Spomer Hockey
@spomerhky.bsky.social
General thoughts about college hockey with a focus on Omaha Hockey. Obviously, the opinions here don't reflect upon any current or former employers.
Quick Recap on Last Night's Game (2025-10-24 L v UMass):
1) Mavs played well enough to win - there's a lot to like.
2) Each goal against had a moment where the Mavs could have avoided the goal. They'll learn from it.
3) I really liked the Mavs forecheck and how they were creating offense.
1) Mavs played well enough to win - there's a lot to like.
2) Each goal against had a moment where the Mavs could have avoided the goal. They'll learn from it.
3) I really liked the Mavs forecheck and how they were creating offense.
October 25, 2025 at 12:57 PM
Quick Recap on Last Night's Game (2025-10-24 L v UMass):
1) Mavs played well enough to win - there's a lot to like.
2) Each goal against had a moment where the Mavs could have avoided the goal. They'll learn from it.
3) I really liked the Mavs forecheck and how they were creating offense.
1) Mavs played well enough to win - there's a lot to like.
2) Each goal against had a moment where the Mavs could have avoided the goal. They'll learn from it.
3) I really liked the Mavs forecheck and how they were creating offense.
Listen, the refs didn’t lose the game for the Mavs.
But why are NCHC officials making this call to put the Mavs down two men just eight minutes into the game.
It’s not a penalty.
UMass scored on the 5x3.
We’re better than this, right?
But why are NCHC officials making this call to put the Mavs down two men just eight minutes into the game.
It’s not a penalty.
UMass scored on the 5x3.
We’re better than this, right?
October 25, 2025 at 4:28 AM
Listen, the refs didn’t lose the game for the Mavs.
But why are NCHC officials making this call to put the Mavs down two men just eight minutes into the game.
It’s not a penalty.
UMass scored on the 5x3.
We’re better than this, right?
But why are NCHC officials making this call to put the Mavs down two men just eight minutes into the game.
It’s not a penalty.
UMass scored on the 5x3.
We’re better than this, right?
Tough for Omaha tonight. They played well enough to win, but found a way to lose. Gotta find a way to get that game into overtime.
On the plus side, these guys can play. Just need to put it together for 60 minutes.
On the plus side, these guys can play. Just need to put it together for 60 minutes.
October 25, 2025 at 3:39 AM
Tough for Omaha tonight. They played well enough to win, but found a way to lose. Gotta find a way to get that game into overtime.
On the plus side, these guys can play. Just need to put it together for 60 minutes.
On the plus side, these guys can play. Just need to put it together for 60 minutes.
Controlled breakouts don’t usually make highlight reels — they’re about clean exits and smart spacing.
But when coverage drops for even a second? Structure turns into a Grade A.
But when coverage drops for even a second? Structure turns into a Grade A.
October 23, 2025 at 1:29 AM
Controlled breakouts don’t usually make highlight reels — they’re about clean exits and smart spacing.
But when coverage drops for even a second? Structure turns into a Grade A.
But when coverage drops for even a second? Structure turns into a Grade A.
Omaha’s first weekend showed a more balanced lineup — and that’s a big step forward.
This sequence is a good example of how Omaha should find more scoring from their bottom two lines this year. Lineups will change as players return from injuries, but the foundation is there.
This sequence is a good example of how Omaha should find more scoring from their bottom two lines this year. Lineups will change as players return from injuries, but the foundation is there.
October 22, 2025 at 4:53 AM
Omaha’s first weekend showed a more balanced lineup — and that’s a big step forward.
This sequence is a good example of how Omaha should find more scoring from their bottom two lines this year. Lineups will change as players return from injuries, but the foundation is there.
This sequence is a good example of how Omaha should find more scoring from their bottom two lines this year. Lineups will change as players return from injuries, but the foundation is there.
I’ll have to go back through the penalties, but it’s hard not to feel frustrated after that game. That was a really good game that was taken over by the stripes.
NCHC teams shouldn’t be getting boned by our conference’s own refs in non-conference games.
NCHC teams shouldn’t be getting boned by our conference’s own refs in non-conference games.
October 12, 2025 at 3:01 AM
I’ll have to go back through the penalties, but it’s hard not to feel frustrated after that game. That was a really good game that was taken over by the stripes.
NCHC teams shouldn’t be getting boned by our conference’s own refs in non-conference games.
NCHC teams shouldn’t be getting boned by our conference’s own refs in non-conference games.
