Saturday, February 25, 2006

2/25 BUGS at YOUNGSTOWN (W, 5-4 in overtime)

STAY TUNED FOR MORE UPDATES ON DALE LUPUL THROUGHOUT SUNDAY
UPDATED: 1:48 p.m. SUNDAY
Lupul arrived back in Shreveport about 4:30 this morning on owner John Madden's plane. He traveled with some Mudbugs fans who won trips to Youngstown for the week. Still nothing specific other than a sore back and possible concussion syptoms. However, it appears Lupul will be just fine.

11:24 p.m. UPDATE
WILDFONG TALKS ABOUT LUPUL
Talked to Dan Wildfong at the hosptial in Ohio where Mudbugs rookie defenseman Dale Lupul is being observed.

On the injury ...
"He's going to be alright. They are going to do some more tests. They want to make sure … his back hurts. They think it was from the hit before."

On trying to focus on the game after the injury ...
"It’s tough when one of your best players goes down. Especially a young player like Loops, he is playing well. Our focus was on worrying about him.
We knew Loops would want us to get that win for him and we thought about that.
We kept our focus. You never like to see anyone – yours or the opposing team – go down. The guys wanted to get the win for Loops.

On his fight with Joey Sewell as Lupul was motionless on ice ...
"I just saw Loops on the ground and I grabbed the nearest guy. I didn’t know if he did anything or not. We have to stick up for each other. I didn’t see it. Now I know he wasn’t the guy that did it, but I was just trying help my team.

On winning the division ...
It’s nice but our focus is on catching Colorado now. We have to stay focused. We’re happy to get to go to the dance, but we have to get better so we can win those 12 games.

UPDATE ON EARLIER STORY
Ryan Tobler's father, Bill, passed Saturday morning. Thoughts around the CHL are with Tobler and his family.
http://www.coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060226/SPORTS/602260349/1006



10:21 p.m. update


The Northeast Division title was rendered meaningless Saturday night in Youngstown, Ohio, when Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs rookie defenseman Dale Lupul collapsed on the ice during the third period.
Mudbugs forward Chad Spurr scored his second goal of the night 2:05 into overtime to give the Mudbugs a 5-4 victory over the Youngstown SteelHounds. The win gave Bossier-Shreveport the Northeast Division title and the first secured playoff spot in the Central Hockey League.
But the focus was on the fallen 26-year-old rookie from Port Coquitlam, British Columbia. Immediately following the win, the Mudbugs loaded the team bus and headed to the hospital.

With 4:51 left in regulation the 6-foot-2, 210-pound Lupul was hit cleanly by Youngstown veteran Jeff Christian in the corner. He skated back in front of his netminder David Cacciola and suddenly collapsed and stayed motionless on his stomach for roughly 15 minutes as he was attended to by trainers of both teams and several doctors. He was eventually taken off the ice on a stretcher and transported to an area hospital with Mudbugs trainer George Bullock Jr.
Mudbugs broadcaster Steve Mears said Lupul was to remain at the hospital for at least a few more hours Saturday night and was expected to fly back to Shreveport sometime Sunday.
Details of the specific injury were unknown.
Immediately following the victory at the Chevrolet Centre, the Mudbugs packed their bus and headed to the hospital.
Lupul represented Bossier-Shreveport and the Northern Conference in the CHL All-Star Game last month in Hidalgo, Texas. He was signed by the Mudbugs as an amateur for the 2005 playoffs where he played three games and registered one assist.
He has scored six goals and added 20 assists in his 48 games this season.
Lupul came to the Mudbugs from the University of Wisconsin-Superior, where he played four years.
The division title is the third straight for the Mudbugs (32-13-6), who have a 26-point lead over the SteelHounds.
Spurr opened the scoring with a power-play goal 6:27 into the first period. Just 90 seconds later, Matt Hanson tied the score for Youngstown (20-29-4).
Scott Sheppard scored his team-leading 26th goal of the season midway through the first period and the Mudbugs enjoyed a one-goal lead at the intermission.
Captain Dan Wildfong gave Bossier-Shreveport its first of two, two-goal leads with a tally early in the second period, but Youngstown had another quick answer. The Central Hockey League’s leading goal scorer, Jeff Christian, pull the SteelHounds within 3-2 only 93 seconds after Wildfong’s marker.
Shane Palahicky scored what appeared to be a crucial short-handed goal in the second period, but Joey Sewell answered for Youngstown with three seconds remaining in the period.
Sewell’s second of the night midway through the third period forced overtime.


