It was announced Tuesday that University of Nebraska at Omaha hockey head coach Dean Blais will be stepping down as the leader of the Mavericks.
The announcement comes after a disappointing weekend at Western Michigan that dropped the Mavs out of the NCAA playoff bid.
Blais said in a statement that he felt lucky to have spent the last eight years in Omaha. “I have been extremely fortunate in my career to work in so many good places with so many people who care about the game of hockey. Omaha is one of those places. Our administration, led by Trev Alberts and Mike Kemp, have been very supportive during my time as UNO head coach, and our fans are some of the best in college hockey."
Blais added that leaving UNO will be tough, but he is looking forward to what may come next. “And more than anything else, I have forged so many great relationships with our student-athletes, many of whom have gone on to play in the National Hockey League. They were great students, and great people. In the end, that’s what I appreciate the most. Jackie and I are going to miss Omaha, and we are looking forward to the next chapter.”
During his tenure at UNO Blais led the Mavericks to two NCAA playoff appearances and the Mavericks very first Frozen Four appearance in 2015.
No word yet on where Blais is heading after UNO, or who will be his successor.
You can read his full statement on the Omaha Athletics page here.
(Photo courtesy of WOWT 6 News)