24 minutes played. 9 total power plays. What are we doing?
October 12, 2025 at 1:16 AM
24 minutes played. 9 total power plays. What are we doing?
On pace for 11 billion PIMs tonight between Omaha and Minnesota State. Just let them play.
October 12, 2025 at 12:42 AM
On pace for 11 billion PIMs tonight between Omaha and Minnesota State. Just let them play.
Trying out something different.
Here's a breakdown of Omaha's first goal on Friday night against Air Force.
The goal was all set up by the read UNO07 made in the dzone.
Here's a breakdown of Omaha's first goal on Friday night against Air Force.
The goal was all set up by the read UNO07 made in the dzone.
October 7, 2025 at 3:52 AM
Trying out something different.
Here's a breakdown of Omaha's first goal on Friday night against Air Force.
The goal was all set up by the read UNO07 made in the dzone.
Here's a breakdown of Omaha's first goal on Friday night against Air Force.
The goal was all set up by the read UNO07 made in the dzone.
Brand new video board. Video shot with a potato. Baby steps.
October 4, 2025 at 12:00 AM
Brand new video board. Video shot with a potato. Baby steps.
Reposted by Spomer Hockey
Sounds like they are planning to play: share.google/qJuBU4XVvXaT...
Air Force athletic events, including football at Navy, would continue through government shutdown - Denver Gazette
Air Force athletic events will continue if a government shutdown occurs, The Gazette learned.
share.google
October 1, 2025 at 12:31 PM
Sounds like they are planning to play: share.google/qJuBU4XVvXaT...
Mike's model is in a bad spot due to a lack of data and that's understandable.
While there isn't much data between USports and NCAA, there quite a bit between USports and other leagues (ECHL, AHL).
Personally, I think this Omaha team will be a top 25 team and will push for a spot in the NCAAs.
While there isn't much data between USports and NCAA, there quite a bit between USports and other leagues (ECHL, AHL).
Personally, I think this Omaha team will be a top 25 team and will push for a spot in the NCAAs.
October 1, 2025 at 1:43 AM
Mike's model is in a bad spot due to a lack of data and that's understandable.
While there isn't much data between USports and NCAA, there quite a bit between USports and other leagues (ECHL, AHL).
Personally, I think this Omaha team will be a top 25 team and will push for a spot in the NCAAs.
While there isn't much data between USports and NCAA, there quite a bit between USports and other leagues (ECHL, AHL).
Personally, I think this Omaha team will be a top 25 team and will push for a spot in the NCAAs.
Air Force athletics stopped playing during the last government shutdown.
Unknown whether their funding mechanism has changed since then, but there’s precedent for canceling/postponing events.
Unknown whether their funding mechanism has changed since then, but there’s precedent for canceling/postponing events.
September 30, 2025 at 6:13 PM
Air Force athletics stopped playing during the last government shutdown.
Unknown whether their funding mechanism has changed since then, but there’s precedent for canceling/postponing events.
Unknown whether their funding mechanism has changed since then, but there’s precedent for canceling/postponing events.
🧵Omaha Maverick Incomers
🏒 Defensemen
◼️ Aiden de La Gorgendiere (#22) (L) (Jr.)
▪️Very deceptive shot in both timing and speed - uncanny ability to time shot to find gaps in traffic.
▪️Good deception on puck retrievals
▪️Significant PP time with Wong, Hyland and Tschigerl in WHL and USports.
🏒 Defensemen
◼️ Aiden de La Gorgendiere (#22) (L) (Jr.)
▪️Very deceptive shot in both timing and speed - uncanny ability to time shot to find gaps in traffic.
▪️Good deception on puck retrievals
▪️Significant PP time with Wong, Hyland and Tschigerl in WHL and USports.
September 30, 2025 at 3:13 AM
🧵Omaha Maverick Incomers
🏒 Defensemen
◼️ Aiden de La Gorgendiere (#22) (L) (Jr.)
▪️Very deceptive shot in both timing and speed - uncanny ability to time shot to find gaps in traffic.
▪️Good deception on puck retrievals
▪️Significant PP time with Wong, Hyland and Tschigerl in WHL and USports.
🏒 Defensemen
◼️ Aiden de La Gorgendiere (#22) (L) (Jr.)
▪️Very deceptive shot in both timing and speed - uncanny ability to time shot to find gaps in traffic.