Lupul injury mars division title
Bossier-Shreveport clinches Northeast with 5-4 victory.
By Roy Lang III
rflang@gannett.com
The Northeast Division title was rendered meaningless Saturday night in Youngstown, Ohio, when Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs rookie defenseman Dale Lupul collapsed on the ice during the third period.
Mudbugs forward Chad Spurr scored his second goal of the night 2:05 into overtime to give the Mudbugs a 5-4 victory over the Youngstown SteelHounds. The win gave Bossier-Shreveport the Northeast Division title and the first secured playoff spot in the Central Hockey League.
But the focus was on the fallen 26-year-old rookie from Port Coquitlam, British Columbia.
With 4:51 left in regulation the 6-foot-2, 210-pound Lupul was hit in the corner. He skated back in front of his netminder David Cacciola and suddenly collapsed. He stayed motionless on his stomach for roughly 15 minutes and was attended to by trainers of both teams and several doctors. He was taken off the ice on a stretcher.
Mudbugs broadcaster Steve Mears indicated a report that Lupul, who was transported to a local hospital, was beginning to regain some feeling after the injury.
The division title is the third straight for the Mudbugs (32-13-6), who have a 26-point lead over the SteelHounds.
Spurr opened the scoring with a power-play goal 6:27 into the first period. Just 90 seconds later, Matt Hanson tied the score for Youngstown (20-29-4).
Scott Sheppard scored his team-leading 26th goal of the season midway through the first period and the Mudbugs enjoyed a one-goal lead at the intermission.
Captain Dan Wildfong gave Bossier-Shreveport its first of two, two-goal leads with a tally early in the second period, but Youngstown had another quick answer. The Central Hockey League’s leading goal scorer, Jeff Christian, pull the SteelHounds within 3-2 only 93 seconds after Wildfong’s marker.
Shane Palahicky scored what appeared to be a crucial short-handed goal in the second period, but Joey Sewell answered for Youngstown with three seconds remaining in the period.
Sewell’s second of the night midway through the third period forced overtime.


MOTIONLESS LUPUL TAKEN OFF ICE ON STRETCHER
Mudbugs rookie defenseman Dale Lupul suffered what looks like a scary injury during the third period. Lupul lay on his stomach for several minutes and trainers from both teams were attending him.
He has not moved much, if at all.
A lot of times in these cases, they tell the players not to move as a precautionary move. We can only hope this is the case now.
Lupul, under the care of several doctors, was rolled over on his back and taken off the ice on a stretcher.
There is no report on what the injury is or how it happened.
The game was delayed approximately 15 minutes.
TIME: 8:35 p.m.

YOUNGSTOWN TIES THE GAME
A poor clearing attempt led to Joey Sewell's second goals of the game Saturday and the SteelHounds have tied the game at 4. Figures this game would come down to the third period, all the games against Youngstown seemingly have.
TIME: 8:20 p.m.

BIKINI NIGHTS: BOSSIER VS. YOUNGSTOWN
No contest Youngstown wins. Anyone watching CHL TV will agree. Not even close.
TIME: 7:51 p.m.

HOUNDS DO IT AGAIN
Joey Sewell scored with three seconds left in the second period to move the SteelHounds within 4-3. It never fails, this team just won't go away and every single of the games in this series has been high scoring.
TIME: 7:49 p.m.

