mavericks - Nebraska

MAVERICKS
2 01 2-1 3 OMAHA HO CK E Y
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION............................................ 1-6
Table of Contents......................................................... 1
2012-13 Season Schedule/Quick Facts........................ 2
Media Information...................................................... 3
Numerical Roster/Roster Breakdown.......................... 4
Season Preview........................................................5-6
COACHES AND STAFF................................... 7-12
Head Coach Dean Blais.............................................8-9
Assistant Coach Steve Johnson.................................. 10
Assistant Coach Troy Jutting...................................... 11
Support Staff............................................................. 12
THE 2012-13 MAVERICKS........................... 13-36
Bryce Aneloski........................................................... 14
John Faulkner............................................................ 15
Brent Gwidt............................................................... 16
Brock Montpetit........................................................ 17
Zahn Raubenheimer................................................. 18
Johnnie Searfoss....................................................... 19
Alex Simonson.......................................................... 20
Andrej Sustr.............................................................. 21
Tony Turgeon............................................................. 22
Ryan Walters............................................................. 23
Matt White................................................................ 24
Michael Young........................................................... 25
Josh Archibald........................................................... 26
Dayn Belfour............................................................. 27
Joe Krause................................................................. 28
Jaycob Megna........................................................... 29
Introduction
Coaches
Brian O’Rourke.......................................................... 30
James Polk................................................................ 31
Andrew Schmit......................................................... 32
Dominic Zombo......................................................... 33
Charlie Adams/Brian Cooper..................................... 34
Tanner Lane/Aaron Pearce........................................ 35
Nick Seeler/Anthony Stolarz...................................... 36
OPPONENTS............................................. 37-44
2012-13 Opponents.............................................38-40
The Western Collegiate Hockey Association............... 41
WCHA Composite Schedule..................................42-43
2011-12 WCHA Review............................................. 44
2011-12 SEASON IN REVIEW...................... 45-48
Season Review.......................................................... 46
Season Results.......................................................... 47
Season Statistics....................................................... 48
HISTORY AND RECORDS............................49-104
The Maverick Hockey Story........................................ 50
Moments in Maverick Hockey History...................51-54
Mutual of Omaha Stampede..................................... 55
Year-by-Year History and Results.........................56-83
Records................................................................84-89
All-Time Series Records........................................90-94
All-Time Records vs. Opponents................................ 95
All-Time Letterwinners........................................96-98
All-Americans........................................................... 99
All-Time Awards and Honors................................... 100
The Mavs
Opponents
Review
Team Awards........................................................... 101
Mavericks in the NHL............................................... 102
Mavericks in Professional Hockey.....................103-104
THIS IS UNO..........................................105-120
CenturyLink Center Omaha..............................106-107
Maverick Facilities............................................108-109
National Prominence.............................................. 110
Athletic Performance.............................................. 111
Student-Athlete Resources...................................... 112
Compliance............................................................. 113
Administration.................................................114-115
The University......................................................... 116
A New Era................................................................ 117
The City of Omaha............................................118-119
Mavs in the Media................................................... 120
YEARBOOK CREDITS
The 2012-13 University of Nebraska Omaha Hockey
Yearbook was written by Director of Communications
Dave Ahlers and designed and edited by Assistant
Directors of Communications Nate Pohlen and
Bonnie Ryan. Layout designed by Nate Pohlen. The
yearbook was produced entirely on Adobe InDesign
CS5 and is available in print for $10 or online at
OMavs.com. Photography credits and special thanks
to Tim Fitzgerald of UNO Publications Services, HDR
Architecture, Inc., ICON Architectural, the City of
Ralston and MECA Omaha.
History and Records
This Is UNO
O M AV S . C O M
1
OMAHA
2 0 12 - 13 OM AH A H O C K EY
2012-13 SEASON SCHEDULE
Date
Opponent
Location
Arena
Radio
TV/Web Game Time
Oct. 8 Lethbridge (Exhib.)
Omaha, Neb.
CenturyLink Center Omaha
1180 AM/The Zone2 A1
7:07 p.m.
2012 ICEBREAKER TOURNAMENT
Oct. 12 vs. Army Kansas City, Mo.
Sprint Center
1180 AM/The Zone2
NBCSN
9 p.m.
Oct. 13 vs. Maine or Notre Dame Kansas City, Mo.
Sprint Center
1180 AM/The Zone2
NBCSN^ 3:30/6:30 p.m.
Oct. 19
Northern Michigan
Omaha, Neb.
CenturyLink Center Omaha
1180 AM/The Zone2 A1
7:37 p.m.
Oct. 20
Northern Michigan
Omaha, Neb.
CenturyLink Center Omaha
1180 AM/The Zone2 A1
7:07 p.m.
