1

special supplement to The Examiner

PROUD SPONSOR OF
MISSOURI MAVERICKS
David Beard Agency
Kansas City, MO 64131
(816) 765-6400

Becky Beck Agency, Inc.

Kansas City, MO 64114
(816) 361-2939

Thomas Blau Agency, Inc.

Independence, MO 64055
(816) 461-4444

Candice Bradley
Odessa, MO 64076
(816) 653-2387

Robert L. Brooks Agency

Kansas City, MO 64134
(816) 767-8425

Cameron Chenoweth Agency

Harrisonville, MO 64701
(816) 380-3996

Austin Conley Agency

Independence, MO 64055
(816) 478-1115

Julie Coover Agency

De Soto, KS 66018
(913) 583-1219

Robert Delano Agency, Inc.

Kearney, MO 64060
(816) 628-6464

Terri Diehl Agency

Lees Summit, MO 64063
(816) 524-2627

Russell Douthitt Agency

Oak Grove, MO 64075
(816) 690-3113

Jim Evans Agency, Inc.

Blue Springs, MO 64014
(816) 229-1111

John Flacke Agency

Claycomo, MO 64119
(816) 454-4700

Julie Gregory Agency

Lees Summit, MO 64064
(816) 600-4117

William Hein Agency

Lees Summit, MO 64082
(816) 623-9100

Brad Henry Agency

Shawnee, KS 66217
(913) 268-3000

Jeff Hocker Agency, Inc.

Excelsior Springs, MO 64024
(816) 630-2302

Brian Hubert Agency, LLC

Independence, MO 64055
(816) 252-2535

Gary Hubert Agency

Lees Summit, MO 64086
(816) 554-0100

Jared Jorgensen Agency

Lees Summit, MO 64064
(816) 524-1333

Kate Kern Agency

North Kansas City, MO 64116
(816) 471-4200

Danielle Kohler Agency LLC

Liberty, MO 64068
(816) 792-3303

Tom Lafontaine Agency

Kansas City, MO 64155
(816) 734-2224

Torrence Leathers Agency

Kansas City, MO 64113
(816) 523-8499

Brent Lilly Agency, Inc.

Independence, MO 64055
(816) 795-9945

Jim Lunn Agency

Raytown, MO 64133
(816) 358-1616

Scott Lunn Agency

Grain Valley, MO 64029
(816) 847-8500

Norman Mah Agency

Independence, MO 64055
(816) 373-8888

Gary Martin Agency

Independence, MO 64055
(816) 833-4480

Debbie Miller Agency

Independence, MO 64055
(816) 373-0068

Ted Miller Agency, Inc.

Independence, MO 64055
(816) 254-6800

Blake Moberly Agency

Blue Springs, MO 64014
(816) 220-9800

Amanda North Agency

Lees Summit, MO 64064
(816) 347-9400

Deana Poston-Seibold Agency

Kansas City, MO 64151
(816) 741-1162

Kristin Scholl Agency

Lees Summit, MO 64063
(816) 554-4811

Gary Wagner Agency

Liberty, MO 64068
(816) 792-2526

Brian K Ward Agency, LLC

Lees Summit, MO 64063
(816) 524-2300

Jeff Williams Agency, Inc.

Gladstone, MO 64119
(816) 459-7779

Jennifer Williamson Agency

Shawnee, KS 66217
(913) 541-1400

Brian Manning Agency, Inc.

Independence, MO 64055
(816) 373-1410

Gary Woods Agency, Inc.

Kansas City, MO 64152
(816) 587-8033

PROUD SPONSOR OF
MISSOURI MAVERICKS

D
Inde

LETTER FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER

THANK YOU FANS!
The Missouri Mavericks are preparing for their seventh season of
hockey at Independence Events Center, an adventure that is only
possible because of the loyalty and support of fans like you!

In the 2015-16 season, we are excited to welcome new opponents

to the home of the Orange Army for the rst time in franchise history,
and ttravel to new arenas across the country as a proud member team
of the ECHLthe Premier AA hockey league in North America.
We are eager to showcase the best fans in the hockey world to new
faces and new places.

While the Mavs faced many challenges last season, know that we are more committed than ever
to putting together a team that you, our loyal fans, can be proud of both on and o the ice.

We strive to give you the best entertainment experience coupled with a successful franchise that you
are proud to support with unmatched character and community presence. The Mavericks look forward
to new challenges and new rivalries in the coming season, and we are gracious and humbled to have
all of the Orange Army by our side joining us in the quest for our rst Championship.

We look forward to a memorable, competitive and exciting season and thank you for your support!

