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A Year in the League, the Central Hockey League Year in Review.

 

The 2012-2013 Central Hockey League season concluded Saturday with the Allen Americans winning the President's Cup. They are pictured here posing with the trophy. (Photo: Chip Crail/Allen Americans)

Fresh off the end to a successful 2012-2013 Central Hockey League season,the Allen Americans winning the Ray Miron President’s Cup, Central Hockey League commissioner, Duane Lewis is already looking forward to next season. What was great about the 22nd season of the CHL and what needs to improve for the 23rd season?

“From a success stand-point, we look at the on-ice success of the ten teams and the teams that made the playoffs. When the teams that made the playoffs are within a .120 winning percentage of each other it shows the competitive nature of the teams playing each other. The fans never know who is going to win and that’s what we consider to be on-the ice,” said CHL Commissioner, Duane Lewis. ”Off-the-ice, we had some great success too. With the attendance and the fans coming out each and every night and supporting their respective teams and we’re pleased by that as well. Overall…our teams did a great job with the entertainment of the fans and I look forward to the 23rd season next year.”

The Allen Americans beat the Wichita Thunder in a seven-game series that was forced into overtime where the Americans won 3-2. This marks the second year in a row that the Wichita Thunder lost in a game seven. Next season, the Central Hockey League will add two more teams: the Brampton Beast (Brampton, Ontario) and the St. Charles Chill (St. Charles, MO).

“It’s very exciting adding these new expansion markets to the CHL,” said CHL Commissioner, Duane Lewis. “It’s going to open up more jobs for the hockey players, front-office staff and also in the arena. Obviously adding new markets and growing our footprint usually lends itself to other markets and they become more attracted to the Central Hockey League…going to a place like Brampton is not only growing our Northeast footprint but expanding into Canada, where most of our players are from.”

With the two new teams joining the CHL, the playoff format and regular season play will inevitably be different. There will be 4-6 more games added to each team’s season and the playoff format will once again be played as an 8 team playoff. Brampton and St. Charles will likely add a new caliber of play to the reformed Central Hockey League and many are already ready to get back to the season.

“Each year in our governor’s meeting in June, the owners vote on whether they want the schedule and playoff format to change or remain the same,” said Lewis. ”With the expansion there is a possibility that we have two conferences… It’s a lot of discussion and varies each year.”

While most believe the Central Hockey League’s 23rd season will be great, some believe the CHL will fold and the teams who have a set foundation will move on to the Eastern Coast Hockey League or a new league, similar to the ECHL. Duane Lewis shot this down immediately saying,

“There are a lot of rumors of teams moving to a ECHL or SPHL league but that simply can’t happen, from a legal perspective, because they are all locked in to a long-term contract and regarding the League folding. That can’t happen either because our revenue is sufficient and we are looking at more expansions within the next two years…”

May 14, 2013 | Categories: Central Hockey League | Tags: , , , , | Leave A Comment »

The Mascot of Kansas City

Andrew Johnson serves as Mac- the Missouri Mavericks Mascot and is called the best by man people. (Photo: Daniel Russell/Pro Hockey News)

By Nick Hartman:

(KANSAS CITY, MO): What comes to mind when you hear the word, “Mascot”? You might think of entertainment for all ages, an awesomely-crazy guy dressed in a suit who hasn’t grown out of his childhood, or you might think of Mac, Blue, KC Wolf, or Sluggerrr. All of these connect with one person, a man who literally runs the Kansas City mascot industry. He’s either in the suit, or directing the guy in the suit. He is “The Mascot of KC” and he is entertainment, an awesomely-crazy guy who hasn’t grown out of his childhood.

His name is Andrew Johnson. Some call him Horse, others call him Drew, while others call him the Lion Tamer. He just may have the best job in the world because he gets to entertain Kansas City with his mascoting talent.

“My favorite part about my job is the fact that it gives me a platform to talk and get to know people,” said Andrew Johnson when asked his favorite thing about his job. “Even outside the mascot costume, I get the opportunity to meet a lot of cool people and I am constantly doing something new. It is cool that it really gives me a way to speak to people and talk to them about what’s going on.”

