Omaha Hockey forward Jake Pivonka has signed an amateur tryout agreement (ATO) with the Bridgeport Islanders (AHL). The grad student had 18 points with the Mavericks this season (10 goals and 8 assists) — a season-high tally during his collegiate career. Pivonka transferred to Omaha after four seasons at Notre Dame. The extra “COVID” season granted to NCAA athletes (who played in the NCAA during the 2020-21 season) allowed him a fifth year of eligibility at the collegiate level. Prior to joining UNO, Pivonka had 9 goals and 29 assists in 129 games over four seasons with the Fighting Irish. Pivonka played alongside fellow Maverick Tyler Weiss with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program (USNTDP) from 2016 to 2018. Pivonka stood out at UNO for his steady play, ability to win faceoff draws, and veteran presence on the ice this season. He made numerous appearances on UNO’s top line during the 2022-23 campaign. Pivonka was drafted in the fourth round (103rd overall) of the 2018 NHL Draft by the New York Islanders (Bridgeport is the AHL affiliate of the New York Islanders).
Transaction: Forward Jacob Pivonka has agreed to terms on an amateur tryout agreement (ATO). pic.twitter.com/DohDHyIRKP— Bridgeport Islanders (@AHLIslanders) March 21, 2023
Transaction: Forward Jacob Pivonka has agreed to terms on an amateur tryout agreement (ATO). pic.twitter.com/DohDHyIRKP
Omaha Hockey goalie Jake Kucharski and defenseman Jonny Tychonick have both landed professional contracts. Kucharski’s status at the end of the season was somewhat in question. Fan circles on social media had wondered what the future held for the goalie. The senior goaltender started his collegiate career at Providence (according to Elite Prospects, Kucharski didn't play for the Friars during his lone season there). He then transferred to American International and played two seasons for Yellow Jackets (and was named Atlantic Hockey Goaltender of the Year for the 2021-22 season). Kucharski transferred to UNO for the 2022-23 season. He had at 2.72 goals-against average (GAA) and a .904 save percentage (SV%) in 20 games with UNO this season. Taking into account the extra season the NCAA allows players who competed during the 2020-21 season (as a result of COVID restrictions), it appeared — on cursory glance — that Kucharski would have a season or two of eligibility left for the Mavericks (despite being recognized in the team’s senior night festivities on March 4). Be that as it may, the general consensus seemed to be that this would be his lone season in Omaha. That ultimately turned out to be the case.
The netminder has moved on to the pro ranks, signing an ATO (Amateur Tryout Contract) with the Chicago Wolves (AHL).
Oh hey Jacob! Welcome to Chicago, #31. pic.twitter.com/awe78gsKcl— Chicago Wolves (@Chicago_Wolves) March 16, 2023
Oh hey Jacob! Welcome to Chicago, #31. pic.twitter.com/awe78gsKcl
News | We've signed defenceman Jonny Tychonick to a two-year AHL contract. #LongLive— Toronto Marlies (@TorontoMarlies) March 20, 2023
News | We've signed defenceman Jonny Tychonick to a two-year AHL contract. #LongLive
On this week’s episode of the #mavpuckcast... Jason and Jon analyze the Omaha Hockey team’s first-round NCHC playoff series against North Dakota at Baxter Arena — includes video highlights and their picks for “Player of the Week.” They look at some “Things You Missed at Baxter Arena” — including the UNO Tuba Parade and Jon’s broken seat at Baxter Arena. They talk about the Mavs nominated for individual NCHC season awards. They wrap up the episode with their thoughts on UNO players who might “stay or go” during the offseason in a new segment called “Will They Stay or Will They Go?” Video version: Audio-only versions:
Omaha Hockey freshmen defensemen Joaquim Lemay and Jacob Guevin have been named to the NCHC All-Rookie Team for the 2022-23 season. The Québécois defensemen have been fixtures on the blue line for the Mavericks this season. Guevin finished the regular season ninth on the team in points (3 goals and 12 assists) and leads UNO freshmen in points this season. Lemay finished the regular season 11th on the team in points (1 goal and 10 assists). He ranks second among UNO freshmen in points this season. In the 2021-22 season, Guevin played junior hockey for the Muskegon Lumberjacks in the USHL. He ranked 20th overall in points among skaters in the league (6 goals and 51 assists) and was fourth in the league in assists. He led Lumberjack defensemen in points that season. Lemay had 46 points (9 goals and 37 assists) for the Lincoln Stars (USHL) in the 2021-22 season. He ranked fifth on the Stars in overall points and second in assists that season. Individual award winners will be announced at the annual NCHC Awards Celebration on March 16 in St. Paul, MN. Read the full NCHC release: NCHC Announces 2022-23 All-Rookie Team
