Mavericks Take 3-0 Series Lead with Overtime Win

The Missouri Mavericks now hold a 3-0 series lead over the Evansville IceMen in the Turner Conference Opening Round after a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory Saturday night in Evansville. Ed McGrane scored the game winning goal in overtime to secure the game three triumph. The Mavs now return home for game four on Monday night at Independence Events Center and will go for their first playoff series sweep in franchise history.

Josh Beaulieu put the IceMen up 1-0 with five minutes to go in the first period, giving Evansville their first lead of the series. Todd Robinson and Malcolm Gwilliam assisted on the goal. The IceMen outshot the Mavs 10-2 in the period. The two shots by the Mavs in the period was a franchise low for shots in a period in a postseason game.

John-Scott Dickson tied the game seven minutes into the second period on a rebound goal, tying the game at 1-1. Cole Ruwe and Dale Mahovsky assisted on the goal. Dickson’s goal stood up as the only goal in the second period and the Mavs and IceMen headed to the final 20 minutes of regulation tied at one.

Matt Pierce broke the tie 56 seconds into the third period with a goal from the left side circle. It took the Mavs 16 minutes to respond, but Sebastien Thinel swept a puck in front of the net and deflected it off of a body in front of the net, tying the game at 2-2. Mahovsky got his second assist on the goal and Cole Ruwe was credited with a helper on the goal as well.

Regulation ended in a 2-2 tie and the two teams headed to overtime. Ed McGrane collected a loose puck in the neutral zone in the waning moments of the first overtime and rifled a shot past Evansville goaltender Pier-Olivier Pelletier to give the Mavs a 3-2 overtime victory and a 3-0 series lead.

The Mavs will go for their first ever playoff series sweep on Monday night at Independence Events Center. Tickets for all home playoff games are on sale now through MissouriMavericks.com and Ticketmaster.com. Tickets will be fully refunded if the Mavs do not play the game for which tickets are bought.

Mavs Dominate IceMen in Game Two, 7-1

The Missouri Mavericks took a 2-0 series lead in the Turner Conference Opening Round with an dominant 7-1 win over the Evansville IceMen Friday night at Ford Center in Evansville. Tristin Llewellyn had three assists in the game and Kris Hogg also notched three points on the night with a goal and two assists. Sebastien Thinel was the only other Maverick with multiple points in the game, tallying two assists. The seven goals by Missouri set a franchise record for goals in a playoff game. The Mavs and IceMen face off in game three Saturday night in Evansville before the series shifts back to Independence for game four.

“Unbelievable team effort,” Mavericks Head Coach Scott Hillman proclaimed after the victory, “We came out and executed the game plan from the first shift. We got a lot of good breaks, but we have to come out tomorrow and be ready for game three.”

Brandon Coccimiglio got the scoring started just 1:44 into regulation with an unassisted goal. The Mavs doubled their lead with eight minutes to go in the period on a power play goal from Kris Hogg. The goal was the first power play goal for the Mavericks this postseason and Hogg’s first professional playoff goal. Sebastien Thinel and Andrew Courtney assisted on the goal. The Mavericks extended their lead to 3-0 with two minutes to go in the opening period with a goal from Patrick Schafer. Hogg collected his second point of the night with an assist on the goal. Missouri outshot the IceMen 3-0 in the first period.

Pier-Olivier Pelletier replaced Bryan Gillis in net for the IceMen to start the second period. Neither team scored in the period, as the score remained 3-0 in favor of Missouri with the IceMen outshooting the Mavs 10-9 in the second period of play.

Dale Mahovsky netted the Mavs fourth goal of the game on a breakaway four minutes into the third period. Thinel collected his second assist of the night on Mahovsky’s tally. Todd Robinson got Evansville on the board with nine and a half minutes to go in regulation, but the Mavericks got three unanswered goals from Ed McGrane, Matt McCready and Brandon Smith to secure a 7-1 victory. BJ O’Brien relieved Charlie Effinger with three minutes remaining in regulation, but did not face any shots.

Defenseman Tristin Llewellyn recorded three assists in the victory and Sebastien Thinel and Kris Hogg turned in two-point performances. Charlie Effinger stopped 28 of 29 Evansville shots and was credited with the victory. The seven goals by the Mavs set a Mavs’ playoff record for goals in a game.

The Mavs and IceMen face off in game three tomorrow night in Evansville before returning home for game four on Monday night at Independence Events Center. Tickets for all home playoff games are on sale now through MissouriMavericks.com and Ticketmaster.com. Tickets will be fully refunded if the Mavs do not play the game for which tickets are bought.

