Mavericks Open Training Camp With Deep Roster, New Coaches, and High Hopes for 2025 Season

by Bill Althaus, Grain Valley News 

Kansas City Mavericks coach Tad O'Had had trouble falling asleep Sunday night as his ECHL team was preparing for a Monday morning opening day of training camp. 

"I went to bed about 8:30 because I knew I was going to get up early on Monday," O'Had said. "I didn't know how early, but I knew I'd be up and ready to go. It's like being a kid and waiting to open your biggest Christmas gift. 

"I got up Monday about 5:15, then drove to the arena. I might have been speeding a big, but on Monday I was definitely a kid on Christmas day, and the guys didn't let me down. We had a great opening practice."

The Mavericks enter camp with one of the deepest and most experienced rosters in the ECHL, returning a strong core of 11 players from last season

"We brought back 11 guys from last season - great players and great guys off the ice," O'Had said, "and we started Monday's session with 12 forwards, five defenders and two goalies. 

"Two of our key guys from last season - (captain) David Cotton and Jake McLaughlin were talking as they came off the ice and talked about the familiar faces from last season and how the new guys are going to impact our team."

The most talked about "new guy," is forward Bobo Carpenter, who played in Europe last season after helping Florida win the ECHL championship two seasons ago.

"Bobo is excited," the coach said. "He said, 'Everything the guys told me about the team is true. We have a great locker and a lot of talent. I can't wait for the season to start.' Our fans are going to fall in love with the guy."

Training Camp runs from October 6 to 16, with daily practice sessions at Cable Dahmer Arena. The annual Mavericks Kick Off Party runs from 6 to 8 p.m., Oct. 14 at Llywelyn's Pub in Lee's Summit.

O'Had is also excited about two new members of his coaching staff, Holden "PD" Melgoza, the new goaltending and video coach, and Brett Ferguson, who will replace associate coach Riley Weselowski, who left the Mavericks to become the new head coach of the Cincinnati Cyclones.

“I'm extremely excited and honored to join the Kansas City Mavericks,” Melgoza said. “This is a premier organization, and coaching professionally has been a lifelong goal of mine. I couldn’t be more thrilled to start this journey with a first-class team like the Mavericks.”

O'Had is excited to work with Melgoza and Ferguson.

"PD is a rising star in the coaching world," O'Had said, "who has already made a significant impact at both the USHL and NCAA levels. He is an intelligent and poised goaltending coach whose calm demeanor and leadership allow him to quickly build trust with his goalies."PD has played an instrumental role in USA Hockey’s national festivals, the Hlinka Gretzky Tournament, and currently serves as the Pacific District Goalie Coordinator and Chief. His experience and reputation speak for themselves.

We see PD as a major addition to our coaching staff, taking on the role of Goaltending and Video Coach, and we are incredibly excited to welcome him to Mavs Country.

“We're incredibly excited about Brett joining our team,” O’Had said.

“Brett rose to the top of an impressive pool of applicants. He’s a coach with purpose and passion, and an exceptional hockey mind with elite video analysis skills. He’s worked alongside some of the NHL and AHL’s top coaches and brings tremendous knowledge and insight to our team.

"But what sets Brett apart is his ability to connect with players. He understands what it takes to thrive in professional hockey and is committed to making us better every day. His impact will be felt across player development, team systems, structure, and pre-scout preparation."

Ferguson, who grew up a Kansas City Royals fan, is excited about his return to the Midwest and Mavericks country.

“My family and I are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join the Kansas City Mavericks organization,” Ferguson said. “We’re looking forward to discovering everything the great city of Kansas City has to offer. I want to thank Tad, the Mavericks' management and ownership for this opportunity."


Kansas City Mavericks 2025 Training Camp Roster
Goalies: Luke Richardson, Ian Shane
Forwards: Chase Brand, Casey Carreau, Bobo Carpenter, David Cotton, Will Gavin, Jimmy Glynn, Jackson Jutting, Luke Loheit, Jack Rand, Lucas Sowder, Nolan Sullivan, Zack Trott
Defensemen: Drake Burgin, Marcus Crawford, Thomas Farrell, Jake McLaughlin, Kyle Pow
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