Andrew is in his third season of being the Mascot Coordinator at the Missouri Mavericks where he serves as playing the role of Mac- the Missouri Mavericks Mascot. Some of his responsibilities include: developing the character of the Missouri Mavericks mascot, facilitating all outside requests for sponsors, charities, media and private functions, skit writing & execution, video writing & execution, and creating and maintaining a social media presence for the  character.

“Hands down, he is the best mascot I’ve ever seen,” said Maverick’s fan, and wife of Maverick’s team captain Sebastien Thinel, Ashley Thinel. “For a horse that can’t talk, he has so much expression. He makes everyone feel special who come around him. My kids especially love him, well to be honest, they are obsessed with him! At the beginning of every season, my kids are more excited about being reunited with Mac than watching their Papa play hockey!”

“As for Mac, he is a special breed of horse… He is a skater, a mood healer  as he cheers people of all ages, a fundraiser, an inspiration for all mascots, everywhere… Most importantly, he is a Maverick. Our team and the Orange Army would be less without him,” said another Maverick fan Anthony Calandra. “As for the man behind the horse, I would say he is one of the most dedicated, motivated, and charismatic people. Andrew learned how to skate, enhancing his character’s abilities, showmanship, and strength among the fans…People of all ages interact with him. Andrew is the only person who can bring Mac to life!”

“I think Mac is the best mascot in KC!” said another Maverick fan, Kandi Kenyon. “He always gets the crowd going, no matter what’s going on on the ice and always seems to have time for the fans. He’s a great presence to have representing the Mavs team and organization. He makes the adults feel like giddy kids and kids feel like they’re someone special and that they’ve met a celebrity… Maybe it’s a mascot thing? But Andrew does a great job.”

“Missouri Mavericks hockey is great but what makes a Mavs home game amazing is Mac,” said another Maverick fan, Tracy Rogers. “Mac’s interactions with the fans far exceed any I’ve seen from other mascots anywhere with kids and with adults. Even when the boys are losing, Mac keeps the crowd entertained and in the game. Mac has a unique personality that can’t be imitated by others. On a personal note, Mac just makes me smile and my family likes to poke fun at me for adoring Mac. Last December I lost my mom so 2013 got off to a rough start for me. Each and every game a wave, hug or horse kiss from Mac just brings a little sunshine to my day. On Valentines Day Mac came to see me at work and that is  definitely a favorite memory. Not only did I grin ear to ear all day, but so did  my hard-working staff. There isn’t enough chocolate in the world to say thank  you but I will keep trying”

Horse is the In-Game Mascot Performer at Sporting KC. He performs as Blue and always entertains the crowd. Andrew also is a Mascot Assistant with the Kansas City Royals, helping Sluggerrr prepare for his appearances at Kauffman Stadium. His main jobs there are to assist the mascot in nightly duties including skit preparation, handling of props, pregame routines, and promotions, participation in skits, interactive games, videos and other events, During the 2012 MLB All-Star Game, he helped coordinate transportation, in-game presentations, and appearance logistics for all Major League Baseball mascots.

Andrew also serves as Blue- the Sporting KC mascot. There his main priority is to entertain the crowd. (Photo: Dan Hartman/KC Sports Journalism)

Finally, Andrew is the mascot alternate for the KC Wolf. He replaces the head mascot when needed and he makes community appearances, when needed.

“My goal in this whole thing is to be a character with character,” said Andrew Johnson. “I want to be a good mascot in entertaining but I also want to live my life in a way that I can be a role model and exemplify good character every day in my life.”

As you can see, Andrew has had quite an extensive background and does all this mascot work while still juggling college. Andrew graduates in August with a degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in marketing. He hopes to one day start his own business contracting with different sports teams or get a full-time job in sports.

Andrew's final job is making apperances as the KC Wolf. Andrew is a great person and plays the many roles.

April 27, 2013 | Categories: Missouri Mavericks | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | Leave A Comment »

Mavericks Season-End Review

The Mavericks celebrate their final home victory of the 2012-2013 season in a stellar 3-2 overtime win of game 5 in the semifinals series against the Allen Americans. (Photo: Jeremiah Griffith/KC Sports Journalism)

 

By Nick Hartman:

(Kansas City, MO): The Mavericks’ season can’t be summed up in only one word.  You would need at least ten words to sum up the heartbroken-tear jerkin’-amazingly awesome-frustratingly enjoyable-and-controversally the best in Mavericks history. The 2012-2013 Mavericks season ended in heartbreak after a game seven loss to the hated, Allen Americans. The Mavericks played their hearts out all season in front of the best fans, who were there from the start and never stopped shouting until the season came to an end.

