KC Mavericks remain in the hunt at midpoint of ECHL season

It was once again a story of perseverance for the Kansas City Mavericks as they faced a tough slate of games this week following a rash of injuries and AHL call-ups. KC’s professional hockey team went 1-2-0 before hitting the road for one of the toughest stretches of the season.

The Mavericks took a Wednesday road trip down to Texas to visit the Allen Americans. It was a high-scoring first period with all-star Jeremy McKenna scoring his 20th goal of the season sandwiched between two goals from Allen.

After a scoreless second period, Allen scored the eventual game-winner late in the third. Defenseman Jordan Sambrook pulled the Mavs to within one with under three minutes to go, but Kansas City wasn’t able to notch the equalizer and fell in the Dallas suburb.

A visit from the Wheeling Nailers at Cable Dahmer Arena was the backdrop for Friday night’s contest. It was only the second matchup between these two clubs since the beginning of last season.

Alternate captain Joshua Lammon got the scoring started with his second shorthanded goal of the season late in the first period. Consecutive goals from Wheeling put Kansas City in a 2-1 hole heading into the final period. But it was a strong performance from Keeghan Howdeshell to tie the score up and then the heroics of Pascal Laberge to net the game-winner with under a minute to play to send the Mavericks home with a 3-2 victory.

Saturday night was not as kind to the Mavericks. In front of more than 4,300 fans for Military Appreciation Night, Kansas City fell 6-2. Howdeshell scored both KC goals to give him three in his last two games.

Kansas City sits at 17-16-5 (39 points) and in a tie for fourth place in the Mountain Division.

Next up for the Mavs

Kansas City hits the road for a week-long trip, playing at Cincinnati, at Toledo and finishing the week with two games at Indy on Saturday and Sunday. The Mavericks return home to Cable Dahmer Arena on Tuesday, February 7, against the Wichita Thunder.

Tickets can be purchased for Mavericks home games at kcmavericks.com or by calling 816-252-7825.

This story was originally published January 30, 2023 at 1:31 PM.