The Seattle Kraken ECHL farm team will have to act fast, or risk holding home playoff games in a most unfortunate – and empty – location.
The Kansas City Mavericks hold a 2-0 lead in their 2nd round Kelly Cup series against the Allen Americans. Jack Randl broke a scoreless tie on the power play Sunday with 8:20 remaining for Game 2’s only goal. Randl, who turned 26 four days ago, had a breakout regular season with 23 goals; the most he’d scored in a season since he was 14 years old.
Keep in mind that 4,546 fans enjoyed the Sunday victory. Games 6 and 7, if necessary, will be May 19 and 20. But not at the Mavs’ usual home of Cable Dahmer Arena in the K.C. suburb of Independence.
A pair of local high schools have reserved the arena for graduation ceremonies on the dates of Games 6 and 7. Apparently, neither Lee’s Summit North H.S. or Lee’s Summit West H.S. is willing to have students receive their diplomas with hockey players weaving around them.
(Dr. Pleasant Lea served during the 1850s as a postmaster and physician before being killed during the Civil War. In a sign of further trouble to come, the town which honors him, Lee’s Summit, misspelled his name.)
Instead Of Playoff Atmosphere, No Atmosphere
As of now, Kansas City and Allen would be forced to move to the adjacent Independence Community Ice. Think Kraken Community Iceplex, except with an attendance of zero fans. The Mavericks addressed the uncomfortable possibility in a statement.
“Regrettably, these games will not be open to the public. We fully understand the significance of playoff hockey and the desire of our fans to be part of these critical moments.
“Please know that this situation has been as difficult for the organization as it is for our supporters. However, adhering to strict occupancy limitations at the alternate venue, there is no fair or equitable way to accommodate the demand of our loyal fan base. We recognize the disappointment and frustration this may cause and sincerely regret that we are unable to provide access to all who wish to attend.”
Options For Kraken Farm Club
What about moving the game(s) to Kansas City’s premier facility, T-Mobile Center? K.C. Mayor Quinton Lucas on social media wondered about that, too. “I mean, even with a conflict at the T, we can figure out extra spots for y’all: Municipal, OG Kemper. Hate to not see fans.”
“A Mavericks team representative told KCTV5 it isn’t that simple,” reported the local station. “It becomes a safety issue; the team has to abide by rules and regulations, from having board and glass approved by the league to proper facilities for the players. The rep added this wasn’t the team’s decision, but it will continue to look for viable options.”
Social media commenters further point out that besides T-Mobile, which also has graduations booked, the other alternative sites mentioned by the mayor don’t have ice-making capabilities. Asking high schools to relocate to one of those venues presents its own headaches. And more scheduled graduations prevent Cable Dahmer Arena from shifting hockey to different dates.
As to why these conflicts weren’t anticipated, “A strike from the Professional Hockey Players’ Association led to the delay of 41 regular season games during the 2025-26 season. The strike ended in December after its membership ratified a new, five-year collective bargaining agreement with the ECHL.
“A late start to the season also means a late start to the playoffs, which contributed to the scheduling conflicts.”
The easiest solution would be for the Mavericks to win the series in four or five games. However, it’s unlikely the Americans will agree to bow out gracefully.
Earlier Kraken:
— Kraken AHL Firebirds Win In Double-OT