“The fans truly are the best,” said Mavericks head coach, Scott Hillman. “We go out there day-in-and-day-out and they are always cheering us on. They’re with us through the heartbreak and they’re with us through the triumph…”

The Mavericks were ready from the start of the season even with a revamped squad that only had seven returning players. The team worked well together throughout the season even though the squad was constantly changing. By the end of the season, the Mavericks had a 35-25-6 record sustaining a playoff spot. The Mavericks lost the first two games against the Rapid City Rush but cruised on through winning the next four, advancing to the semifinals. The semifinals brought the ultimate roller-coaster ride to fans and players alike. The Mavericks won the first game, lost the second, third and fourth, and then won the fifth in dramatic fashion beating Allen 3-2 with a late goal scored by Andrew Courtney and a winning-goal scored by Courts as well. The Mavericks won the sixth game in style and forced a game seven. Game seven was life or death for the Mavericks and fans. We all wanted the Mavericks to win so we could have a longer season but sadly they were unable to find the victory.

“When we don’t win that last game of the year, there is always some regrets and frustration,” said Mavericks head coach Scott Hillman. “As we look back on our four years, there has been no team that’s faced the adversity that these guys have. A huge number of men lost due to injury and this group kept finding a way to persevere and really thought they raised their game. It was just a great season and great playoff run.”

Looking back, there were tons of great highlights by the Mavericks (too many to talk about), including some great goals, fights and team chemistry. The one that comes to the minds of many is the game five Andrew Courtney goal, with 30 seconds remaining, that saved the Mavericks season. Other highlights include the seven-game win streak from December 1st to December 15th, as well as the shootout victories against the Denver Cutthroats, January 5th, and the Wichita
Thunder, February 23, beating the Tulsa Oilers 5-1 in the final regular season game, March 22nd, and winning games three, four and five at home against the Rapid City Rush.

“This season was a lot different from last year,” said Mavericks captain, Sebastien Thinel. “A few more guys coming in and I think we had an older team too. Lots of leaders and they made my job really easy. We had a great group of guys and they were good every day.”

The hit highlight reel consisted of Colt King and Dave Pszenczny knocking two Quad City Mallards players on their butts, and Jesse Perrin leaving Ian Lowe on the ice after a huge lick, Riley Emmerson leveling anyone in his path and many more.

Mavericks #5 Dave Pszenczny delivers a huge hit on Wichita Thunder #81 Dustin Donaghy in a game on January 4th, 2013. (Photo: Jeremiah Griffith/KC Sports Journalism)

The fight highlight reel showcased Riley Emmerson beating the living daylights out of Kip Brennan from the Allen Americans, Colt King crushing Garrett Gruenke, Rapid City Rush, with a strong left hook, David Simoes knocking out Mitch McMolm and Gabriel Boutin-Gagnon from the Quad City Mallards and Brandon Smith eyeing in on and hitting Jean-Phillip Chabot, Denver Cutthroats, with some huge fists.

#3 David Simoes punches #23 Jason Dixon of the Quad City Mallards in a game on December 8th, 2012. (Photo: Dan Russell/Pro Hockey News)

The Orange Army only has to wait 180 days, 21 hours and 59 minutes until opening face-off of the 2013-2014 season. We will truly miss the hits, goals and fights that came in the 2012-2013 season. The Mavericks’ faithful are ready for more hockey and ready to show Brampton and St.Charles and the other nine Central Hockey Teams how they cheer on the best team in the CHL.

#59 Riley (Tree) Emmerson fight #37 Kip Brennan in a game on December 21st. (Photo: Dan Russell/Pro Hockey News)

April 26, 2013 | Categories: Uncategorized | Leave A Comment »

Mavericks Season Comes to an End After a 7-3 Loss

By Nick Hartman:

(ALLEN, TEXAS): Defeat and disappointment were felt by the players of the Mavericks, after losing game seven in the playoff series. All fans, all players and all staff members were disappointed after the 7-3 loss against the Allen Americans that ended the Mavericks amazing and historical season. Twenty-four hours after a stunning 6-2 victory, the Mavericks skated back onto the ice at the Allen Event Center to face the Allen Americans in game seven of the best-of-seven series. The winner would advance and the loser would go home.

