KC Mavericks excited for annual New Year’s Eve game

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - The KC Mavericks were back at practice Monday morning, preparing for their annual New Year’s Eve game. Year after year, it’s one of the Mavs’ biggest draws of the season.

“It’s a great tradition,” said Mavericks head coach and general manager Tad O’Had.

Last year’s game on New Year’s Eve went past capacity at Cable Dahmer Arena.

“The players feed off the energy,” said O’Had. “Our fans are loud. They get this building rocking.”

Currently, the Mavs are playing some of their best hockey of the season. They have won seven of their last 10 games — and have the best winning percentage in the Western Conference.

“We want to get into the playoffs, and we want to make some noise,” O’Had said.

While the team is off to a strong start, they know they won’t raise a banner unless they win a title.

“You can’t win the championship in the first two months, three months, whatever it is,” said team captain David Cotton. “It’s a process. I think we’re really working towards that.”

After some time off the ice, the Mavericks are anxious to return to action.

“Coming off holiday break, we have that same hunger,” Cotton said. “We were playing some good hockey going into break, but a couple of days off, recover the bodies, and now we’re ready to get after it again.”

Puck drop is set for 7:05 p.m. Wednesday against the Iowa Heartlanders.