Kansas City Mavericks collect 2 points in Tulsa, play three more before playoffs begin
The Kansas City Mavericks picked up two points in the division standings last week as the team enters the final days of the regular season looking to secure its first playoff appearance in four years.
Following a scoreless first period last Tuesday against Rapid City, Mavericks veteran Ryan Harrison got the scoring started with his sixth goal of the season. But Rapid City tied it in the second period.
Early in the third, Rapid City scored a goal after the puck deflected off a Mavs defenseman. Harrison came through again midway through the period, but this time the Rush scored last to leave KC with a 3-2 victory.
The Mavericks then traveled to Tulsa for a Friday night matchup where the scoreboard was not kind to Kansas City. Tulsa scored the first three goals. Mavs forward Hugo Roy scored twice in the second period, but Tulsa scored an empty-net insurance goal and prevailed 4-2.
On Saturday night the Mavericks were able to get their revenge. The team jumped out to a quick 4-0 lead in the first period with three goals from rookies — A.J. Vanderbeck scored twice and Cade Borchardt added his first pro goal. Harrison accounted for KC’s fourth.
Vanderbeck scored early in the second period for his first hat trick as a pro and the Mavs’ second of the season. And one of KC’s hottest skaters since being acquired via trade, Mathieu Foget, scored Kansas City’s sixth goal and his fourth goal in 10 games with the Mavericks.
Kansas City’s 6-0 victory gave the Mavericks two huge points.
Goaltender Shane Starrett recorded his third shutout of the season, stopping all 42 shots he faced — a season high. He is the first Mavs goaltender with three or more shutouts in a season since 2018-19.
The Mavericks are currently tied for third place in the ECHL Mountain Division with a record of 31-30-6-2 (70 points) with three games remaining. Third and sixth place in the division are separated by just two points. With two playoff spots still up for grabs, the final week of the season will be critical for all involved.
BIG STATISTICAL WEEK
Ryan Harrison and A.J. Vanderbeck led the Mavericks in a few statistical categories this past week. Both players contributed three goals and two assists each. Harrison accomplished the feat by playing in all three contests and Vanderbeck, the rookie from Northern Michigan, did it while suiting up for just two games.
PLAYOFF TICKETS NOW ON SALE
Tickets for the first four potential Kansas City Mavericks home playoff games are now on sale. Fans can call the Mavericks ticket office at 816-252-7825 or visit Ticketmaster to purchase.
Fans who purchase single-game tickets via Ticketmaster will be refunded automatically for any games not played. Current season-ticket members who purchased rounds in full can use any leftover funds to opt in for further rounds, season-ticket renewals or single-game tickets for the 2023-24 season.
NEXT UP
The Mavericks play a road game at Allen (Texas) Wednesday night and then return to Cable Dahmer Arena for their final two home games of the regular season vs. Cincinnati on Friday (7:05 p.m.) and Saturday (7:05 p.m.).
Great seats are still available for the remaining two Mavericks regular season home games – visit kcmavericks.com or call 816-252-7825.