Oct. 26 Bemidji State*
Omaha, Neb.
CenturyLink Center Omaha
1180 AM/The Zone2 A1
7:37 p.m.
Oct. 27 Bemidji State*
Omaha, Neb.
CenturyLink Center Omaha
1180 AM/The Zone2 A1
7:07 p.m.
Nov. 2 at Michigan Tech*
Houghton, Mich.
MacInnes Student Ice Arena
1180 AM/The Zone2
6:07 p.m.
Nov. 3 at Michigan Tech*
Houghton, Mich.
MacInnes Student Ice Arena
1180 AM/The Zone2
6:07 p.m.
Nov. 10 Minnesota Duluth* Omaha, Neb.
CenturyLink Center Omaha
1180 AM/The Zone2 A1
7:07 p.m.
Nov. 11 Minnesota Duluth*
Omaha, Neb.
CenturyLink Center Omaha
1180 AM/The Zone2 A1
2:07 p.m.
Nov. 23 Alabama-Huntsville
Omaha, Neb.
CenturyLink Center Omaha
1180 AM/The Zone2 A1
7:37 p.m.
Nov. 24 Alabama-Huntsville
Omaha, Neb.
CenturyLink Center Omaha
1180 AM/The Zone2 A1
7:07 p.m.
Nov. 30 at Minnesota*
Minneapolis, Minn.
Mariucci Arena
1180 AM/The Zone2
7:07 p.m.
Dec. 1 at Minnesota*
Minneapolis, Minn.
Mariucci Arena
1180 AM/The Zone2
7:07 p.m.
Dec. 7 at St. Cloud State*
St. Cloud, Minn.
National Hockey Center
1180 AM/The Zone2
A1
7:37 p.m.
Dec. 8 at St. Cloud State*
St. Cloud, Minn.
National Hockey Center
1180 AM/The Zone2
A1
7:07 p.m.
Dec. 14 Minnesota State*
Omaha, Neb.
CenturyLink Center Omaha
1180 AM/The Zone2 A1
7:37 p.m.
Dec. 15 Minnesota State*
Omaha, Neb.
CenturyLink Center Omaha
1180 AM/The Zone2 A1
7:07 p.m.
Dec. 29 at Quinnipiac Hamden, Conn.
TD Bank Sports Center
1180 AM/The Zone2
11 a.m.
Dec. 30 at Quinnipiac Hamden, Conn.
TD Bank Sports Center
1180 AM/The Zone2
11 a.m.
Jan. 4
Colorado College* Omaha, Neb.
CenturyLink Center Omaha
1180 AM/The Zone2 NBCSN/A1 6:37 p.m.
Jan. 5 Colorado College*
Omaha, Neb.
CenturyLink Center Omaha
1180 AM/The Zone2 A1
7:07 p.m.
Jan. 11 at Denver*
Denver, Colo.
Magness Arena
1180 AM/The Zone2
NBCSN
9:07 p.m.
Jan. 12 at Denver*
Denver, Colo.
Magness Arena
1180 AM/The Zone2
8:07 p.m.
Jan. 25 at Bemidji State*
Bemidji, Minn.
Sanford Center
1180 AM/The Zone2
A1
7:37 p.m.
Jan. 26 at Bemidji State*
Bemidji, Minn.
Sanford Center
1180 AM/The Zone2
A1
7:07 p.m.
Feb. 1 Michigan Tech*
Omaha, Neb.
CenturyLink Center Omaha
1180 AM/The Zone2 A1
7:37 p.m.
Feb. 2 Michigan Tech*
Omaha, Neb.
CenturyLink Center Omaha
1180 AM/The Zone2 A1
7:07 p.m.
Feb. 8 North Dakota* Omaha, Neb.
CenturyLink Center Omaha
1180 AM/The Zone2 NBSSN/A1 6:37 p.m.
Feb. 9 North Dakota* Omaha, Neb.
TD Ameritrade Park
1180 AM/The Zone2 A1
4:07 p.m.
Feb. 15 at Alaska Anchorage*
Anchorage, Alaska
Sullivan Arena
1180 AM/The Zone2
10:07 p.m.
Feb. 16 at Alaska Anchorage*
Anchorage, Alaska
Sullivan Arena
1180 AM/The Zone2
10:07 p.m.
Feb. 21 USNTDP (Exhib.) Omaha, Neb.
CenturyLink Center Omaha
1180 AM/The Zone2 A1
7:37 p.m.
March 1 Wisconsin* Omaha, Neb.
CenturyLink Center Omaha
1180 AM/The Zone2 NBCSN/A1 6:37 p.m.
March 2 Wisconsin* Omaha, Neb.
CenturyLink Center Omaha
1180 AM/The Zone2 A1
7:07 p.m.
