OMAHA, Neb. – Omaha hockey head coach
Mike Gabinet announced today that senior
Mason Morelli will serve as the team's captain for the 2018-19 season.
Four of Morelli's fellow seniors,
Ryan Galt,
Fredrik Olofsson,
Jalen Schulz and
Steven Spinner, will serve as the alternate captains.
"Mason has the ability to be a very good leader for our team, and our players were very diligent in helping to select our leadership group," said Gabinet. "Mason had to overcome an injury last year, he displayed a great deal of determination and work ethic throughout his recovery. His character traits combined with his abilities as a player make him an excellent choice.
"The four seniors who will serve as alternates have been great leaders by example to our younger players. I'm excited to work with this very capable group of players who will be leading our team this season."
Morelli played in only 16 games last year before an injury ended his season. He still scored four goals and 10 assists for 14 points in that time. The native of Minot, N.D. has appeared in 84 career games, scoring 18 goals and 25 assists for 43 points. He's also earned 99 penalty minutes, the most among active players.
Galt is coming off a career year for the Mavericks, recording three goals and seven assists for 10 points while playing all 36 games in 2017-18. The native of Omaha has played in 80 games for the Mavericks, scoring 19 points including 15 assists.
Olofsson played in 33 games for UNO last season, scoring six goals and 14 assists for 20 points. The native of Broomfield, Colo. has played in 101 games as a Maverick, scoring 25 goals and 36 assists for 61 points.
Like Galt, Schulz had a career year in 2017-18. He played in 32 games, scoring his first two career goals, including a game winner, and adding three assists for five points. In 53 games, the native of Cambridge, Minn. has seven points and 48 penalty minutes.
Spinner had 10 goals and 10 assist for 20 points in 35 games last season. The native of Eden Prairie, Minn. has 23 goals and 29 assists for 52 career points. With 107 career games played, he leads all current Mavericks.
All five players will be wearing letters for the first time as Mavericks.
Omaha will host Manitoba in an exhibition game on Sunday, Oct. 7 before opening NCAA play at Union on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 12-13.
