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ECHL Kansas City Mavericks

Mavericks Outgunned by Thunder

January 14, 2017 - ECHL (ECHL)
Kansas City Mavericks News Release


WICHITA, Kan. - The Missouri Mavericks found themselves in a track meet with the Wichita Thunder on Saturday night at INTRUST Bank Arena. Wichita had just a tad more offense and grabbed a 7-5 win. The loss started off a four-game road trip for the Mavericks and moved their record to 13-17-5 on the season.

The Mavericks fell two games behind the Thunder in the "Visit Independence, Visit Wichita" Cup with the loss. Their record in the series is now 2-4-0. Tonight was the third consecutive game between the Mavericks and Thunder, and it followed a similar script as the first two - the Thunder built an early lead and the Mavericks furiously tried to come back. Wichita scored on its first two power plays of the game as part of a three-goal outburst over the first 10:54. Ryan Rupert opened the scoring at 5:07 with his second goal of the season and was followed by Alexis Loiseau and Alexis Vanier with the man-advantage markers.

Dan Correale, who scored the overtime winner in Missouri's comeback win over Wichita on January 6, put Missouri on the board at 14:07 to break Wichita's early surge. The Thunder, however, answered 20 seconds later to go back up by three. That goal chased Mavericks starting goalie Eamon McAdam and brought Josh Robinson on in relief. Before the period expired Correale deflected a Kevin Tansey blast to pull the Mavericks back within two. The goal at 16:43 gave Correale his first multi-goal game as a pro.

The Mavericks, who were out-shot 28-13 in the first period, did a better job of limiting Wichita's chances in the second period and held a 15-12 shot advantage in the middle frame. But the Thunder were able to capitalize on a Mavericks turnover for the lone goal of the period. After stealing a breakout pass, Rupert got Wichita back on the attack with a feed to Loiseau on the far wing. Robinson stopped the partial breakaway but Zach O'Brien pounced on the rebound and scored his second goal of the season.

Missouri regrouped at the intermission and came out with guns blazing to start the third. Carter Verhaeghe sniped home a power play goal 2:07 into the frame and Rocco Carzo followed 92 seconds later to pull the Mavericks within one. Verhaeghe pounced on a loose puck atop the crease at 12:08 for the tying score, but the Thunder turned a pair of Mavericks turnovers into goals by Arseneau and Rupert to skate away with the win.

Robinson was the goalie of record because the Mavericks tied the game while he was on the ice. He took the loss with 24 saves on 27 shots. McAdam ended the night with 21 stops against 25 shots. Missouri went 1-for-3 on the power play and 3-for-5 on the penalty kill.

Mark your calendar! The Mavericks return home on Saturday, Jan. 21 at 7:05 p.m. to face the Quad City Mallards on 90s night! The Mavericks will be wearing 90s-inspired jerseys that will be auctioned off live after the game. Groups of 15 or more are eligible for discounted tickets and preferred seating based on availability. Call the Mavericks at 816-252-7825 to book your group outing.

About the Missouri Mavericks: The Mavericks are members of the Mountain Division of the Western Conference of the ECHL- the Premier 'AA' Hockey League in North America. Founded in 2009, the Mavericks are entering their eighth season in team history at Silverstein Eye Centers Arena. The Mavericks are the defending Brabham Cup winners after posting a league-leading record of 52-15-5 during the 2015-16 ECHL season, and have been honored with multiple community and league awards including the Harry S. Truman Special Community Service Recognition Award, the Bud Poile Governors' Cup (CHL), and the CHL Franchise of the Year Award for four consecutive seasons.

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