OMAHA, Neb. – In a thrilling start to the 2024-25 NCHC season, the Omaha Mavericks faced a narrow defeat against the No. 14 Western Michigan Broncos, losing 2-1 in front of a passionate crowd of 6,683 fans at Baxter Arena on Friday night. Junior goaltender Simon Latkoczy showcased an impressive performance, logging 48 saves, marking his second-highest total of the season and highlighting his solid skill set in the net.
The Mavericks appeared to take an early lead when senior forward Zach Urdahl found the back of the net, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. However, jubilation quickly turned to disappointment as the goal was disallowed after a video review determined that Omaha was offside, keeping the scoreboard at 0-0.
Determined to break the deadlock, Omaha didn’t have to wait long. Harrison Israels, wearing the Mavericks jersey for the first time, electrified the arena by scoring a legitimate goal, marking the team’s second shorthanded goal of the season. Israels received a perfect feed from junior forward Jacob Slipec, who skillfully maneuvered through the neutral zone, protecting the puck to create the opportunity. This pivotal goal came at 12:22 in the first period, giving Omaha a 1-0 lead.
Omaha held on to their narrow advantage, dominating the first period by shutting out the Broncos and denying them any goals despite 13 shots on target.
The fortunes shifted in the second period when Western Michigan’s sophomore forward Alex Bump managed to tie the game at 5:44, restoring momentum for his team. Just before the end of the frame, the Broncos’ junior forward Tristan Lemyre put Western Michigan ahead for good with a decisive goal 17:29 into the period, bringing the score to 2-1.
Latkoczy’s efforts between the pipes did not go unnoticed, as he was honored as the third star of the game. The Mavericks will seek redemption as they return to the ice at 7:07 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, facing the Broncos once again.
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**Interview with Omaha Mavericks Head Coach, Mike Hastings**
**Interviewer:** Coach Hastings, thank you for joining us. Last night’s game against Western Michigan was quite the battle. Can you share your thoughts on how the team performed, especially considering the strong outing from goaltender Simon Latkoczy?
**Coach Hastings:** Absolutely, it was a tough game for us. I was proud of how our team fought until the very last whistle. Simon had an outstanding performance in net, making 48 saves is no small feat, and he really kept us in the game. His composure and skill helped us stay competitive against a ranked opponent.
**Interviewer:** The Mavericks scored early with Zach Urdahl finding the net, which got the crowd fired up. What did that goal mean for the team, and how did the momentum shift afterward?
**Coach Hastings:** That early goal was crucial for us. It energized not just our players but the entire arena. The crowd was incredible, and having that support was a big boost. Unfortunately, we couldn’t sustain the momentum, and Western Michigan responded quickly, which took some wind out of our sails. It’s a learning moment for us about handling success and tough situations in the game.
**Interviewer:** With such a narrow margin of defeat, what are your takeaways for the team moving forward in this NCHC season?
**Coach Hastings:** There are always lessons to be learned from games like this. While I was disappointed with the result, I saw a lot of positive things as well. We need to sharpen our execution in critical moments and be more disciplined in our defensive zone. Our next games will be about building on the positives, reviewing our strategies, and continuing to grow as a team.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, what’s the plan for the Mavericks as you prepare for the next game?
**Coach Hastings:** We’ll be focusing on recovery and reviewing game footage to see where we can improve. Our guys are committed to getting better, and we’ll work on our communication both on and off the ice. I have no doubt that our team will bounce back and be ready to fight for every point in this tough conference.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Coach Hastings. Best of luck as you continue the season!
**Coach Hastings:** Thank you! We appreciate the support from our fans and look forward to seeing everyone at the next game!