By Fred Liggett
FredL@lstribune.net

The highest scoring defenseman in the SPHL is now a Missouri Maverick. While a fresh face to the Missouri Mavericks, Don Olivieri is familiar with the Mavericks organization. Former Maverick Dave Pszenczny was a teammate of his while he was in Peoria. Dave helped put in a good word with his ex-teammate, Mavs coach John Scott-Dickson for his talented current teammate.

“Ollie,” as his new team mates call him, is a second-year pro and has been a Maverick for only three games. Mavericks coach John Scott-Dickson says of Olivieri: “He has an offensive game to him, but it’s nice he brings a defensive set, too.”

“Don has shown that in his first two games with us,” Dickson explained regarding the acquisition of Ollie. “I Just asked around and knew of someone in Peoria. Olivieri seemed like a good character guy. He displays and attitude of gratitude.”

Don’s favorite sports teams is ALL Philly teams as Philadelphia is his hometown where many of his family members watch him on TV thanks to ECHL.tv. The 25-year-old’s favorite hockey memory so far is winning a state high school championship in his senior year. He first put on a pair of skates at the age of seven. If not in pro hockey today, Don would be in a police academy preparing to be a cop. While on the Mavs team bus, he likes to sleep and if time permits hang out with his teammates.

Yes, Don cooks, when he does it usually gnocchi, a little Italian dish. Following his playing days, he wishes to be remembered as a down-to-earth guy.

Check out this recent addition to the Mavericks when they host the ECHL Champions Allen Americans on Saturday, March 4. The fun begins inside the Silverstein Eye Centers Arena when the puck drops at 7:05 p.m.