April 16, 2022

By Fred Liggett
FredL@lstribune.net

A new name dotting the Kansas City Mavericks roster may soon become a regular name to see in a Mavs jersey.

Forward Keeghan Howdeshell was acquired by the Mavs at the end of March in exchange for Forward Jesse Mychan. The hope is Keeghan will make his mark with his new team to finish up this season and eventually become a franchise mainstay.

The left hander played 50 games this season for the Toledo Walleye before coming to KC. The 24 year old has playing experience in the ECHL with more than just the Walleye having spent time previously with both the Jacksonville Iceman and Rapid City Rush. In just six games so far with the Mavs Keeghan has three assists. While with the Walleye Keeghan garnered 29 points coming on 12 goals and 17 assists.

The Brighton, Michigan native has also played in the United States Hockey League and the American Hockey League. Keeghan was close to KC when he played for the Lincoln (NE) Stars of the USHL. While in the AHL Howdeshell wore a Rochester Americans jersey.

Before becoming a professional hockey player, Keeghan played for the US national under 16 team then progressing to the national under 17 & 18 teams. The three years Keeghan played nationally and internationally for them came in 2014-16.

The final week of the 2021-22 regular season has arrived and the Mavericks have one final road trip left. The Mavericks finish up in Wichita on Saturday, Apr. 16 where they play rival Wichita Thunder. The Mavs enter the last week with a record of 30-32-5 and sitting in sixth place in the ECHL Mountain Division. The fun begins inside Intrust Bank Arena when the puck drops at 7:05 p.m.