Kansas City Mavericks vs Tulsa Oilers

Kansas City Mavericks vs Tulsa Oilers
Saturday, Dec. 21

The Kansas City Mavericks proudly enter their 16th season as a professional hockey franchise in 2024-25, serving the passionate fans of the greater Kansas City metro area. As the longest-tenured, consecutively operating professional hockey team in Kansas City history, the Mavericks have become a cornerstone of the local sports landscape. In their third season as the ECHL affiliate for the NHL's Seattle Kraken and AHL's Coachella Valley Firebirds, the Mavericks continue to develop talent and elevate the game.

The journey began on November 13, 2009, when the then-Missouri Mavericks skated onto the ice at the Independence Events Center for the first time. In front of a sellout crowd of 5,760 fans, the Mavericks secured a thrilling 3-2 shootout victory over their rivals, the Wichita Thunder. This memorable debut sparked a deep and enduring bond between the team and its fans, affectionately known as Mavs Country, which still burns brightly today.

In 2014, the Mavericks made a historic leap to the ECHL, joining the Premier 'AA' hockey league along with six other teams from the now-defunct Central Hockey League (CHL). Just two seasons later, the Mavericks achieved a major milestone by winning the Brabham Cup in 2015-16, leading the ECHL with 52 regular-season wins. This incredible run solidified their place among the league’s elite and marked the start of a new era for the franchise.

The Mavericks' commitment to excellence continued into the 2023-24 season, where they finished with a remarkable 54-12-6 record, capturing the Brabham Cup as ECHL regular-season champions for the second time. The team set an all-time ECHL single-season record with 29 road wins and advanced to the Kelly Cup Finals for the first time in club history after winning the Bruce Taylor Trophy as Western Conference champions. This historic postseason run showcased the Mavericks’ resilience and cemented their status as one of the top teams in the league.

Beyond the rink, the Mavericks have been a force in the community, earning numerous awards for their charitable efforts, including the Harry S. Truman Special Community Service Recognition Award and the John J. 'Buck' O'Neil Diamond MVP Award from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City. Their signature event, Dinner on Ice, has raised nearly half a million dollars since its inception, demonstrating the Mavericks’ deep commitment to giving back.

As Kansas City's only professional hockey team, the Mavericks are dedicated to fostering the growth of hockey throughout the metro area, inspiring the next generation of players and fans. Whether on the ice or in the community, the Mavericks continue to embody the spirit of Kansas City, and their journey is only just beginning.