INDEX
4
5
6
7
8

Letter from the Mavericks General Manager

Mavericks Hockey Operations and Information
2015-16 Season Ticket Information & Benets
Mavericks Seating & Pricing Chart
Mavericks 2015-16 Schedule

10
11
12
14

ECHL Map & Divisional Alignment

ECHL Opponents
The Future Mavericks - by Bill Althaus
Mavericks Milestones

Team Photographer: John Howe, Howe Creative Photography howecreativephoto.com

Missouri Mavericks
19100 East Valley View Parkway | Independence, MO 64055 | MissouriMavericks.com
816-252-PUCK (7825)

OperatiOns & infOrmatiOn

55

Head Coach & Director of Hockey Operations

Richard Matvichuk was introduced as the Missouri Mavericks

second coach in franchise history on June 12, 2014. Matvichuk
previously worked with the Allen Americans of the former Central
Hockey League for the 2012-13 and 2013-14 seasons as Defensive
Coach and Assistant General Manager, leading the team to back-toback championship victories.
Matvichuk had a successful 14-year career in the National Hockey
League (NHL), drafted 8th overall in the 1991 NHL Entry Draft by the
Minnesota North Stars, he went on to play 11 seasons for the Dallas
Stars, winning the Stanley Cup in 1999 with his Dallas Stars teammates,
before moving on to play for the New Jersey Devils in 2005-06 and
2006-07. Matvichuk is recognized as a Top-20 All Time Dallas Stars
Defenseman.
Matvichuk, originally from Edmonton, Alberta, has moved to the Kansas
City area with his wife Tracy and their three sons, Cole, Dalton, and Dillon.

Richard Matvichuk
Head Coach and
Director of Hockey Operations

Operational Staff

Simon Watson

Associate Coach and Director of Player Personnel

Bill Murray
Head Trainer

Andrew Dvorak
Head Equipment Manager

Clint Elberts
Goaltender Coach

tHanK YOU fans!

Your support of the Missouri Mavericks

and our community partners
has raised over $200,000 this season!

Schedule & Seating Chart

*Prices subject to change.

JAN. DEC. NOV. OCT.

MAVERICKS 2015-16 SCHEDULE

1

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

@ AK
18

19

20

21

22

@ AK

23

@ WIC
25

26

27

28

29

vs QC

@ TUL

10

30

11

12

17

18

19

vs ALN
22

@ TUL

29

23

vs QC

25

26

20

vs IND

27

10

13

14

15

16

17

20

21

22

23

24

27

28

29

30

vs WIC

11

vs CIN

18
25

10

11

12

13

14

17

18

19

20

21

24

25

26

27

28

@ TUL

vs EVN

12

vs CIN
@ ALN

19
26

31

1
3

vs WIC

vs ALN

31 @ WIC

28

vs IND

@ EVN

vs QC

21

@ WIC

30

@ TUL

14

@ WIC

@ TUL
24

13

@ WIC
16

31

@ ALN

vs WIC

@ WIC
15

24

vs WIC

@ QC
8

17

@AK

@ RC
@ COL
vs TUL
vs WIC

8
15
22
29

@ EVN
@ RC
@ COL
vs TUL
vs WIC

2
9
16
23
30

APR. MAR. FEB.

MAVERICKS 2015-16 SCHEDULE

1

10

11

vs SC
14

15

vs IND
21

vs RC

17

18

22

23

@ IND
28

24

19

25

@ FW

13

vs IND

vs ALN

vs TUL

vs EVN

12

vs IND
16

vs COL

@ TUL

20

vs EVN
26

27

11

12

@ FW

29

vs WIC
7

10

@ ALN

vs TUL
13

14

15

vs TUL
16

17

@ ALN
@ WIC

20

21

27

22

28

29

@ ALN

vs EVN
vs QC

23

@ TUL

24

19

@ WIC
25

26

@ ALN
30

31

vs ALN
3

18

1
8

@ IDH

vs TUL

vs ALN
9

@ IDH

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

HOME

AWAY

STAY CONNECTED
www.facebook.com/MissouriMavericksHockey

www.YouTube.com/MavericksHockey

www.twitter.com/MissouriMavs

http://instagram.com/MissouriMavericks

The ocial fan page of the Missouri Mavericks-Make sure to LIKE the Mavs page and get exclusive
content and up-to-the-minute Mavs information

Ocial Twitter page of the Missouri Mavericks-Be sure to follow us for in-game updates, specic
content and special oer tweets throughout the season.

Game highlights, interviews, opening videos and much

more are all available on the Mavericks YouTube channel.

Catch insider perspective and special moments when you

follow the Ocial Missouri Mavericks Instagram account!

