I’m sorry for the lack of postings I didn’t get a chance to sit down and write over the weekend. But I’m back now and last night’s game certainly provided much to write about! The Mavericks beat the Allen Americans 4-1 bringing their home record to 5-0-0-0 and giving them their fourth consecutive win! The Mavericks are off to their best start since 2015-16 when they won 14 games right out of the gates. That season the Mavericks ended up winning the Brabham Cup for most points in the ECHL for the regular season. The Mavericks are now tied for the lead of the Mountain Division with 1 game in hand on the co-leader, Utah Grizzlies.

The first period frankly wasn’t much to write home about. The Mavericks didn’t look as solid as they have in previous games this season. Their passing wasn’t always precise enough and they allowed Allen to dominate puck possession. Both teams also seemed to not understand the concept of gaining the center red line because there was a constant stream of icing calls. It really broke up a lot of the flow of the game and the first-period action really suffered.

Neither team managed to score, but Mason McDonald made several spectacular saves for the Mavericks in the first. After 9 minutes, Allen was leading in shots 6 to 3. Allen was undisciplined in this game being sent to the penalty box 5 times in the game including twice in the first period. Their first penalty was for too many men on the ice. Unfortunately, the Mavericks’ Power Play continued to struggle and failed to convert on 4 out of 5 Power Play opportunities in the game. When the horn blew on the first period the shots stood at 12 for Allen and 8 for Kansas City. The Mavericks knew they needed to tighten up their game.

The Mavericks won the opening face off for the second period and were able to pressure Allen’s net early. Goaltender C.J. Motte made several good saves. The Mavericks forecheck also started to kick into gear in the second period highlighted by a great turnover forced by Rocco Carzo in the offensive zone. It resulted in a shot on goal but was batted away by Motte.

Most of the second period looked like the first period with the Mavericks struggling with puck control. But at about 14 minutes into the second period, the Mavericks forced a turnover in the neutral zone and the puck was picked up by Jared Van Wormer. He brought it in the offensive zone and launched a beautiful wrist shot which beat C.J. Motte and the Mavericks now lead 1-0! The goal came at 14:27 and Van Wormer had assists from Neal Goff and Mark Cooper. With this assist, Cooper extended his point streak to 4 games!

The goal seemed to light a fire under the Mavericks as the pace of the game got a lot quicker and their puck control and passes tightened up significantly. Just three minutes after the first goal was scored, the Mavericks were on the penalty kill and C.J. Eick decided it was his time to shine. After already recording a shorthanded SOG, Eick split Allen’s defense and got a breakaway and put home a beautiful shot right over Motte’s shoulder! This goal came at 17:48 and Eick was unassisted on the play. After two periods the score was 2-0 in favor of the Mavericks and KC lead Allen in shots 24 to 22.

The Mavericks would continue their offensive domination in the third period. At 9:36 Jared Van Wormer recorded his second goal of the night with a beautiful slap shot from the point that seemed to just float right by Motte, it didn’t seem like Motte even saw the puck. This goal by Van Wormer, which put the score at 3-0, was assisted by Jordan Klimek and Nate Widman. Shortly thereafter on a drive to the net by Allen, Mason McDonald made an absolutely beautiful glove save robbing Allen of a goal. This was one of many beautiful saves by Mase in the game. Mason kept the Mavericks in the game, without him they would have been sunk.

At 14:50 Allen player Zach Pochiro was assessed a roughing penalty. Allen made several very good clearing attempts and nearly had a breakaway at one point but the Mavericks managed to break it up. Then at 16:05 Matt Robertson scored his first goal of the season with assists from Jared Van Wormer and David Dziurzynski. The rest of the game was highlighted by Mason continuing to make great saves and coming within 10 seconds of a shutout. Unfortunately, with about 10 seconds left in the game, Allen stormed the net and was able to sneak the puck past McDonald on a rebound but it was far too little too late for the Americans. The Mavericks won the game 4-1!

The Mavericks put on another show at Silverstein Eye Centers Arena keeping their home record perfect. Jared Van Wormer had a fantastic night with two goals and an assist. Van Wormer is now the top scorer on the Mavericks with 14 points so far this season. Mason McDonald also was absolutely stellar last night. He made 26 saves on 27 shots and conceded only one goal with 10 seconds left in the game. It sucked to see him lose the shutout but he did record his 4th win in 4 starts this season. McDonald will continue to be a huge asset to the Mavericks this year! C.J. Eick is also proving to be a great force on the team with two goals in two games. And when he’s not scoring, Eick is grinding it out on the ice forcing turnovers and producing great plays! The Mavericks finished up a 4 game homestand and are on the road this weekend with two games in Allen on Friday and Saturday before they return home for their annual school day game on Tuesday at 10:35 AM against the Wichita Thunder.

Three Stars

Jared Van Wormer- With 3 points on the night (2g,1a) the team points leader is the first star.

Mason McDonald- Making 26 saves on 27 shots is no easy feat and Mason made every save look easy. The second star recorded his 4th win in his 4th start of the season.

C.J. Eick- Eick scored on a breakaway and helped ignite the team. He gets the third star for the night.