Omaha Lancers forward Kole Hyles sits down to discuss his USHL experience, his growth in Omaha and his upcoming commitment to the University of New Hampshire
Kole Hyles is taking a major step in what is his second season in the United States Hockey League. After appearing last season with the Cedar Rapids Roughriders, Hyles has spent the 2025-26 campaign with the Omaha Lancers.
A veteran of 110 games in the USHL now, Hyles has found the jump to the USHL from the junior hockey levels was a great and needed step in his playing career. Both organizations have provided Hyles with an opportunity to grow both on and off the ice.
“Both [organizations] were unbelievable for me. I’ve experienced some of the best coaching that I can get. Both have been amazing years for me,” Hyles said during an interview. “The culture between both teams has been really good for me.”
Through 51 games this season, the 20-year-old forward has recorded 20 goals and 16 assists, seeing an uptick in production from last season’s 15 points in 59 games. Hyles touched on what has helped take his game to another level.
“I’ve got a lot more confidence on the ice. Whether it’s holding the puck a little longer or making sure I put the puck in the back of the net, just things I might not have done earlier in my career,” Hyles said. “I improved a lot over the summer after struggling a little bit last year. I knew what I had to work on.”
On a young Lancers team that currently finds themselves with a record of 14-36-3-2, Hyles has been tasked with taking on a leadership role, donning the “A” on his jersey for the 2025-26 season.
“It’s been awesome. It’s the first time in my life I’ve ever had a letter,” Hyles said. “It’s been good to learn more leadership skills in this league, and I’ve been enjoying helping some of the younger guys get more comfortable throughout the year.”
Hyles has attributed some of the success this season to Lancers’ head coach Ron Fogarty. Fogarty was hired halfway through last season and previously spent a decade leading the way at Princeton University.
“He’s been great. He’s one of the best coaches I’ve had in my career. I’ve learned how to play more structured this year because of him, and he’s allowing me to play with more confidence, without putting any extra pressure on myself,” Hyles said. “That’s helped me and the younger guys a ton this year. He’s pretty much teaching everyone what it takes to be a college hockey player.”
Hyles, a New Hampshire native, is heading home next season, joining the University of New Hampshire Wildcats for the 2026-27 season, the school he grew up rooting for as a young hockey player.
“UNH has been my dream school from a very young age. As a kid, I did their camps and went to their games,” Hyles said. “I’m just looking forward to playing at the next level, getting the college experience and learning from the coaches. It’ll be cool getting to play at home and having my family come watch. It’s going to mean a lot.”
This past weekend, the Lancers had one of the most difficult tasks the USHL schedule holds, three games over a three-day stretch, squaring off with the Tri-City Storm on Friday and Saturday before hosting inner-state rival the Lincoln Stars on Sunday.
“Three in threes are tough on anybody. That third game is hard on the body,” Hyles said. “You just need to be focused on being disciplined, whether it’s with your sleep or what you are eating. We just have to go out there and give it everything we got, leaving nothing in the tank.”
The Lancers defeated the Storm 3-1 on Friday and then 3-2 in overtime on Saturday, but were unable to finish off the weekend sweep, falling 7-6 to the Stars in overtime Sunday evening. Games against the Stars are something that Hyles has circled on the calendar since becoming a Lancer.
“The Lincoln games are pretty intense, I really like playing against them,” Hyles said. “They’re kind of our rivals in this league. Whether it's in our barn or theirs, you know it’s going to be a fun game.”
The games in Omaha are always a great experience as Lancer fans pack Liberty First Credit Union Arena to cheer on their home team.
“We have unbelievable facilities here in Omaha, and the fans have been incredible. Credit to them for showing up all season long, even when we’ve been struggling a little bit,” Hyles said. “They still continue to show up and bring energy, making the arena really great.”
The Lancers are back in action Friday, March 20, when they host the USA Hockey NTDP. Puck drop is set for 7:05 p.m. CST.