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Our Story
The Kansas City Mavericks proudly enter their 19th season as a professional hockey franchise in 2026-27, serving the passionate fans of the greater Kansas City metro area. As the longest-tenured, consecutively operating professional hockey team in Kansas City history, the Mavericks have become a cornerstone of the local sports landscape. Entering their fifth season as the ECHL affiliate for the NHL's Seattle Kraken and AHL's Coachella Valley Firebirds, the Mavericks continue to develop talent and elevate the game of hockey.
The journey began on November 13, 2009, when the then-Missouri Mavericks skated onto the ice at the Independence Events Center for the first time. In front of a sellout crowd of 5,760 fans, the Mavericks secured a thrilling 3-2 shootout victory over their rivals, the Wichita Thunder. This memorable debut sparked a deep and enduring bond between the team and its fans, affectionately known as Mavs Country, a connections that remains strong today.
In 2014, the Mavericks made a historic leap to the ECHL, joining the Premier 'AA' hockey league along with six other teams from the now-defunct Central Hockey League (CHL). Just two seasons later, the Mavericks achieved a major milestone by winning the Brabham Cup in 2015–16, leading the ECHL with 52 regular-season wins. This incredible run solidified their place among the league’s elite and marked the start of a new era for the franchise.
The Mavericks' commitment to excellence continued into the 2023–24 season, where they finished with a remarkable 54-12-6 record, capturing the Brabham Cup as ECHL regular-season champions for the second time. The team also set an all-time ECHL single-season record with 29 road wins and advanced to the Kelly Cup Finals for the first time in club history after winning the Bruce Taylor Trophy as Western Conference champions. This historic postseason run showcased the Mavericks’ resilience and cemented their status as one of the top teams in the league.
Building on that momentum, the Mavericks continued their on-ice dominance in the 2024–25 season, finishing first in both the Western Conference and the Mountain Division during the regular season. They were crowned Mountain Division Champions and advanced to the Western Conference Finals for the second consecutive year. The campaign featured several standout achievements, including tying a franchise record of eight shutouts. Another major milestone came when General Manager and Head Coach Tad O’Had became the winningest coach in both franchise history and Kansas City professional hockey history.
The 2025-26 season raised the bar even higher. The Mavericks set franchise records for points (115) and wins (55) in a single season, tied the franchise record with 14 consecutive victories, and killed off 35 consecutive penalties to establish another franchise mark, all while boasting the best winning percentage (.799) in all of professional hockey throughout the season. Those accomplishments helped propel Kansas City to its second Brabham Cup in three seasons, advancing to its third straight Western Conference Championship, while claiming the Bruce Taylor Trophy to move on to the Kelly Cup Finals for the second time in three seasons.
Beyond the rink, the Mavericks have been a force in the community, earning numerous awards for their charitable efforts, including the Harry S. Truman Special Community Service Recognition Award and the John J. 'Buck' O'Neil Diamond MVP Award from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City.
In 2025–26, the Mavericks elevated their community impact even further, logging more than 3,150 volunteer hours and strengthening partnerships with organizations such as The Golden Scoop, Variety KC, Giving the Basics, Shadow Buddies, and Special Olympics Kansas. Their outreach included a remarkable effort that provided opportunities for individuals with disabilities meaningful work experience, the collection of more than 3,950 hygiene products and $3,400 in donations, and expanding access and inclusion through the sport of hockey.
As Kansas City's only professional hockey team, the Mavericks are dedicated to fostering the growth of hockey throughout the metro area, inspiring the next generation of players and fans. Rooted in tradition and driven by purpose, the Mavericks continue to shape the future of hockey in Kansas City.
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