The Kansas City Mavericks faced off against the Wichita Thunder in a three-game series that began on Wednesday. Both teams were battling for playoff positions and home-ice advantage. The Mavericks entered the series with a record of 42-16-4-1, while the Thunder stood at 35-21-6-1. Games one and three took place at Cable Dahmer Arena in Independence, Missouri, while Game two was held at INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita, Kansas.
Game One: Wednesday, 03/26/2025
Ten minutes into the second, the Mavericks answered back with a goal from Luke Loheit, assisted by Jimmy Glynn — his first assist since joining the team last week — tying the game at 1-1. Just over a minute later, Damien Giroux netted his 24th goal of the season, giving the Mavericks a one-goal lead. However, the Thunder quickly responded, evening the score at 2-2 with a goal from Kobe Walker.
The tie held for most of the third period until Michal Stinil scored at 15:30 to give the Thunder the edge. Despite the Mavericks pulling their goalie in the final moments for an extra attacker, they couldn’t find the equalizer. Kansas City outshot Wichita 40-23, including 21 shots in the third period, but couldn’t convert their chances. The Thunder came away with a 3-2 win.
Game Two: Friday, 03/292025
Noah West shined in Game Two, earning a shutout to lead the Mavericks to a 3-0 win over the Thunder. The scoring opened late in the first period with a goal from Damien Giroux, assisted by Zack Trott and Landon McCallum. The second period remained scoreless as both teams tightened up defensively. Early in the third, David Cotton extended the lead with a goal four minutes in, assisted by Jackson Berezowski and Nathan Dunkley. With just 30 seconds left, Luke Loheit capitalized on an empty net to secure the victory for the Mavericks.
Game Three: Saturday, 03/30/2025
Game Three marked another victory for the Mavericks, as Jack LaFontaine stood strong in net to secure a 4-1 win over the Thunder. The scoring began early in the second period with a goal from David Cotton, assisted by Thomas Farrell and Justin MacPherson. At 14:24, Damien Giroux extended the lead with help from Nate Knoepke and Zack Trott. The Thunder’s only goal came late in the period, scored by Reid Irwin and assisted by Kobe Walker and Nolan Kneen.
In the third period, Dalton Duhart netted his second goal as a Maverick, assisted by Owen Cole and Casey Carreau. Nathan Dunkley added the final goal, with assists from Jackson Berezowski and David Cotton.
Standings
The Mavericks remain in first place in the Mountain Division and clinched a playoff spot with Friday night’s win. Saturday’s victory brought them one step closer to securing the Mountain Division title. The Mavericks currently lead the Western Conference, sitting ahead of the Toledo Walleye. With six games remaining in the regular season, they will host the Rapid City Rush starting Wednesday for their final home series.
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