From the opening face-off, the Americans had control of the game. The Americans scored the first goal of the game just 1:52 into the first period when Brian McMillian received a great set-up from Jason Deistch and found the open net for a goal. The Americans notched the only goal of the first period and lead 1-0 going into the second.

The second period was the most evenly matched period of the game. The Americans notched the first goal of the period just 2:53 into the second on a Jason Deistch lamp-lighter that was assisted by Jamie Schaasma and Mike Berube. The Mavericks started to pick up their game at the 5:37 mark when Kellan Tochkin shot a one-timer from the right corner at goalie Aaron Dell and scored. The goal was assisted by Kenton Miller and J.P Testwuide. Unfortunately, the Mavericks were not able to hold their own because ten minutes later, the Americans scored their third goal of the game on a Kale Kerbashian backhander that fooled Mike Clemente. This goal was assisted by Corbin Baldwin and Jarrett Lukin. With just two minutes remaining in the second, the Mavericks scored their second goal of the game.  Dave Pszenyczny hit a one-timer, after receiving a great set-up feed from Ryan Jardine, from the center of the right face-off circle for a goal. Forty seconds later, the Americans scored a fourth goal on a Todd Robinson slap-shot that sailed by Mike Clemente into the goal. The goal was assisted by Trevor Ludwig and Trevor Hendrikx.

The Americans led 4-2 at the start of the third period but the Mavericks knew they could make a comeback. Sadly, the Mavericks never did. They allowed three more goals while only scoring one. That lone goal came 15:30 into the third period when Colt King wristed a shot into the top of net for a goal. The game ended with the Americans in celebration and the Mavericks in defeat.

 

 

April 24, 2013 | Categories: Missouri Mavericks | Tags: , , , | Leave A Comment »

Mavericks Win the Most Important Game of the Postseason 6-2

By Nick Hartman:

(ALLEN,TX): On the brink of elimination the Mavericks had a life-saving performance, Saturday. The emotional intensity was carried into a stellar Monday night performance against the Allen Americans that resulted in a 6-2 victory. The Mavericks needed the win to keep their playoff hopes alive and, sure enough, they found it. The victory showed the reality of the playoffs and how a team can ”turn the tides on the table”. The Mavericks did just that and have now forced a game seven to be played.

The first period was full of action and showcased five goals, four for the Mavericks and one for the Americans. The first goal was scored just 3:07 into play when Andrew Courtney took a shot from the top of the right face-off circle and sent the puck flying over the head of, Allen goalie, Aaron Dell. This goal was assisted by Colt King and Ryan Jardine. Three minute later, the Mavericks found the net again when Kenton Miller, after receiving a great set-up from Kellen Tochkin, took a shot from outside the left face-off circle and sent the puck through the legs of Aaron Dell. At the 12:40 mark in the first period, the Mavericks scored a third time when Kenton Miller poked a puck into the goal, after receiving a good feed from Sebastien Thinel. With 42 seconds remaining in the first, the Americans notched their first goal on an Anthony Maiani power play goal. This goal was assisted by Trevor Ludwig and Todd Robinson. The Americans thought they had gained some momentum but with four seconds left, Andrew Courtney and Colt King went on a 2v1 breakaway and Courtney had an open net for a goal. After the goal, the first period came to an end with the Mavericks lead 4-1.

The Mavericks scored two more times in the second period, adding on to their already impactful lead. The first goal didn’t come until the 14th minute when Andrew Courtney shot the puck between the legs of Steve Sliverthorn, for the hat trick goal. The goal couldn’t have happened without the assistance of Ryan Jardine and Kyle Hood. Four minutes later, the Mavericks scored their sixth and final goal on a John Scott-Dickson one-timer that went top-shelf ultimately winning the game for the Mavericks.

While the goals decreased in the third period, penalties increased as a total of 20 penalties were given, twelve within the last five minutes of the game. Only one goal was scored, 13 minutes into play, Darryl Bootland scored on the power play making the final score 6-2.

