OMAHA, Neb. – The Omaha hockey team dropped its NCHC opener on Friday, losing 4-1 to No. 20 Miami at Baxter Arena.

The Mavericks fell to 0-6-1, having lost six straight.  The RedHawks improved to 7-2-0.

Miami capitalized on a power play just 1:19 into the game.  Jonathan Gruden banked in a shot from behind the net for his first collegiate goal.

The Mavericks answered on their own power play late in the period.  Taylor Ward roofed a cross-crease pass from Teemu Pulkkinen for his second goal in as many games at 17:08.

But the RedHawks retook the lead just 1:05 later when Brian Hawkinson tipped home a slap shot by Grant Hutton for his first career goal.

Miami added to its lead at 14:33 of the second period.  Gordie Green pushed home the rebound of a shot by Scott Corbett that hit the crossbar and laid in the slot.

Green added a second goal into an empty net as the Mavericks pulled Evan Weninger with 1:40 to go in the third.

Weninger made a game-high 27 saves while Miami's Ryan Larkin stopped 19 as the RedHawks outshot the Mavericks, 31-20.

The series concludes on Saturday at 7:07 p.m.

GAME NOTES:

• The seven-game winless stretch is the longest to start a season in school history.
• The RedHawks snapped a six-game winless stretch against UNO with the victory.

Three Stars:  1. Jonathan Gruden/MU – (1-1-2); 2. Taylor Ward/UNO (1 goal); 3. Grant Hutton/MU – (1 goal)