NHL Profiles Former Maverick Jake Guentzel

For three seasons, Omaha-born Jake Guentzel was a standout forward for the Omaha Hockey team, helping the Mavericks make their first-ever trip to the NCAA Frozen Four in 2015, himself scoring the team's lone goal in their semi-final game.

During his time at UNO, Guentzel led the team in several categories, including number of assists in each of his three seasons and total points in his final two seasons. In just three seasons, Guentzel also managed to reach No. 7 in career points with the Mavericks (119), No. 6 in career assists (79) and tied for No. 9 in short-handed goals (3).

Forgoing his senior year to play in the NHL, Guentzel made an immediate impact - scoring in his first apperance for the Pittsburgh Penguins. It was a trend that would continue that season, with Guentzel scoring a near-record seven goals in his first seven Stanley Cup playoff games.

Eventually, Guentzel and the Pittsburgh Penguins, who also featured another former Maverick, Josh Archibald, would skate away with the Stanely Cup in 2017. The team would return to the playoffs again in 2018, where Guentzel joined icon Mario Lemiuex in scoring 10 goals in each of his first two playoff apperances.

In this feature from the NHL, it is clear that Guentzel has not only become a household name in the world of professional hockey, but his path was one of a true Maverick.

READ: "Guentzel staying grounded while coming to terms with success"