CHL Kansas City Mavericks

Mavs Slide Ends Against Oilers in 3-2 Victory

Published on January 8, 2011 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Kansas City Mavericks News Release


INDEPENDENCE, Missouri - Riding a three-game losing streak, the Missouri Mavericks faced off against the Tulsa Oilers Saturday night at Independence Events Center. The Mavs would stop the skid on the strength of solid goaltending by Gerry Festa and multiple point performances from forwards Olivier Filion and Bill Vandermeer, as the Mavericks skated to victory in front of a sellout crowd of 5,800 fans.

Tulsa had zero shots heading into the ten minute mark of the opening frame. Their first shot of the game trickled past goaltender Gerry Festa and towards the goal line. Festa dove on top of the puck, but the referee signaled goal. After a short conference with his linesmen, the goal was deemed no good by the officials. The Mavericks would hold Tulsa to just three shots in the entire first period. The Mavs on the other hand racked up 11 shots in the opening frame.

Toby Lafrance broke the scoreless tie just over a minute into the middle period on an unassisted goal. Lafrance picked up a mishandled puck in front of the Tulsa net and buried it for his ninth goal of the season. The Mavs found their way back on to the scoreboard as Bill Vandermeer rocketed a slap shot past Trevor Cann to put the Mavs up 2-0 with seven minutes to go. Olivier Filion was given his 18th assist of the year on the goal. The Oilers responded before time expired in the second period as Chad Costello recorded his 20th goal of the season on a Tulsa power play. The power play goal was the first time the Mavs had allowed a power play goal in five games. The Mavs piled up 13 shots in the period. The Oilers were able to mount more offensive chances than they did in the first, recording 12 shots in the period.

The Mavericks extended their lead a minute and a half into the final period on a goal from Filion. Vandermeer assisted on the goal, giving both Mavs forwards two points on the night. The Oilers were quick to respond as Sean Erickson brought the game within one score just three minutes later. Evan Kotsopoulos was given an assist on the goal. The goal by Erickson would be the last goal of the game as the Mavs held off the Oilers for the remaining 15 minutes and snap their three-game losing streak.

The Mavs ended the night zero-for-two on the power play. The Oilers had better luck on the power play going one-for-three with a man power advantage. Gerry Festa finished the night with 21 saves on 23 shots. Trevor Cann turned in an impressive night as well for Tulsa, stopping 34 of 37 Mavs' shots. Olivier Filion and Bill Vandermeer finished the night with a goal and an assist each.

The sellout crowd of 5,800 fans at Independence Events Center Saturday night represented the Mavericks' third straight home sellout.

The Mavericks keep the current home stand going next weekend as they take on the Mississippi RiverKings on Friday night. Then on Saturday, it's Ladies Night at the IEC as the Mavs take on the Rapid City Rush in a game featuring two of the top teams in the Turner Conference. 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.

Check out the Kansas City Mavericks Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Central Hockey League Stories from January 8, 2011


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central