Command Suffer Third Straight Loss To Start 2012

The Kansas City Command fell to 0-3 with a 56-28 loss to Arizona Thursday night at Sprint Center.  The Rattlers got a precision performance from quarterback Nick Davila who threw for seven touchdowns and nearly 300 yards on the night, earning Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game honors.
Kansas City opened the first quarter with a five-play, 42-yard drive that ended with a one-yard quarterback sneak by Nate Davis. But the lead would be short-lived, as Davila, the 2011 AFL MVP, responded with a six-yard touchdown strike to knot the game up at seven on the ensuing possession.
Arizona was able to grab the team’s first lead on their next offensive possession.  Taking over after a missed field goal by Command kicker Gary Cismesia, the Rattlers converted a 16-yard run by fullback Odie Armstrong into six more points, taking a 14-7 lead after a made PAT by kicker Chris Gould.
The Command began the second quarter in the red zone and answered Arizona by getting their running game going.  On the quarter’s first play from scrimmage, Command fullback Trey Bryant took a two-yard rush into the end zone with authority, tying the game at 14.  Kansas City would score again in less than a minute to retake the lead.  KC’s Rashad Barksdale recovered the ensuing kickoff after a hard bounce off the net iron, setting up Davis’ second rushing touchdown of the night on a three-yard draw and putting the Command ahead 21-14.
However, for the third straight game to start this season, the Command allowed an opponent to go on an extended scoring run.  The Rattlers scored the game’s next 29 points to open up a 22-point margin.  Maurice Purify started the run with an 18-yard touchdown reception to cap a three-play drive that tied the game at 21.
Momentum was once again on Arizona’s side after an interception of Davis by Rattlers defensive back Virgil Gray, but defensive end Tommy Chavis kept the Command in the game by stripping Davila and recovering the fumble.  KC could not take advantage as the drive stalled when Cismesia missed his second field goal of the night.
Davila and the Rattlers scored quick, capping a four-play, 49-yard drive with a touchdown strike to receiver Kerry Reed.  Following a botched hold on the PAT, Arizona’s lead was 27-21 with 1:27 left in the half. Arizona knocked on the door with two seconds left after another missed KC field goal, but a stand by the Command defense kept them out of the end zone. The Rattlers would have to settle for a 21-yard field goal by Gould, giving Arizona a halftime lead of 30-21.
The Rattlers opened the third quarter with a quick strike, tacking on six more points with a 20-yard TD throw to Purify, last season’s Rookie of the Year.  Kansas City turned the ball over on downs and Arizona converted a fourth and goal with a four-yard touchdown pass to receiver Glen Fox, increasing the Rattlers’ lead to 43-21.
Davis and the Kansas City offense finally got back on the board to begin the fourth quarter by finding leading receiver Syvelle Newton in the back of the end zone for a four-yard touchdown.  The score cut Arizona’s lead to 43-28 to close out the third quarter.
Arizona stopped any chance of a rally, scoring back-to-back touchdowns to extend the lead to 56-28 with 7:29 left in the game.  Neither team scored down the stretch as the Command had two more drives end on failed fourth downs.  Kansas City missed three field goals and had three turnovers on downs for the game.
Davila finished the night 21 of 29 passing for 297 yards, seven touchdowns and no interceptions.  Purify had seven catches for 113 yards and three touchdowns, including a brilliant grab for a score in the fourth quarter, to earn National Guard MVP honors in the game.
The Command’s Davis had his second straight game with a completion rate below 50-percent, hitting 14 of 29 passes for 173 yards, one touchdown and one interception.  Davis did run for two scores on the night.
Next up for the Command is a 7 p.m. (CDT) road test with Central Division rival Chicago on Saturday, April 7 at the AllState Arena.  The game will air on Sports Radio 810 WHB and Ustream.tv/Kansascitycommand.  The Rush currently lead the Central Division at 2-0 and are in action this Saturday at Iowa.
Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game:  Nick Davila, Arizona
National Guard MVP: Maurice Purify, Arizona
Ridell Defensive Player of the Game: Marquis Floyd, Arizona
JLS Ironman of the Game: Virgil Gray, Arizona
Cutters Catch of the Game: Syvelle Newton, Kansas City (TD catch :43 3rd quarter)
Spalding Highlight of the Game: 30 yard touchdown, Davila to Reed 14:18 4th quarter)

Mavs Open Postseason With 3-2 Win Over Evansville

The Missouri Mavericks took a 1-0 series lead with a 3-2 victory over the Evansville IceMen in Game One of the Turner Conference Opening Round Wednesday night at Independence Events Center. Ed McGrane totaled two points in the victory with a goal and an assist, Ryan Jardine assisted on two goals and Charlie Effinger made 35 saves in the game, stopping all 16 shots by the IceMen in the third period alone. The Mavs now travel to Indiana for games two and three on Friday and Saturday at Ford Center in downtown Evansville with a 1-0 series lead. The Mavericks will return home for game four of the series next Monday.
Ed McGrane scored the first goal of the 2012 CHL postseason and the first goal of the series eight and a half minutes into regulation. Ryan Jardine and Tristin Llewellyn assisted on the goal. Evansville tied the game three minutes later with a goal from Matt Pierce. Missouri took the lead late in the period when David Pszenyczny took a nice pass from Ed McGrane in the slot and buried it to give the Mavs a 2-1 lead. McGrane and Jardine collected their second points of the game with assists on the goal. Evansville outshot the Mavericks 12-10 in the first period.
Brandon Smith doubled the Mavs lead to two goals on a wrist shot from the left-side hashmarks 5:51 into the second period, beating Evansville goaltender Pier-Olivier Pelletier high on the blocker side. Sebastien Thinel got his name on the scoresheet with an assist on the goal. Evansville drew closer with a goal in the waning moments of the second period on a breakaway goal by Todd Robinson. The Mavs dominated the shot margin in the period, outshooting Evansville 16-9.
The Mavs held off the IceMen in the third period for the win and will take a 1-0 lead into game two Friday night in Evansville. Charlie Effinger stole the show in the third period, stopping all 16 shots by the IceMen in the final 20 minutes of regulation.
The Mavericks now travel to Evansville, Indiana for games two and three of the series before returning home next Monday for game four at Independence Events Center. Tickets for game four are on sale now through MissouriMavericks.com and Ticketmaster.com. All playoff games will be broadcast on MissouriMavericks.com and the Mavericks iOS/Android mobile application.
Single-game tickets for all home playoff games are now on sale. All playoff tickets will be refunded in the event the Mavericks do not play a game in which tickets are purchased.