MILLER VS. LIGHTBODY
Quade Lightbody absolutely pummeled Sam Miller of Youngstown in a fight late in the second period. You have to give Miller credit, he remained standing during the entire bout, but his face continued to get in the way of Lightbody's right hand.
TIME: 7:43 p.m.

PALAHICKY's SHORTY MIGHT JUST LEAD TO DIVISION TITLE
Shane Palahicky stunned the Youngstown SteelHounds and the crowd at the Chevrolet Centre with a short-handed goal to give the Mudbugs a 4-2 lead midway through the second period.
TIME: 7:35 p.m.

PESKY HOUNDS BACK IN IT
Chris Richards extended his assist streak to 13 games with a beautiful cross-ice pass to Jeff Christian less than two minutes after Bossier-Shreveport took a 3-1 lead. Christian made good and Cacciola didn't have much of a chance.
TIME: 7:25 p.m.

DAN WILDFONG MAKES IT 3-1
The Mudbugs captain scored in the crease and Bossier-Shreveport takes a 3-1 lead. The penalty kill to start the second period was key and even though the Bugs didn't capitilize on their own PP chance, they scored seconds after it was complete.
TIME: 7:21 p.m.

BIG PK to START THE SECOND
With Chris Brassard in the box, the Mudbugs will look to kill the final 1:22 of Youngstown's fourth power play of the evening.
TIME: 7 p.m.

SHEPPARD SCORES
Brett Smith picked off a pass from J.R. Holmes, fed Scott Sheppard who scored to give Bossier-Shreveport a 2-1 lead. The Mudbugs have clearly turned the tables on Youngstown in this three-game series. The Mudbugs were plagued with defensive zone turnovers against the SteelHounds early this season and watched Youngstown score time after time.
What a turnaround.
TIME: 6:42 p.m.

TOLD YA.
Matt Hanson scored to tie the game at 1.
TIME: 6:31 p.m.

ANOTHER 5-ON-3??
The Mudbugs can not continue to give Youngstown 5-on-3 opportunities. It will come crashing down soon.
TIME: 6:30 p.m.

SPURR SCORES-FOR REAL
The Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs scored a power-play goal early in the first period to take a 1-0 lead against Youngstown. Spurr was left all alone at the goal mouth and converted on the easy chance.
TIME: 6:28 p.m.

SHAW SCORES, HE SCORES!!
I had a dream that Chris Shaw scored in tonight's game -- the game-winner no less -- against Youngstown. Shaw is the only Central Hockey League regular who has not recorded a point this season. So, this would be one heck of a dream come true.
TIME: 6:19 p.m.

GAME UNDERWAY
It's David St. Germain vs. David Cacciola in net tonight.
Cacciola will look to have a better start to tonight's game as he allowed two bad goals in the first 9 minutes of Wednesday's affair vs. the SteelHounds.
TIME: 6:16 p.m.

ICE PROBLEM DELAYS GAME
Shouldn't be long.
6:13 p.m.

BUGS CAN BE FIRST TO CLINCH
Bossier-Shreveport can be the first Central Hockey League team to clinch a playoff spot with a win against the SteelHounds tonight. The Mudbugs still trail Colorado by nine points, and the reality of being able to collect the No. 1 overall seed diminishes with each Eagles victory.
However, the Mudbugs would like to finish ahead of Laredo. If Bossier-Shreveport was to represent the Northern Conference, it would have home-ice over any Southern Conference team with a worse record.
It's hard to win back-to-back games on the road at the same building and the Mudbugs are going for the rare trifecta. Jeff Christian must be kept in check in order for Bossier-Shreveport to collect two points tonight.
The Mudbugs can also clinch the Northeast Division with a Memphis regulation loss at Rio Grande Valley tonight.

UNFORTUNATE, BUT NICE STORY HERE ... MUST READ
http://www.coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060225/SPORTS/602250322/1006
Tobler is one of the most underrated and best all-around players in the Central Hockey League, only because Greg Pankewicz gets most of the publicitiy for the Eagles. He respects the Bossier-Shreveport franchsie and tells me to say hello to Mudbugs head coach Scott Muscutt wheneverI speak with him.
This is a very unfortunate situation and I wish the Tobler family the best. I can completely relate.
It is great to see what Riley Nelson was able to do last night.

