Hockey Oct 8, 2024 Media Contact - Jordan Sarnoff, jsarnoff@omavs.com

Omaha hockey head coach Mike Gabinet inks contract extension

OMAHA, Neb. – Omaha hockey head coach Mike Gabinet '04 has signed a contract extension, keeping the leader of the men's ice hockey program tied to the Mavericks through the 2027-28 season. The third head coach in Omaha hockey history, Gabinet enters his eighth campaign leading the Mavericks in 2024-25.

"We are excited to have reached an agreement with Coach Gabinet which will extend his time at UNO. During his tenure, Maverick hockey has become a staple in the national polls, appeared in multiple NCAA tournaments while achieving unprecedented feats in our program's history over the past several seasons," said Adrian Dowell, vice chancellor / director of athletics.

Dowell continued, "As our industry experiences unprecedented change, more than ever, our organization values this program's productive stability built on competitive and academic success, development and culture. We look forward to the continued rise of Omaha hockey under Mike Gabinet's leadership."

"Coach Gabinet is a true Maverick who has built a remarkable culture of winning that extends beyond the ice," said Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA. "His commitment to excellence, both in competition and in the personal development of our student-athletes, is something the entire Omaha community takes pride in. We are thrilled to have him continue leading our Mavericks, and I look forward to what the future holds for this incredible team."

"It's great news for the Maverick family and the entire Omaha community that Coach Gabinet will continue to lead our program going forward," said University of Nebraska President Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D. "Coach Gabinet is a fierce competitor, a strong leader and an outstanding ambassador for UNO and the University of Nebraska. Congratulations Coach, Chancellor Li and Athletic Director Dowell, and Go Mavs!"

A 2004 graduate of the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Gabinet returned to his alma mater in 2016 as the associate head coach before becoming the bench boss in time for the 2017-18 season.

The first alumnus to serve as head coach of the storied hockey program, Gabinet has led the Mavericks to tremendous accomplishments on the rink, in the classroom and in the Omaha community.

"I am incredibly grateful for the continued support and belief Chancellor [Joanne] Li and Adrian [Dowell] have in myself and our program," said Gabinet. "I take great pride in seeing the success our student-athletes have achieved on and off the ice and am excited to continue building on the momentum we have gained over the last few years. It takes a community to truly succeed in this ever-changing NCAA landscape and I would like to sincerely thank all of the donors, fans and staff who have stood alongside us on this journey. I am excited for this upcoming season on the new Kemp Ice at Baxter Arena."

Under his tutelage, Omaha hockey has finished with a winning record in four-consecutive seasons, the most in program history. The team has earned berths in the NCAA Championship twice in the last four campaigns and last season, advanced to the NCHC Frozen Faceoff and conference championship game for the first time in program history.

A successful recruiter and proven developer of talent, Gabinet's Mavericks have produced numerous alumni who have gone on to sign National Hockey League (NHL) contracts with three making their NHL debuts in the last two seasons.

The Mavericks enter the season ranked 15th nationally after tallying 11 wins against top 20 opponents in 2023-24. Omaha recorded 23 victories last season, the second-most in program history.

A 2001 draft selection of the Los Angeles Kings, Gabinet played professionally in North America and Europe before turning to coaching in 2012.

The Gabinet-led Mavericks commence the program's 28th season on Friday, Oct. 11 in Las Vegas as Omaha battles No. 14 UMass in the storied Ice Breaker Tournament at the Orleans Arena at 6 p.m. CT. The Mavericks will take-on either No. 5 Minnesota or Air Force on Saturday, Oct. 12, with all the action streaming on Big Ten Plus (B1G+). All-session passes for the Ice Breaker Tournament are on-sale now at OMavs.com/IceBreaker24.

Fans can also secure 2024-25 Omaha hockey season and single-game tickets at OMavs.com/Tix or by calling the Baxter Arena box office at 402-554-MAVS.

Connect with Omaha hockey on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, @OmahaHKY.

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