March 31 Weekend Preview

The Arena Sports weekend kicks off early this weekend. Tonight, The Missouri Mavericks take on the Evansville Icemen in Round 1 Game A of the 2012 CHL Playoffs. The Mavericks are making their third consecutive trip to the CHL playoffs and went 4-1-1 in the season series (with 2 games being decided in overtime and 1 ending in a shootout).
There will be a Post-Game Party at the Brew Top Pub (700 NE Woods Chapel Road in Lee’s Summit).
Thursday night the Kansas City Command (0-2) host the Arizona Rattlers (1-1) Thursday night at Sprint Center in Week 4 of the Arena Football League season. Kickoff is set for 7:30pm. The Command is calling for a BLACKOUT. The first 3,000 fans in the door will receive a Black Command T-Shirt. The game will also be broadcast on Sports Radio 810 WHB and KSMO TV 62.
Over the weekend the top 35 bull riders and the fiercest bucking bulls in the world will compete in the Kansas City Invitational at the Sprint Center. Fans will witness thrilling 8-second rides and jaw-dropping wrecks throughout the adrenaline-soaked performance as the PBR's insanely brave cowboys risk it all against monstrous animal athletes that can weigh as much as 2,000 pounds.
If roundball is your passion you can catch KU take on Ohio State in the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament. You can have a cold one while watching it at a local watering hole or you can head to Lawrence. The University of Kansas will host a watch party at Allen Fieldhouse. Doors open at 6 p.m. and admission is free. The game tips off at 7:49 p.m. CDT.
If you are still in the mood to go out on Sunday, head down to Municipal Auditorium and catch Mike Epps on his "I'm Still Standing" Tour. One of the top comics in the biz for over a decade, Mike Epps is back on tour with a new show with new laughs. Hot off the set of his new feature film “Sparkle” with Whitney Houston, Epps is ready to show fans, once again, why he remains one of the only Hollywood funnymen with the ability to make ‘em laugh live on stage. Whether you've seen him in the movies (Next Friday, The Hangover, Jumping the Broom) or in his stand up specials (Mike Epps presents: Live From Club Nokia), he has undoubtedly made you laugh. Get ready for his new show.

Kansas City Command Host The Arizona Rattlers Thursday Night

The Kansas City Command (0-2) host the Arizona Rattlers (1-1) Thursday night at Sprint Center in Week 4 of the Arena Football League season. Kickoff is set for 7:30pm. The Command have twice held leads at halftime that slipped away due to offensive struggles in the second half, particularly in the third quarter. The Rattlers are coming off a Week 3 bye after opening with a 71-70 loss at San Jose in Week 1 and a 71-65 home win over Milwaukee.
Last week, Kansas City was up 26-23 at the half on the road against Cleveland. But for the second straight game, the Command offense failed to register a first down in the third quarter. The three Command drives in the period ended with two failed fourth downs and an interception, giving the Gladiators offense prime field position. Cleveland took advantage to the tune of 20 straight points in the third quarter.
Arizona has played two very close games. The Rattlers fell to San Jose in the opener by one point in overtime as a two-point conversion that would have won the game for Arizona failed. In Week 2, Milwaukee took a two-point lead against Arizona with 27 seconds to play but the Rattlers answered with a few seconds left to even their record at 1-1.
The Command hosted Arizona last year as well with the Rattlers claiming a 63-49 victory on April 16. The Kansas City Brigade won the first meeting between the two teams in 2007 by a single point, 62-61. Arizona avenged that loss in 2008 by winning in Kansas City 73-34. The team’s will meet for the first time in Arizona later this year in the season finale for both squads on July 23.
Kansas City will drop to 0-3 with a loss to the Arizona Rattlers. The last time that happened? Kansas City went 0-3 to begin 2011, closing out the year at 6-12. The Command also began the 2006 season at 0-3, but finished 3-13. In the franchise’s only winning season (2007), Kansas City went 1-2 in its first three games. If history repeats itself, it is crucial for the Command to get its first win of 2012 tonight.
The game will air live on KSMO-TV 62 and Sports Radio 810 WHB.