10

PREMIER AA
HOCKEY LEAGUE

2015-16 ECHL
TEAMS
2015=16MEMBER
ECHL
DIVISIONAL ALIGNMENT
EASTERN CONFERENCE
North Division
Brampton Beast
Kalamazoo Wings
Toledo Walleye
Wheeling Nailers
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Midwest Division
Cincinnati Cyclones
Evansville IceMen
Fort Wayne Komets
Indy Fuel
Quad City Mallards

East Division
Adirondack Thunder
Elmira Jackals
Manchester Monarchs
Norfolk Admirals
Reading Royals

South Division
Florida Everblades
Greenville Road Warriors
Gwinnett Gladiators
Orlando Solar Bears
South Carolina Stingrays

Central Division
Allen Americans
Missouri Mavericks
Tulsa Oilers
Wichita Thunder

West Division
Alaska Aces
Colorado Eagles
Idaho Steelheads
Rapid City Rush
Utah Grizzlies

UPCOMING 2015-16 OPPONENTS

Alaska Aces

Indy Fuel

Anchorage, Alaska
Arena: Sullivan Arena
Head Coach: Rob Murray
Website: www.AlaskaAces.com

Indianapolis, Indiana
Arena: Indiana Farmers Coliseum
Head Coach: Scott Hillman
Website: www.IndyFuelHockey.com

Allen Americans

Quad City Mallards

Allen, Texas
Arena: Allen Events Center
Head Coach: Steve Martinson
Website: www.AllenAmericans.com

Molin Illinois
Moline,
Arena: iWireless Center
Head Coach: Terry Ruskowski
Website: www.MyQCMallards.net

Cincinnati Cyclones

Rapid City Rush

Cincinnati, Ohio
Arena: U.S. Bank Arena
Head Coach: Matt Macdonald
Website: www.CyclonesHockey.com

Rapid City, South Dakota

Arena: Rushmore Plaza Civic Center
Head Coach: Joe Ferras
Website: www.RapidCityRush.com

Colorado Eagles

South Carolina Stingrays

Windsor, Colorado
Arena: Budweiser Events Center
Head Coach: Chris Stewart
Website: www.ColoradoEagles.com

North Charleston, South Carolina

Arena: North Charleston Coliseum
Head Coach: Spencer Carbery
Website: www.StingraysHockey.com

Evansville IceMen
Ev

Tulsa Oilers

Evansville, Indiana
Arena: Ford Center
Head Coach: Al Sims
Website: www.EvansvilleIceMen.com

Tulsa, Oklahoma
Arena: BOK Center
Head Coach: Bruce Ramsay
Website: www.TulsaOilers.com

Fort Wayne Komets

Wichita Thunder

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Arena: Memorial Coliseum
Head Coach: Gary Graham
Website: www.Komets.com

Wichita, Kansas
Arena: INTRUST Bank Arena
Head Coach: Kevin McClelland
Website: www.WichitaThunder.com

Idaho Steelheads
Boise, Idaho
Arena: CenturyLink Arena
Head Coach: Brad Ralph
Website: www.IdahoSteelheads.com

11

12

Teammates Andrew Courtney and Sebastien Thinel before the March 3rd home game versus the Tulsa Oilers.
2015 John Howe, Howe Creative Photography, Missouri Mavericks

New owner leads charge

By Bill Althaus
Bill.althaus@examiner.net
When the Missouri Mavericks
announced that their theme for
the 2014-2015 season would be
A New Era, they certainly knew
what they were talking about.
The former CHL organization, that won Franchise of the
Year a record four consecutive times, named a new head
coach, joined a new league and
had a new owner.
Those were all positive aspects of their first year in ECHL.
They also experienced something new, that no one is bragging about.
For the first time in the six-year
history of the team, the Mavericks failed to reach the postseason, and that will be a top priority for coach Richard Matvichuk,
general manager Brent Thiessen
and owner Lamar Hunt Jr., as
the quest for excellence in 20152016 has already begun.

We really cant do anything to

address new players coming in
until this (postseason) is complete, said Matvichuk, who led
the Mavericks to a 28-35-5-4
record and a sixth-place finish
in the Western Conference.
I really liked the team we had
at the end of the season. If wed
have had that team a month
earlier, we wouldnt be talking
about missing the playoffs for
the first time in team history
because those guys would have
found a way to get into there.
We brought in new guys
like (Tyler) Currier and Hayzer
(Colten Hayes) and they made
a difference in the locker room
and on the ice. The team developed a nice chemistry out on
the ice and all anyone wanted
to do was win.
They didnt care about the
personal stats, they just wanted to win. And we won a few
more at the end than we did

at any other time of the year.

