UPDATE: The Dickinson Mavericks fell to the Jamestown Blue Jays in a critical game on January 3, 2026, losing 5-3 at the West River Ice Center. The Mavericks struggled to recover from a recent emotional defeat, allowing this loss to compound their challenges this season.
After a disappointing 6-5 loss to Fargo Davies the previous night, the Mavericks aimed to bounce back but quickly found themselves in trouble. Despite an initial strong performance, they could not maintain control, particularly during crucial penalty kill situations.
Mavericks’ head coach Lance Knudson expressed frustration, stating, “We were off as a team today. We didn’t play our best hockey coming off an emotional loss yesterday.” This sentiment was echoed on the ice, as the Mavericks allowed the first goal of the game during a power play at the 8:59 mark of the first period.
Despite the early setback, Dickinson showcased resilience. Gabi Sobolik scored her seventh goal of the season on a power play, assisted by Kyndall Peterson, marking Peterson’s 100th career point. Peterson later notched her 50th career goal in the third period, providing a brief glimmer of hope as the Mavericks trailed by two goals.
However, the Blue Jays capitalized on a defensive lapse, scoring on a breakaway just before the end of the second period. Jamestown extended their lead in the third, taking advantage of a power play to score the game-winning goal. Knudson highlighted the team’s struggles: “Usually our penalty kill is a pretty big asset for us as a team. This year it has not been.”
The Mavericks, now holding a record of 3-7-0 and 1-7-1 in the conference, face a critical week ahead with upcoming games against Minot United on January 6 and a home matchup against Williston on January 8. Coach Knudson emphasized the urgency of these games, stating, “We only have 13 games left here, and it’s crucial to win some of these to stay competitive.”
As the Mavericks regroup, the pressure is on to improve their performance and capitalize on the remaining opportunities this season. The emotional stakes are high, as each game could significantly impact their playoff aspirations. Fans will be watching closely to see if the Mavericks can rally and shift their momentum in the coming games.
