A Season to Remember
The 2021-2022 season for the 10U Squirt AA Kansas City Mavs was one for the record books. This team
was formed out of summer tryouts, bringing together a collection of players from several different
house and travel organizations from the previous season. Prior to the 2021- 2022 season, these KC Mavs
hadn’t played together more than a few summer games when the season officially began. They quickly
formed a connection that would yield incredible results. Every single player grew individually, and the
team became an unstoppable force. As the season progressed, they earned the moniker “Pain Train”,
dispatching opponents with skill, power, and a dominance that was feared by all.
The season’s work began immediately in August, with every player dedicating their efforts to make the
team better. A combination of off-ice training, extra camp nights during the week, and giving 110% at
practice became the norm for everyone. The tone was set from the top, and each player raised the bar
for their fellow teammates. They redefined what it meant to give full effort, and to have fun while doing
it.
A series of friendlies and early travel trips helped build connections among the team, while also
identifying opportunities to improve their skills prior to the start of the tournament season. These
games were building blocks, and the KC Mavs improved each time they stepped on the ice. They took
these lessons learned into the tournament season, and they never looked back.
What followed was a season like no other. Not only did this incredible team begin the year with a
tournament championship in Nashville, TN, they would go on to win an eye-popping 24 straight games,
collecting five tournament titles before losing their first game. And even then, their first loss of the
season was a tight game against a top-20 nationally ranked team... who ended up below the KC Mavs in
the final tournament standings when the dust settled. The KC Mavs put Kansas City hockey on the map,
and their body of work speaks for itself.
Many thanks to head coach, Matt Stephenson, for his tireless efforts. Spending countless hours at the
rink, many times after having just driven 8+ hours home from a tournament the night before. His
selfless dedication to working with every single player made a lasting impact on everyone. The growth
and journey these boys have experienced from August through February was unpredicted by anyone,
except for Coach Matt. His vision and efforts will be appreciated for years to come. The boys are better
for having been under his leadership, and the families are forever grateful for the unforgettable
experience he provided. Additional thanks to assistant coaches Tyler Dungey, Eric O’Bryant, and Jimmy
Leath. And from all the 2021-2022 Kansas City Mavs players and families, we’d like to thank the entire
coaching staff for their efforts, and for providing a memorable season.