Mavericks to Face Evansville in Opening Round of Playoffs

The Missouri Mavericks will face the Evansville IceMen in the first round of the Central Hockey League (CHL) playoffs starting this Wednesday, March 28 at Independence Events Center at 7:05 p.m.  Due to arena availability in both cities, the best-of-seven series will follow a 1-2-1-1-1-1 format.  The third-seeded Mavericks will get the first game of the playoffs, but the second-seeded IceMen will get four of the final six games including game seven (if necessary).
Tickets are on sale now online at www.Ticketmaster.com, by calling (800) 745-3000, or going directly to the Independence Events Center Box Office.  The Mavericks’ first two home games are on sale now and Game 6 tickets will go on sale Monday at noon.
Turner  Conference Opening Round – Series “B” (best-of-7)
#3 Missouri Mavericks vs. #2 Evansville IceMen (1-2-1-1-1-1)
All times Central
Game 1 – Wed., Mar. 28 – Evansville at Missouri, 7:05pm – Independence Events Center
Game 2 – Fri., Mar. 30 – Missouri at Evansville, 7:15pm
Game 3 – Sat., Mar. 31 – Missouri at Evansville, 7:15pm
Game 4 – Mon., Apr.2 – Evansville at Missouri, 7:05pm – Independence Events Center
*Game 5 – Wed., Apr. 4 – Missouri at Evansville, 7:15pm
*Game 6 –  Tue., Apr. 10 – Evansville at Missouri, 7:35pm – Independence Events Center
*Game 7 – Wed., Apr. 11 – Missouri at Evansville, 7:15pm
“We will get everything started on Wednesday night,” said Mavericks’ President and General Manager Brent Thiessen. “Due to the seeding and a previously scheduled event at Independence Events Center, we had some scheduling issues to work around, but we hope to see the Orange Army during the best time of the year.  We will need a loud building to help us get off to a great start in this best-of-seven series.”

Kansas City Command Drop To 0-2 In Cleveland

The Kansas City Command fell Friday night in Arena Football League action, losing on the road to the Cleveland Gladiators 49-39.  The Command now have a record of 0-2 on the 2012 season while Cleveland improved to 1-1.  The Command led 26-23 at halftime, but for the second week in a row Kansas City was unable to recover from a scoreless third quarter.
The Command got the ball first to start the game and marched 44 yards in five plays as Nate Davis hit Syvelle Newton for a 31-yard touchdown pass.  Cleveland answered with a nine-play, 27-yard drive to tie the game.
Cleveland took advantage of the first turnover of the game, a Davis interception by Denayne Dixon.  The Gladiators scored on the next play for a 14-7 lead.  The Command then scored two straight touchdowns as the KC defense forced a turnover on downs.
The score was tied at 20 when Newton got his second touchdown catch of the game but the PAT was blocked.  Cleveland got the last points of the half with a last-second field goal of 41 yards, but Kansas City led at the break 26-23.
Eerily similar to last week, the third quarter was disastrous for the Command.  Cleveland took a 30-26 lead on a six-yard touchdown pass from John Dutton to Robert Redd to begin a stretch of 20 straight points for the Gladiators.  The Command offense in the third had two straight four-and-outs and an interception, failing to record a single first down in the period.
Meanwhile, Dutton hit Dominic Goodman and Thyron Lewis for short touchdown throws, taking advantage of short fields after the Command turnovers.  The Gladiators led 43-26 going into the fourth quarter.
“What’s funny, I’ve always felt that’s been one of our strengths is making adjustments at halftime,” said Command coach Danton Barto.  “But obviously it’s not working.  We’ve got to figure it out and we will.”
The Gladiators had opportunities to clinch the game, but an interception by JC Neal and a fumble recovery by Erick Harris kept KC alive.  Jackie Chambers got the first two touchdown receptions of his career in the fourth quarter, the second of which drew the Command within 10 points with 2:08 to play.  The two-point try that would have made it a one-possession game fell incomplete.
The Command had the ball again after a Derik Steiner fumble with 55 seconds left, but a Davis desperation heave was intercepted as time expired.
“Obviously we’re not playing well on offense,” Barto said.  “We’ve got to correct a lot of things.”
Davis threw five touchdown passes but three interceptions.  He completed less than 50 percent of his throws, although dropped passes by receivers were a factor as well.  Davis finished 17 of 42 for 194 yards.  The Command finished with 215 yards of total offense.
The defense held Dutton and the Gladiators to 170 passing yards and 182 total yards.  The Gladiators had three touchdown drives of less than 10 yards.
“Defense has played well enough to win two games,” Barto said.  “They’ve held both teams under 50 points and you’re supposed to win those.  But if you’re struggling to score 40 points, you’re not gonna win.”
The Command will next face Arizona at Sprint Center Thursday night at 7:30pm.  The Rattlers are currently 1-1 with a bye this weekend after getting to the ArenaBowl last season.

MAVS GAIN POSTSEASON BERTH WITH 5-3 WIN OVER BLAZE

The Missouri Mavericks clinched their third consecutive playoff berth with a 5-3 win over the Bloomington Blaze Friday night at Independence Events Center. Ed McGrane notched two points on the night with a goal and and assist and Brandon Smith netted the game winner four minutes into the third period. The game was played in front of the Mavericks’ 18th sellout of the season, surpassing the franchise record set last season. The Mavs have two games left in the regular season and sit just three points back of the conference’s top spot.
Bloomington opened up the scoring two minutes into regulation on a rebound goal from Jordy Trottier. The final five periods were packed with action, as both teams combined for three goals. Ed McGrane and David Simoes scored two unanswered goals for the Mavs two minutes apart. The Blaze responded with 44 second left in the period on a goal from Kyle Laughlin. The Mavericks outshot the Blaze 16-10 in the period.
The Mavs regained the lead four minutes into the second frame on a redirected shot by Ryan Jardine. David Simoes and Cole Ruwe assisted on the goal. Bloomington tied the game again halfway through the period on a wrap-around goal from Jon Booras.
Brandon Smith put the Mavs up 4-3 four minutes into the third period. Assisting on the goal was Matt McCready. Sebastien Thinel sealed the win and a trip to the postseason with nine minutes to go in regulation on his 23rd goal of the year. Ed McGrane picked up his second point of the night with an assist on the goal.
The Mavericks now wrap up the end of the 2011-12 CHL regular season with a home-and-home series with the Tulsa Oilers starting tomorrow night at Independence Events Center. Missouri plays the final game of the regular season at 4:05pm at the BOK Center in Tulsa.
Single game playoff tickets are now on sale. All playoff tickets will be refunded in the event the Mavericks do not play a game in which tickets are purchased.

