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The Missouri Mavericks aren’t just getting it done on the ice. The third-year Central Hockey League team is making an enormous impact on the community.
“When we came to Independence, we wanted to give the fans a winning hockey team, and also do everything possible to help within the community,” Mavericks coach Scott Hillman said.
“That first year, we tried to find the right type of player who would fit into our plans both on the ice and in the community. It took awhile, but we were able to find those type of players. And now, we’re continuing to build our team with quality individuals who know how important it is to become a part of Eastern Jackson County.”
The Mavericks, who have won seven in a row at home and begin a seven-game home stand beginning at 7:05 p.m. Saturday against Bloomington, have topped $400,000 in charitable giving since the team first came to Independence in 2009, including more than $80,000 this season.
“The Missouri Mavericks have truly embraced and cultivated our community,” Independence city manager Robert Heacock said. “Their dedication and commitment is unrivaled, and we are extremely appreciative of their involvement throughout the city.”
Through some of the more popular fundraisers such as Chuck-A-Puck and jersey auctions, as well as helping out the Independence School District and growing the youth hockey program, the Mavericks have tried to make an impact from their first day in Independence.
“We could not be more pleased with the partnership between the Jr. Mavs and the Missouri Mavericks,” said Dennis King, director of hockey operations for the Jr. Mavericks. “The support has been tremendous, not only financially, but also with the Mavericks players and coaches involvement with the kids on the ice.”
Nancy Lewis, the public relations director for the Independence School District, feels much the same way.
“The Mavericks reached out to our school district to create what has become a wonderful partnership,” Lewis said. “The team is involved in a variety of ways, including promoting our Students of Character and supporting families enrolled in our Holiday Helpers program. We are so lucky to have the Mavericks in our region; it’s obvious that this is a team with a heart.”
Major charitable events have also been a priority for the Mavericks and have been beneficial to community partners such as Hope House, Habitat for Humanity, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Community Services League and many more. This season the Mavericks raised more than $60,000 for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City at the annual Dinner on Ice in which Mavericks players served as waiters for the evening.
The Missouri Mavericks aren’t just getting it done on the ice. The third-year Central Hockey League team is making an enormous impact on the community.
“When we came to Independence, we wanted to give the fans a winning hockey team, and also do everything possible to help within the community,” Mavericks coach Scott Hillman said.
“That first year, we tried to find the right type of player who would fit into our plans both on the ice and in the community. It took awhile, but we were able to find those type of players. And now, we’re continuing to build our team with quality individuals who know how important it is to become a part of Eastern Jackson County.”
The Mavericks, who have won seven in a row at home and begin a seven-game home stand beginning at 7:05 p.m. Saturday against Bloomington, have topped $400,000 in charitable giving since the team first came to Independence in 2009, including more than $80,000 this season.
“The Missouri Mavericks have truly embraced and cultivated our community,” Independence city manager Robert Heacock said. “Their dedication and commitment is unrivaled, and we are extremely appreciative of their involvement throughout the city.”
Through some of the more popular fundraisers such as Chuck-A-Puck and jersey auctions, as well as helping out the Independence School District and growing the youth hockey program, the Mavericks have tried to make an impact from their first day in Independence.
“We could not be more pleased with the partnership between the Jr. Mavs and the Missouri Mavericks,” said Dennis King, director of hockey operations for the Jr. Mavericks. “The support has been tremendous, not only financially, but also with the Mavericks players and coaches involvement with the kids on the ice.”
Nancy Lewis, the public relations director for the Independence School District, feels much the same way.
“The Mavericks reached out to our school district to create what has become a wonderful partnership,” Lewis said. “The team is involved in a variety of ways, including promoting our Students of Character and supporting families enrolled in our Holiday Helpers program. We are so lucky to have the Mavericks in our region; it’s obvious that this is a team with a heart.”
Major charitable events have also been a priority for the Mavericks and have been beneficial to community partners such as Hope House, Habitat for Humanity, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Community Services League and many more. This season the Mavericks raised more than $60,000 for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City at the annual Dinner on Ice in which Mavericks players served as waiters for the evening.
“The Mavericks have given so much support and helped so many kids,” said Beverly Leonard, chair of the Boys & Girls Club advisory board of Eastern Jackson County. “I am so impressed with the Mavericks, how they put kids first and how they are always asking where they can get involved. That really speaks volumes.”
The Mavericks have more events planned to close out the 2011-12 season. On Jan. 31, Community Services League and the Mavericks will host a Poker Night fundraiser. On Feb. 15, Hope House will have its annual Bingo Night with the Mavericks. On Feb. 18, the Mavericks will host Ladies Night at their home game against Wichita. The team will wear special pink jerseys and host an auction in which the proceeds will benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure Greater Kansas City. Truman Heritage Habitat for Humanity will also host a bowling fundraiser with the Mavericks on Feb. 22.
“One of our goals from the start was to be very community driven, whether raising awareness or raising money for various causes,” Mavericks president and general manager Brent Thiessen said. “The Mavericks are proud of what we have all accomplished, and we look forward to continuing to work with so many great organizations to make our community a better place to live.”
