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CHL Kansas City Mavericks

Mavericks Fall to Bloomington, 2-1 in Shootout

October 16, 2010 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Kansas City Mavericks News Release


INDEPENDENCE, Missouri - The Missouri Mavericks faced off against the Bloomington PrairieThunder for the first time ever Saturday night at Independence Events Center. Bloomington joined the Central Hockey League (CHL) when their former league, the International Hockey League (IHL) folded after the 2009-10 season. A crowd of 4,714 filled the building as the PrairieThunder outlasted the Mavericks, 2-1 in a shootout.

The PrairieThunder started off their era in the Central Hockey League quickly, scoring just five minutes in to play on a Rick Varone goal on just their fifth shot of the game. The Mavericks and PrairieThunder ended the period tied in shots at seven a piece going into the first intermission.

The second period showcased a fantastic display of special teams by the Mavericks and PrairieThunder. The Mavericks had their backs against the walls for one minute, 36 seconds as the PrairieThunder were given a two man advantage when defensemen Cole Ruwe and Blake Forsyth drew tripping and high sticking penalties within 30 seconds of each other. The Mavericks killed both penalties off and kept the deficit at one goal. The PrairieThunder also killed two Mavericks penalties during the second frame. The Mavericks peppered Bloomington goaltender, Marco Emond with 11 shots during the second period. After two periods of play, Emond had stopped 19 shots and allowed zero goals.

It didn't take much time for the Mavericks to jump back in to the game once the third period began. Four minutes, 45 seconds into the final frame, the Mavericks tied the game on an even strength goal from first year Maverick, Tab Lardner. The goal was Lardner's second of the year and he has now scored goals in back-to-back games to start the season. After Lardner's goal, the goaltenders took center stage for both teams. Rob Nolan for Missouri made two diving saves with under five minutes to go in the third period and Marco Emond was solid for Bloomington, as well. At the end of regulation, Emond ended up with 27 saves to Nolan's 21.

The issue was still in doubt as the third period ended with both teams tied at 1-1. Bloomington outshot Missouri 3-1 in the overtime period as the defensive strengths of both teams shined in the extra period. With the game still tied at one after the five minute overtime, the game headed into a shootout. The Mavericks opted to shoot first and veteran defenseman Ray DiLauro put the Mavericks out in front in the first round, scoring on a wrist shot. The PrairieThunder answered right back, as Rick Varone evened things up when he beat Rob Nolan on his stick side. Bloomington scored in the next round and that would be all that they needed as Marco Emond stopped all four remaining Mavericks shooters.

The Mavericks ended up going 0-4 on the power play. Bloomington had no better luck, going 0-4 as well with man-advantage. Missouri finished the game with 28 total shots. The PrairieThunder weren't far behind in the shot department with 26 shots on goal.

Missouri will return to action next Friday, October 21, when they face the Wichita Thunder at 7:05 p.m. at Independence Events Center. Tickets for all remaining 31 regular season home games are on sale now starting at just $14 per game. Mini-plans, season tickets and group tickets are also available by calling (816) 252-7825 or visit www.MissouriMavericks.com for more information.

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