By: Ana Bellinghausen, Sports Producer
OMAHA, Neb. – Four years ago, Kevin Conley traded in crimson and gold for crimson and black.
Conley transferred from Denver after spending one season with the Pioneers, contributing three goals and four assists as a freshman. Conley decided to suit up for the Mavericks for the rest of his eligibility.
“I think with any team, you have ups and downs, and throughout the four years that I’ve been here, it’s been a little bit of a roller coaster,” Conley said.
Since that first losing season with the Mavs, Conley and company found success with an NCAA tournament appearance and a top ten rank.
“The amount of work that has gotten put into this program to making it where it is now is unbelievable,” Conley said. “It’s awesome to see the rewards that we can get from this place.”
Throughout Conley’s career in Omaha, he even experienced the first collegiate “pod” during the 2021 COVID-impacted season. The pod was a 20-day bubble with all of the NCHC teams in hopes to finish the hockey season safely in Omaha.
“I think the pod for sure was one of the most fun I’ve had personally playing hockey and being with the guys every single day and having every meal together. It was awesome,” Conley said.
Beyond the pod, Conley said his other favorite memory is just any time the team wins together at Baxter Arena.
“The culture here is unbelievable… Every guy in the room has great character, and they want the best for this program as a group and they always want to see it grow,” Conley said. “You do that by winning games and having those good guys in the locker room and I think we have that.”
Compared to the Kevin Conley that walked in four years ago, Conley says the biggest difference is maturity on and off the ice.
“Even If it’s basic things like laundry and eating healthy, I think just being a part of [Omaha Hockey] has changed me for the better,” Conley said.
When Conley’s No. 10 jersey is hung up for good, he wants to be known as more than just a good player.
“Just someone that worked hard and gave his best effort every time he was on the ice and gave best effort outside the rent better this program,” Conley said.