March 8 at Minnesota Duluth*
Duluth, Minn.
AMSOIL Arena
1180 AM/The Zone2
A1
7:37 p.m.
March 9 at Minnesota Duluth*
Duluth, Minn.
AMSOIL Arena
1180 AM/The Zone2
A1
7:07 p.m.
March 15-17 WCHA Playoffs (First Round)
Campus Sites
TBA
1180 AM/The Zone2
TBA
March 21-23 WCHA Playoffs (Final Five)
St. Paul, Minn.
Xcel Energy Center
TBA
March 29-30 NCAA East/Midwest Regionals Providence, R.I./Toledo, Ohio
Dunkin’ Donuts Ctr./Huntington Ctr.
ESPN
TBA
March 30-31 NCAA Northeast/West Regionals Manchester, N.H./Grand Rapids, Mich. Verizon Wireless Arena/Van Andel Arena
ESPN
TBA
April 11 NCAA Frozen Four (Semifinals) Pittsburgh, Pa.
CONSOL Energy Center
ESPN 3:30/7:30 p.m.
April 13 NCAA Frozen Four (Final)
Pittsburgh, Pa.
CONSOL Energy Center
ESPN
6 p.m.
All times are Central and subject to change • Check OMavs.com for schedule changes • * Western Collegiate Hockey Association game • A1 - America One Internet broadcast • NET
- Nebraska Public Television broadcast • NBCSN - NBC Sports Network broadcast (^Championship game only)
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA OMAHA QUICK FACTS
SCHOOL INFORMATION
Location: Omaha, Neb.
Founded: 1908
Enrollment: 15,000
Nickname: Mavericks
Colors: Crimson and Black
Conference: WCHA
Athletic Dept. Phone: (402) 554-2305
Address: 6001 Dodge St., Omaha, NE 68182
Introduction
2
Coaches
O M AV S . C O M
ADMINISTRATION
Chancellor: Dr. John Christensen
Director of Athletics: Trev Alberts
Associate AD: Josh White
Associate AD/Hockey: Mike Kemp
Associate AD/SWA: Ann Oatman
Associate AD: Gary Freeman
AD Emeritus: Don Leahy
AD Emeritus: Connie Claussen
NCAA Faculty Rep: Dr. William Wakefield
The Mavs
TEAM INFORMATION
Head Coach: Dean Blais
Alma Mater: Minnesota, 1973
Record at UNO: 55-50-14, .521 (3 years)
Career Record: 317-165-47, .644 (13 years)
Assistant Coach: Steve Johnson
Assistant Coach: Troy Jutting
Hockey Operations: Sam Spomer
2011-12 Overall Record: 14-18-6
2011-12 WCHA Record (Place): 11-12-5 (7th)
Letterwinners Returning/Lost: 20/7
Opponents
Review
COMMUNICATIONS
Director: Dave Ahlers
Email: dahlers@unomaha.edu
Office Phone: (402) 554-3387
Fax: (402) 554-3694
Website: OMavs.com
Assistant Director: Bonnie Ryan
Assistant Director: Nate Pohlen
Arena: CenturyLink Center Omaha (15,959)
Press Box Phone: (402) 599-6620
History and Records
This Is UNO
MAVERICKS
2 01 2-1 3 OMAHA HO CK E Y
MEDIA INFORMATION
COVERING THE MAVERICKS
The UNO communications staff is always interested
in help­ing mem­bers of the media in their cov­er­age
of Maverick athletic programs. Pho­to­s, information,
statistics and travel plans are avail­able through the
communications department.
INTERVIEWS
All interviews must be arranged through the UNO
communications office at least 24 hours in advance.
Generally, the best time to interview student-athletes
is di­rect­ly before or after af­ter­noon practices. No player
interviews are allowed before contests on game days.
POSTGAME INTERVIEWS
After a brief cooling-off period, all players and coaches
will be available for interviews. Please contact a
communications representative in the press box to
arrange postgame interviews.
MEDIA AC­CESS
All re­quests for working press cre­den­tials and pho­to
passes for UNO athletic events should be di­rect­ed to the
UNO communications department.
RADIO AND TELEVISION
A phone line will be made available at UNO ath­letic
events for vis­it­ing radio stations to broad­cast UNO home
games. Press box credentials for radio or television
should be requested at least one week prior to each
game. Anyone interested in covering a game and/or
practice should contact the communications of­fice at
least 24 hours in advance.
MEDIA SERVICES
Media guides, game programs, game notes, rosters,
and up-to-date results and statistics will be avail­able
at the press area to working members of the media at
each Maverick home game. Wireless internet is available
throughout the UNO campus and at CenturyLink Center
Omaha, and wired connections can be arranged.
An official NCAA box score and play-by-play will be
available approximately 10 to 15 minutes following the
conclusion of each game.
COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE
The UNO communications offices are located on the
second floor of the Sapp Fieldhouse in rooms 242 and
244. The Sapp Fieldhouse is located in the heart of the
UNO campus adjacent to Caniglia Field and the Health,
Physical Education and Recreation (HPER) Building.
COMMUNICATIONS STAFF DIRECTORY
Director: Dave Ahlers
Phone....................................................(402) 554-3387
Email..........................................dahlers@unomaha.edu
Assistant Director: Bonnie Ryan
Phone....................................................(402) 554-3267
Email............................................ bryan@unomaha.edu
Assistant Director: Nate Pohlen
Phone....................................................(402) 554-2140
Email........................................ npohlen@unomaha.edu
Communications Fax:.............................(402) 554-3694
Log on for links to...
• Game and season tickets
• Live video
• Live audio
• Live stats
• Text messaging updates
• Mav Athletics Twitter & Facebook pages
As well as...
• Complete game recaps
• Video highlights and features
• Photo galleries
• Upcoming schedules
• Updated statistics
Introduction
Coaches
The Mavs
Opponents
Review
UNO HOCKEY MEDIA DIRECTORY
PRINT MEDIA
Omaha World-Herald
Rob White
14th and Dodge Streets
Omaha, NE 68102
(402) 444-1000
Fax: (402) 344-3343
UNO Gateway
Nate Tenopir
University of Nebraska Omaha
Omaha, NE 68182
(402) 554-2470
Fax: (402) 554-2735
Lincoln Journal Star
926 P Street
Lincoln, NE 68508
(402) 473-7431
Fax: (402) 473-7291
Bellevue Leader
604 Fort Crook Road
Bellevue, NE 68005
(402) 733-7300
Council Bluffs Nonpareil
117 Pearl Street
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
(712) 328-1811
Fax: (712) 328-1597
WIRE SERVICES
Associated Press
909 N. 96th St., Suite 104
Omaha, NE 68114-2508
(402) 391-0031
Fax: (402) 391-1412
ESPN/SportsTicker
Harbor Financial Center
600 Plaza Two
Jersey City, NJ 07311
(800) 367-8935
Fax: (800) 336-0383
RADIO
The Zone - 1620 /1180 AM
Neil Nelkin
5011 Capitol
Omaha, NE 68132
(402) 342-2000
Fax: (402) 342-7041
KZEN 100.3 FM
Nick Handley
1418 25th Street
Columbus, NE 68601
(402) 564-2866
History and Records
KOIL Radio - 1290 AM
5011 Capitol
Omaha, NE 68132
(402) 342-2000
Fax: (402) 342-7041
KFAB Radio - 1110 AM
Roger Olson
5010 Underwood
Omaha, NE 68132
(402) 556-5060
Fax: (402) 556-5791
KVNO-FM Radio
Robyn Wisch
CPACS 200
Nebraska Omaha
Omaha, NE 68182
(402) 554-2716
Fax (402) 554-2440
TELEVISION
KMTV Ch. 3 (CBS)
Chase Williams, Sp. Dir.
10714 Mockingbird Drive
Omaha, NE 68127
(402) 593-2705/2706
Fax: (402) 592-4714
WOWT Ch. 6 (NBC)
Ross Jernstrom, Sp. Dir.
3501 Farnam Street
Omaha, NE 68131
(402) 233-7940
Fax: (402) 233-7888
KETV Ch. 7 (ABC)
Andy Kendeigh, Sp. Dir.
27th & Douglas Streets
Omaha, NE 68131
(402) 978-8957
Fax: (402) 978-8931
NETV
1800 N. 33rd Street
Lincoln, NE 68588-0747
(402) 472-3611
Fax: (402) 472-1785
CONFERENCE
WCHA
Doug Spencer
559 D’Onofrio Dr., Suite 103
Madison, WI 53719
(608) 829-0100
Fax: (608) 829-0200
This Is UNO
O M AV S . C O M
3
OMAHA
2 0 12 - 13 OM AH A H O C K EY
2012-13 NUMERICAL ROSTER
No.Name
NHL
2 Brian Cooper
ANA ’12
3 Andrej Sustr
4 Tony Turgeon
7 Michael Young
8 Jaycob Megna
ANA ‘12
9 James Polk
10 Alex Simonson 11 Nick Seeler
MIN ‘11
12 Brock Montpetit
13 Zahn Raubenheimer
14 Dominic Zombo
15 Josh Archibald
PIT ‘11
16 Joe Krause
17 Ryan Walters 18 Charlie Adams
19 Tanner Lane
WIN ‘10
21 Matt White
22 Andrew Schmit
23 Johnny Searfoss
24 Bryce Aneloski
OTT ‘10
25 Brent Gwidt WSH ‘06
27 Aaron Pearce
28 Brian O’Rourke
29 Dayn Belfour
30 John Faulkner 33 Anthony Stolarz
PHL ‘12
Pos. Ht. Wt. Cl. Sh./C Birthdate
D 5-11 187 Fr. L 11/11/1993
D6-8225 Jr. R 11/29/1990
D6-4225 Jr.
