NHL Profiles Former Maverick Jake Guentzel
- published: 2018/08/06
- contact: University Communications
Jake Guentzel is introduced to a sold-out crowd at the team's first game at Baxter Arena in October 2015.
At the Mavericks' first appearance at the NCAA Frozen Four, Jake Guentzel (20), scored the team's lone goal against eventual national champions Providence
Guentzel looks to collect the puck during a game against Western Michigan
Jake Guentzel scored four goals over six games against the Nashville Predators in the 2017 Stanley Cup Finals. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)
Jake Guentzel and Penguins teammate Josh Archibald are the first Mavericks to have their names engraved on the Stanley Cup. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
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"
About the University of Nebraska at Omaha
Located in one of America’s best cities to live, work and learn, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university. With more than 15,000 students enrolled in 200-plus programs of study, UNO is recognized nationally for its online education, graduate education, military friendliness and community engagement efforts. Founded in 1908, UNO has served learners of all backgrounds for more than 100 years and is dedicated to another century of excellence both in the classroom and in the community.
Follow UNO on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
Contact Us
If you have a story idea, news tip, or other question, please email the UNO News team at unonews@unomaha.edu.