Inside The Rink’s ECHL Triple Threat: Our Must-Watch Hockey Showdowns (11/29-12/01/2024)

Photo: Andrew Fielder/Inside the Rink

Flo Hockey Game of The Week: Tulsa Oilers vs Kansas City Mavericks

When: Friday Night, November 29th at 8:05 PM EST

Location: BOK Center – Tulsa, Oklahoma

The Kansas City Mavericks are set to face off against the Tulsa Oilers on Friday night at the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The Mavericks are coming off a recent win against Tahoe on November 23rd, where they secured a 2-1 victory. With standouts like Cade Borchardt, who is leading the team in goals with 10, ready to set the tone, the Mavericks are looking strong. The Mavericks will look to build on their recent performance against Tulsa, where they narrowly lost 3-2 on November 27th.

On the other side of the ice, the Oilers will look to maintain their strong form. As the Tulsa Oilers prepare for their Friday night showdown against the Kansas City Mavericks, they come off a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Mavericks on November 27th. Key performances from Jack Clement, Solag Bakich, and goaltender Vyacheslav Buteyets, who made 23 saves, were instrumental in securing the win. 

Prediction: Tulsa Oilers win again in another close match, leveraging their recent momentum against Kansas City and home advantage. Fans can expect another intense and competitive matchup as these teams face off again.

Greenville Swamp Rabbits at Jacksonville Icemen

When: Saturday Night, November 30th at 7:00 EST

Location: VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena – Jacksonville, Florida

The Greenville Swamp Rabbits will take on the Jacksonville Icemen on Saturday night at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida. The Swamp Rabbits are coming off a strong performance, having defeated Savannah 5-4 on November 23rd and securing a shootout win against Atlanta on November 27th. Players like Chris Grando and Jerry D’Amigo are expected to make significant contributions. Goaltender Justen Close, boasting a .920 save percentage and a 2.45 GAA, will be crucial for the Icemen if he is minding their net. Despite the Icemen’s recent 4-1 loss to South Carolina on November 27th, after their shutout by the Swamp Rabbits on the 24th the upcoming game promises to be a tightly contested battle, with both teams determined to secure a win and climb the division standings.

Prediction: Greenville Swamp Rabbits win, continuing their recent strong form and higher standing in the league. Chris Grando will be a key player for Greenville, as his ability to create scoring opportunities and maintain offensive pressure could be decisive.

South Carolina Stingrays at Orlando Solar Bears

Sunday Afternoon, December 1st at 3:00 EST

Location: Kia Center – Orlando, Florida

The South Carolina Stingrays will go head-to-head with the Orlando Solar Bears on Sunday afternoon at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. The Stingrays, led by players like Grant Cruikshank and Kyler Kupka, will be looking to continue their strong start to the season, having recently defeated Jacksonville 4-1 on November 27th. Goaltender Seth Eisele, with an impressive save percentage of .945 and a GAA of 1.57, will be pivotal in their defensive efforts.

The Solar Bears, with standout players such as Anthony Bardaro and Aaron Luchuk, will be determined to secure another win at home, coming off a 5-2 victory against Savannah on November 26th. Goaltender Alexis Gravel, boasting a save percentage of .944 and a GAA of 1.99, will be essential in their bid for victory if he is guarding the net. This matchup promises to be an exciting conclusion to the weekend’s hockey action.

Prediction: South Carolina Stingrays take the win, driven by their strong defensive play. Also, Kyler Kupka’s recent performance, including a game-winning goal against Jacksonville, could significantly impact the outcome.


Regardless of who you cheer for this weekend, the ECHL is full of great games that promise to deliver intense competition. From standout goaltending performances to key players making edge-of-your-seat plays, there’s plenty to look forward to. These matchups are sure to provide thrilling moments and edge-of-your-seat action. Don’t miss out on the excitement as these teams battle it out.


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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.

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