Missouri just one point from clinching playoff spot after victory in Evansville

The Missouri Mavericks moved one step closer to a playoff berth Saturday night and dropped the Evansville IceMen, 5-2, at Ford Center. The Mavericks need just one more point or a loss by the Quad City Mallards to punch their ticket to the post-season for the third time in as many years.  Dale Mahovsky had a goal and two assists and John-Scott Dickson had three assists as the Mavericks improved to 36-21-6 with just three games remaining in the regular season. Goaltender Charlie Effinger also stopped 28 of 30 shots for his 30th win of the season and five different players scored in the Mavericks’ win.
“A balanced three-line attack tonight was key to the victory,” said Mavericks’ Head Coach Scott Hillman.  “We scored on the power play and disciplined hockey kept a very dangerous Evansville power play on the bench all night.”
Missouri finished 1-for-5 on the power play and Evansville did not have one power play chance in the game.
Mahovsky started the scoring just 1:34 into the opening period when his shot from a sharp angle deflected off Evansville’s goaltender Bryan Gillis and into the back of the net.  Sebastien Thinel and Dickson assisted on the play but the IceMen answered at the 13:15 mark. Sean O’Connor scored an unassisted goal after a Mavericks’ turnover, but Missouri answered and never relinquished the lead. Brandon Coccimiglio scored on the power play at the 15:54 mark to give the Mavericks a 2-1 after one period.
It was all Mavericks in the second period as Thinel and Kris Hogg scored to give the visitors a 4-1 lead through the first 40 minutes. Hogg’s goal was assisted by Andrew Courtney and Ed McGrane who extended his point streak to 10 games. McGrane’s streak marks the longest point streak of the season by any Mavericks’ player.
Evansville scored in the first minute of the third period when Maxime Boisclair sent a slap shot home just 19 seconds into the period, but Missouri would not let the IceMen back into the game.  Mavericks’ forward Patrick Schafer scored just 51 seconds later to regain the Mavericks’ three-goal lead, and Missouri held on to win 5-2.
The Mavericks outshot the IceMen 35-30 in the game and won their fourth straight game over Evansville. 
Missouri finished 4-1-1 against the IceMen this season. The Mavericks need just one more point or a loss by the Quad City Mallards to earn a berth in the 2012 CHL playoffs.
Individual tickets for the 2012 Ray Miron President’s Cup Playoffs are now on sale. All non-season ticket holders are now able to purchase tickets for the first two games of the first round of the CHL playoffs through Ticketmaster. If the Mavericks do not play the game for which the ticket has been bought, a full refund will be issued.

Kansas City Command Prepares For Cleveland

The Kansas City Command (0-1) visit the Cleveland Gladiators (0-1) Friday night in Week 3 of the Arena Football League season. Both teams opened their seasons with a loss, the Command falling to Jacksonville 52-28 at Sprint Center in Week 2 and Cleveland dropping a close game at Georgia 41-39 in Week 1. The contest at Quicken Loans Arena is the home opener for Cleveland and the first road test of the year for the Command.

The Gladiators are coming off a Week 2 bye. They opened the season against Georgia on March 12. Quarterback John Dutton, after missing nearly the entire 2011 season with an Achilles injury, threw for over 300 yards and four touchdowns but also had four picks. Cleveland drew within two points of Georgia with just less than one minute to play but could not recover the onside kick and the Force ran out the clock.

The Command beat Cleveland in the only meeting between the teams last season, winning 50-41 on Father’s Day at Sprint Center. Stephen Wasil made his first start at quarterback for the Command and had more touchdown throws than incompletions, finishing 19 of 23 for 243 yards with five scores and no interceptions. He was named National Guard MVP in the AFL for his performance.

The game will air live at www.ustream.tv/kansascitycommand and air on a tape delay basis on Sports Radio 810 WHB.

Mavericks Take On Evansville Tonight

The Mavericks travel to Evansville for an inner-conference battle with the second-place IceMen. The Mavericks are 35-21-6 and are four points out of the final Turner Conference playoff spot. The game will be broadcast on Sports Radio 810 WHB and can be watched on CHLTV. There will be an official watch party at the Brew Top Pub & Patio (700 N.E. Woods Chapel Dr. Lee's Summit MO 64064) starting at 7:00pm.
The Mavericks will close out the regular season this weekend with three games in three nights starting on Friday, March 23 against the Bloomington Blaze at Independence Events Center.  The final two games of the regular season will be against the Tulsa Oilers on Saturday and Sunday, March 24 and 25.  The teams will play in Independence on Saturday night and close out the regular season on Sunday in Tulsa.

