The Oil Kings' decorated captain is taking his game to Omaha, ready to make his mark with the Mavericks.
Gavin Hodnett is going to school! The Oil Kings captain announced his NCAA commitment to the University of Nebraska-Omaha this morning. Hodnett will join the Mavericks after four and half seasons with Edmonton, the past two he served as captain. He was selected 19th Overall in the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft and won a WHL Championship in his ensuing rookie season. The Winnipeg native also attended 2024 and 2025 Jets Development Camps.
Oil Kings President and General Manager Kirt Hill said in a release, "From the day we drafted him, Gavin has been a tremendous representative of the Oil Kings on and off the ice. Over the last two seasons, as our Captain, Gavin showed great leadership in all facets of the game. We wish him all the best moving forward.”
Nebraska-Omaha and Bowling Green State have a history of committing CHL alumni and USports transfers. I spoke about the trend as a whole in a recent piece. However as the trickle down effect becomes more apparent, it will be interesting how NCAA players with CHL roots adapt.