Omaha promotes Hambrook from director of player development to new assistant coach role with Mavericks

Bennett Hambrook has been named a new assistant coach at Omaha. He has been serving as the Mavericks’ director of player development since June 2022. Hambrook spent the previous four seasons as an assistant coach with Hamilton. Prior to coaching, Hambrook played collegiately at Hamilton, appearing in 69 games and compiling eight assists. He was … Read more

Western Michigan’s Polin named NCHC player of year, Denver’s Chrona top goalie, North Dakota’s Blake best rookie for ’22-23 campaign

On the eve of the NCHC Frozen Faceoff in St. Paul, Minn., the conference named its major award winners Thursday night. Western Michigan’s Jason Polin took home player of the year and forward of the year honors, while WMU’s Pat Ferschweiler was named Herb Brooks coach of the year. Denver’s Magnus Chrona was named goaltender … Read more

This Week in NCHC Hockey: Late Omaha assistant coach Jerrard ‘just a person you want to be around’ as Mavericks mourn loss of ‘PJ’

Omaha’s players unexpectedly had Tuesday afternoon free. That wasn’t Mavericks coach Mike Gabinet’s idea, but one of his assistants might have had something to do with it. “A puck hit the sprinkler system when guys were just shooting around, so we couldn’t practice,” Gabinet said. “A guy hit the crossbar and the puck went up … Read more

Omaha assistant coach, former Lake Superior State standout Jerrard loses cancer battle at 57

Omaha announced Thursday the passing of assistant coach Paul Jerrard. He was 57. “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of assistant coach Paul Jerrard,” Omaha head coach Mike Gabinet said in a statement. “Paul had been quietly fighting a long-term battle with cancer. Our program will be forever indebted to PJ … Read more

HCA men’s monthly honorees for January include Michigan’s Fantilli, Boston University’s Hutson, Bentley’s Niemo, Omaha’s Latkoczy

The Hockey Commissioners Association has announced the men’s monthly award winners for January. Player of the month is Michigan freshman forward Adam Fantilli, co-rookies of the month are Boston University defenseman Lane Hutson and Bentley forward Nicholas Niemo, and goaltender of the month is Omaha freshman Simon Latkoczy. Fantill collected five goals and 14 points … Read more

This Week in NCHC Hockey: Omaha’s Miller called ‘a great person’ jumping into action at youth practice after roof collapses

Hockey players keep their heads on a swivel while out on the ice, and not just before their own benefit. On Jan. 30, Omaha junior forward Matt Miller wasn’t just looking out for his own safety, but for that of around 50 five- and six-year-olds. Since last summer, Miller has been involved with hockey training … Read more

This Week in NCHC Hockey: No satisfaction for Omaha with Mavericks aiming for higher goals in second half of ’22-23 campaign

It’s been a mixed bag of a season so far for Omaha, but entering the second half, coach Mike Gabinet is taking a glass-half-full approach. Half the NCHC had last week off, including Omaha (9-9-2), and that might’ve been a good thing for the Mavs following a tough home series Dec. 30-31 against nonconference foe … Read more

This Week in NCHC Hockey: Miller providing scoring punch for Omaha as junior is ‘going to do nothing but continue to improve’

One reason unranked Omaha pulled off last weekend’s biggest upset victory, on Friday at top-ranked Denver, is a junior Mavericks forward who’s now on a four-game goal streak. Matt Miller posted a point in eight of his first 11 games this season, and the United States National Team Development Program product scored twice in UNO’s … Read more

NCHC Hockey 2022-23 Season Preview: Denver the early favorite as Pioneers look to repeat as national champions

You’ve clicked on a link to this conference season preview, so chances are you already know how strong the NCHC is. So does Heather Weems, who spent the last decade as St. Cloud State’s athletic director before being named in May as the NCHC’s new commissioner. She succeeds Josh Fenton, who previously accepted another NCAA … Read more

Denver earns 19 first-place votes, sits atop 2022-23 NCHC preseason media poll

The NCHC announced Wednesday the results of the 2022-23 preseason media poll. Defending national champion Denver took the top spot with 19 first-place votes, while second-place North Dakota garnered the remaining four first-place votes. 2022-23 NCHC Preseason Media Poll 1. Denver – 180 points (19 first-place votes) 2. North Dakota – 160 (4) 3. Minnesota … Read more

Omaha tabs Hamilton assistant coach Hambrook as Mavericks’ new director of hockey operations

Omaha has named Bennett Hambrook as the program’s next director of hockey operations. Hambrook started with the Mavericks this week. “Bennett is a tremendous addition to our hockey staff,” said Mavericks head coach Mike Gabinet in a statement. “He has over eight years of experience at the NCAA level, both as a player and staff … Read more

Abate leaves Omaha after junior season, signs AHL contract with Providence for 2022-23 season

Omaha junior forward Joey Abate has signed with the AHL’s Providence Bruins for the 2022-23 season. Abate, a native of Bloomingdale, Ill., will not return for his senior season with the Mavericks. Recording two goals and three assists in 32 games during his junior season, Abate had nine points (one goal and eight assists) as … Read more