Photos: KC Mavericks fall 4–3 to Rapid City Rush

Rapid City strikes late to secure a weekend sweep as Kansas City battles to keep pace at Cable Dahmer Arena.

October 19, 2026

Eli Ralls,

Photo by Eli Ralls

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. — The Kansas City Mavericks and Rapid City Rush delivered a back-and-forth battle Saturday night, October 17th, at Cable Dahmer Arena, with the Rush escaping with a 4–3 victory after a tightly contested third period.

The Mavericks came out ready to defend their home ice, with Jack Randl opening the scoring at 4:53 of the first period. Assisted by Andrei Loshko and Nolan Orzeck, Randl gave Kansas City an early lead that held through the opening 20 minutes. Despite being outshot 16–6 in the period, the Mavericks made their shots count.

Rapid City answered in the second period, as Ryan Wagner tied the game on a five-on-three power play before Alex Young put the Rush ahead. Randl struck again late in the period, scoring his second goal of the night to even the game at 2–2 heading into the final frame.

The third period brought more drama. Tyson Feist put Rapid City back in front at 3:25, but the Mavericks refused to go away. Jakov Novak capitalized on a turnover and tied the game at 3–3, with Alex Swetlikoff earning the assist. The goal was initially waved off before a video review overturned the call, keeping Kansas City in contention.

With the game level and momentum hanging in the balance, Wagner delivered the decisive blow for Rapid City at 11:25, burying a rebound off a shot from Young to restore the Rush’s lead. Kansas City continued to push, including a late six on five attack, but Rapid City’s defense held firm through the final minutes.

The Mavericks finished with 23 shots on goal to Rapid City’s 35, while goaltender Logan Terness recorded 31 saves in a hard-fought effort. Randl’s two-goal performance and Novak’s third-period equalizer highlighted a Kansas City team that continued to battle despite the final result.

For the Rush, Wagner and Young each finished with a goal and two assists, helping Rapid City complete a weekend sweep in Missouri and open the regular season with two consecutive victories.

Although the Mavericks came up short, Saturday’s matchup provided plenty of moments worth remembering, from the opening goal to the reviewed equalizer and the late push to find another tying goal. The game served as a reminder of the speed, skill and determination that makes Kansas City hockey so compelling.

The Mavericks now turn their attention to the next chapter of the season, with another opportunity to respond when the two teams meet again in Rapid City on Friday, October 23.