DII Nebraska Hockey achieves first victory with thrilling overtime win

Nebraska’s DII hockey club team secured their first win of the season in an overtime win against Drake. 

“We don’t win, this is crazy for us,” freshman forward Ethan Schmelzer said. “We lifted the trash can in (the locker room) like it was a trophy. You’ve got to treat everything like it's the best.”  

After a scoreless first period, Drake made an impact with two points scored less than a minute apart early in the second period. Nebraska responded by racking up their own two points by the end of the second period, leaving it tied up. 

Nebraska scored its third point in the third period. Drake scored again with only four minutes left, forcing the game into overtime.

After a heated battle up and down the rink, Nebraska’s Schmelzer finally sunk the puck in the goal, winning the game for the Huskers. 

“I've been fighting all season trying to get one,” Schmelzer said. “All season long, it’s been off of their middle offense and on the chances we get, we just don't produce. So when it finally led our way, it felt really good.” 

The victory comes after a winless season for the Huskers so far. The team plays again on Feb. 7 and 8 against Oklahoma State at the Weststreet Ice Arena. Earlier in the season, the Huskers lost to the Cowboys by only one point. The Huskers hope to achieve another victory in their last two games of the season. 

Published in UNLimited Sports, read here.

Freshman Ethan Schmelzer celebrates after the victory against Drake on Feb. 1, 2025, at the John Breslow Ice Center. Schmelzer scored the game-winning goal in overtime. Photo by Izzy Lewis.