Mavericks clinch Western Conference title in dramatic overtime
The Kansas City Mavericks captured the Bruce Taylor Trophy as champions of the ECHL Western Conference, edging the Fort Wayne Komets 4‑3 in overtime during Game 6 of the series. The win capped a tightly contested battle that swung back and forth before Novak’s decisive goal sealed the victory.
With the series win, the Mavericks advance to the 2026 Kelly Cup Finals, where they will meet the Florida Everblades. This marks the team’s second appearance in the championship round in the past three seasons, underscoring their recent resurgence.
Jakov Novak was the overtime hero, scoring the game‑winning goal and finishing the series with five goals. Teammates David Cotton, Landon McCallum and Marcus Crawford each contributed six points, forming a balanced offensive core that proved pivotal.
The trophy honors Bruce Taylor, a foundational figure in West Coast hockey who purchased clubs in Fresno, Reno and Bakersfield in the early 1990s and later helped launch the West Coast Hockey League in 1995. Taylor’s vision laid the groundwork for the modern conference structure.
Taylor’s influence extended beyond his native region, as he assembled teams in Anchorage, Fairbanks and San Diego before the league folded in 2003. The legacy of his contributions resurfaces each time the Mavericks lift the Bruce Taylor Trophy.