By a unanimous vote, the University of Nebraska Board of Regents approved naming the ice rink at Baxter Arena after Omaha's first hockey coach, Mike Kemp.
“Kemp Ice” appears around the ice circle in Baxter's center. His signature will also join that of former athletic director Don Leahy, who started the hockey program, on the ice.
“Congratulations to Mike Kemp on receiving this well-deserved honor,” said UNO Board Chair Joanne Lee. “Coach Kemp is an ambassador for the hockey world.”
Kemp coached for 12 years and was promoted to associate athletic director in 2009. Over the years, he has overseen several sports capital projects, including the Baxter Hockey Program and the design and construction of the Baxter Arena.
“It's very humbling to be recognized in this way,” Kemp said. “A huge thank you to everyone who helped make this incredible honor a reality.”
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UNO plans to officially decide on the naming of “Kemp Ice” during the first home series of the 2024-25 season.
Photo: Omaha Hockey hosts University of Colorado
Omaha's Jack Randle, 28, center, stands with his team after scoring a goal against the University of Colorado in the first period of a college hockey game at Baxter Arena in Omaha on Friday, Feb. 23. Celebrating with teammates Ty Muller (19 years old) and Tanner Lutke (71 years old). , 2024.
Nikos Fraser The World Herald
Omaha's Victor Mancini, 23, skates with the puck during the first period of a college hockey game against the University of Colorado on Friday, February 23, 2024, at Baxter Arena in Omaha.
Nikos Fraser The World Herald
University of Colorado player Kaidan Mbeleko takes a moment in the hallway outside the Tigers' locker room before the start of the first period of a college hockey game at Baxter Arena in Omaha on Friday, February 23, 2024. 30 years old).
Nikos Fraser The World Herald
Scenes inside Baxter Arena during the first period of the college hockey game between Omaha and the University of Colorado on Friday, February 23, 2024, in Omaha.
Nikos Fraser The World Herald
Connor Meyer, 18, of the University of Colorado hits Matt Miller, 27, of the University of Omaha during the first period of a college hockey game on Friday, February 23, 2024, at Baxter Arena in Omaha. ) and fell onto the ice.
Nikos Fraser The World Herald
Omaha University's Nolan Sullivan, 11, hits Colorado University's Connor Meyer, 18, during the first period of a college hockey game on Friday, February 23, 2024, at Baxter Arena in Omaha. ) and fall into the ice.
Nikos Fraser The World Herald
University of Colorado's Niklas Andrews, 37, hits University of Omaha's Brock Bremer, 26, during the first period of a college hockey game on Friday, February 23, 2024, at Baxter Arena in Omaha. Pass the puck from.
Nikos Fraser The World Herald
Omaha's Ray Fast, 8, and University of Colorado's Tyler Coffey, 17, during the first period of a college hockey game on Friday, February 23, 2024, at Baxter Arena in Omaha. Move the puck.
Nikos Fraser The World Herald
Omaha's Simon Latkoczy, 30, blocks a shot from the University of Colorado during the first period of a college hockey game on Friday, February 23, 2024, at Baxter Arena in Omaha.
Nikos Fraser The World Herald
Kirby Proctor, 3, of Omaha skates with the puck during the first period of a college hockey game against the University of Colorado on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, at Baxter Arena in Omaha.
Nikos Fraser The World Herald
Omaha's Kirby Proctor, 3, meets Colorado University's Connor Meyer, 18, during the first period of a college hockey game on Friday, February 23, 2024, at Baxter Arena in Omaha. Move the puck.
Nikos Fraser The World Herald
Ray Fast, 8, of Omaha skates with the puck during the first period of a college hockey game against the University of Colorado on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, at Baxter Arena in Omaha.
Nikos Fraser The World Herald
Omaha's Victor Mancini, 23, meets Colorado University's Chase Foley, 7, during the first period of a college hockey game on Friday, February 23, 2024, at Baxter Arena in Omaha. Move the puck.
Nikos Fraser The World Herald
Omaha's Nolan Krenzen, 12, takes a shot during the first period of a college hockey game against the University of Colorado on Friday, February 23, 2024, at Baxter Arena in Omaha.
Nikos Fraser The World Herald
Omaha's Jack Randle, 28, celebrates after scoring a goal against the University of Colorado during the first period of a college hockey game Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, at Baxter Arena in Omaha.
Nikos Fraser The World Herald
Omaha's Tanner Lutke, 71, shoots the puck during the first period of a college hockey game against the University of Colorado on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, at Baxter Arena in Omaha.
Nikos Fraser The World Herald
Noah Laba, 26, of the University of Colorado hits Simon Latkoczy, 30, of the University of Omaha during the first period of a college hockey game on Friday, February 23, 2024, at Baxter Arena in Omaha. Attempted to score a break.
Nikos Fraser The World Herald
Noah Laba, 26, of the University of Colorado hits Simon Latkoczy, 30, of the University of Omaha during the first period of a college hockey game on Friday, February 23, 2024, at Baxter Arena in Omaha. Attempted to score a break.
Nikos Fraser The World Herald