With the win the Mavericks locked in a spot for a seventh game. The game is life or death; one team’s season continues and the other is over. The question now is who will win. That answer will come down to three keys: 1) The Mavericks have to be strong on special teams. 2) The Mavericks must carry the momentum in from the last two games into the seventh game. 3) The goal-tending needs to be as solid as it was Saturday and Monday alike. If the Mavericks perform well, they can achieve a victory and advance to the “Ray Miron President Cup Championships” to play the Wichita Thunder.

 

April 23, 2013 | Categories: Missouri Mavericks | Leave A Comment »

Mavericks Win 3-2 in a Back-and-Forth Battle

Andrew Courtney #27 of the Missouri Mavericks scores the tying goal in the third period during the game against the Allen Americans at the Independence Events Center on April 20, 2013 in Independence, Missouri. (Photo by Daniel Russell/Pro Hockey News)

By Nick Hartman:

(INDEPENDENCE, MO): The Mavericks came out flying, Saturday, against the Allen Americans. From the start, the Mavericks looked to have a different, more emotional, intensity. If the Mavericks had lost this game, their season would have been over. No one was ready for the season to be over but it looked as if it was coming to a sad end. Andrew Courtney proved everyone wrong when he showed late heroics and scored a goal with just 34 seconds left in the third period to tie the game at two and send the game into overtime. The Mavericks ultimately won the game, 3-2,  in overtime after another great goal by Andrew Courtney.

“I think both teams appreciate the players being able to finalize the game instead of having 12 power plays on each side,” said Mavericks head coach Scott Hillman with a look of relief on his face. “The boys stepped it up and the refs stepped it up and we’re happy with the result.”

The three periods were very neck-and-neck and had some stellar goal-tending from both teams’ goalies. The one and only goal of the first period was scored by the Allen Americans, with just 9:30 left in the period. Trevor Hendrix fired a shot at the net that sailed past Mike Clemente. The goal was assisted by Mike Berube and Todd Robinson. When the first period came to an end, the Mavericks held the lead 1-0.

The first period goal was a wake-up call for the Mavericks and in the second period, they began firing on all cylinders. The intensity increased as the game went on and at the 15:30 mark it paid off. Colt King fired a burner from the left circle after receiving a good backboard feed from John Scott-Dickson. Unfortunately, the Americans managed to tie the game up just two minutes later when Brian McMillian delivered a “knuckle-puck” at goalie Mike Clemente for a  goal.
The Americans had the lead 2-1 at the start of the third period and were almost able to notch a third goal, on an empty net, if it were not for a glove save by Eric Medland. With just 34 seconds remaining, Medland  began an attack that fed the puck to Ryan Jardine. Jardine threw a perfect pass to Andrew Courtney and Courtney poked the puck in for a game-tying goal. The game was forced into overtime.

“This is the biggest game of my life, so far,” said Mavericks forward Andrew Courtney. “It’s a good feeling right now but we still have a lot of work to do. We still have two more games to get through and our backs are against the wall going into Allen.”

The Mavericks best period was overtime. They didn’t allow an Allen shot on goal and and just 34 seconds in, Andrew  Courtney received another incredible pass from Ryan Jardine and scored the game-winning goal. The Mavericks were full of emotions when the game ended and they now have to travel back to Allen for a sixth and possible seventh game.

Andrew Courtney #27 of the Missouri Mavericks scores the game winning goal in overtime during the game against the Allen Americans at the Independence Events Center on April 20, 2013 in Independence, Missouri. (Photo by Daniel Russell/Pro Hockey News)

“Tonight’s game was a great team effort. We never panicked.  We were down 2-1 until about 30 seconds left, and we just were able to stick to the game plan and get a goal,” said Mavericks goaltender Mike Clemente. “We were able to get a break in overtime and win the game. It’s
great.”

April 21, 2013 | Categories: Missouri Mavericks | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , | Leave A Comment »

Mavericks Fall 8-4 in Game Four

INDEPENDENCE, MO - APRIL 19: Colt King of the Missouri Mavericks slips the puck past Aaron Dell of the Allen Americans as Trevor Ludwig of the Allen Americans races to stop the goal at the Independence Events Center on April 19, 2013 in Independence, Missouri. (Photo by Jeremiah Griffith/Pro Hockey News)

By: Nick Hartman

(INDEPENDENCE, MO): The Mavericks were looking for a strong win to tie the series on Friday. They were ready to strike and return from a tough loss against the Allen Americans on Wednesday. Unfortunately, the Mavericks failed to find a win and lost 8-4 causing them to be down 3-1 in the series against the Americans.