L 9/21/1989
D6-3211 Jr.
L 1/3/1989
D6-7210 So. L 12/101992
F6-1192 So. L 2/13/1992
F 6-3189 Jr. R 4/10/1987
D 6-2 192 Fr. L 6/3/1993
F 5-11186 Jr. R 4/3/1990
F 5-10179 Jr. R 9/19/1989
F 5-11184 So. L 3/15/1991
F5-11183 So.R10/6/1992
F 5-11 182 So. L 8/26/1989
F 6-0196 Jr. L 7/30/1991
F 6-1 189 Fr. R 3/15/1992
F 6-3 184 Fr. L 8/13/1992
F5-10187 Jr.
L 8/23/1989
F6-4213 So. R 8/22/1991
F6-2188 Jr.
L 2/10/1990
D6-2204 Sr. R 4/27/1990
F6-3218 Sr. L 2/20/1988
F 6-0 192 Fr. L 4/30/1992
D6-2192 So. L 4/4/1991
G6-1 200 So. L 5/27/1989
G6-1216 Sr. L 2/15/1988
G 6-6 220 Fr. L 1/20/1994
Hometown
Anchorage, Alaska
Plzen, Czech Republic
Grand Forks, N.D.
Calgary, Alberta
Northbrook, Ill.
New York, N.Y.
Grand Forks, N.D.
Eden Prairie, Minn.
Somerset, Wis.
Smoky Lake, Alberta
Ballwin, Mo.
Brainerd, Minn.
Hermantown, Minn.
Rosemount, Minn.
Mahtomedi, Minn.
Detroit Lakes, Minn.
Whittier, Calif.
Grafton, Wis.
Colleyville, Texas
Pekin, Ill.
Minocqua, Wis.
Mississauga, Ontario
St. Louis, Mo.
Morden, Manitoba
Sarnia, Ontario Jackson, N.J.
Previous Team
Fargo (USHL)
Youngstown (USHL)
Waterloo (USHL)
Flin Flon (SJHL)
Muskegon (USHL)
Penticton (BCJHL)
Chicago (USHL)
Des Moines/Muskegon (USHL)
Waterloo (USHL)
Grand Prairie (AJHL)
Sioux Falls, (USHL)
Brainerd HS
Fairbanks (NAHL)
Des Moines (USHL)
Austin (NAHL)
Omaha/Fargo (USHL)
Omaha (USHL)
Lincoln (USHL)
Fargo (USHL)
Cedar Rapids (USHL)
Indiana (USHL)
Waterloo (USHL)
Green Bay (USHL)
Fargo (USHL)
Sarnia (WOJHL)
Corpus Christi (NAHL)
Pronunciation
AHN-dray SOO-stuhr
MONT-ped-it
ROH-ben-HY-muhr
KROWS
AN-eh-LOSS-key
STOH-lars
Head Coach: Dean Blais, 4th Year (Minnesota, 1973)
Assistant Coach: Steve Johnson, 1st Year (North Dakota, 1988) • Assistant Coach: Troy Jutting, 1st Year (Minnesota State, 1987)
Athletic Trainer: Masayasu Takaiwa, 4th Year (Nebraska Omaha, 2000) • Equipment Manager: Mark Pane, 16th Year (Creighton, 1984)
Hockey Operations: Sam Spomer, 1st Year (Nebraska, 2009)
ROSTER BREAKDOWN
MAVERICKS BY STATE/PROVINCE/COUNTRY
United States (21)
Alaska (1): Cooper
California (1): White
Illinois (2): Aneloski, Jaycob Megna
Minnesota (6): Adams, Archibald, Krause, Lane, Seeler, Walters
Missouri (2): O’Rourke, Zombo
New Jersey (1): Stolarz
New York (1): Polk
North Dakota (2): Simonson, Turgeon
Texas (1): Searfoss
Wisconsin (3): Gwidt, Montpetit, Schmit
Canada (5)
Alberta (2): Raubenheimer, Young
Ontario (2): Faulkner, Pearce
Manitoba (1): Belfour
Europe (1)
Czech Republic (1): Sustr
Introduction
4
Coaches
O M AV S . C O M
The Mavs
MAVERICKS BY CLASS
Seniors (3): Aneloski, Faulkner, Gwidt
Juniors (9): Montpetit, Raubenheimer, Searfoss, Simonson, Sustr, Turgeon, Walters, White, Young
Sophomores (8): Archibald, Belfour, Krause, Jaycob Megna, O’Rourke, Polk, Schmit,
Zombo
Freshmen (6): Adams, Cooper, Lane, Pearce, Seeler, Stolarz
LETTERWINNERS RETURNING (20)
Forwards (12): Archibald, Gwidt, Krause, Montpetit, Polk, Raubenheimer, Schmit,
Searfoss, Simonson, Walters, White, Zombo
Defensemen (6): Aneloski, Jaycob Megna, O’Rourke, Sustr, Turgeon, Young
Goalies (2): Belfour, Faulkner
LETTERWINNERS LOST (7)
Forwards (3): Broadhurst, Hudson, Jayson Megna
Defensemen (2): Ensign, Smith
Goalies (2): Bergman, Massa
Opponents
Review
History and Records
This Is UNO
MAVERICKS
2 01 2-1 3 OMAHA HO CK E Y
JUNIOR CLASS GETS CHANCE TO LEAD IN 2012-13
The best word to describe the UNO hockey roster
during the last two years was “youthful”. The Mavericks
welcomed large classes of freshmen in back-to-back
seasons, hoping that their development would pay big
dividends down the road. That mile marker has now
been reached. In 2012-13, those players will be expected
to play prominent roles in UNO’s final season in the
Western Collegiate Hockey Association.
