We couldn’t have asked for a better way to break in a new arena.
And to introduce hockey to Eastern Jackson County.
The Missouri Mavericks’ 3-2 shootout victory over Wichita Friday night in front of a sellout crowd at the Independence Events Center produced all the excitement and thrills we were promised, and more.
There was pre-game tailgating and fans decked out in Mavericks gear, face paint and hockey masks, and loud, thunderous ovations. The pregame graphic video with Harry Truman telling the Mavs to “Give ’em hell!” was a great touch, and the on-the-ice action was swift, continuous and punishing. It only took three seconds into the game for the first fight to break out between players, and there was plenty more where that came from.
And most importantly, the fans were treated to a late third-period goal that tied the game, and then a thrilling victory in the shootout. With win-starved sports fans desperate for something to cheer about, the Mavericks delivered in memorable fashion.
Reviews from fans we saw and talked to at the game were enthusiastic in giving both thumbs up – one for the hockey action and one for the arena.
If these are the kinds of thrills we can look forward to in the coming months, then it is going to be a fun winter in Eastern Jackson County.