“Way too many mistakes tonight,” Mavericks coach Scott Hillman said after the Americans scored on three of six power play attempts – including two goals on five-on-three opportunities. “And it wasn’t the same guy. It was a different player each time, so we couldn’t sit someone out.”

The first goal of the game came just 29 seconds into the first period. It was scored by Jamie Schaasfma when he sent a slap-shot through the five-hole of goaltender Mathieu Corbiel. Tyler and Trevor Ludwig assisted the goal. At the 5:30 mark, the Mavericks tied the game back up when Ryan Jardine set-up Colt King with a beautiful pass that King poked into the goal.

With the first period ending in a 1-1 tie, one team had to make a break in the second period. At first sight it looked as if the Mavericks had that break, scoring twice. The first goal was scored just 18 seconds in when Kellen Tochkin rebounded a Sebastien Thinel shot. A minute later, the Mavericks notched another goal when John Scott-Dickson poked in a great set-up from Kyle Hood. Fifteen seconds after the two Maverick goals, the Americans began their scoring spree when Kale Kerbashian shot in a goal. This goal was assisted by Todd Robinson and Mike Montgomery. The Americans then tied the game at the 6:20 mark on a Darryl Bootland goal that was assisted by Trevor Hendrix and Anthony Maiani. Mathieu Corbiel was pulled after allowing this goal and was replaced by Mike Clemente. With 8:38 left in the second period, Darryl Bootland scored again after receiving a great pass from Jason Deitsch. The Americans managed to score one more goal before the period ended. The goal was scored by Jason Deitsch and assisted by Trevor Hendrix and Todd Robinson.The period ended with the Americans leading 5-3.

INDEPENDENCE, MO - APRIL 19: John-Scott Dickson of the Missouri Mavericks poke the puck past netminder Aaron Dell of the Allen Americans at the Independence Events Center on April 17, 2013 in Independence, Missouri. (Photo by Jeremiah Griffith/Pro Hockey News)

The Americans continued to add to their extensive lead when Tyler Ludwig scored at the 5:45 mark in the third period. The goal marked the sixth goal of the game and was assisted by Anthony Maiani and Darryl Bootland. The Mavericks were able to notch one more goal with 6:09 remaining in the period. The goal was scored by Eric Medland when he wristed a shot to the right of Aaron Dell. This goal was assisted by Andrew Courtney and Brandon Smith. The Allen Americans stole the game and ended up winning 8-4.

The Mavericks lost this game mainly because of terrible special teams. The Mavericks allowed three power play goals on six attempts. The team struggled in the net too, for the first time since mid-February. They need a victory tonight to keep their hopes alive.  In order to do so, they need a strong special team unit and a strong goal-tending performance.

April 20, 2013 | Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , , | Leave A Comment »

Kansas City Shock Secure Home Field

The Kansas City Shock announced that they had secured a home field for their inaugural 2013 season. The Kansas City Shock will play their four home games and one exhibition game at the Kansas City Kansas Community College.

The Kansas City Kansas Community College is a mere five mile from Legends and is coming off a $4 million dollar renovation. The Kansas City Shock will be the first team, other then the Community College, to play on the pitch starting at the end of May.

“KCK was a hidden jewel,” said Shock CEO Shawn Daugherty. “It felt as if no one knew about this field. What I love the most is that we’re both new and building. In a strange way the field and our program compliment one another; we are works in progress aiming towards an incredible future. It is an honor to work with a soccer program as dedicated to growing the game as the coaching staff at KCKCC. The future appears bright for all parties.”

The pitch is soccer specific and features no other sport markings. It also features new locker rooms and build-to-expand bleacher seating.

April 18, 2013 | Categories: Uncategorized | Leave A Comment »

Mavericks Lose Game Three; 3-2 in a Thrilling Overtime

Mike Clemente #30 of the Missouri Mavericks makes a save on a shot from Jason Deitsch #19 of the Allen Americans during the game at the Independence Events Center on April 17, 2013 in Independence, Missouri. (Photo by Daniel Russell/Pro Hockey News)

By Nick Hartman:

(INDEPENDENCE, MO): The Mavericks came home looking for a win on a stormy night in Independence. The Mavericks were tied 1-1 in the series against the Allen Americans. The players were ready to play and ready to take the series lead. Unfortunately, that’s not the way it went down. Even though the Mavericks seemed unstoppable, penalties took a toll on the team. The game went into overtime, after a back-and-forth regulation play, where the Americans clinched a win and took the series lead 2-1.

