INDEPENDENCE, Mo. – The Missouri Mavericks defeated the Laredo Bucks, 7-4 Friday night at Independence Events Center in front of a crowd of 5,225 fans.
Brandon Coccimiglio registered four points on the night, including three goals for his third hat trick with the Mavericks. Mike Gurtler added a goal and an assist on the night, including a five-minute fighting major for a ‘Gordie Howe hat trick’.
The Mavericks and the Bucks put up five combined goals in the first period, the first coming from Ryan Jardine on a breakaway just four minutes into the contest.
Mike Gurtler registered his first goal as a member of the Mavericks two minutes later to give his team a 2-0 lead.
Laredo cut the Missouri lead in half midway through the period on an unassisted goal by A.J. Hau.
The Mavericks added goals by Brandon Coccimiglio and Ed McGrane to take a 4-1 lead into the first intermission.
Coccimiglio found the back of the net yet again at the 1:26 mark of the second period. The goal was unassisted.
Laredo fought their way back into the game with three quick goals from David Inman, Matt Boyd and Neil Trimm midway through the middle frame.
After two periods, the Mavericks’ lead was down to one goal at 5-4.
Coccimiglio secured his third hat trick in his career with the Mavericks, at the 10:37 mark of the final period.
Jardine added his second goal of the evening on an empty netter at the end of regulation to seal the Mavs’ victory.
The Mavericks’ four goals in the first period tied their season high which came in the second period of the October 26 game at the Arizona Sundogs. The seven goals by Missouri matches their season high established during that same game.
Charlie Effinger stopped 29 of 33 shots by the Bucks, including all 11 shots taken by Laredo in the final frame.
Pro Hockey News’ Daniel Russell photographed all the action at Friday night’s game at the Independence Events Center and has submitted the following images from the contest.
Missouri%27s Brandon Smith fights Laredo%27s Justin Styffe.
Missouri%27s Brandon Smith fights Laredo%27s Justin Styffe.
Missouri%27s Andrew Courtney watches as a teammate scores against Laredo goalie Torrie Jung.
Missouri%27s Brandon Coccimiglio celebrates his third goal of the game.
Missouri%27s Brandon Coccimiglio celebrates his third goal of the game.
The Missouri Mavericks celebrate the third goal by Brandon Coccimiglio.
Laredo%27s AJ Hau scores on Missouri goalie Charlie Effinger.
Mac the Mascot of the Missouri Mavericks dusts off the victory flag to celebrate the third home win of the season.
The Mavericks now hit the road and head for three games against the Wichita Thunder, Fort Wayne Komets and Bloomington Blaze. The Mavericks’ next home game is New Year’s Eve, December 31st against the Texas Brahmas.
Contact the photographer at daniel.russell@prohockeynews.com
Contact the editor at robert.keith@prohockeynews.com
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