Sports

KC Mavericks sported Star Wars-themed jerseys over the weekend. Here’s how they played

The Kansas City Mavericks played three games last week, aiming to increase their lead within the Mountain Division.

On Wednesday, December 11, the Mavericks opened their three-game series against the Savannah Ghost Pirates with a 3-1 victory at Cable Dahmer Arena. Casey Carreau extended his point streak to five games with a first-period goal, but the game was tied heading into the third period.

Nolan Sullivan delivered a last-minute game-winning goal, and Cam Morrison added an empty-netter 35 seconds later. Goaltender Victor Ostman made 25 saves to secure his 11th win, which leads all rookie goaltenders.

On Friday, December 13, the Mavericks kept their momentum going in a 4-2 win, extending their streak to six games. Carreau and Cade Borchardt continued their point streaks, pushing both to six games, while David Noël stole the spotlight with two goals in the second period.

Landon McCallum added a goal and an assist. Jack LaFontaine stood tall in net, making 21 saves to fend off Savannah’s comeback attempt.

However, the streak came to an end on Saturday, December 14, during the Mavericks’ much-anticipated “Star Wars Night,” in front of a sold-out Cable Dahmer Arena.

Fans were greeted with an exclusive lightsaber giveaway, turning the stands into a sea of glowing orange as the night began. The arena concourse buzzed with excitement as Star Wars characters mingled with fans. The Mavericks themselves embraced the theme, sporting Darth Vader-inspired jerseys.

Kansas City Mavericks defender Justin MacPherson during the team’s Star Wars Night on Saturday.
Kansas City Mavericks defender Justin MacPherson during the team’s Star Wars Night on Saturday. KC Mavericks

However, Kansas City fell to the Ghost Pirates in a 3-2 overtime loss. Kansas City built a 2-0 lead with goals from Marcus Crawford and Luke Loheit but was unable to hold off Savannah’s third-period rally.

Dennis Cesana scored twice for the Ghost Pirates, including the overtime winner. The evening was capped off by the season’s first “Postgame Fan Skate,” where fans had the opportunity to skate alongside Mavericks players and take photos on the ice.

KC Mavericks’ community initiatives

The Mavericks continue to aim to make a lasting impact off the ice through community initiatives, namely “Mac’s Power Play Reading Club” and with the Overland Park NICU/Ronald McDonald House.

On December 10, the team’s reading initiative celebrated the achievements of Crystal Davis’ fourth-grade class at Ridgeview Elementary. The students logged an impressive 15,840 minutes of reading in November, earning monthly top classroom honors.

The program, which has grown to include over 3,200 students from 60 schools, encourages ambitious reading goals with monthly and grand prizes, including pizza from Minsky’s Pizza. Mavericks players Nolan Sullivan and Daniel Amesbury joined mascot Mac to celebrate with the class, answering fun questions like “Have you lost any teeth?” and “How do you survive the cold?”

Members of the Kansas City Mavericks during a recent community service event.
Members of the Kansas City Mavericks during a recent community service event. KC Mavericks

On December 13, the Mavericks extended their outreach to families facing challenges during the holiday season. Partnering with Culver’s, the Mavericks provided 40 meals to NICU and pediatric families at HCA Overland Park Regional and the Ronald McDonald House. Big Biscuit and Donutology also provided meals.

Alongside the meals, Culver’s provided plush stuffed animals to brighten the day for young patients. Joined by Santa and Buddy the Elf, Mavericks mascot Mac helped spread holiday cheer to families.

This Week: Teddy Bear Toss & more community events

  • December 16: Off-Site Practice at Advent Health Sports Park at Bluhawk

The Mavericks are set to host a special off-site practice for youth hockey players and fans at AdventHealth Sports Park at Bluhawk from 6 to 7:15 p.m. Fans are invited to watch the practice and stay afterward for a post-practice autograph session with the entire team. Earlier in the day, the team was slated to visit Children’s Mercy Hospital to help kids create personalized Build-a-Bears, spreading holiday cheer and making memories for young patients.

  • December 18: JINGLE! with Variety KC

On December 18, the Mavericks will participate in a special community event with Variety KC at JINGLE! From 4 to 5 p.m., families from Variety KC will enjoy exclusive ice time with Mavericks players. The day will culminate in a tree lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m., where both Variety KC and Mavericks representatives will share remarks and reflect on the season of giving.

  • December 21: Christmas Vacation/Teddy Bear Toss Night

The Mavericks will take on the Tulsa Oilers at 6 p.m. at Cable Dahmer Arena for their Christmas Vacation-themed night. Fans are encouraged to bring new or gently-used teddy bears to toss onto the ice after the Mavericks score their first goal. All teddy bears collected will be donated to the Mavericks’ partners, Children’s Mercy and Operation Breakthrough, to help spread holiday cheer to kids in need.

Don’t have a teddy bear to throw? Teddy Bear Mobile will be on hand to sell them at the game.

For all details and to get tickets for the December 21 game, visit kcmavericks.com/tickets.

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