Mavericks Outshoot Allen Americans in 3-2 victory at home

by Bill Althaus, Grain Valley News

There were many reasons to celebrate the Kansas City Mavericks 3-2 victory over the Allen Americans Wednesday night at Cable Dahmer.

Chase Brand opened the scoring with his first goal as a member of the Mavericks, Jack LaFontaine picked up the victory in his 100th professional hockey game and Jake McLaughlin scored the game-winning goal as Kansas City improved to 32-12-4-1 to pad their lead atop the ECHL Mountain Division with 67 points.

Kansas City took control early, opening the scoring at 11:27 of the first period when Brand scored off assists from Cade Borchardt and Damien Giroux.

"It was awesome to score my first goal with the team, but what made it more awesome was that it came in a victory," Brand said. "We're playing great hockey right now, and it's an honor to be on the team. The guys all welcomed me and made me feel like a member of the team right away."

The Mavericks claimed Brand off waivers from the Adirondack Thunder.
 
Brand, a 25-year-old forward from Nevis, Minnesota, stands 5-10 and weighs 165 pounds. He has appeared in 32 ECHL games with the Thunder and the Reading Royals. Prior to turning professional, Brand played four seasons at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota (2019-2023). He also spent the 2023-24 season at Augustana University before making his pro debut with the Royals.

Borchardt scored just 58 seconds into the second period, off an assist from Giroux. Later in the period, Jake McLaughlin extended the lead at 11:42, assisted by Casey Carreau and Jackson Berezowski. Allen responded at 13:34, with Nick Isaacson cutting the deficit to 3-1.

The Americans made it a one-goal game early in the third period, as Isaacson scored again at 4:52, but LaFontaine stood tall, stopping 26 of 28 shots on goal.
 
"We're really playing great hockey night now," said McLaughlin, after Kansas City improved to 9-1-1 in its last 11 games. "Laffer (LaFontaine) is a rock, our defense has been strong and we're scoring enough goals to win. And we're all happy about how successful we have been at home. This is our eighth straight win at home.

The Americans made it a one-goal game early in the third period, as Isaacson scored again at 4:52, but LaFontaine stood tall, stopping 26 of 28 shots on goal.

LaFontaine stopped 26 of 28 shots to secure the milestone victory. Kansas City outshot Allen 34-28, controlling play in all three periods.

"The most important aspect of my 100th career game is that we won," LaFontaine said. "It's really special when we win at home."

Mavericks coach Tad O'Had is now four victories away from becoming the winningest head coach in franchise and Kansas City pro hockey history.

Chase Brand celebrates after scoring his first goal as a member of the Kansas City Mavericks. His goal helped the Mavericks defeat Allen 3-2 Wednesday night. The Mavericks have won eight consecutive home games at Cable Dahmer Arena. Photo credit: Kansas City Mavericks