They bought into the system,
they played for each other and
it left me feeling good about
this team.
Were going to work our tails
off this off-season to get better.
Were going to work as hard as
any team in the ECHL. My phone
is already exploding with calls
from guys who want to play here.
But we have to find the right
guys. We have to find Maverick
guys, and believe me, were going to do our best to do just that.
Thiessen echoes those sentiments.
I dont know if Ive ever been
around someone as competitive as Rich, Thiessen said,
and I know this season took a
toll on him. It took a toll on me,
too. But I saw him grow and
develop as a coach.
He knows he has to be a better coach next year and we have
to be a better team. I have to

be a better GM and the

players know they have
to play better, too.
This years team had
so many issues. Our
offense wasnt very
productive and our
power play was just
plain bad - although it
did get better towards
the end of the season. For the first time
in a long time, we had
some character issues
with some players.
That was not the
case at the end of the
year. The last month
of the season we had
players who wanted
to be here, wanted to
go to battle for each
other and who approached the games
like real pros.
And we hope many
of those core players
will be back next season. Guys like (Andrew)
Courtney and (Sebastien) Thinel are the faces of this organization
and were going to do
everything we can to
get them back.
And some of the new
faces, new players, we
had at the end of the
season, we hope to
bring them back, too.
And Thiessen and
Matvichuk are banking
on an affiliation with
an NHL team to add
even more depth and
talent to the Mavericks
upcoming roster.
Were working on
an affiliation, Thiessen said. Its about a
month, or two months
away, but we feel like its
going to happen. And
thats going to mean a
lot of things to our team.
Were going to get de-

velopmental
players
from the (parent) team
and were going to be
more attractive to players who come to the
Mavericks because of
that affiliation.
We had so many
transactions this season (59), and we dont
believe that will happen next season. We
started out with a CHL
team that was built
around veterans. In the
CHL, you could have
six veterans, the ECHL
is a younger, faster
league and it only allows four veterans.
Fans have said to
me that we mostly
played CHL teams in
our conference, and
we werent very successful, but thats like
comparing
apples
to oranges. We were
the only team to have
a new coach and a
change in ownership
and we werent as successful as we hoped
we would be.
But those are issues
we wont have to deal
with this season. Im
excited about the future and so is Rich.
And everyone knows
we have the best fans
in all of minor league
hockey and they stood
by us during a difficult
season and we are going to work hard in the
off-season to reward
them with a great
2015-2016 season.
Matvichuk is already
developing a blueprint
for the upcoming season, and it includes a
variety of players.
Some core guys will
be back and some

guys will be on the roster, Matvichuk said. I

am so disappointed
in how we played this
season, but we really
werent that far away
from being a successful team.
We need to work on
our offense, especially
our power play, and
we need solid goaltending. There was a lot of
pressure on our goalies because we didnt
score many goals, but
were close to where
we want to be.
Courtney, who set
the single-season goal
standard each of the
past two years, backs
that statement.
We were really playing well at the end
of the season, said
Courtney, who scored
34 goals in 2014-2015
and had 36 last season.
Were all disappointed. Its hard having the
season come to an end
and us not being in the
playoffs. But I know
how hard Matti (Matvichuk) and Brent will
work to get us back to
the playoffs next year.
The Mavericks recently released their
home schedule and
it includes 36 home
games, featuring five
games against former
Mavericks coach Scott
Hillmans Indy Fuel.
The first home game
will be at 7:05 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 24 against
Wichita.
Thats
something
new for our fans,
Thiessen said. Thats
the earliest home date
weve had in a while.
Were excited about

the schedule and all

the new teams that13
will
come to town. Were
still in the same conference with some of our
CHL rivals - Wichita,
Allen and Tulsa, and we
hope to develop many
more rivalries with
teams like the Fuel.
February will be the
busiest month with 10
home games.
Nine first-time ECHL
teams will visit the Independence Events Center. Along with the Fuel,
Missouri will play two
games against the Cincinnati Cyclones, Colorado Eagles and South
Carolina Stingrays.
When I see the
schedule, I get really excited, Thiessen
said. I know we are
working hard to make
the upcoming season
more successful than
our first year in the
ECHL. With the leadership of Mr. Hunt and
the fact that Rich has
a year of head coaching under his belt, I get
excited thinking about
next season.
Right now, were
thinking about how
long its going to be
before our Oct. 24
home opener, but it
will be here before you
know it. And that gets
me excited, too.
Bill Althaus is an awardwinning columnist and
sports writer for The
Examiner. He is a past
winner of the CHLs
Media Service Award and
has been the Mavericks
beat writer since they
came to town in 2009.
You can find his stories at
www.examiner.net.

14

MAVERICKS MILESTONES

 


  
!"0%*#

 

 



+.3.

15

H
FIChS
ickee

P
M
I
R
H
S
THE SUPER SAMPLER

REA

CHE
ESE
CUR
The Perf
ect ComD
panionS
!
L CH

WISC

ONS

EDD

IN FR

AR

ESH

16