Mavericks Lose to Thunder in OT, 4-3

Kevin Young scored 32 seconds into overtime as the Wichita Thunder defeated the Missouri Mavericks for the third time in as many nights at INTRUST Bank Arena Sunday night.  Young, Neil Trimm and Chad Painchaud each had a goal and an assist in the game and the Thunder earned their fifth straight win over the Mavericks dating back to last season.  Missouri’s Kenton Miller had two goals for the first multi-goal game of his career.  Wichita’s goaltender Kevin Regan stopped 29 of 32 shots in the win as the Thunder improved to 5-3-1.  Missouri is now 2-3-2 and heads home for a pair of games next weekend on November 9 and 10.

“The loss is disappointing, but as far as a 60-minute game goes, we were much better,” said Mavericks’ Head Coach Scott Hillman.  “This is a huge step forward to playing sound, fundamental hockey, but we have to find a way to not take so many minor penalties.  We lost momentum throughout the game after taking those penalties.”

Only 38 seconds into the opening period, the Mavericks took the lead on Miller’s first goal of the game.  He was assisted John-Scott Dickson, and it marked the first time this season the Mavericks have scored the first goal in the game.  At the 17:55 mark, Mavericks’ defenseman Dave Pszenyczny scored his first goal of the season in only his second game.  The goal was the Mavericks’ first power play goal in four games and Pszenyczny was assisted by Matt McCready and Sebastien Thinel.

The Mavericks two-goal lead didn’t last long as the Thunder scored just 1:26 later on a goal by Painchaud.  Missouri outshot the Thunder 17-4 through the first 20 minutes and held a 2-1 lead.

The teams traded goals in the second period.  First, the Thunder tied the game when Trimm beat Mavericks goaltender Austin Lee at the 6:25 mark.  Missouri quickly answered to regain the lead only 33 seconds later.  Miller scored his second goal of the game for his first multi-goal game of his career.

Wichita battled for a majority of the third period and finally scored the equalizer with 5:06 remaining in regulation.  The teams remained tied through regulation, but Young scored the game winner just 32 seconds into overtime.

The Mavericks return home to Independence Events Center for a pair of games next weekend on November 9 and 10.  Tickets for all regular-season games are sale now via Ticketmaster.  For more information on the Missouri Mavericks visit www.MissouriMavericks.com.