MAVS TAKE DOWN THUNDER IN OVERTIME IN DRAMA FILLED BOUT

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. – The Kansas City Mavericks defeated long-time rival Wichita Thunder in overtime by a final score of 3-2 Saturday night at Silverstein Eye Centers Arena. Jack Walker netted the game-winner 1:20 into overtime and goaltender Nick Schneider stopped 20 of 22 shots by the visitors. The Mavs and Thunder now wrap up their three-in-three weekend series tomorrow afternoon at 4:05 p.m. in Wichita.

The Mavericks struck first in the opening period, when Michael Parks gathered a loose puck in the offensive zone and tucked the puck behind Wichita goaltender Evan Weninger to give KC a 1-0 lead. Forward Jack Walker and defenseman Kevin McKernan were given the assists on the goal. The Mavericks outshot Wichita 12-6 in the period.

Mavericks forward Loren Ulett pushed the Mavericks lead to 2-0 22 seconds into the second period with a power play goal. Defenseman Justin Woods and forward David Dziurzynski picked up the assists on the goal. Wichita responded quickly, getting a goal from forward Ostap Safin at the 1:45 mark of the middle frame. Spencer Dorowicz picked up the assist on the goal. Wichita netted a game-tying goal from forward Fabrizio Ricci at the 5:27 mark of the second period. Luke Shiplo and Brendan Smith assisted on the goal. Both teams went into the final intermission of the game with the Mavericks outshooting Wichita 22-13.

Neither team scored in the third period, so the game went into a three-on-three, seven-minute overtime period. This was the first ever seven-minute overtime for the Mavericks. The ECHL extended overtime periods for this season.

Walker secured the win 1:20 into the extra period on an unassisted goal. After causing a turnover in the Wichita zone, Walker outmaneuvered several Wichita players and beat Weninger blocker side to take home the win for the Mavericks.

The Mavericks and Thunder play the third game of their three-in-three weekend series Sunday afternoon at INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita. Listen live on the Mavericks mobile app or tune in on ECHL.tv. The Mavericks return home next weekend for a Friday-Saturday set with the Utah Grizzlies at Silverstein Eye Centers Arena. Faceoff for both games is 7:05 p.m.

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