The Unstoppable Surge: 5 Reasons The Kansas City Mavericks Are Dominating The 2025-2026 ECHL Season

The Kansas City Mavericks are currently in the midst of another thrilling campaign, solidifying their position as a premier franchise in the ECHL. As of this current date, December 15, 2025, the Mavericks are a major force in the Western Conference, building on the momentum of their historic run in the recent Kelly Cup Playoffs, which saw them reach the Western Conference Final.

This season, the team continues to electrify fans at the Cable Dahmer Arena, driven by a blend of veteran leadership and breakout young talent. Their success is a testament to the strategic vision of their front office and the sustained excellence of their coaching staff, making them one of the most compelling stories in minor league hockey right now.

The Architect of Excellence: Head Coach Tad O'Had Biography

The foundation of the Mavericks' recent success is deeply rooted in the leadership of General Manager and Head Coach, Tad O'Had. O'Had has brought a culture of winning and development since his arrival, transforming the franchise into a perennial contender.

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• Full Name: Tad O’Had
• Role: General Manager and Head Coach, Kansas City Mavericks (ECHL)
• Hometown: Yakima, Washington
• Mavericks Tenure: Started as the team's 5th Head Coach at the beginning of the 2020-2021 season.
• Previous Experience: Prior to joining Kansas City, O’Had spent seven seasons with the Florida Everblades, serving four years as a Head Coach and three years as an assistant coach.
• Career Milestones: He achieved a significant milestone by winning his 200th career game as the Mavericks' GM and Head Coach.
• Coaching Philosophy: Known for his ability to develop talent and implement a high-pace, aggressive style of play that resonates with the team's NHL affiliate's system.

O’Had’s dual role as GM and Head Coach gives him complete oversight of the team’s hockey operations, ensuring a unified vision from scouting to on-ice performance.

The 2025-2026 Season: Current Standings and Top Performers

The Kansas City Mavericks are in the thick of the race for the Mountain Division title in the Western Conference. Their current run in the 2025-2026 ECHL Regular Season is marked by consistent team play and explosive offensive output.

The team’s statistical dominance is evident across several categories, showcasing their depth and ability to win in various ways, whether through a strong power play or a suffocating penalty kill.

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Breakout Star: Jackson Jutting Leads the Offense

A key factor in the Mavericks' success this season has been the emergence of forward Jackson Jutting. He has quickly established himself as the team's most potent offensive weapon, leading the club in points.

Jutting’s current statistics for the 2025-2026 season highlight his impact:

• Games Played (GP): 22
• Goals (G): 10
• Assists (A): 9
• Total Points (PTS): 19
• Points Per Game (PT/G): 0.86

His ability to consistently find the back of the net and set up teammates makes him a player to watch and a strong candidate for an AHL call-up.

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Key Team Entities and Affiliations

The Mavericks operate as a vital cog in the professional hockey development pipeline. Their primary affiliations connect them directly to the highest levels of the sport, providing both a source of talent and a path for player progression.

• NHL Affiliate: Seattle Kraken
• AHL Affiliate: Coachella Valley Firebirds
• Home Arena: Cable Dahmer Arena, located in Independence, Missouri.
• Capacity: The arena boasts a seating capacity of 5,800 for hockey games, creating an intimate and loud atmosphere for home games.
• Ownership: The team is owned by the Lamar Hunt Jr. family, which is deeply rooted in Kansas City sports history.

This robust affiliation structure ensures that the Mavericks roster is constantly refreshed with high-potential prospects while also giving current players the chance to move up to the AHL and potentially the NHL.

The Fiercest Rivalries and Must-See Matchups

Hockey in the ECHL is known for its intensity, and the Kansas City Mavericks are at the center of several heated rivalries that drive fan engagement and create must-see games. These matchups are often physical, high-scoring affairs that define the Mountain Division landscape.

The Wichita Thunder Showdown

The rivalry with the Wichita Thunder is arguably the most intense for the Mavericks. As close geographical rivals, games between Kansas City and Wichita are always marked by high energy, strong fan turnout, and a history of physical play.

The two teams frequently battle for positioning in the Mountain Division standings, making every head-to-head contest feel like a playoff game.

Western Conference Foes

Beyond the Thunder, the Mavericks have developed significant rivalries with other teams in the Western Conference and Mountain Division, all of which are crucial for topical authority in the ECHL discussion.

• Allen Americans: A long-standing rivalry that often involves high-stakes games and a history of animosity.
• Tulsa Oilers: Another regional rival that consistently delivers physical and competitive matchups.
• Rapid City Rush: Divisional opponents that the Mavericks face frequently, leading to intense familiarity and competitive tension.
• Utah Grizzlies: A key Mountain Division opponent, with games often determining playoff seeding.
• Iowa Heartlanders: A newer but rapidly developing rivalry that is quickly gaining traction among fans.

These divisional battles are what ultimately prepare the Mavericks for a deep run in the Kelly Cup Playoffs, as they have to consistently overcome the league's toughest competition to secure a playoff spot.

Strategic Moves and Future Outlook

The Mavericks' front office is constantly working to improve the roster through strategic transactions. Recent moves have focused on acquiring proven talent and depth to sustain their high level of play throughout the rigorous ECHL schedule.

Recent transactions have included the acquisition of players like goaltender Logan Terness and forward Landry Laird, demonstrating a commitment to securing future talent and shoring up key positions.

The team’s overall outlook remains incredibly positive. With a strong coaching staff, a dedicated fan base, and a clear developmental path through the Seattle Kraken organization, the Kansas City Mavericks are poised not just for a successful 2025-2026 season, but for continued dominance in the ECHL for years to come. Their consistent performance and exciting style of play make every visit to the Cable Dahmer Arena a must-see event for hockey fans across the Midwest.