Friday, February 24, 2006

2/24 BUGS at YOUNGSTOWN (W, 5-3)

SORRY RAJAN, CAN'T LET THIS ONE PASS
http://www.broadcastmonsters.com/Wichita/Thunder022406.asx
Go to the 1:31 mark and listen to the call of a no-goal for Tulsa.

Greg usually takes the daily blogging, and I'm not sure if he's seen this, but it can't be ignored.
Wichita color commentator Joel (not-so PC) Lomurno, after a Tulsa goal was disallowed, said "And I see those retarded 10-year-old kids with no shirts running around the concourse for no reason. There is no goal. The kids don't realize it, so, yeah, go away."
Are you kidding me? RETARDED????????
You can't say that! I am baffled. Especially in this day in age, I would be shocked if someone didn't voice a concern about this outburst.
The sad part is, it didn't just slip out. He went on to chastise the youngsters for HAVING FUN. He's berating exuberant kids for celebrating. Hello, those are the future fans of the game! Yeah, it would be much better for them to sit on the hands. Instead he's smalk-talking kids. Pick on someone your own size!
Trust me, calling games live is no easy task. I've done color the past two postseasons for the Mudbugs. But the problem is, you have to realize what you say is etched in history FOREVER. You have to have class.
My biggest fear was dropping an expletive, but thankfully it never happened. And it didn't happen during Game 7 in Laredo, so I can't imagine a more volatile situation than that.

TIMES STORY FROM FRIDAY NIGHT'S GAME
http://shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060224/SPORTS0303/302240006/1001/SPORTS

Wednesday, February 22, 2006

2/22 BUGS at YOUNGSTOWN (W, 5-4)

BRASSARD'S STREAK CONTINUES
Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs veteran Chris Brassard was awarded an assist on Ryan Manitowich’s third-period goal Wednesday night to extend his point streak to 16 games.
Watching live -- and listening to Mudbugs play-by-play master Steve Mears, I thought he may have caused the turnover to lead to the goal, but it’s tough to tell on CHLTV.
Nevertheless, Brassard shoots for 17 in-a-row Friday.

RECAP WEDNESDAY'S WIN
http://shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060223/SPORTS0303/602230328/1001/SPORTS

SOUPY GOES SHORT-HANDED, BUGS WIN 5-4
Jason Campbell scored a short-handed goal with 3:20 remaining and the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs held on for a 5-4 victory. Head coach Scott Muscutt can not be happy with the three late penalties his team took in the third -- and getting outshot 20-7. However, it's another win.
TIME: 8:35 p.m.

MANITOWICH GIVES BUGS THE LEAD
No sooner did I make my last post and Ryan Manitowich made me look smart with his 17th goal of the season. Bossier-Shreveport leads 4-3 and is in the midst of trying to kill a 5-on-3 advantage for the SteelHounds.
TIME: 8:23 p.m.

TIGHT PLAY IN THIRD
The Mudbugs wanted to slow things down against Youngstown this week, it appears they have finally accomplished that in the third period tonight. The game is still tied at 3, but the pace of play is exactly what the Mudbugs want.
TIME: 8:16 p.m.

BACK TO WILDFONG'S PLAY
Live, as anyone in the press box Sunday can witness, I thought Wildfong was gone for time to come. But the angle I had -- same as Lubbock's announcer -- didn't tell the whole story. Vic Pereira -- and the convergence of Shane Palahicky -- actually helped Wildfong's stick get up in Pereira's face.
Fellow CHL writer Greg Rajan disagrees with the CHL decision not to suspend Wildfong. But I'm guessing if he watched the play, it was on his computer ... which would mean the quality was poor and the screen not quite big enough. Hmm, I've heard that somewhere before.
TIME: 7:48 p.m.