Members of this year’s junior class, nine in all, will be
relied upon heavily as UNO features just three seniors.
The juniors will be particularly important to the offense
where the Mavericks lost their second and third leading
scorers, Terry Broadhurst and Jayson Megna, who turned
pro over the summer.
“When you’re losing a guy like Terry Broadhurst who
is a 20-30 goal scorer and Jayson Megna who was our
leading freshman scorer, that’s a big void,” said head
coach Dean Blais. Hopefully, guys like Brock Montpetit,
Johnnie Searfoss and Ryan Walters can all have big years.
“Those three players are capable of 10-15 goals for
sure, and you know that if Matt White has a typical year,
he’s going to be anywhere between 20-30 goals. You
can’t do it with one player but you can do it with scoring
by committee, and that’s what we’re going to need,
players coming through.”
Blais was able to bring in another talented, although
smaller, freshman class for 2012-13. Six student-athletes
with impressive credentials join the Mavericks this year.
More than during any other season, the Mavericks
are stocked with National Hockey League draft picks.
Eight players have been chosen during the last six drafts:
Brent Gwidt (Washington 2006), Bryce Aneloski (Ottawa
2010), Tanner Lane (Winnipeg 2010), Josh Archibald
(Pittsburgh 2011), Nick Seeler (Minnesota 2011),
Anthony Stolarz (Philadelphia 2012), Brian Cooper
(Anaheim 2012) and Jaycob Megna (Anaheim 2012).
The offseason turnover did not just affect the
Mavericks’ roster. Blais also added two new assistant
coaches after associate head coach Mike Hastings left for
the head coaching job at Minnesota State, and assistant
Junior Andrej Sustr was second in defenseman scoring for
UNO in 2011-12 in spite of missing five games to injury.
Introduction
Coaches
Junior Matt White led the Mavericks in
scoring last year with 17 goals and 23
assists for a career-high 40 points.
coach Brian Renfrew took a scouting job with the NHL’s
Winnipeg Jets. In their places, Blais hired Steve Johnson,
the long-time successful head coach of the USHL’s Lincoln
Stars and an assistant at St. Cloud State, and Troy Jutting
who had been the head coach of Minnesota State for 12
years.
“Troy Jutting has won the WCHA Coach of the Year
award twice and was a Spencer Penrose Award finalist
putting him in the top 10 coaches in the country so he’s
got a lot of great experience,” said Blais. “Steve Johnson
was at North Dakota and was an All-American there. He
was very successful in the USHL battling Hasty head-tohead when he was at Lincoln, and then on to St. Cloud.
Then he decided that this was a place where he wanted
to build on his coaching and what he’s done in the past.”
Those players who return will no doubt look to reverse
the team’s fortunes from a year ago when UNO finished
the season losing six straight games including a pair of
games at St. Cloud State in the first round of the WCHA
Playoffs. The Mavericks finished the season with a record
of 14-18-6 and 11-12-5 in the WCHA, good for seventh
place. It was just the second losing season in Blais’ career.
This year, the Mavs have designs on their first-ever trip
to the Red Baron WCHA Final Five in St. Paul, Minn.
and a shot at the Broadmoor Trophy, something that
would be a fitting end to their brief time in the league.
FORWARDS
In spite of the defections of Broadhurst and Jayson
Megna, the Mavericks return their top sharp-shooter
from a year ago in White. As a sophomore, he reached
career highs with 17 goals and 23 assists for 40 points
and had a league-best four shorthanded goals. He
became the first UNO player to reach 40 or more points
since the 2007-08 season when Bryan Marshall (43) and
Mick Lawrence (40) each reached that mark.
