Missouri Mavericks Hockey Club

Spent lots of time in Independence, Missouri this last month working on a spread in Rural Missouri on the Missouri Mavericks. In just the team's third season, the Mavericks look to make the CHL playoffs. For just a young franchise, quite a large fan base is building. Last year, the home games averaged just over 5,000 fans a game in the 5,800-seat stadium. If ya have the chance, catch a Mavs game at the awesome new Independence Events Center just off Interstate 70. For more information on the Mavericks, visit www.missourimavericks.com or like them on Facebook. Stay tuned for my video piece and story.

 

From left, goalie Charlie Effinger, head coach Scott Hillman and forward Ed McGrane.

 

Head coach Scott Hillman jokes with players during a practice at the Independence Events Center.

 

The home of the Mavericks - the new, 5,800-seat Independence Events Center. Located off Interstate 70 just minutes from downtown Kansas City, the arena is easily accessible.

 

Fans file through the turnstiles to pack the Independence Events Center. Last season, the Mavericks ranked second in average home game attendance.

 

Filly Spirt Squad member Laura Clark, left, cheers on the Mavericks during a home game on Jan. 7 against the Quad City Mallards.

 

Mavericks mascot Mac, pumps up the crowd during a home game on Jan. 6 against the Tulsa Oilers. The Mavericks won 4-3.

 

 Trevor Dolata, 6, cheers on the Mavericks during warm-ups before a game on Dec. 20 against the Laredo Bucks.

 

Mavericks head coach Scott Hillman calls out plays to his players from the bench.

 

 Mavericks players look out from the bench during a game on Dec. 20 against the Laredo Bucks.

 

Ed McGrane watches as a lose puck trickles past the Laredo goaltender. The puck bounced just wide to keep the game scoreless at 0-0 on Dec. 20.

 

Mavericks players celebrate after a Brandon Coccimiglio goal in the second period during Missouri's 4-3 victory over the Tulsa Oilers.

 

Fans react after a Mavericks goal in the second period against the Tulsa Oilers. After last season, the Mavs were honored as the Best Franchise in the CHL and the league's best fans.

 

Mavericks defenseman Dave Pszenyczny checks Quad City Mallard center Sean Flanagan into the boards during Missouri's 6-3 victory on Jan. 7.

 

Season ticket owner Tim Owens of Liberty celebrates a Mavericks goal with his daughter Becca during Missouri's 6-3 victory on Jan. 7.

 

Mavericks forward John Scott-Dixson fights for the puck against a Tulsa Oilers defensman.

 

Mavericks forward Andrew Courtney blocks a Tulsa Oilers shot.

 

Mavericks mascot Mac celebrates another Mavs' win.

 

Fans congratulate Maverick players after a 4-3 win over the Tulsa Oilers. Although still a pro team, Maverick players are very visible and open for more fan interaction than the major leagues.

Riverlands Migratory Bird Sancutary Wildlife

More images from Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary near the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers on the Missouri side near Alton, Illinois. Got to see some Trumpeter Swans in action along with several other wildlife. A great spot for a wildlife photographer to shoot and being only a short drive from St. Louis, totally worth it. Enjoy!

 

This image was on the January cover of Rural Missouri. Check it out online

 

 

The Trumpeters are very amusing to watch. Sometimes they will get in a group and squawk at each other. Sounds a lot like a horn.

Giggin on the Gasconade

In November I got the awesome opportunity to go gigging for fish for the first time with some guys on the Gasconade River. This is a sport rich in family tradition. Read more in the online edition of Rural Missouri at: http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/ruralmissouri/201112/index.php#/8 and watch the video below. Visit my new YouTube channel for more of my videos at www.youtube.com/KspradleyPHOTO

Jason Martin of Houston scans from the bow of the boat for suckers. Giggers target non-game fish such as suckers rather than bass, trout or bluegill. Since giggers fish at night, powerful lights are used to light up the shallow waters of the Gasconade River.

With a 14-foot gig in hand, Tim Pirtle of Fredericktown scans the waters of the Gasconade River for suckers.

A closeup of the gig.

Jason Martin places a gigged sucker into a well.

The evening's catch.

The fish are then cooked up for others to enjoy.

Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary

Here is another image from Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary near Alton, Illinois. Each winter, hundreds of Trumpeter Swans visit this protected wildlife refuge. North America's largest bird at one point was almost extinct but thanks to efforts in the 1950s, the birds have rebounded. The wetlands and fields of the area near the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers provides the birds a great wintering habitat.

Great Blue Heron at Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary

Got this shot of a Great Blue Heron while shooting at Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary near Alton, Illinois. I was there trying to get shots of Trumpeter swans for our January cover and couldnt pass up on this epic light. This guy was just hanging out by the edge of the water and provided for a great silhouette image. This is a great place to see wildlife, especially waterfowl and other birds. Visit www.ruralmissouri.coop/digitalrm to see the image I got of the Trumpeters on the cover. Enjoy!

Ozark Knife-Making School

Tom McGinnis of Ozark Knife Makers heats up a Damascus steel blade during one of his knife-making classes in Ozark, Missouri. For more than three decades the master craftsman has been on the cutting edge of blade building.