ECHL: Opening Weekend Preview | 10/18/2024

Inside the Rink is ready to kick off its coverage of the ECHL for the 2024-25 Season. Each week we will highlight three matchups as our must-see games across the league. Here are our picks for this week.

Kansas City Mavericks vs. Wichita ThunderECHL/FloHockey Game of the Week (Friday)

The Kansas City Mavericks are set to face off against the Wichita Thunder tonight at 7:05 PM CT.

Kansas City Mavericks: Under the guidance of Tad O’Had, the Mavericks achieved an outstanding record last season, establishing an ECHL milestone with 29 victories on the road. They aim to maintain their strong performance. Following a rigorous and fiercely competitive training camp, the team is prepared to hit the ice and build upon last season’s achievements.

Wichita Thunder: Trevor Gorsuch, their standout goalie, was second in the league last season with 1,218 saves. The Thunder are opening their season at home for the third consecutive year and are kicking off their 11th season in the ECHL and 33rd as a professional franchise.

Looking for the list of teams hitting the ice tonight – here is the full list for Friday.

Adirondack Thunder vs. Norfolk Admirals – (Friday and Saturday)

Last season, the Thunder secured the top spot in the North Division with a well-rounded team which featured a well balanced offense and defense. The Admirals finished second in the North Division, showcasing an equally powerful offense and strong special teams play, making them a challenging opponent. This matchup will certainly be filled with some exciting on ice action.

Bloomington Bison vs. Toledo Walleye – (Saturday and Sunday)

This game signifies the first puck drop for the Bison as they embark on their inaugural ECHL season, aiming to capitalize on their home advantage. They will go head-to-head with the Toledo Walleye, who are kicking off their fifteenth season in ECHL hockey. Expect an exhilarating matchup, as both teams have much to demonstrate.


Discover more from Inside The Rink

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Karen Zehner

Inside The Rink ECHL Manager | Senior Editor | Credentialed Beat Writer covering the ECHL Atlanta Gladiators. Diving into the world of slap shots, penalty kills, and the game we love. [@RunwithK] on socials.

Leave a Reply

ECHL South Division Semifinals – Game 1 Recap: Orlando Solar Bears vs South Carolina Stingrays

Game one of round one in the Kelly Cup Playoffs kicked off the postseason run for the Orlando Solar Bears and the South Carolina Stingrays Friday night in Charleston. The Solar Bears heading into the playoffs are ranked 13th in the league and fourth in the Southern Division. They finished the season with 37-25-10 record, […]

Read More

ECHL North Division Semifinals – Game 1 Recap: Reading Royals vs Trois-Rivieres Lions

The Trois-Rivieres Lions and Reading Royals met for the first game of the North Division Semifinals on Friday Night. The Lions would get on the board first on the PP as Xavier Cormier fed Jakov Novak in front to give Trois-Rivieres a 1-0 lead just over four minutes in. Trois-Rivieres would have six of the […]

Read More

ECHL: Brandon Hawkins Repeats Most Valuable Player for 2024–25 Season

Brandon Hawkins, forward for the Toledo Walleye, has once again earned the league’s highest individual honor, being named the Warrior Hockey ECHL Most Valuable Player for the 2024–25 season. This marks Hawkins’ second consecutive MVP award, placing him in elite company as just the second player in ECHL history to win back-to-back MVP honors, joining […]

Read More