In the heartland of America, where the Chiefs and Royals dominate the sports landscape, a fresh contender is carving out its place in Kansas City’s athletic lineup: the Kansas City Mavericks. This hockey team is more than slapshots and power plays; it’s a story of community, transformation, and the love of the game.
When Lamar Hunt Jr. and James Arkell started this adventure, it wasn’t just a business venture. It was a mission to grow hockey in Kansas City. Lamar Hunt Jr., who saw the potential in a minor league hockey team often overshadowed by the city's larger franchises. Their vision? To turn the Mavericks into a cornerstone of Kansas City's sports culture.
The Mavericks started their journey as Kansas City's best-kept secret, but the team’s focus has always extended beyond the ice. From day one, Hunt and Arkell and his team prioritized youth development. The Kansas City Youth Hockey Association became a cornerstone of their efforts, growing by 10% annually and fostering young athletes while cultivating a devoted fan base.
When the pandemic forced a pause, the Mavericks saw an opportunity for reinvention. They overhauled their management, bringing in seasoned professionals with experience from major franchises like the Kansas City Chiefs. The result? A polished operation that rivals the professionalism of the top-tier ECHL teams.
What truly sets the Mavericks apart is their unwavering commitment to community engagement. Each month, the team partners with a different local charity, dedicating time, resources, and funds to causes that matter most to Kansas Citians. From supporting literacy through their Max Power Play reading program to rallying behind local initiatives, the Mavericks have seamlessly blended hockey with heart.
Their games are more than sporting events; they’re community celebrations. Theme nights like Star Wars Night and Christmas Vacation Night transform the arena into an immersive experience, where families and fans of all ages can find something to love. Even those unfamiliar with hockey leave as fans of the energy, camaraderie, and sheer fun of a Mavericks game.
The Mavericks’ most ambitious project is a game-changer—an ultra-accessible sports and entertainment complex inspired by Morgan’s Wonderland in San Antonio. This facility will be designed to welcome everyone, including individuals with special needs, offering a one-of-a-kind experience with an arena, theme park, and hotel.
For Arkell and his family, this isn’t just a new venture; it’s a reflection of their mission to ensure inclusivity is at the forefront of everything they do. “Sports have the power to bring people together,” Arkell says, “and we want to create spaces where everyone feels included.”
In a city that thrives on sports, the Mavericks have emerged as a refreshing addition to Kansas City’s cultural fabric. They’re more than a hockey team—they’re a movement. Their vision goes beyond building a competitive team; it’s about fostering a sense of belonging and pride in the community they serve.
As the Mavericks continue to expand their reach and prepare for groundbreaking projects, they embody the essence of what sports should be: a unifying force that uplifts, inspires, and brings people together. Kansas City is no stranger to champions, and with the Mavericks in motion, the city’s spirit has found yet another reason to celebrate.
So whether you’re a hockey fanatic or a curious newcomer, there’s never been a better time to catch the Mavericks in action. They’re proving that hockey—and community—has a home in Kansas City.
The Mavericks are proving that hockey—and community—has a home in Kansas City.
“Sports have the power to bring people together,” Arkell says, “and we want to create spaces where everyone feels included.”