As noted, several of White’s fellow juniors will be
looked upon for increased production this year. Ryan
Walters had 10 goals and 25 points to finish fourth in
team scoring, and he led the Mavericks with four game-
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winning goals. He was at his sharpest from December on
when he scored seven goals and eight assists.
Montpetit and Searfoss were both slowed by injuries
at different times, and both were unable to match their
freshman point totals. Montpetit scored just six goals
and 17 points after earning 21 in his first year while
Searfoss scored just three goals and 12 points after
earning nine goals and 13 points as a freshman. With
those two players healthy, they will be a big boost to the
Mavericks offense.
Sophomore Josh Archibald was one of five players to
score 10 or more goals last year but his production tailed
off a the end of the season as he finished without a point
in the final 12 games. He showed the ability to be a top
scorer for the Mavericks at times last year, something
Blais hopes will be more evident in his second season.
“I think Josh Archibald just kind of ran out of gas a
little bit [in the second half of the year],” said Blais. “He
got yanked up to play in the World Junior tournament,
and that takes a toll both physically and mentally.
“This summer, he’s put on 15 pounds in the weight
room, and he’ll be bigger and stronger. I would think he’d
have about 15 goals this year.”
The lone senior among the forwards was Brent Gwidt
who had a breakout season in 2011-12, earning career
highs in goals (6), assists (9) and points. Gwidt was both
durable and gentlemanly in his play, appearing in all 38
games while earning just two minor penalties.
The Mavericks need increased production from a
host of players who had supporting roles last year.
Juniors Zahn Raubenheimer and Alex Simonson and
sophomores Dominic Zombo, Andrew Schmit, James
Polk and Joe Krause all will be looked upon to provide
needed offense at key times.
Among UNO’s freshman class, three players are
forwards. Tanner Lane played for both Fargo and Omaha
of the USHL last year, finishing with 12 goals and 32
points in 48 games. Aaron Pearce played for Waterloo
where he helped the Blackhawks to the USHL’s Clark Cup
finals in his second year with the team. He had 16 goals
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and 30 points during the regular season and five goals
and 11 points during the playoffs. Charlie Adams played
for Austin (Minn.) in the North American Hockey League
for the last two seasons. He led the Bruins in scoring last
year with 51 points, including 18 goals, in 60 games.
DEFENSEMEN
In spite of losing two senior defensemen last year in
Matt Smith and Kyle Ensign, the Mavericks have good
depth on the blue line, and those players could supply
some important offense. UNO’s returning defensemen
scored 60 points. Senior Bryce Aneloski led the way with
a career best six goals and 14 assists for 20 points.
The junior duo of Andrej Sustr and Michael Young
also are coming off career years. Sustr had 17 points
in spite of missing five games with an injury last year.
The 6-8 native of the Czech Republic was also one of the
Mavericks’ best penalty killers. Young had four goals and
16 points will provide a steady presence on the back end.
Sophomore Jaycob Megna is another towering
presence on the UNO blue line. At 6-7, he was an
effective shot blocker, finishing second to Aneloski with
40. He also chipped in two goals and five points.
“I think the size of our defense is a great asset,” said
Blais. “Jaycob Megna is six-foot-seven, Andrej Sustr is
six-foot-eight. Andrej had a pretty good freshman year
and came back and scored some points last year. I would
think he’d be the No. 1 free agent in the world next year.
Bryce Aneloski has always provided offense, and we’re
going to need him to score.”
Both junior Tony Turgeon and sophomore Brian
O’Rourke provide steady defense and versatility.
UNO’s rear guard is supplemented by two freshmen
with outstanding junior hockey credentials. Brian Cooper
was a two-time All-USHL second team member with
Fargo where he finished second in defenseman scoring
last year with 24 points. He also earned the USHL’s
Scholar-Athlete Award. Nick Seeler played for both
Muskegon and Des Moines last year, totaling 30 points in
58 games. In his only USHL season, he was named to the
league’s all-rookie team.
“We’re really happy that Nick Seeler and Brian Cooper
are with us,” said Blais. “Both have been drafted by NHL
teams. It isn’t everything, but it’s certainly an indicator of
what the NHL people think of their ability on defense.”
GOALTENDERS
After carrying four goaltenders last season, the
Mavericks will have three this year following the decision
by sophomore Ryan Massa to take a year off. John
Faulkner is far and away the elder statesman as a fifthyear senior. The native of Sarnia, Ontario will be trying
to bounce back from a down year in which he went
5-9-2 with a 2.93 goals-against average and a .886 save
percentage. In spite of last year’s struggles, Faulkner still
ranks in the top 10 in several UNO career goaltending
categories including wins (3rd-38), shutouts (2nd-6),
goals-against average (2nd-2.65), save percentage
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(T-3rd-.903) and games played (3rd-86). Faulkner has
the opportunity to set the tone for two young backups.
