Mavs historic season comes to an end in Boston
By KVNO News
April 10th, 2015

Members of the Omaha Hockey team listen to instructions from Head Coach Dean Blais. (Photo Courtesy Evan Ludes)
Boston, Mass. – It didn’t end how they wanted it to, but the Omaha Mavericks’ historic season came to an end at the hands of Providence 4-1 in a National Semifinal at the TD Garden in Boston.
[audio:https://kvnonews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/4-10-KVNO.mp3]After a scoreless first period that saw the Friars out-shoot the Mavericks 16-9, Providence found the back of the net when Noel Acciari scored halfway through the period.

The Omaha Hockey team salutes the fans that made the trek to cheer them on in Boston. (Photo Courtesy Evan Ludes)
The Friars would further distance themselves when Mark Jankowski got free behind the Omaha defense and beat Maverick Goaltender Ryan Massa.
Omaha would not go away without a fight, cutting the lead to 2-1 on a Jake Guentzel goal with 9:15 left in the game.
The Friars responded just 25 seconds later when Trevor Mingoia rifled a shot from right in front of the net to make it 3-1.
Nick Saracino would add an empty-net goal with 30 seconds left to give the Friars the 4-1 win.
After the game, Omaha Head Coach Dean Blais said that his team just made too many mistakes throughout the game.
“We didn’t execute like we wanted to,†said Blais. “We had simple rules: yell for the puck, get it in deep and try not to turn it over and we didn’t accomplish that. Give Providence credit.â€

David Pope (pictured) checks a Providence forward into the boards battling for a loose puck. (Photo Courtesy Evan Ludes)
Despite the loss, Blais says the future is bright for the Mavericks after laying a foundation this year.
“The players that we have coming in for the future are pretty talented,†said Blais. “We are going to also miss the seniors and the leadership with graduation. The future looks bright, and the experience was great here.â€
After playing in his final game as a Maverick, Senior Defenseman Brian O’Rourke said this team established a new standard for Omaha Hockey.
“It sort of puts Omaha on the map,†said O’Rouke. “With a great group of young players coming back next year, I think everyone can look forward to another good season from UNO Hockey.â€
With the win, Providence advances to the National Championship game on Saturday night at 6:30.
Omaha’s historic season comes to an end at 20-13-6. The Mavericks say goodbye to five seniors from this year’s team: O’Rourke, Ryan Massa, Dominic Zombo, Kyle Mountain and James Polk.
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