Mavericks Report: An Obituary...and a New Playmate?

What was supposed to be a lengthy playoff run for the Missouri Mavericks this season instead ends in the Conference semi-finals, as the Allen Americans put an end to that dream in six games. At times during the series, the Mavericks' offense was nowhere to be found while their sterling goaltending suddenly had holes. Before pointing fingers, it should be noted that the Mavericks had a constantly changing roster due to injuries, call-ups, and PTOs with other teams in the AHL, as well as seeing two players make it to the NHL. So, while the season as a whole can be considered a wasted opportunity, there are still silver linings to be taken from a record-breaking season, one that will ultimately be a footnote in history rather than the cherry on top.

And now, for the other news making the rounds. In a move designed for the 2017-18 season, the Kansas City area will be getting a USHL team. Full details are at the Kansas City Star, but the gist is that owner Lamar Hunt Jr. is going to try his hand at the premier junior league in the United States. The site where they plan to play is going to be the BluHawk development area of Overland Park, KS, which places it around the 159th Street and Highway 69 area. No plans are being made to move the Mavericks out to that area, as well, but the arena that will be built will seat around 6,000 people, approximately 2,000 more than what the Mavericks' current home of Silverstein Eye Centers Arena seats for hockey.

What benefits will having a USHL team have for the Kansas City area? The USHL is rising in terms of visibility, buoyed by the fact that they are becoming a viable place for future NHLers to begin plying their trade. Like their Canadian counterparts, players can be up to 20 years old, but space for those players is generally limited to about one or two players. Unlike the major junior leagues in Canada, players can generally commit to colleges in the United States (the Canadian leagues are considered pro under NCAA rules). With the majority of teams in the upper Midwest, it only makes sense that Hunt Jr. would be tapping into the market where Kansas City hockey can continue to grow.