Right Place, Right Time: How Kansas City's Cade Borchardt Has Taken The ECHL By Storm

It’s rare that a player gets the chance to make an immediate impact on a playoff team straight out of college. Cade Borchardt was fortunate enough to be one of them.

When Borchardt signed with the Kansas City Mavericks out of Minnesota State Mankato in March 2023, the club was preparing for their first post-season appearance in four years. Injuries to key players including Pascal Laberge, who was averaging a point per game over 53 games, gave Borchardt the chance to play right away.

The 6-foot, 176-pound right-shot forward didn’t disappoint. In the Mavericks’ final eight games of the regular season, he tallied three goals and four assists for seven points.

Borchardt kept up that pace in the post-season, leading the team with three points (1-2-3) in six games.

Talk about being in the right place at the right time.

Proving His Worth

Of course, getting the opportunity is only half the battle; the other is justifying a coach’s faith that you’re up to the challenge.

For the 26-year-old Borchardt, it came down to the discipline and self-reliance he developed playing NCAA hockey.

“Being at a successful program like Minnesota State definitely helped me come right in and feel comfortable,” the native of Burnsville, Minn. said. “A lot of credit to the coaches and (the Mavericks) that made me feel welcome.”

Borchardt was even more impressive during his first full season with Kansas City in 2023-24. He led all ECHL rookies in scoring with 77 points (24-53-77) with a +24 rating in 71 games, earning him a spot on the All-Rookie Team. The club had its best regular season in franchise history, winning the Brabham Cup and its first Mountain Division title.

In the playoffs, the Mavericks rolled to the Kelly Cup Final, only to fall to the defending champion Florida Everblades in five games.

Borchardt, however, was once again a major factor in the post-season, recording 11 points (5-6-11) in 18 games. His 14 points in 24 total playoff games demonstrates his ability to come through in the clutch.

“(Cade’s) transition was smoother than most,” Mavericks general manager and head coach Tad Ohad said. “He’s a high-quality player, high character. There’s a reason he was captain (at MSU).”

Any fears of a sophomore slump have been quickly laid to rest this season. Through 35 games, Borchardt has 45 points (25-20-45) and a +33 rating. He earned Player of the Month honors for December and was recently named to the ECHL Western Conference All-Star Team.

From the Floor to the Ice

Neither of Borchardt’s parents played hockey, so Cade was first introduced to floor hockey during gym class in elementary school. He transitioned to the ice at around age six and played with his older brother, Cole, at home and on ponds.

The brothers also played together briefly at Burnsville High School, when Cade was a sophomore and Cole a senior.

“Those were some of my most memorable times playing hockey,” Cade recalled. “It was so fun being on his team and playing with him, being at the rink with him every day and sharing the ice with him.”

Borchardt spent the 2016-17 season with Brookings of the NAHL before moving to the USHL. In 2017-18 with the Madison Capitols, he put up 42 points (14-28-42) in 59 games.

In 2018-19, Borchardt served as an alternate captain with the Sioux Falls Stampede. He helped the club win a Clark Cup with six points (2-4-6) in 11 post-season games that year.

When it came to choosing a college, Borchardt’s dream was to stay in his home state, so he chose Minnesota State Mankato. (The irony of that was the school’s mascot name was also the Mavericks).

During his four seasons at MSU, Borchardt compiled 85 points (29-56-85) with a +44 rating in 121 games. He served as team captain as a senior and helped the Mavericks to a Frozen Four appearance in 2021-22.

From Maverick To Maverick

Signing with Kansas City was an easy decision for Borchardt. The club was in second place in the Mountain Division, and he believed he could help provide a spark heading into the playoffs.

“I felt like it was the right fit structure-wise, city-wise, the locker room they had,” Borchardt said. “It was a no-brainer when they reached out. I’m definitely glad I came here.”

The feeling is mutual. As strong as Borchardt’s offensive game is, O’Had calls him a “monster” on puck retrievals.

“He’s strong on his stick, he’s able to strip pucks on the track,” O’Had explained. “He’s a finisher, but he distributes pucks incredibly well. He plays with a lot of pace, moves his feet and is a fun player to watch.”

Prior to the 2024-25 season, Borchardt signed his first AHL contract with the Coachella Valley Firebirds. He’s had two call-ups since then, appearing in one game.

Away from the ice, Borchardt enjoys playing golf and pickleball. He and his fiancé, Isabella, are planning to marry in July. As for his hockey future, Borchardt knows he needs to keep getting stronger if he wants to get to the top.

“Every year, the game of hockey at every level gets faster and stronger,” he said. “I’m just continuing to put in (the work) off-ice with strength, speed and power.”