MAVERICKS DROP SEASON OPENER IN TULSA, 5-2

TULSA, Ok. – The Kansas City Mavericks lost their season opener against the Tulsa Oilers by a final score of 5-2. Newcomer forward Jack Walker netted the first goal of the season for Kansas City, veteran forward David Dziurzynski had a multipoint game with a goal and an assist and the Mavericks went five-for-five on the penalty kill. The Mavericks now return home for their Home Opener against the Indy Fuel on Saturday night at Silverstein Eye Centers Arena.

Tulsa grabbed an early 1-0 lead 4:09 into the first period on a goal from Devin Sideroff. The goal was assisted by Adam Pleskach and Ryan Tesink. The Oilers’ lead didn’t last long, as Mavericks newcomer forward Jack Walker took a feed in the slot from David Dziurzynski and buried it to tie the game at 1-1 at the 6:25 mark of the first period. Dziurzynski and defenseman John Furgele picked up the assists on the game-tying goal. Pleskach gave the Oilers a late first period 2-1 lead, stuffing home a feed from Sideroff with 1:54 left in the opening period. The Mavericks outshot Tulsa 17-8 in the first period.

The Mavericks drew even at the 8:35 mark of the second period when rookie forward Ryan Galt found David Dziurzynski in the slot from behind the net, tying the game at 2-2. Galt and defenseman Kevin McKernan assisted on the goal. The assist was Galt’s first as a professional. The Oilers snatched the lead back with 5:48 left in the second on a goal by Jake Clifford. Mike McKee and Jared Thomas assisted on the goal. The Oilers poured on the shots in the period, outshooting KC 14-4.

The Oilers doubled their lead to 4-2 at the 8:52 mark of the final period of regulation on a goal from Ryan Tesink. Steven Kaunisto assisted on the goal. The Mavericks were held without a shot in the third period until the 15:25 mark. Sideroff extended the Oilers lead to 5-2 at the 16:11 mark of the third. Dylan Moynihan and Pleskach picked up the assists and the Oilers closed out the game with a 5-2 win.

The Mavericks were strong on the penalty kill, going five-for-five when down a man. Rookie goaltender Hayden Hawkey stopped 29 of 34 Tulsa shots in his professional debut.

The Mavericks now head home for their Home Opener to face the Indy Fuel on Saturday at Silverstein Eye Centers Arena. Faceoff is at 7:05 p.m. Tickets start at $12, but seats for Saturday’s Home Opener against the Fuel are limited. Tickets are on sale now at ticketmaster.com.

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