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Kansas City Mavericks

Mavericks' Late Rally Unable to Silence Thunder - Missouri Falls 5-4

February 13, 2015 - ECHL (ECHL)
Kansas City Mavericks News Release


INDEPENDENCE, MO - The Missouri Mavericks third period rally fell just short of catching up to the Wichita Thunder's substantial lead laid out in the opening period on Friday night. The Mavericks scored two unanswered goals in the final frame, but despite a standout effort, were ultimately defeated 5-4 in regulation by the Thunder at the INTRUST Bank Arena.

The Thunder wasted no time jumping on the board early in their ninth contest against the Missouri Mavericks of the 2014-15 season, scoring four times before the Mavs could post a tally.

First to the board was Jared Walker for the Thunder at 5:08 into play, assisted by Eric Meland and Nikita Kashirsky. Then Justin Bernhardt double the home team's lead only thirteen seconds later at 5:21, with Anthony Perdicaro and Kirill Tulupov picking up assists. But the Thunder weren't done with their early scoreboard march, upping their lead 3-0 at 8:07 with a tally by RG Flath. Mike Wilson and Bernhardt were credited with the helpers.

Mavs netminder Mike Clemente was replaced between the pipes by Josh Robinson directly following Wichita's third goal.

The Thunder strengthened their lead further at 15:43 when Bernhardt (unassisted) scored his second of the night and second of the season for Wichita, giving the Mavericks a massive 4-0 mountain to climb with not even 20 minutes gone in the contest.

Missouri finally made a mark on the board when given their first man-advantaged opportunity of the contest with Dan Milan in the box for tripping. Andrew Courtney breathed life into the Mavericks offense with a power play goal at 17:14 of the first period, aided by teammates Jack Downing and Josh Brittain.

Courtney's tally marked his 100th professional career goal and 100th in a Missouri Mavericks sweater.

A momentum swing looked to be in the works as Jack Downing cut the Thunder lead in half only fifteen seconds into the second period with a lamp-lighter assisted by Lindsay Sparks and Jared Brown. Missouri managed only six shots on goal in the second frame, but were able to hold off the Thunder offense until the final two minutes of the period when Kenton Miller (assisted by Mike Wilson) expanded on Wichita's lead 5-2.

The Mavericks rallied in the third period to score two unanswered goals and come within one of the summit of goals the Thunder had laid out in the first 40 minutes of play. Geoff Walker, assisted by Sebastien Thinel and Martin Lee took the Mavs up 5-3 at 8:24 of the third, and Josh Brittain (unassisted) positioned the visiting team only one away at 12:38.

Missouri pulled their goaltender in favor of a sixth skater with 1:40 left in regulation to push through the final seconds of play for one more tally, but were unable to connect with the back of the net to send the game to extra time despite a strong showing on the ice.

The Missouri Mavericks play their next two games on the road against the Rapid City Rush on Tuesday, February 17th and Wednesday February 18th before returning home to Independence Events Center on Friday, February 20th for two back-to-back weekends of home contests.

The Mavericks return home on Friday, February 20th when they host the Allen Americans at 7:05pm (CST) at Independence Events Center. Single game tickets are available for purchase online at TicketMaster.com or in-person at the Silverstein Eye Centers Box Office at Independence Events Center.

The Mavs will be giving away their second set of trading cards to the first 1,000 fans in attendance to their Friday night contest, featuring members of the "Top 10 All-Time Mavs" vote winners: David Simoes, Dave Pszenyczny, Sebastien Thinel, Colt King, and Charlie Effinger.

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