Sports Radio 810 is hosting a watch party at CBE

Sports Radio 810 will be hosting a Sweet Sixteen watch party on March 23rd at the College Basketball Experience. Corporate Sponsorship packages vary with individual tickets priced at $81. Admission gets you access to CBE exhibits, food, beverages and silent auction. You however must be 21 to attend. More information is available at: http://www.810whb.com/common/more.php?m=33&r=21

Mavericks’ Forward Courtney Named To CHL All-Rookie Team

The Missouri Mavericks, in conjunction with the Central Hockey League (CHL), announced Monday afternoon rookie forward Andrew Courtney has been named to the CHL’s 2011-12 All-Rookie Team. The Belleville, Ontario native has scored 28 goals and recorded 26 assists for 54 points this season with Missouri and is just one goal away from tying the Mavericks’ single-season record for goals of 29.  Courtney has also been nominated for the CHL’s Rookie of the Year Award.

Courtney, a 6-foot-3, 209-pound forward, has also long broken several Mavs rookie records this season, including goals (28), points (54) and plus/minus rating (currently +14). Courtney is currently tied for the Mavs rookie record for assists in a season with 26.  He joins five other players on the All-Rookie team:

2011-12 CHL All-Rookie Team

F: Andrew Courtney, Missouri Mavericks

F: Jared Brown, Quad City Mallards

F: Mike Ullrich, Tulsa Oilers

D: Dylan King, Allen Americans’

D: Jeff Terminesi, Tulsa Oilers

G: Mark Guggenberger, Texas Brahmas

Missouri will travel to Evansville on Wednesday night to take on the second-place IceMen.  The Mavericks will close out the regular season next weekend with three games in three nights starting on Friday, March 23 against the Bloomington Blaze at Independence Events Center.  The final two games of the regular season will be against the Tulsa Oilers on Saturday and Sunday, March 24 and 25.  The teams will play in Independence on Saturday night and close out the regular season on Sunday in Tulsa.

Single game playoff tickets are on sale now (credit card only). All playoff tickets will be refunded in the event the Mavericks do not qualify for postseason play.

The Blue Line Club, hockey themed bar opens in KC @ the River Market.

The Blue Line Club at 5th and Walnut downtown Kansas City is now open.

Enjoy the hockey themed bar and grill with great tv viewing of all NHL games and select NCAA college hockey tournament action.

Great menu, great bar and where hockey is front and center.

Look for Stanley Cup watch party there during the Stanley Cup Finals. 

Website and Facebook pages are: 

thebluelinekc.com

on facebook.com

Oilers Outlast Mavericks, 5-4

The Missouri Mavericks erased a three-goal deficit but eventually lost to the Tulsa Oilers, 5-4, Sunday evening at BOK Center.  Dave Pszenyczny had a pair of goals for the Mavericks (35-21-6) who lost to the Oilers for the first time in seven games this season.  Five different Tulsa players scored goals and Marty Standish had three assists for the Oilers.  Mavericks' forward Ed McGrane also had three assists in the loss and the Mavericks remain two points below the Rapid City Rush for third place in the Turner Conference with four games remaining in the regular season.

"It was a hard fought game," said Mavericks' Head Coach Scott Hillman.  "We made some mistakes at key times and they cost us.  We will go right back to work for a big game Wednesday against Evansville."

The Oilers took a 3-0 lead through the first 30 minutes of play.  Travis Mealy scored his first professional goal just 1:56 into the game, and then Dylan Clarke and Mike Ullrich scored goals in the second period to give the Oilers a three-goal lead.  Missouri finally go on the scoreboard when Pszenyczny scored a power play goal from a sharp angle at the 17:36 mark of the second period.  McGrane and Sebastien Thinel assisted on the goal and the Mavericks headed to the final period trailing the Oilers by two goals.

Pszenyczny scored his second goal of the game just 43 seconds into the third period cutting Tulsa's lead to 3-2 and the Mavericks tied the game on a goal by Brandon Coccimiglio at the 5:46 mark.

Tulsa bounced back and scored the next two goals of the game to take a 5-3 lead.  Sean Erickson and Ryan Cramer scored less than four minutes apart including a power play goal and the Mavericks were unable to come back a second time.  Matt McCready scored his first professional goal for the Mavericks on a power play blast at the 13:02 mark, but the visiting team couldn't score the equalizer.

Missouri finished 2-for-2 on the power play and the Oilers had one goal on two chances.  The Mavericks have four games remaining in the regular season and Missouri is currently in fourth place in the Turner Conference with 76 points.  The Mavs trail the Rapid City Rush by two points, and the first-place Fort Wayne Komets are just five points ahead of the Mavericks.

Missouri will travel to Evansville on Wednesday night to take on the second-place IceMen.  The Mavericks will close out the regular season next weekend with three games in three nights starting on Friday, March 23 against the Bloomington Blaze at Independence Events Center.  The final two games of the regular season will be against the Tulsa Oilers on Saturday and Sunday, March 24 and 25.  The teams will play in Independence on Saturday night and close out the regular season on Sunday in Tulsa.

Single game playoff tickets go on sale (credit card only) on Monday at 12 noon. All playoff tickets will be refunded in the event the Mavericks do not qualify for postseason play.

