Omaha, Neb. – The University of Nebraska Omaha hockey team announced today that junior defenseman #Mark Bernier# will serve as the team captain for the 2008-09 season. In addition, senior forward #Dan Charleston and junior forward Dan Swanson# will serve as alternate captains.

 

Bernier was an alternate captain last season. He has appeared in 78 games for the Mavericks during his career, notching three goals and nine assists for 12 points. The native of South St. Paul, Minn. played two seasons with the Tri-City Storm of the USHL before coming to Omaha.

 

Charleston is the Mavericks leading returning scorer from last year. He earned 12 goals and 25 assists for 37 points while playing in all 40 games. The native of Chicago has played in 120 games during his UNO career, scoring 34 goals and 55 assists for 89 points. He is on the cusp of joining the Mavericks' career list of 100-point scorers.

 

Swanson played in 39 games last year, scoring four goals and nine assists for 13 points. He was the team's plus/minus leader for the season with a +5 rating. In 75 career games, the native of Menomonie, Wis. has seven goals and 14 assists for 21 points.

 

The Mavericks begin the 2008-09 season with an exhibition game against the University of Manitoba on Monday, Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. at Qwest Center Omaha. Later that week, the Mavs will host their annual Mutual of Omaha Stampede on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 17 and 18. UNO will play American International College on Friday at 7 p.m. and then face either Quinnipiac University of Union College the following night.