Men's Ice Hockey 9/2/2026 9:54:00 AM Joel Norman

LANCERS WELCOME ORTMEYER HOME IN EXPANDED ROLE

JOINS TEAM AS SPECIAL ADVISOR TO BOARD

The Omaha Lancers have announced the addition of former NHL forward Jed Ortmeyer as the team's Special Advisor to the Board.

As Special Advisor to the Board, Ortmeyer will work closely with the Omaha Lancers ownership and front office to provide strategic guidance on hockey operations, player development initiatives, organizational partnerships and long-term growth opportunities for one of the United States Hockey League's most storied franchises.

Ortmeyer will support the Lancers' efforts to strengthen its competitive foundation while advancing initiatives that enhance the player experience and reinforce the Lancers' commitment to excellence both on and off the ice. He will draw on his experience from eight years in the NHL and his time as the New York Rangers' Director of Player Development, a role he held from 2017 to this past May.

"There is something incredibly special about coming home," Ortmeyer said. "Omaha gave me my start in hockey and gave me the opportunity to chase a dream that ultimately took me to the NHL and into hockey operations. The people, coaches, teammates and community here played a huge role in making me the person and hockey professional I am today. I'm proud to be home and honored to have the opportunity to help move the Lancers and Omaha hockey community as a whole forward."

Ortmeyer, already a member of the Lancers Advisory Board, now takes his connection to the organization a step further. The 2015 Omaha Hockey Hall of Fame inductee will leverage his experience both on and off the ice to help the Lancers.

"Omaha is thrilled to welcome one of our own back," Omaha mayor John Ewing said. "Jed Ortmeyer's return to local hockey in this new role is inspiring. Not only is he returning to serve a team that shaped him, but in choosing Omaha, he represents the strong gravitational pull our city has on natives and visitors alike. Welcome back, Jed, and thanks for being part of our brain gain!"

Ortmeyer's hockey career began in Omaha as he spent four years with the Omaha Jr. Lancers from 1993-97. The Omaha Central High School graduate played the next two seasons in the United States Hockey League with the Lancers and helped them capture their fifth Clark Cup championship, one of a USHL-best seven in franchise history, in 1998. Ortmeyer recorded back-to-back 20-goal seasons, first producing 48 points (23+25) in 54 games in 1997-98 before becoming a point-per-game player in 1998-99 with a team-best 59 points (23+36) in 52 games.

"The Lancers have been a valued part of the Ralston community for many years, and their commitment to local schools, events, and families has made a lasting impact," Ralston mayor Donald Groesser said. "That's why I'm especially excited to welcome Jed back to the organization. As someone who grew up in our area and played for the Lancers, he understands what this team means to our community and its fans."

Ortmeyer advanced to the University of Michigan, where he played four seasons from 1999-2003 and was team captain for his final two campaigns in Ann Arbor. He followed up his Wolverine tenure by signing with the New York Rangers as an undrafted free agent. Ortmeyer spent parts of eight of his 11 seasons in professional hockey in the National Hockey League, becoming the second Nebraska native to play in the NHL. In 2006, he was sidelined for nearly six months due to a pulmonary embolism. His return to the ice and relentless determination earned him a nomination for the 2007 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, awarded for perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.

"The Ortmeyer family has been a staple within the Omaha hockey community for over four decades," Lancers president Mike West said. "It is exciting to have Jed involved after such an illustrious career as both an NHL player and a member of the New York Rangers hockey operations staff. His impact will be very positive and immediate."

In his advisory role, Ortmeyer will provide strategic insight on player development, organizational growth, and initiatives that further the Lancers' long-term vision.

"Jed is a leader in the hockey community of Omaha," Chair of the Lancer Advisory Board Bob Danenhauer said. "He is well respected today because of his playing ability and his leadership skills that set him apart. On behalf of the Lancer Advisory Board, we are excited that Jed is coming aboard as a special advisor to the board and to assist President West and Coach (Ron) Fogarty with both on-ice and off-ice operations."

The Omaha Lancers are celebrating their 40th anniversary this season. They begin the 2026-27 season Sept. 19-20 with the USHL Fall Classic in Chicago. The Lancers' home opener is Sept. 25 when they face the Des Moines Buccaneers at 7:05 p.m. at Liberty First Credit Union Arena. Single-game tickets are now on sale and can be purchased at lancers.com. Season tickets for all 30 home games are available for purchase by emailing tickets@lancers.com or calling 402-344-7825.

Print Friendly Version