The Omaha Mavericks are primed to begin their 2023-24 campaign this Saturday night with an exhibition matchup against the Minnesota State Mavericks.

Like last season, Omaha and Minnesota State will battle for the Pride of the Maverick trophy to unlock the season. Omaha defeated the Mavericks 7-2 in last years exhibition at Baxter Arena.

The Mavericks welcome back 18 letterwinners and say hello to eight newcomers. The newcomers are made up of five transfers in Zach Urdahl, Dom Vidoli, Jesse Lansdell, Noah Ellis and Seth Eisele and three freshmen in Will Craig, Charlie Lurie and Tanner Ludtke.

Of the returners, the Mavericks get another season out of their entire leadership core in captain Nolan Sullivan and alternate's Matt Miller and Jack Randl. The three veteran forwards registered 74 points combined last year.

Others also returning for the Mavericks this year are Vancouver Canucks draft pick Ty Mueller (12-13-25), Jacob Guevin (4-14-18), New York Rangers draft pick Victor Mancini (0-8-8) and netminder Simon Latkoczy (11-6-1, 2.32 GAA, .919 save percentage, two shutouts).

After being picked seventh in the NCHC preseason poll last season, Omaha went 19-15-3 on the season to finish third in the conference and secure home ice advantage for the first time in Baxter Arena history. Omaha will look to replicate that success of last year and prove the preseason poll wrong again after being picked sixth in this years list.

Saturday night's action gets underway at 6:00 p.m. from Mayo Clinic HSEC.