Omaha Hockey Will Open Season Against Air Force
The University of Nebraska Omaha hockey team launches its 2026-27 campaign this Friday with an exhibition match.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Hockey
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The University of Nebraska Omaha hockey team faces Air Force on October 3, 2026, in an exhibition game to kick off the season. The Mavericks aim to rebound following their first losing campaign since 2021.
Why it matters
The program enters the year looking to rewrite the narrative after a difficult 2025-26 season. With significant roster turnover, the team hopes to prove preseason expectations wrong.
The roster features a blend of 14 returning players and 11 newcomers. This mix represents the squad's attempt to stabilize following a finish at the bottom of the preseason conference ranking.
The players
University of Nebraska Omaha
This public research university in Nebraska hosts the Mavericks hockey program.
Air Force
The United States Air Force Academy operates this intercollegiate hockey team.
The details
The Mavericks are looking to move past a 2025-26 season that saw them post their first losing record in five years. The coaching staff has revamped the lineup by integrating 11 new athletes to play alongside the 14 veterans.
Timeline
The team’s previous non-losing season occurred in 2020-21.
The season-opening exhibition game against Air Force takes place on October 3, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The Mavericks are fighting to reverse a downward trend that has seen the team fall to last place in preseason projections. Success this year depends on whether the integration of new talent can return the program to the competitive standard set during the 2020-21 season.
The team faces a challenging path as the bottom-ranked squad in their conference, putting significant pressure on the 11 new players to make an immediate impact. Success in the season opener against Air Force will be critical for building early momentum.
The takeaway
The upcoming exhibition game serves as the first real test for a roster undergoing significant transition. Fans will watch closely to see if the group of 14 veterans can lead the newcomers to a more successful outcome than last year.
Further reading
For more news on local ice sports, visit our Hockey section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KETV.
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