CHL Kansas City Mavericks

Mavericks Shutout Thunder, Move into First Place

December 27, 2010 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Kansas City Mavericks News Release


WICHITA, Kansas - Goaltender Robby Nolan stopped all 31 shots faced for his second shutout of the season as the Missouri Mavericks defeated the Wichita Thunder, 2-0, Monday night at Intrust Bank Arena. With the win, Missouri moved into first place in the Turner Conference with a one-point lead over the Rapid City Rush. Mike Berry and Bill Vandermeer provided the offense for the Mavericks, and Nolan's shutout marked the second shutout in his past three games. The Mavericks close out their three-game road trip Tuesday night in Tulsa when they take on the Oilers at BOK Center.

"Robby (Nolan) bounced back and played one of his best games of the season tonight," said Mavericks' Head Coach Scott Hillman. "Four or five of our guys stepped up their game tonight and the penalty kill played great."

After a scoreless first period in which the teams combined for 13 shots, the Mavericks took control in the second period. Berry scored his goal just 1:09 into the second period when he beat Wichita goaltender Marc-Antonie Gelinas. Nathan O'Nabigon and Vandermeer assisted on the play, and the assist for O'Nabigon extended his scoring streak to five games.

At the 11:16 mark of the period, Vandermeer gave the Mavericks a little breathing room when he scored his third goal of the season. Ryan Jardine and Jared Lavender assisted on the goal to give the Mavericks a two-goal lead heading into the third period.

After giving up a two-goal lead in the third period Sunday night in a 7-4 loss to Wichita, the Mavericks and Nolan did not let the Thunder back into the game in the final 20 minutes. Wichita put up 12 shots on Nolan in the third period, but the CHL's leading goaltender was equal to the task on every shot. Missouri killed two power plays in the final period and held on for their second shutout in the last three games.

Nolan finished with 31 saves on as many shots and lowered his league-leading goals against average to 2.02, and the Mavericks moved into sole possession of first place in the Turner Conference. Missouri killed all four of Wichita's power plays, but finished 0-for-2 on the power play.

The Mavs take on the Tulsa Oilers Tuesday night at BOK Center in Tulsa before returning home for a New Year's Eve showdown with the Colorado Eagles on Friday night. The Mavs will then kick off 2011 with a January 1 game against Quad City. Tickets are available at the Independence Events Center Box Office, by calling (800) 745-3000 or visiting www.TicketMaster.com . Visit www.MissouriMavericks.com for more information.

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