UNO freshman goalie Simon Latkoczy’s second period save in the March 3 game at North Dakota is the #4 play in the NCHC Top Plays of the Week – March 6, 2023. The save came with 13:04 left in the second period. Latkoczy’s effort on the play thwarted North Dakota forward Gavin Hain’s attempt in front of the crease (off of a backhand feed from UND forward Jake Schmaltz). UND was up 2-1 in the contest at that point. The Mavericks went on to lose the game 5-4 in OT. Latkoczy currently has a 2.25 goals-against average (GAA) and a .920 save percentage (SV%) for Omaha. His GAA currently has him tied for 15th best among all NCAA goaltenders and his SV% currently has him tied for 11th best. Among NCHC goaltenders, Latkoczy’s GAA is currently second best in the conference (behind DU’s Magnus Chrona) and his SV% is currently second best (behind CC’s Kaidan Mbereko). >> Latkoczy’s performance in the North Dakota series is discussed on this week’s episode of the #mavpuckcast — click here to view this week’s episode.
On this week’s episode of the #mavpuckcast... Jason and Jon discuss the Omaha Hockey team’s recent series at North Dakota — includes their picks for “Player of the Week.” They recap the recent movie theater hockey “Watch Party.” (hosted by the UNO Alumni Association, MavPuck, and Aksarben Cinema). They give an update on NCHC playoff tickets for Omaha’s first-round series at Baxter Arena — including a way for UNO students to get a free ticket voucher. They conclude the episode with a discussion of the matchups in the NCHC playoffs and offer their analysis and predictions for UNO Hockey’s first-round matchup against North Dakota. Video version: Audio-only versions:
Omaha junior forward Matt Miller’s unassisted goal in the Feb. 24 game against St. Cloud State is the top play in the NCHC Top 5 Plays of the Week – Feb. 28, 2023. The even-strength goal — scored 7:43 into the second period — came off of an offensive zone steal by Miller. The score narrowed St. Cloud’s lead to 4-1 in the contest. The Mavericks lost the game 6-2. Miller has 11 goals and 10 assists in 28 games this season for the UNO Hockey team. He currently ranks third on the team in goals and fifth on the team in total points. >> Miller’s goal was also featured on this week’s episode of the #mavpuckcast — click here to view this week’s episode.
On this week’s episode of the #mavpuckcast... Jason and Jon discuss the Omaha Hockey team’s recent series against the St. Cloud State Hockey team at Baxter Arena — includes a discussion of the current NCHC standings and their picks for Maverick “Player of the Week.” They talk about a few “Things You Missed at Baxter Arena” during the St. Cloud series and also discuss UNO’s Senior Night for 2023. A new segment is introduced — “Hot & New” — where Jason and Jon discuss some new concession items at Baxter Arena. They conclude the episode with their predictions for Omaha’s upcoming hockey series against the North Dakota Fighting Hawks at Ralph Engelstad Arena. Video version: Audio-only versions:
UNO Hockey defenseman Jonny Tychonick was named NCHC Defenseman of the Week in the KJ Branding National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) Players of the Week — Feb. 13-19, 2023. A native of Calgary, Alberta, Tychonick had a goal and a pair of assists (both coming on game-winning goals) during Omaha’s road series against the Miami RedHawks on Feb. 17-18, 2023. Tychonick’s play was key in helping UNO sweep the RedHawks in the series. He was part of a penalty kill unit that went 8-for-9 in the series. Tychonick has 8 goals and 16 assists on the season. The grad student’s 24 points currently rank third on the Maverick roster. Additionally, sophomore forward Cameron Berg was a nominee for NCHC Forward of the Week. >> Tychonick’s play is also discussed on this week’s episode of the #mavpuckcast — click here to view this week’s episode. Read the full NCHC release: KJ Branding NCHC Players of the Week: Feb. 13-19, 2023