MAVS OVERPOWER OILERS, 3-2

The Missouri Mavericks inched closer towards a postseason berth with a 3-2 victory over the Tulsa Oilers Saturday night at Independence Events Center. Kris Hogg notched three points on a goal and two assists and Charlie Effinger stopped 46 of 48 shots by the Oilers in the winning effort. The Mavs power play produced two goals on four power play opportunities. The Mavs maintain their four-point lead over the Quad City Mallards in the standings with just five games to play in the regular season, with a game-at-hand over the Mallards.

Tristin Llewellyn got the scoring started for Missouri eight minutes into regulation with a slap shot from the top of the left circle through the legs of Tulsa goaltender Steve Christie. Brandon Smith and Kris Hogg assisted on the goal. Andrew Courtney scored on the power play four minutes later, doubling the Mavs lead to 2-0. Hogg collected his second assist of the game on the goal. Sebastien Thinel picked up a point on the goal with the secondary assist. Tulsa carved the Mavs’ lead in half at the 14:28 mark of the period, when David Solway scored on a loose rebound in the slot. The Mavs outshot Tulsa 17-9 in the period.

Kris Hogg collected his third point of the game on a power play goal halfway through the second period. Andrew Courtney and Ed McGrane assisted on the goal. Hogg’s goal stood up as the lone goal in the period and the Mavs took a 3-1 lead into the third period.

Tulsa cut their deficit to just one goal with three minutes remaining in the period on a goal from Mike Ullrich. Charlie Effinger stood strong in net in the final three minutes though, securing the 3-2 victory for the Mavericks.

Effinger finished the night with 46 saves on 48 shots by the Oilers and the Mavericks power play produced two goals on four opportunities.

The Mavericks now travel to Oklahoma to face the Oilers at the BOK Center. With tonight’s win, the Mavericks maintain their four-point lead over the Quad City Mallards for the fourth and final playoff spot in the Turner Conference with just five games remaining for the Mavs on their regular season schedule and hold a game-at-hand over the Mallards.

Single game playoff tickets go on sale on Monday at 10am. All playoff tickets will be refunded in the event the Mavericks do not qualify for postseason play.

Mavericks' Goaltender O'Brien Called Up to AHL Chicago Wolves

The Missouri Mavericks announced Saturday morning the Mavericks’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Chicago Wolves, have recalled goaltender BJ O’Brien on an emergency basis. O’Brien made his debut for the Mavericks Friday night in Illinois against the Bloomington Blaze, and stopped 36 of 37 shots in Missouri’s 4-1 victory. It is not yet known when O’Brien will return to the Mavs’ roster.

The Mavs take on the Tulsa Oilers tonight at Independence Events Center. Goaltender Charlie Effinger is scheduled to start for the Mavericks.  Faceoff is 7:05 p.m., and limited tickets remain for tonight’s game.

KC COMMAND FALL TO JACKSONVILLE IN SEASON OPENER

The Kansas City Command (0-1) suffered its first loss of the 2012 Arena Football League season Friday night as the defending ArenaBowl champion Jacksonville Sharks (1-0) defeated the Command 52-28 in the season opener for both teams.
Command rookie quarterback Nate Davis came out strong in the opening half of his first AFL start, hitting 9 of 13 passes for 153 yards and three touchdowns and staking the Command to a 21-17 halftime lead.
However, in the second half, mistakes doomed Kansas City as three turnovers and numerous penalties helped Jacksonville score the first 35 points of the third quarter.
Kansas City started off the game with touchdown on the game’s second play as Davis would found receiver Christian Wise for a  36-yard scoring strike less than 90 seconds into the game.
Jacksonville responded in the ensuing possession, as rookie quarterback Chris Leak would lead a four-play, 41-yard drive to tie the game at seven.
After another Davis touchdown to put the Command up by seven, defensive back Sergio Gilliam forced the first turnover of the game with a red zone interception on the Command three-yard line.   The offense for Kansas City was unable to capitalize for a two-score lead, instead settling for a long field goal attempt from kicker Gary Cismensia that missed wide left.
Leak would subsequently knot the game up at 14 with a 27-yard pass to receiver Terrance Smith at 9:25.
It did not take long for Davis and the Command offense to get the lead back.  In a three-play, 39-yard drive, Davis would find Wise in the end zone again, this time on a 22-yard juggling catch for the receiver’s second touchdown of the night. The Sharks tried to rally before halftime, but the Command defense held them out of the end zone, forcing the defending champs to settle for a 26-yard field goal.
Jacksonville began the second half down, 21-17.  Several penalties aided a 13-play, 45-yard Sharks touchdown drive that took over 11 minutes off the third quarter clock by the time the extra point sailed through for Jacksonville’s first lead of the night.
Momentum was decidedly on Jacksonville’s side after a Christian Wise fumble on the first play of the ensuing possession gave the Sharks the ball at the Command 14-yard line.  The turnover proved to be costly, as the Sharks would convert a  4th and 21 situation into a 30-yard touchdown pass to receiver Shamar Graves.
On the ensuing kickoff, Wise coughed up his second fumble of the night from a hit inside the Kansas City five-yard line.  Kansas City recovered following a scrum in the back of the end zone but it was a safety and two more points for Jacksonville.  Leak and the Sharks offense made the Command pay on the in three plays capped by a nine-yard touchdown pass to receiver Jeron Harvey.  The score would put the Command down 39-21 with 12:32 left in the game.
Another Harvey score and a Bill Alford interception of a Davis pass for a touchdown gave the Sharks 35 straight points.
Jacksonville’s streak would finally be snapped at the 2:12 mark of the fourth quarter off of a one-yard draw by Command back-up quarterback Steven Gachette. While Kansas City never quit, the self-inflicted wounds were just too much to overcome.
The loss places the Command a game behind in the AFL’s Central Division, as Chicago, Iowa, and San Antonio all were victorious in their opening games.
Next up for Kansas City is a road trip to Cleveland to face the 2011 Eastern Division Champion Gladiators on Monday, March 26.  Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. (CDT).

