougher as the season progresses, but it’s always great to get recognized as a top team in the country.”
Omaha and Miami will open their series on Friday at 7:07 p.m. Game two will follow on Saturday at the same time.
