Some Kansas City kids recently had an extraordinary evening at Legends Field. It wasn't about baseball at all; instead, it was a collaborative event between the KC Mavericks and Variety KC. At "Jingle!" at Legends Field, children with cognitive and physical disabilities had the opportunity to learn how to skate from the city's best hockey players.

Impact on Kids and Their Families

For Jamie Witt and her son, this event was truly life-changing. As she said, "It means everything. He has been longing to ice skate since last year, and getting to skate with the experts is undoubtedly the best experience for him." The Mavericks and Variety KC went the extra mile by providing hockey sleds, allowing kids to enjoy fast rides on the ice and receive personal skating lessons from their favorite players. Luke Loheit, a forward with the Mavericks, shared his experience, "I was simply pushing a little kid around the track, and he was filled with excitement. He just wanted to go fast and feel the wind blowing. It's wonderful to see those smiles and know that these kids are having such amazing experiences with us."

Benefits for the Community

While the event meant a great deal to the kids, it also held significant value for the Mavs. Serving the community is a core principle for the organization. As Tad O’Had, the general manager and head coach of the Mavs, stated, "I think our guys are like big kids having just as much fun. Being able to assist these kids, get on the ice with them, and see their smiles during the holiday season is extremely special for everyone involved." David Cotton, the Mavericks’ captain, emphasized another important lesson, "You're just going to have to get up and keep going. We had a couple of kids take falls, but they didn't cry. They were ready for the next lap around the rink. Learning how to skate will teach you many life lessons like this."The KC Mavericks are not only focused on hockey but also on making a positive impact. KCTV5 is broadcasting a select number of Mavericks games on KSMO-TV. Their next televised contest is on Saturday, Dec. 21 against the Tulsa Oilers, with puck drop at 6:05 p.m. A complete broadcast schedule for the Mavs on KSMO can be found here. This event showcases the Mavericks' commitment to giving back and creating memorable experiences for the community.