MAVERICKS BEAT BLAZE, 4-1

The Missouri Mavericks defeated the Bloomington Blaze 4-1 Friday night at US Cellular Coliseum.  Mavericks’ goaltender BJ O’Brien stopped 36 of 37 shots in his first start for the Mavericks and Sebastien Thinel assisted on all four of the Mavericks’ goals.  Forward Andrew Courtney scored two goals and David Simoes and Ed McGrane scored the other two goals for the Mavericks who will return home for a game Saturday night against the Tulsa Oilers at Independence Events Center.
“Huge win, BJ was very solid in net for us,” said Mavericks’ Head Coach Scott Hillman.  “We had a very consistent last 40 minutes.  We had to get the bus legs out of us in the first but after that I thought we played very well.”
Courtney started the scoring early into the first period when he took a feed from McGrane and beat Blaze goaltender Brian Mahoney-Wilson top shelf at the 2:26 mark.  Thinel earned the first of his four assists on the play as well.  The Blaze tied the game when their leading scorer Jon Booras beat O’Brien for the first and only time of the game on a power play goal at the 13:35 mark of the opening period.  Bloomington had 19 shots in the first period, but O’Brien was equal to the task on 18 of the shots and the teams went to the locker rooms tied 1-1.
It was all Mavericks after the first period as David Simoes scored the lone goal of the second period at the 11:43 mark.  He jammed home the puck from the doorstep on assists from Thinel and John-Scott Dickson.  Missouri dominated the second period and outshot Bloomington 17-5, and the Mavericks held a 2-1 lead through the first 40 minutes of play.
In the third period, McGrane scored on the power play at the 2:34 mark to make it 3-1.  Then Courtney blasted home his second of the game at the 15:01 mark to finalize the scoring at 4-1.  Thinel earned the lone assist on each of the Mavericks’ goals in the third period.
The Mavericks return to Independence Events Center to face the Tulsa Oilers Saturday night at Independence Events Center.  Missouri will wear specialty St. Patrick’s Day jerseys that will be auctioned off after the game and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Community Services League.

St. Patrick's Day Weekend

This is a nice weekend for indoor sports. Tomorrow, you can head down to the Power & Light District and watch the Missouri Tigers NCAA Tournament game, then cross the street to the Sprint Center and watch the Kansas City Command take on defending ArenaBowl XXIV Champion Jacksonville Sharks. It is the season opener for both teams as each began the year with a week one bye. Kansas City is seeking to improve on its 6-12 record in 2011, taking the field with a revamped squad built around 10 returning players from a year ago.
After the game you can head back over to the P&L and watch Kansas in their tournament game against Detroit.
On Saturday you can checkout all the various parades in the area, have lunch at your local watering hole and watch K-State in the next round of the NCAA Tournament. Later that evening, head over to the Independence Events Center and watch the Missouri Mavericks battle the Tulsa Oilers in an inter-conference showdown. The Mavericks are currently 33-20-6 and in fourth place in the Turner Conference. The promotion for this game is a tote bag giveaway (courtesy of Centerpoint) to the first 1,000 fans. There will also be a St. Patrick's Day Jersey Auction.
It looks like this weekend will be a nice buffet of arena sports. Arena Football, hockey and local teams in the NCAA Tournament on the tube or flat screen. Enjoy!

NAIA Kicks Off 75th Championship Tournament This Week

The NAIA Tournament will be celebrating it's 75th anniversary this week at Municipal Auditorium (301 W. 13th St, Kansas City, MO). Sessions will be all day Wednesday through Friday, Saturday's session starts at 2:00 p.m., Monday's semi-finals will begin at 6:00 p.m. and Tuesday's championship game will tip off at 7 p.m.. No games are scheduled for Sunday.
Special events are scheduled throughout the tournament including:

Tuesday, March 13th

VIP Reception

5:30 pm

Tip Off Banquet and Hall of Fame Induction

6:30 pm

Grand Ballroom

Kansas City Convention Center

Wednesday, March 14th  

Parade of Champions

Between 6:15 and 8:45 pm games

Municipal Auditorium Main Court

  

Friday, March 16th  

Brown Bag Friday

NAIA College Fair

Saturday, March 17th  

DST Systems Youth Day

Wear your youth team jersey and get in free!

 

Sunday, March 18th

NAIA Special Needs Basketball Clinic for Special Olympics, YMCA's Challenger, Down Syndrome Guild of Greater Kansas City and other special needs participants

Monday, March 19th

Cramer Award presentation

High School Champions of Character Awards Reception

Convention Center

Scouts Night

All Boy Scouts can receive discounted or FREE tickets!

 

Service Night

Free Admission to our service members.

Tuesday, March 20th  

U.S. Bank Championship Night

A Tribute to our 75th Anniversary Team