Omaha Hockey goalie Jake Kucharski and defenseman Jonny Tychonick have both landed professional contracts.
Kucharski’s status at the end of the season was somewhat in question. Fan circles on social media had wondered what the future held for the goalie.
The senior goaltender started his collegiate career at Providence (according to Elite Prospects, Kucharski didn't play for the Friars during his lone season there).
He then transferred to American International and played two seasons for Yellow Jackets (and was named Atlantic Hockey Goaltender of the Year for the 2021-22 season).
Kucharski transferred to UNO for the 2022-23 season. He had at 2.72 goals-against average (GAA) and a .904 save percentage (SV%) in 20 games with UNO this season.
Taking into account the extra season the NCAA allows players who competed during the 2020-21 season (as a result of COVID restrictions), it appeared — on cursory glance — that Kucharski would have a season or two of eligibility left for the Mavericks (despite being recognized in the team’s senior night festivities on March 4).
Be that as it may, the general consensus seemed to be that this would be his lone season in Omaha. That ultimately turned out to be the case.
The netminder has moved on to the pro ranks, signing an ATO (Amateur Tryout Contract) with the Chicago Wolves (AHL).
Kucharski was drafted in the seventh round (197th overall) of the 2018 NHL Draft by the Carolina Hurricanes (the Wolves are a minor league affiliate of the Hurricanes organization.)
In
his professional debut with the Wolves on March 18, Kucharski gave up 4 goals on 8 shots.
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Grad student
Jonny Tychonick signed a two-year AHL contract with the Toronto Marlies.
Tychonick had 26 points (8 goals and 18 assists) with the Mavericks this season. He played in a total of 82 games for Omaha in three seasons, compiling 13 goals and 29 assists.
Tychonick started his collegiate career at North Dakota. He played 52 games in two seasons for UND, notching 4 goals and 11 assists before transferring to UNO.
Tychonick was drafted in the second round (48th overall) of the 2018 NHL Draft by the Ottawa Senators.
As of this writing, Tychonick has yet to make his AHL debut with the Marlies.
>> Kucharski and Tychonick
are discussed on the latest episode of the #mavpuckcast —
click here to view this week’s episode.
