I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! As I sit down to write this, I’m enjoying my yearly viewing of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. It’s a tradition in my family to watch it while we set up our Christmas decorations on Black Friday. Another tradition is going to the Mavericks Black Friday game and I am very excited to continue the tradition tonight. The Mavericks are back in action after a week off as they face off against the Wichita Thunder. This is their fourth straight meeting and fifth meeting of the season. The Thunder snapped the Mavericks’ 7 game winning streak last Friday, but the Mavericks bounced back last Saturday in a come-from-behind 4-3 shootout win. Hopefully, the Mavericks can restart a streak tonight!

Base Camp: The Mavericks have a record of 10-2-1-0 and are sitting at third in the Mountain Division behind Utah and Tulsa. This isn’t cause for concern as the Mavericks have played 2 fewer games than the two leaders of the division. If the Mavericks win tonight, they can jump ahead of the Tulsa Oilers. If Utah loses to Allen tonight, the Mavericks can tie them with 23 points to co-lead the division.

Nap Time’s Over: The Mavericks haven’t played since last Saturday, on the flip side, the Thunder have played 2 times this week, including a matchup against Tulsa on Wednesday. Wichita lost both games. The Mavericks are the more rested team tonight so this should play in their favor.

Defend the Barn: The Mavericks are one of only two teams in the ECHL to remain undefeated on home ice. The Mavericks also have the best home power play percentage at 28% and have outscored opponents by 16 goals at home. The Mavericks have made Silverstein Eye Centers one of the most intimidating barns to play in this season.

Brick wall laid by Mason: Mason McDonald has won all 6 of his starts this season and is looking to continue the streak tonight. Mason has been dominant with a save percentage of .916 and a Goals Against Average of 2.26. He missed two games last week with a lower-body injury but returned on Saturday helping the Mavericks win in a shootout. He is the only goaltender in the ECHL who has started five or more games and remains undefeated!

Keys to Success

Dynamic Dziurzynskis: The brothers of the team, David and Darian Dziurzynski have come alive over the past 5 games. Both of them netted goals in Saturday’s victory and both have 8 points on the season. Look for them to be offensive leaders tonight.

Mason Stays Lights Out: Mason McDonald has been stellar and if he continues his dominance tonight, watch for the Thunder to be kept to a low score.

Keep the Power Play Rolling: The Mavericks have the 5th best Power Play in the League at 12-for-58 (.207) and have the best home power play record in the league. Wichita’s Penalty Kill has struggled to break out sitting at 14th in the league with a record of 58-for-69 (.841).

Game 14

Game Time: 7:05 PM

Where: Silverstein Eye Centers Arena, Independence, MO

How to Watch: In person, live play-by-play on the Mavericks App, ECHL.TV