KC Mavericks celebrate military, visit schoolkids & hit road to Wheeling Nailers next
The Kansas City Mavericks closed out an inspiring Military Appreciation Week filled with community events and thrilling hockey action, capped by a two-game sweep of the Rapid City Rush.
As the ECHL All-Star break concludes, the Mavericks prepare for a critical three-game road series this week against the Wheeling Nailers, one of the league’s top teams.
Here’s a rundown of what the Mavericks have been up to, and what’s ahead:
Military Appreciation Week Highlights
The week leading up to Top Gun/Military Appreciation Night showcased the Mavericks’ commitment to giving back to the community and honoring those who serve our country:
Veterans Community Project: Mavericks players and mascot Mac toured the Veterans Community Project (VCP) last week, packing food boxes for veterans staying in the VCP Village. The project, located in Kansas City, provides tiny homes and personalized support to veterans experiencing homelessness, offering a path to stability and independence.
Kansas City Warriors: The Mavericks also partnered with the Kansas City Warriors Hockey Team, a program supporting disabled veterans, for a special event where players shared a meal with the Warriors and revealed the team’s Top Gun/Military Appreciation jerseys.
Mac’s Power Play Reading Club: Players Nolan Sullivan and Jack LaFontaine visited Belinder Elementary to celebrate the December Top Classroom of the Month. Students logged over 13,000 minutes of reading and were treated to an exciting visit that included autographs, photos and prizes.
On the ice: Sweep of Rapid City
The Mavericks pulled off a commanding series sweep of the Rapid City Rush at Cable Dahmer Arena this past week.
The team delivered two thrilling performances, culminating in an unforgettable Top Gun/Military Appreciation Night celebration. Here’s a recap:
Friday Night victory: KC’s 5-2 win was highlighted by rookie defenseman Chase Spencer’s first goal as a Maverick and Victor Ostman’s stellar performance in goal.
Saturday’s win: The Mavericks delivered an electrifying 5-1 victory in front of a packed crowd, offering a little bit of everything along the way. Casey Carreau, Cam Morrison, Jimmy Mazza, David Cotton and Jackson Berezowski scored for KC and Mav goalkeeper Jack LaFontaine got into a rare and thrilling goalie fight. Afterward came Top Gun/Military Appreciation Night, which included heartfelt tributes, military vehicles on display, a re-enlistment ceremony and a stunning rendition of “God Bless America” during the first intermission, accompanied by a massive flag display.
Road test: Wheeling Nailers
The Mavericks head into the second half of the season with momentum and confidence.
They’ll test their league-best road record (15-5-1) with a three-game series against the Wheeling Nailers in Wheeling, West Virginia. Wheeling leads the league in wins (26) and winning percentage (.750), making this a high-stakes showdown for the Mavericks.
Games are scheduled for Friday-Sunday at Wesbanco Arena in Wheeling, W.Va.
Next home series: Tahoe Knight Monsters
The Mavericks return to Cable Dahmer Arena next week for a highly anticipated three-game series against the Tahoe Knight Monsters.
The Mavericks and Knight Monsters are locked in a tight race for first place in the ECHL’s Mountain Division. Tickets are available by visiting kcmavericks.com/tickets or calling 816-252-7825.
This will be the Tahoe franchise’s first visit to KC. Games are set for Wednesday, Jan. 29; Friday, Jan. 31 and Saturday, Feb. 1.
Wednesday, Jan. 29 is Faith and Family Night and Saturday, Feb. 1 is Scout Night.