Junior hockey team postpones weekend games amid chaos in program

This comes after the Omaha World-Herald reported the Lancers cut in half the budget for buying hockey sticks, team meals were inadequate and a contract to use video scouting software was not renewed.

OMAHA, Neb. (KLKN) — The Omaha Lancers hockey team has postponed it’s three games this weekend after players threatened to boycott the games amid budget cuts within the program.

The USHL, the league where the Lancers and Lincoln Stars compete, says it well send representatives to Omaha on Friday to meet with the team.

This comes after the Omaha World-Herald reported the Lancers cut in half the budget for buying hockey sticks, team meals were inadequate and a contract to use video scouting software was not renewed.

The team also recently announced the hiring of an interim head coach just hours before postponing this weekend’s games. Gary Graham takes over for Chadd Cassidy, who stepped down earlier to pursue other opportunities.

“I am honored to serve as the new head coach of the Omaha Lancers and appreciate this wonderful opportunity in the USHL,” said Graham in a press release on Thursday. “I appreciate the confidence the organization has shown me. I cannot wait to go to work and help these young men develop their skills on and off the ice.”

The USHL will begin an investigation into the reports regarding the Omaha Lancers. The Omaha ownership has pledged its full cooperation and support.

This weekend’s Lancers games against the Waterloo Black Hawks, Lincoln Stars and Des Moines Buccaneers have been declared a no contest. The USHL will work with the affected teams to reschedule the games.