Mark Wehner II

When most people think of Nebraska and sports the first thing that pops into most people minds is football. Well for those who don't know hockey is alive and well in Omaha. Two great youth organizations are to thank for that and coupled with a great college hockey program and thriving junior hockey program. On average a couple thousands hockey fanatics shuffle into arenas to watch the University of Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks of the CCHA and the Omaha Lancers of the USHL Junior "A" hockey league.

Little is known about youth hockey in Omaha except for those who are involved with it. Here in Omaha we have two great youth organizations Omaha Metropolitan Amateur Hockey Association (O.M.A.H.A) Hockey and the Omaha Gladiators. O.M.A.H.A Hockey has both recreational and travel hockey teams involved within its organization. The Omaha Gladiators are primarily a travel hockey organization. With over 800+ youth hockey players hockey is alive and well. Over the past 5 years both organizations have sent several teams to the USA Hockey National Championships as well as other prestigious tournaments. Most recently in 2008, the Omaha Junior Lancer team of the O.M.A.H.A. organization finished 2^nd in the nation in the Tier II 16 and under division.

If you have a son or daugther interested in playing hockey in Omaha take a look at either one of the great organizations. I have played and coached in both youth organizations and if you have any questions please feel free to contact me.