Mavericks sweep three-game week, reclaim first place in Great Lakes Division

Columbus, OH — The Columbus Mavericks returned to form in emphatic fashion this week, winning three games in four days — capped by back-to-back home victories over the Buffalo Bearcats — to reclaim first place in the Great Lakes Division with a 9–3 record.

Photo Credit: Amelia Cordova

After dropping two tough games on the road in Tennessee earlier this month, the Mavericks responded with one of their most complete stretches of hockey this season, outscoring opponents 20–8 over the three-game run.

Week in a Paragraph

The Mavericks opened their week Wednesday night with a 4–2 road win over the Toledo Cherokee, powered by balanced scoring and a strong performance in net from Jonah Little. Returning home for the weekend, Columbus erupted offensively, routing the Buffalo Bearcats 10–4 on Friday behind goaltender Kai Nelson, then closing out the homestand with a decisive 6–2 victory Saturday as rookie Ian Brown earned the win in his first-ever start. The three-game sweep vaulted the Mavericks back atop the division standings as they continue to build consistency in all areas of their game.

Standouts

• Giovanni Valentine — Continued his torrid pace, posting multiple multi-point performances and extending his lead atop the team scoring chart.

• Brian Savage — Found the back of the net in Wednesday’s win over Toledo and again Friday against Buffalo, continuing his early-season scoring form.

• Dennis Horný — Followed up his season debut weekend with another productive showing, contributing offensively in multiple games.

• Jonah Little, Kai Nelson, and Ian Brown — Combined for three wins in four days, each earning a victory in net. Brown recorded his first career win in Saturday’s start.

Quote of the Week

“We dropped a couple tough games on the road in Tennessee two weeks ago and knew we needed to bounce back in a big way,” said Head Coach and GM Joey Recktenwald.

“We’re still battling injuries and haven’t played a game yet with everyone healthy. At this point, I don’t know if we ever will, but I know our guys need to all be ready for the days their number is called in whatever role we need them in.”

How It Happened

Wednesday at Toledo

Columbus opened the week on the road with a composed 4–2 victory over the Toledo Cherokee. Brian Savage and Giovanni Valentine helped pace the offense, while goaltender Jonah Little was steady between the pipes to secure the win. The result gave the Mavs valuable momentum heading into the weekend.

Friday vs. Buffalo Bearcats

Back home at OhioHealth Chiller North, the Mavericks’ offense exploded for a 10–4 rout of the Bearcats. Brian Savage scored again, while the top line dominated possession and produced goals from up and down the lineup. Goaltender Kai Nelson earned the win in net as Columbus put together its most complete offensive effort of the season.

Saturday vs. Buffalo Bearcats

The Mavericks closed out their perfect week with a 6–2 victory Saturday. Rookie netminder Ian Brown made his first-ever start and impressed, backstopping the team to his first career win. Columbus dictated play from start to finish, executing cleanly on special teams and staying disciplined defensively to complete the sweep.

Photo Credit: Brailee Rathburn

Notables & Trends

• Back on top — With three straight wins, the Mavericks moved back into first place in the Great Lakes Division.

• Offensive surge — Columbus tallied 20 goals over the three-game stretch.

• Strong goaltending rotation — Little, Nelson, and Brown each recorded wins in their respective starts.

• Depth production — Every forward line contributed on the scoresheet at least once during the three-game span.

• Resilience — Columbus bounced back from a two-game skid earlier in the month to post their best offensive weekend of the season.

Lineup Notes

The Mavericks remain without several key contributors due to injury but continue to find ways to win. The team expects gradual reinforcements over the coming weeks as players return to the lineup.

Up Next

The Mavericks remain at home next weekend for a two-game set against the Fresh Coast Freeze at OhioHealth Chiller North. With momentum restored and first place reclaimed, Columbus looks to build on its recent success and continue establishing itself as a disciplined, hard-working group capable of winning in different ways.