CHRISTIAN DOES IT AGAIN
The Mudbugs didn't want to have to score 5 goals to win these games against Youngstown. Well, it appears Wednesday's opener will require a similar performance.
Jeff Christian and Chad Spurr have exchanged goals in the second period and the game is tied at 3. All three Mudbugs goals have come on the power play (3 for 6).
TIME: 7:34 p.m.

KUDOS TO CHL
The Central Hockey League reviewed the tape of Sunday's incident and decided not to suspend Dan Wildfong, and that was a good move. More in sec.
The Mudbugs tied the score at 2 with a power-play goal early in the second period.
TIME: 7:13 p.m.

STEELHOUNDS TAKE LEAD INTO 2ND
The Mudbugs are getting their shots on David St. Germain, 17 to be exact, but the Youngstown netminder has been up to the task. Youngstown leads 2-1 despite just five shots on goal.
TIME: 6:45 p.m.

YOUNGSTOWN UP 2-1 EARLY
Technical difficulties prevented the Blog from beginning on time. But I believe I'm all square now.
The SteelHounds got goals off a pair of what appeared to be bad rebounds from Mudbugs netminder David Cacciola. Jason Campbell responded with a power-play goal for the Mudbugs to make it 2-1.
TIME: 6:36 p.m.

WILDFONG NOT SUSPENDED
http://shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060222/SPORTS/60222011/1001/SPORTS

PREVIEW STORY
http://shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060222/SPORTS0303/602220306/1001/SPORTS

MUDBUGS GAMEDAY
AT YOUNGSTOWN (20-27-3)
6:05 p.m., Chevrolet Centre, 710 AM, chltv.com
Outlook
Bossier-Shreveport (29-13-6) looks to start the three-game set and seven-game road trip off well with a win over its Northeast Division rival tonight ... 40 goals have been scored in the four meetings this season, but the Mudbugs don't want another track meet. Youngstown veteran Jeff Christian has collected 11 points (six goals) against the Mudbugs this season. Brett Smith leads the Bugs in the series with six goals and 10 points. Veteran Blair Manning has eight assists ... Chris Brassard looks to extend his Central Hockey League-high 15-game point streak tonight. If Ken Carroll takes the Bugs' spot in net tonight, the All-Star will look for his 12th straight win ... Youngstown is 9-12-1 at home this season while the Mudbugs are above .500 on the road (12-8-3) ... The Mudbugs have outshot their opponents in 36 of 48 games this season while the SteelHounds have managed that just 14 of 50 games.

Season series (tied 2-1-0)
Date Score Site GWG
Oct. 22 Bugs 4-3 (OT) CTC Brett Smith
Nov. 22 Hounds 7-6 (SO) CTC Scott Barnes
Jan. 3 Hounds 5-3 CTC Jeff Christian
Feb. 17 Bugs 7-5 CTC Scott Sheppard

Mudbugs statistics
# PLAYERS, POS GP G A PTS +/- PIM
10 Dan Wildfong, LW 48 21 29 50 +5 224
14 Chris Brassard, LW 46 13 34 47 +15 64
16 Blair Manning, C 48 7 40 47 +16 36
25 Chad Spurr, RW 46 14 31 45 +8 65
41 Brett Smith, C 48 23 18 41 -2 48
32 Scott Sheppard, RW 22 23 10 33 +9 26
29 Ryan Manitowich, LW 48 16 16 32 +9 18
22 Craig Minard, D 42 4 25 29 +17 36
11 Jason Campbell, C 43 8 16 24 +2 32
44 Dale Lupul, D 45 6 18 24 +18 60
24 Jason Basile, D 38 7 9 16 +10 42
23 Milan Vodrazka, C 37 6 7 13 +8 18
8 Quade Lightbody, D 48 4 9 13 +9 111
20 Shane Palahicky, RW 47 4 7 11 0 47
17 Chad Kemp, D 31 1 4 5 +3 40
18 Jeremy Downs, D 35 1 3 4 +7 24
28 Martin Stuchlik, F 22 2 1 3 0 16
42 Chris Shaw, D 34 0 0 0 0 149
TOTALS 48 160 279 439 +32 1088
GOALTENDERS
# GOALIES W L OTL SO GAA SV%
34 Ken Carroll 19 7 4 4 2.28 .921
1 David Cacciola 7 3 2 2 2.70 .914
TOTALS 29 13 6 6 2.67 .910

