ECHL: Cade Borchardt Heads Overseas

The Kansas City Mavericks can’t win for losing this past week, suffering another loss. They first suffered a significant loss to the Toledo Walleye in the Kelly Cup Playoffs third round. Now, Cade Borchardt has signed a contract for the 2025-26 season with Kalevan Pallo (KalPa), part of the Finnish Liiga. The Liiga has 16 teams from all over Finland. Borchardt will be joining former teammate Patrick Curry in Kuopio, Finland, as Curry just renewed his contract for another year.

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His story

Cade Borchardt has been a key player in the Mavericks’ lineup. The 26-year-old forward joined the Mavericks at the end of the 2022-23 season under contract with the Coachella Valley Firebirds of the AHL, after finishing at Minnesota State University- Mankato. During his career at MSUM, Cade dressed for 121 NCAA games, scoring 29 goals, 56 assists, and 85 points, and served as Captain in his final year. Once signed to the Kansas City Mavericks, Borchardt would garner 137 games, 67 goals, 88 assists, 155 total points, and the Alternate Captain.

Over the past two seasons, Borchardt has achieved many notable accomplishments. In 2023-24, he was named part of the All-Rookie Team and received a nomination for Rookie of the Year. The 2024-25 season, he led the ECHL in goals with 40, was named to multiple award and teams including: ECHL Plus Performer of the Year, All-Second Team, Western Conference All-Star Team, and achieved Player of the Month and Player of the Week. During his time in KC, Cade was called up by the Firebirds for five AHL games.

The loss of this elite player will undoubtedly be felt by the team next season. The last two seasons have been among the best the Mavericks have experienced. Borchardt was a large part of their 2024 Brabham Cup win and their 2025 Mountain Division Championship. His departure may lead to a reevaluation of the team’s strategies and recruitment plans for the upcoming season.