The Puck Stops Here
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FRI 10/15
The Royals opened October by sputtering to a franchise-worst record, and the Chiefs must win their remaining games this month just to reach .500. The Kansas City Outlaws, an expansion team that kicks off its inaugural United Hockey League season on October 15, may seem an unlikely savior for victory-starved sports fans. But the Outlaws, the first local team to rock the rink since the Blades folded in 1999, could skate out of the gate quickly, thanks in part to the efforts of a few good men. Owner Stephen Franke and president Richard Adler boast championship rings from previous minor-league stops. Head coach Darryl Williams is a former National Hockey League player with an impressive coaching record. Goalie Maxime Gingras ranks among the league’s best. In addition, the Outlaws command an international scouting network, a rarity on this level. With the NHL on thin ice because of a labor dispute, area puckheads need the Outlaws to fill the void with power plays and crushing checks. Look for the team to come out swinging at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Kemper Arena (1800 Genessee) against the Missouri River Otters of St. Charles. For tickets, call 816-513-4400.— Andrew Miller
Mamma Mia
Our soccer moms can beat up their soccer moms.
SAT 10/16
We feel sorry for the teams that the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team, fresh from winning gold in Athens, have enlisted to play on its Fan Celebration Tour. Iceland, New Zealand, Denmark — all the members of this trembling coalition of the willing have agreed to let Abby Wambach and company trample them for the delight of American fans. The tour sounds a sad note, however; it’s the last time Julie Foudy, Joy Fawcett and Mia Hamm play before retiring. We bid them a fond farewell as they maul Mexico at 5 p.m. Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium (1 Arrowhead Drive, 816-920-9300). — Jason Harper
Serf’s Up
SAT 10/16
Anglophilia is a dangerous affliction. Symptoms include unwarranted nostalgia for an idealized conception of the pre-industrial English countryside and the overpowering urge to bellow sea chanteys in a bad British brogue while devouring a roasted turkey leg. Those at risk of contracting the dreaded disease should avoid at all costs the final weekend of the Kansas City Renaissance Festival (at 628 North 126th Street in Bonner Springs). Call 816-561-8005 for more information. — Harper
Just for Kicks
KC’s rowdiest ruggers are at it again.
10/15-10/17
Now, we don’t mean to incite a riot, but there’s a place where you can put down five bucks to drink all day. Yes, a mere fiver buys a wristband and day-long brewskis for spectators at a fund-raiser for the Kansas City Jazz women’s rugby club. Leave it to these gals to turn moneymaking into a party — they’ve mud-wrestled in Westport, and now they reprise their popular, beer-soaked kickball tournament. Teams can take a shot at the big, red ball for $200, with trophies going to the top three kickball clans. Team registration includes the coveted drinking wristband, and all profits go toward the Jazz’s travel fund, which allows this 25-player outfit, undefeated in its league since 1995, to tour the country to defend its national ranking. Interested kickball teams can find more event information at http://kcjazzrugby.org. Fans simply looking for a good time should be at Clark Ketterman Athletic Fields (107th Street and Skiles) at 9 a.m. for a hearty breakfast rich in barley and hops. —Sarah Smarsh