“We need to shake this game off,” said Mavericks head coach, Scott Hillman. “The boys played their hearts off and for that team (Allen) to get eight power plays tonight, it’s a joke.”

The first period was neck-and-neck from the initial face-off. No goals were scored and no penalties were called making the period go by quickly. At the end of the scoreless first period, both goaltenders had 9 saves.

(INDEPENDENCE, MO): #30 Mike Clemente blocks #22 Jamie Schaafsma's shot in the Maverick 3-2 loss in Overtime. (Photo: Jeremiah Griffith/KC Sports Journalism)

With the 0-0 first period, both teams needed to gain momentum and find a way to score. The Americans found that momentum in the second period at the 9:40 mark when Jason Deitsch shot the puck and found an open net for the goal. Anthony Maiani was credited with an assist on the goal.

The third period was the most intense period of regulation. The play was rough and during the first five minutes, both teams were out to get each other. At the 5:25 mark, the Mavericks tied the game when Eric Medland hit a wrist-shot from the point that sailed past Aaron Dell. This goal was assisted by Kellen Tochkin and Sebastian Thinel. Four minutes later, the Mavericks scored again. John Scott-Dickson and Colt King went 2v1. Colt King set JSD up.  JSD fired a shot at the net and scored. The Mavericks had the lead, 2-1, but with just 2:20 to go in the third period, Allen scored. The goal was scored by Trevor Ludwig and assisted by Brian McMillian and Tyler Ludwig. The period ended in a 2-2 tie.

The game was sent into overtime where the back-and-forth play continued. The Mavericks killed one 5 on 3 penalty in the first minutes of overtime. At the 16th minute, Andrew Courtney was sent to the penalty box for boarding. One second later, Sebastian Thinel was given game misconduct for the intent to injure when he yanked on the beard of Darryl Bootland. This was the second 5 on 3 penalty kill of overtime and it cost the Mavericks. With just two minutes remaining, Trevor Hendrix scored on a slap shot that sailed past Mike Clemente. The game ended with the Americans on top 3-2. Mavericks head coach, Scott Hillman had a very short comment on the two 5 on 3 in overtime, saying,

“I have never heard of it (two 5 on 3 in overtime). Never seen it; probably never see it again in our lives.”

April 18, 2013 | Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | Leave A Comment »

Mavericks Fall in Game Two 4-1

The Mavericks had a huge advantage at the start of game two against the Allen Americans.  They had won game one against the number one seeded team. The game ended up being a 4-1 loss for the Mavericks but neither the defense nor the offense should be blamed for the loss. The game was simply, “One of those games”. It featured a lackadaisical first period, an evenly matched second period and an Allen dominant third period. These games happen.  Now the Mavericks need to shake it off and come out on all cylinders on Wednesday.

The first period only showcased one goal. That goal came at 15:30 into the period and was scored by Jamie Schaafsma. Schaafsma took the puck, deked around the Mavericks defenders and hit a shot that sailed past, Mathieu Corbeil.

The Americans led 1-0 going into the second period and got out to a quick start, scoring again just 3:15 into the period. This goal was also scored by Jamie Schaafsma.  After receiving a great feed from Chris Doyle, Schaafsma shot
and just got the puck past Mathieu Corbeil. The Mavericks retaliated nine and half minutes later, when Blake Forsyth had an open net after a diversion was created by Colt King. The goal was assisted by Ryan Jardine and Colt King. Eight minutes later, the period came to a close with the Mavericks trailing 2-1.

The Americans controlled the whole third period, scoring two goals and allowing none. The first goal came 9:36 into the period when Tyler Ludwig scored on Mathieu Corbiel after receiving a great feed from Jim McKenzie. With just one minute left in the game, Mathieu Corbeil left the net. This proved costly for the Mavericks because Tyler Ludwig scored on the empty net from 195 feet away. After forty more seconds of play, the game ended with the Americans on top 4-1.

 

April 16, 2013 | Categories: Uncategorized | Leave A Comment »

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