▪️Good deception on puck retrievals
▪️Significant PP time with Wong, Hyland and Tschigerl in WHL and USports.
I was excited for the new Mavs jerseys. Respectfully, those aren’t for me.
September 28, 2025 at 1:42 AM
I was excited for the new Mavs jerseys. Respectfully, those aren’t for me.
Also worth noting that no passes = no access to players post-game at the arena.
CHL players and their agents will talk with NCAA coaches. It’s inevitable. CHL teams can either be part of the conversations or they can be left out.
Sounds like they are choosing to be left out. 🤷
CHL players and their agents will talk with NCAA coaches. It’s inevitable. CHL teams can either be part of the conversations or they can be left out.
Sounds like they are choosing to be left out. 🤷
Last year, the CHL issued passes for NCAA coaches to attend and scout games in their buildings. The CHL has informed College Hockey Inc., that it will not be doing so this season. Story: www.grandforksherald.com/sports/und-h...
CHL discontinues passes for NCAA coaches
College hockey teams have recruited several CHL stars this offseason.
www.grandforksherald.com
September 11, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Also worth noting that no passes = no access to players post-game at the arena.
CHL players and their agents will talk with NCAA coaches. It’s inevitable. CHL teams can either be part of the conversations or they can be left out.
Sounds like they are choosing to be left out. 🤷
CHL players and their agents will talk with NCAA coaches. It’s inevitable. CHL teams can either be part of the conversations or they can be left out.
Sounds like they are choosing to be left out. 🤷
🧵Omaha Maverick Incomers
🏒 Forwards
◼️ Trevor Wong (#38) (L) (So.)
Quintessential playmaker - led WHL in assists
Can play C or W
Flank on PP
Size may cause longer learning curve (finished USports season with 14 points in last 12 games)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqws...
🏒 Forwards
◼️ Trevor Wong (#38) (L) (So.)
Quintessential playmaker - led WHL in assists
Can play C or W
Flank on PP
Size may cause longer learning curve (finished USports season with 14 points in last 12 games)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqws...
Trevor Wong | SAS Blades | All (15) WHL Goals from 2023-24
YouTube video by trxvs
www.youtube.com
September 10, 2025 at 12:55 PM
🧵Omaha Maverick Incomers
🏒 Forwards
◼️ Trevor Wong (#38) (L) (So.)
Quintessential playmaker - led WHL in assists
Can play C or W
Flank on PP
Size may cause longer learning curve (finished USports season with 14 points in last 12 games)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqws...
🏒 Forwards
◼️ Trevor Wong (#38) (L) (So.)
Quintessential playmaker - led WHL in assists
Can play C or W
Flank on PP
Size may cause longer learning curve (finished USports season with 14 points in last 12 games)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqws...
Right on queue. Major junior leagues are conducting player surveys to better understand player expectations. theprovince.com/sports/hocke...
July 11, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Right on queue. Major junior leagues are conducting player surveys to better understand player expectations. theprovince.com/sports/hocke...
I'll likely put something together as we get closer to the start of the season, but I'm really impressed with Omaha's incoming class.
Omaha's weaknesses included depth F scoring and offense from D.
At a high-level glance, those needs appear to have been addressed.
Omaha's weaknesses included depth F scoring and offense from D.
At a high-level glance, those needs appear to have been addressed.
July 9, 2025 at 1:59 PM
I'll likely put something together as we get closer to the start of the season, but I'm really impressed with Omaha's incoming class.
Omaha's weaknesses included depth F scoring and offense from D.
At a high-level glance, those needs appear to have been addressed.
Omaha's weaknesses included depth F scoring and offense from D.
At a high-level glance, those needs appear to have been addressed.
It's pretty clear that there's a belief in CHL front offices that players will remain with their CHL teams until their eligibility expires before joining NCAA.
But, the players are going to do what's best for their long-term development. McKenna signing with PSU is Exhibit A.
But, the players are going to do what's best for their long-term development. McKenna signing with PSU is Exhibit A.
July 9, 2025 at 1:45 PM
It's pretty clear that there's a belief in CHL front offices that players will remain with their CHL teams until their eligibility expires before joining NCAA.
But, the players are going to do what's best for their long-term development. McKenna signing with PSU is Exhibit A.
But, the players are going to do what's best for their long-term development. McKenna signing with PSU is Exhibit A.
