High-scoring Kansas City Mavericks sit 3rd in their division; Teddy Bear Game is Friday
The Kansas City Mavericks hockey team went 1-2-0 against the Rapid City Rush last week during a three-game road trip to Rapid City, S.D., over the Thanksgiving holiday.
Through 14 games, the Mavericks sit third in the ECHL Mountain Division at 8-5-1 (17 points).
Last Wednesday’s game featured a high-scoring first 30 minutes with Mavericks trailing 3-2 midway through the second period. Rapid City outscored KC the remainder of the game, skating to a 5-2 victory.
Friday in Rapid City, the Mavericks trailed on two separate occasions, fighting back to even things up twice.
Luke Morgan found the back of the net in the second period for his first professional goal. The rookie from the University of Michigan became the second Kansas City skater to pick up his first pro goal this season, joining defenseman Nate Knoepke, who scored on opening night.
WIth the game tied at 3-3 late in the third period, forward Jeremy McKenna scored the game-winner with under two minutes remaining to seal the Mavericks’ victory.
The goal light flashed frequently in Rapid City the following evening — Saturday — with the Mavericks falling to the Rush, 7-5. The Mavs led 2-0 early, but then the Rush scored four straight goals.
The Mavericks trailed 4-3 headed into the final period. The Rush tacked on two early goals in the third before Jeremy McKenna scored two in a row. An empty-net goal in the final minute sealed the Rush’s win.
McKenna was the Mavericks’ star this past week, scoring four goals and adding two assists to his stat line. He has now scored in four straight road games.
MAVERICKS STANDOUTS
Mavericks forward Tristan Mullin currently ranks second in the ECHL with 11 goals this season. Mullin has picked up at least one goal or assist in eight straight games.
McKenna ranks fourth in the ECHL with 21 points. The 23-year-old Alberta, Canada, native has nine goals and 12 assists through 14 games.
UP NEXT
Kansas City heads to Iowa on Wednesday night for the Mavericks’ second game of the season against the Heartlanders.
Friday is the Mavericks’ annual Teddy Bear Toss Game. KC is playing Wichita. Fans are encouraged to bring teddy bears to Cable Dahmer Arena to throw onto the ice after KC’s first goal of the night. The bears that wind up on the ice Friday will be donated to the Salvation Army.
The Mavericks’ three-game set against the Thunder continues with games on Saturday and Sunday in Wichita.
Seats are available for all Mavericks home games. Visit kcmavericks.com, or call or text 816-252-7825.