Freshman Anthony Stolarz was a standout for Corpus
Christi in the NAHL last season. The 6-6 netminder was
23-22-4 with a 2.84 GAA and a .920 save percentage
while playing in 50 of the team’s 60 games. Over the
summer, he was chosen in the second round of the NHL
Entry Draft by the Philadelphia Flyers making him the
highest drafted player in UNO history.
“John Faulkner has been real steady over the course of
his three years,” said Blais. “We’re counting on him to not
only be a stabilizer in net but also to be a leader.
“Anthony Stolarz was drafted in the second round by
the Philadelphia Flyers. That certainly says a lot about
his ability. I think our goaltending, with the addition
of Stolarz, could be a real strength as well as our
defensemen.”
Dayn Belfour rounds out UNO’s goaltending trio. The
sophomore saw limited action last year, earning a 2-1-2
record with a 2.55 GAA and a .902 save percentage in six
games.
THE SCHEDULE
The Mavericks will play their final season in the WCHA
in 2012-13 before joining the new National Collegiate
Hockey Conference the following year. They find
themselves in a schedule grouping with Michigan Tech,
Minnesota Duluth and rivalry partner Bemidji State,
therefore pitting them against each team four times.
Last year, the Mavericks were 3-2-3 against those teams,
a record that included a 1-1-2 against the always tough
Beavers from BSU. The Mavericks split a home series with
Duluth, one in which UNO snapped the Bulldogs 17game unbeaten streak. UNO also earned a win and a tie
at Tech to earn MTU’s annual Winter Carnival trophy.
“I’ve got mixed emotions [about leaving the WCHA),”
said Blais. “It would be nice if we had a chance to win the
MacNaughton Cup this year. We haven’t talked about it.
The first goal is to get home ice in the first round of the
playoffs and then hopefully advance to the Final Five in
St. Paul.
“We’re looking forward to entering [the National
Collegiate Hockey Conference], but leaving the WCHA
will be hard for me because I played in it, was an assistant
coach in it and a head coach as well.”
The Mavericks begin the season with an exhibition
game against the University of Lethbridge from Canada.
The Mavs make their shortest road trip of the year to play
in the Icebreaker at Kansas City on Oct. 12-13. They’ll face
Army in the opener and then either Maine or Notre Dame
the next day. They’ll follow that with a non-conference
home series against Northern Michigan, a team with
whom they had a spirited rivalry during their CCHA days.
The all-time series is tied 15-15-2.
UNO has two other non-conference series during
the season. The Mavs host a Thanksgiving weekend
showdown with Alabama-Huntsville and play Quinnipiac
of ECAC Hockey on Dec. 29 and 30 in Hamden, Conn. The
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Junior Ryan Walters ranks second in scoring among UNO’s
returning players. He had 10 goals and 25 points last year.
Mavs also play an exhibition game with the U.S. National
Team Development Program on Feb. 21.
After their WCHA season-opening series with Bemidji
State in Omaha on Oct. 26-27, the Mavericks travel
to Michigan Tech for the second time in 2012 before
returning home to host Minnesota Duluth for a special
Saturday-Sunday series over Homecoming weekend.
In December, the Mavericks have a two-game
series against defending MacNaughton Cup champion
Minnesota on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 and then a trip to St.
Cloud State the next weekend before a home series with
Minnesota State to close out the pre-Christmas schedule.
The Mavericks play just three series in January and
only one, against Colorado College on Jan. 4-5, at home.
They’ve also got trips to Denver on Jan. 11-12 and
Bemidji State on Jan. 25-26.
February will be a history-making month for the
Mavericks. Following a home series with Michigan Tech
on Feb. 1-2, they’ll entertain North Dakota the next
week, a series that includes the first outdoor game
in UNO history when the two teams square off at TD
Ameritrade Park on Feb. 9. To close the season, the Mavs
will have road trips to Alaska Anchorage (Feb. 15-16)
and Minnesota Duluth (March 8-9) sandwiched around
a home series with Wisconsin on March 1-2.
UNO will host 20 home games this season including
the two exhibition games. Last year, the Mavs were just
7-8-3 at the CenturyLink Center, their first losing record
at home under Blais. Support from UNO fans remained
strong as the team again ranked fourth in the nation in
attendance, averaging 7,864 fans. For the third straight
year, the Mavericks set a school attendance record with
16,138 for their game with UMD on Jan. 13. It was the
first sellout of the building for a UNO hockey game.
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This Is UNO