I always feel like a jerk for saying this, but fans are incentivized to boo officials.
www.instagram.com/reel/DJCJx_Z...
www.instagram.com/reel/DJCJx_Z...
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May 1, 2025 at 11:24 PM
I always feel like a jerk for saying this, but fans are incentivized to boo officials.
www.instagram.com/reel/DJCJx_Z...
www.instagram.com/reel/DJCJx_Z...
I'm hyped to see Stolarz as the starting G in Toronto. He's been an top-tier NHL goalie for a few seasons.
The ride he's been on has been insane. The pressure of being a high draft pick, the awful injury in London, all the call-ups and demotions, more injuries...and then it all starts to click.
The ride he's been on has been insane. The pressure of being a high draft pick, the awful injury in London, all the call-ups and demotions, more injuries...and then it all starts to click.
April 23, 2025 at 1:32 PM
I'm hyped to see Stolarz as the starting G in Toronto. He's been an top-tier NHL goalie for a few seasons.
The ride he's been on has been insane. The pressure of being a high draft pick, the awful injury in London, all the call-ups and demotions, more injuries...and then it all starts to click.
The ride he's been on has been insane. The pressure of being a high draft pick, the awful injury in London, all the call-ups and demotions, more injuries...and then it all starts to click.
Last game of the year. No playoff stakes. Calgary up five. Six minutes to go. An otherwise meaningless goal that means everything.
The quiet moments sometime last forever.
youtu.be/BTw7_EkEi9s?...
The quiet moments sometime last forever.
youtu.be/BTw7_EkEi9s?...
Taylor Ward Scores His First NHL Goal in Season Finale Loss to Calgary Flames
YouTube video by LA Kings
youtu.be
April 18, 2025 at 1:33 PM
Last game of the year. No playoff stakes. Calgary up five. Six minutes to go. An otherwise meaningless goal that means everything.
The quiet moments sometime last forever.
youtu.be/BTw7_EkEi9s?...
The quiet moments sometime last forever.
youtu.be/BTw7_EkEi9s?...
Not to be flippant, but most schools have had a coach dedicated to recruiting (albeit not called a GM).
FWIW, I like to check which coaches are on the bench. Most schools with have one coach gone recruiting each weekend. UND almost always has all coaches at games.
FWIW, I like to check which coaches are on the bench. Most schools with have one coach gone recruiting each weekend. UND almost always has all coaches at games.
A look at how North Dakota's coaching staff will look moving forward.
Hawks are going back to three coaches on the ice, and making one of their assistants the general manager.
If you want the GM to be on the road recruiting, the person has to be a member of the coaching staff.
Hawks are going back to three coaches on the ice, and making one of their assistants the general manager.
If you want the GM to be on the road recruiting, the person has to be a member of the coaching staff.
Dane Jackson plans to modernize recruiting by hiring a general manager as one of his three assistants. How will that work? How does Jackson envision the future of UND recruiting? How will he use the portal? Story: www.grandforksherald.com/sports/und-h...
April 5, 2025 at 5:20 AM
Not to be flippant, but most schools have had a coach dedicated to recruiting (albeit not called a GM).
FWIW, I like to check which coaches are on the bench. Most schools with have one coach gone recruiting each weekend. UND almost always has all coaches at games.
FWIW, I like to check which coaches are on the bench. Most schools with have one coach gone recruiting each weekend. UND almost always has all coaches at games.
Transfer portal was wild yesterday, but it was foreseeable. The impact of CHL eligibility can't be understated.
USHL is a key source of quality NCAA hockey talent. USHL has ~400 players.
CHL eligibility adds ~2,000 players of USHL quality into the recruiting pool (WHL, QMJHL, OHL & CIS).
USHL is a key source of quality NCAA hockey talent. USHL has ~400 players.
CHL eligibility adds ~2,000 players of USHL quality into the recruiting pool (WHL, QMJHL, OHL & CIS).
March 31, 2025 at 1:44 PM
Transfer portal was wild yesterday, but it was foreseeable. The impact of CHL eligibility can't be understated.
USHL is a key source of quality NCAA hockey talent. USHL has ~400 players.
CHL eligibility adds ~2,000 players of USHL quality into the recruiting pool (WHL, QMJHL, OHL & CIS).
USHL is a key source of quality NCAA hockey talent. USHL has ~400 players.
CHL eligibility adds ~2,000 players of USHL quality into the recruiting pool (WHL, QMJHL, OHL & CIS).