KC Mavericks remain atop ECHL Western Conference standings with more home games ahead
Back on home ice for the first time in 2024, the Kansas City Mavericks picked up three points in the standings last week as they prepare for three more huge games at home.
Coming off a three-game sweep last week at Idaho, the Mavericks returned to Kansas City for two games against the Utah Grizzlies this past weekend in front of some of the biggest crowds in Cable Dahmer Arena history.
Friday against Utah was one of the best performances of the Mavericks’ season. In the 1,000th game in franchise history — and looking to set the tone early — rookie Cade Borchardt scored a goal 12 seconds into the contest, the fastest opening goal in franchise history.
The Mavericks did not look back.
Early in the second period, in his first ECHL game, rookie defenseman Joshua Karlsson buried a shot from the blue line for his first professional goal. The 23-year-old Sweden native was signed on Thursday and made an immediate impact in aiding a huge offensive night for the Mavericks.
Goals from Jeremy McKenna, David Cotton, Cole Coskey, Jacob Hayhurst and Bradley Schoonbaert gave Kansas City seven goals, but it was a returning player who was the star of the night.
After missing more than a month and a half with injury, Justin Nachbaur returned to the ice on Friday and scored two goals in his first game back. It was Nachbaur’s first multi-goal game of the season.
The 9-2 win on Friday was Kansas City’s 10th straight victory, the longest streak in the ECHL this season.
Saturday night was a much more even contest. In front of the Mavericks’ second sold-out crowd of the season, more than 5,800 fans packed Cable Dahmer Arena to watch the hottest team in the ECHL.
A back-and-forth game saw Utah strike first, hitting back-to-back goals in the first period. Three-straight goals from Kansas City over the next two periods gave the Mavericks a one-goal advantage late in the third frame.
But Utah’s Brandon Cutler scored a goal with five minutes remaining in regulation to send the game to overtime. It was Cutler again who scored 20 seconds into overtime to give Utah the 4-3 overtime victory.
Currently sitting in the top position in the Western Conference standings, the Mavericks are 27-7-2 (56 points) and back at Cable Dahmer Arena for three games this week.
Biggest two-day attendance in franchise history
With more than 10,000 fans packing the arena on Friday and Saturday, the Mavericks set a new two-day attendance record, capped off by Saturday’s sellout crowd.
Military Appreciation Game upcoming
Saturday night at Cable Dahmer Arena will mark another theme game, as the Mavericks are hosting their annual Military Appreciation Night. The club will wear special jerseys and honor veterans and active-duty service members throughout the night.
Community Challenge continues for KC Mavs
Two home games into January, the Mavericks’ donation drive rolls along.
The Mavericks have teamed with Giving the Basics for a donation drive at each home game this month. Fans are encouraged to bring in shampoo, conditioner and deodorant to donate to Giving the Basics at each January home game. Players are also competing to see who can collect the most items.
Up next on the KC Mavericks schedule
The Mavericks host division-rival Allen for three games this week on Wednesday (7 p.m.), Friday (7:30 p.m.) and Saturday (6 p.m.).
Single-game and multi-game ticket packages are available at kcmavericks.com or by calling 816-252-7825.
