ECHL Game Recap: Tulsa Oilers vs Kansas City Mavericks | 02/14/2025

The Kansas City Mavericks face off against their Mountain Division rival, the Tulsa Oilers, for the fifth time this season at Cable Dahmer Arena in Independence, Missouri. In their last home matchup, the Mavericks suffered a 5-0 loss and are now eager for redemption. The upcoming game is anticipated to be another intense battle as both teams vie for crucial points in the standings. Currently, the Mavericks are in first place in the Mountain Division standings with 63 points, and the Oilers are in third place with 59 points going into Friday night’s game. The starting goaltender for the Mavericks is Jack LaFontaine, with a 2.41 GAA and a 0.905 SV%. Starting in the net for the Oilers is Talyn Boyko, with a 2.59 GAA and a 0.915 SV%.

First Period

The first period kicked off with a goal by Austin Albrecht at 2:18, assisted by Justin Michaelian, giving the Oilers an early lead.

Halfway through the period, a hooking call on Casey Carreau led to a successful penalty kill by the Mavericks. A few minutes later, the Oilers’ Solag Bakich was called for a tripping minor, but the Mavericks came up empty-handed on the power play. With just over three minutes remaining in the period, David Cotton scored an unassisted goal, tying the game 1-1 to close out the period.

Second Period

The only penalty of the period was assessed to the Mavericks’ Chase Brand for tripping, resulting in an unsuccessful power play for the Oilers. The second period remained scoreless, keeping the game tied at 1-1, despite the Oilers registering 16 shots on goal and the Mavericks tallying 13.

Third Period

The third period began in a 1-1 deadlock, but less than four minutes in, the Mavericks’ David Cotton broke the tie with a goal, assisted by Marcus Crawford and Jackson Berezowski.

Shortly after, a hooking penalty on the Mavericks’ Nate Knoepke gave the Oilers a power play opportunity, but they were unable to capitalize on the advantage. A few minutes later, the Mavericks’ Damien Giroux found the back of the net at 7:28, assisted by Cam Morrison and Justin MacPherson, giving the Mavericks a two-goal lead. Despite a hard-fought battle from both teams, the Oilers were unable to score in the final period. Jack LaFontaine made 34 saves on 35 shots, helping to secure a 3-1 victory for the Mavericks.

Summary

This victory marked the Mavericks’ 30th win of the season, keeping them atop the Mountain Division standings with a three-point lead over the second-place Tahoe Knight Monsters and a six-point advantage over the Tulsa Oilers. David Cotton was the first star of the game with two goals, bringing his season total to 26 points, including nine goals and 17 assists. Damien Giroux was the third star of the game, with his one goal giving him 14 goals, 16 assists, and 30 points for the season.

Three Stars of the Game

1. Kansas City: David Cotton scored two goals.
2. Kansas City: Jack LaFontaine saved 34 out of 35 shots.
3. Kansas City: Damien Giroux scored one goal.