GAMEDAY BLOG: Tulsa Returns to SEC Arena

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. – The Kansas City Mavericks and Tulsa Oilers faceoff in a playoff rematch from the 2019 Kelly Cup Playoffs. The Mavs and Tulsa face each other for the second time in the first three games of the season and will play each other a total of three times in the first four games of the season. 

Goaltender Nick Schneider returns to Kansas City from the Stockton Heat and will make the start in net tonight for the Mavericks.

Tonight’s Lines (starters announced 10 min. before faceoff):

Forward LinesDarian Dziurzynski – Mitch Hults – David DziurzynskiJack Walker – Rocco Carzo – Mason MorelliLoren Ulett – Ryan Galt/Tad Kozun – Ryan Van Stralen

Defensive PairingsTerrance Amorosa – John FurgeleNeal Goff – Justin WoodsDerek Pratt – Zach Osburn

GoaltendersNick SchneiderHayden Hawkey

Game Notes (full game notes available at kcmavericks.com/gamenotes starting at 2 p.m. on game days)

Getting To Know YouThe Mavericks play the Tulsa Oilers three times in their first four games. Tonight is the second of the three meetings. Tulsa took home a 5-2 win on Opening Night against the Mavericks on October 11.

The ‘Z’ MenForward David Dziurzynski has had a strong start to the season, posting two goals and an assist in the Mavericks first two games. His brother, Darian, scored his first goal of the season in Saturday’s home opener.

HomebodiesStarting tonight, the Mavericks play 10 of their next 13 games on home ice. KC faces off against Toledo for two games next Friday and Saturday. The Mavericks were a Mountain Division-best 24-10-1-1 at home last season.

200 For CJMavericks Forward C.J. Eick played in his 200th career ECHL game on Saturday, October 12 in the Mavericks home opener against the Indy Fuel. 

ReinforcedThe Mavericks received forward Mason Morelli from the Stockton Heat on Wednesday, bringing the total number of Mavs players under AHL contract to four. He joins forward Mitch Hults, defensemen Zach Osburn and Terrance Amorosa on assignment.

Local HolidayThe Mavericks played their home opener on the same date back to back seasons. KC opened their season at home on October 12 for both the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons.

The LeadersThe Mavericks voted on their team captains last week, naming forward Rocco Carzo team captain for the second consecutive season. This is Carzo’s fifth season with the Mavericks. Forward Darian Dziurzynski, defensemen Neal Goff and Justin Woods were named assistant captains.

At the Next LevelThe Mavericks also currently have two players recalled to the American Hockey League. Goaltender Nick Schneider, who spent time in training camp with the Mavericks, is currently with the Stockton Heat and defenseman Cliff Watson is currently on loan with the Chicago Wolves.

Who’s the Bad Guy?The Mavericks will flip the script on the league-wide DC Comics night, donning Joker themed jerseys against the Wichita Thunder on Saturday, November 2. They will be the only team in the ECHL to wear a villain themed jersey this season.

Tonight's Postgame autographs: Rocco Carzo and Ryan Galt

Tickets for tonight's game are still available at ticketmaster.com and the Silverstein Eye Centers Arena box office. Tonight is a First Watch Family Four-Pack game. Starting at $80, fans can get four tickets, four hot dogs, four drinks and a buy-one-get-one offer from First Watch restaurants. Fees apply.