Vice Chancellor / Director of Athletics Adrian Dowell announced today a multi-year contract extension for Omaha Hockey head coach Mike Gabinet through the 2026 season.

"We are excited to have Mike Gabinet leading Omaha Hockey well into the future," Dowell said. "During his tenure, Coach Gabinet successfully led the program to the 2021 NCAA tournament in addition to achieving the second most single season wins in the program's history in 2022. We are confident that he has positioned Omaha Hockey for future success, as not only evident with our current personnel but also through his recent recruiting successes and demonstrated ability to develop talent."

Gabinet, a 2004 alumnus of UNO and former professional hockey player, is in his 6^th campaign manning the bench for the Mavericks. Last season, he led Omaha to 21 wins which was the second highest mark ever for a Maverick hockey team. The season prior, he guided the Mavericks to their fourth NCAA tournament appearance in program history.

"As an alum, Coach Gabinet uniquely understands the important role of the program to the University and has successfully instilled this in our student-athletes as demonstrated by their outstanding performance competitively, academically and efforts in our community," Dowell said. "This extension signifies the importance of hockey to the institution and is another example of our commitment to reaching the program's next level of success."

Since his arrival in 2017, his teams have averaged a 3.46 GPA in the classroom. In the five full seasons he has been at the helm of the Omaha bench, the program has a 100 percent Graduation Success Rate (GSR).

Dating back to the 2019-20 season, Gabinet has racked up 23 wins against nationally ranked opponents. Of those 23 victories, four of them have come against the number one team in the country.

The former Maverick defenseman played an integral role in several of his former players making their professional hockey debuts which includes Freddie Olofsson, Mason Morelli, Taylor Ward, Isaiah Saville, Ryan Jones, Kevin Conley, Brannon McManus, Brandon Scanlin, Dean Stewart, Nate Knoepke and Joey Abate. Gabinet has helped produce two 100-point scorers in former forward Taylor Ward (2018-2022 - 115) and current wingerman Tyler Weiss (2018-present – 104).

The Edmonton, Alberta native also coached former Maverick forwards Mason Morelli and Chayse Primeau to 2^nd Team All-NCHC accolades in 2019 and 2021 respectively.

Sitting in 4^th place currently in the NCHC for the 2022-23 campaign, Gabinet has captured 84 career wins halfway through his 6^th season.

"I am very excited to continue to serve our student athletes, community, staff, and University as I lead this team over the coming years," Mavericks bench boss Mike Gabinet said. "Thank you to our Administration, Chancellor and President for your support in our staff and hockey program. I love this city, its values and the people here.  My wife, two kids and I have made Omaha our home. Go Mavs!"