Steelhounds statistics
# PLAYERS, POS GP G A PTS +/- PIM
72 Jeff Christian, LW 50 45 36 81 0 110
14 Chris Richards, C 50 15 54 69 +5 82
27 Darryl Lloyd, C 50 13 20 33 -11 152
20 Jonathan Gagnon, LW 36 11 21 32 -5 62
23 Mario Chinelli, F 50 13 18 31 -5 38
9 Joey Sewell, F 28 11 15 26 +4 33
22 Jeff Alcombrack, D 28 3 19 22 0 22
19 JF Labarre, LW 34 6 12 18 -8 34
39 Chris Shaffer, F 28 7 9 16 -9 30
22 Matt Hanson, D 49 4 11 15 -4 30
18 JR Holmes, D 34 2 12 14 -16 51
56 Kelly Sickavish, D 50 1 12 13 -1 32
41 Ben Manny, F 18 6 6 12 -5 14
21 Shawn Mamane, LW 35 5 5 10 -6 73
11 Kris Mallette, D 45 2 6 8 -4 200
5 Simo Pulkki, D 46 2 5 7 -7 83
25 Sam Miller, D 48 1 6 7 -10 94
7 CJ McConnell, RW 9 0 0 0 -3 0
TOTALS 50 159 276 435 -23 1283
GOALTENDERS
# GOALIES W L OTL SO GAA SV%
37 David St. Germain 15 20 2 1 3.41 .902
35 Simon St. Pierre 5 7 1 1 3.78 .875
TOTALS 20 27 3 2 3.64 .893

Sunday, February 19, 2006

2/19 BUGS vs. LUBBOCK (W, 6-2)

GOALS GALORE!
Craig Minard made it 5-1 after a pass from -- you guessed it -- Blair Manning.
TIME: 6:40 p.m.

MANITOWICH BLAST GIVES BUGS 4-1 LEAD.
Ryan Manitowich's 16th goal of the season gave the Mudbugs a 4-1 lead midway through the second.
TIME: 6:32 p.m.

MANNING SETS UP ANOTHER
Blair Manning hit a streaking Chad Spurr and watched his teammate redeem his penalty by sending a puck past Brad Buss to give the Mudbugs a 3-1 lead midway through the second period.
TIME: 6:26 p.m.

CAPTAIN HAD COURAGE
Dan Wildfong, wearing a special jersey to be auction off for charity, scored a power play goal during 4-on-3 action Sunday to give the Mudbugs a 2-1 lead. This despite the fact the Mudbugs have just 6 shots on goal through 30 minutes.
TIME: 6:17 p.m.

ANEMIC FIRST BY MUDBUGS
The Mudbugs collected just two shots on goal after their intial 5-on-3 opportunity Sunday. Lubbock is up 10-3 after one. Can't blame it on being road weary, the Cotton Kings came from a game in Lubbock last night.
TIME: 5:42 p.m.

EVERY LITTLE STEP HE TAKES
Bobby Brown fed an 80-foot pass to Nolan Grahan who split the Mudbugs defense to tie the game at 1 late in the period.
TIME: 5:39 p.m.

SHEPPARD GIVES BUGS EARLY LEAD WITH PP GOAL
The Mudbugs needed just 12 seconds of a 5-on3 opportunity early in Sunday's game to take a 1-0 lead. Scott Sheppard was the benefactor of another beautiful feed from Blair Manning.
TIME: 5:16 p.m.

KEMP RETURNS
After missing every game since the All-Star break defenseman Chad Kemp was resigned by the Mudbugs in time for Sunday's game against Lubbock.
Kemp collected one goal and four assists in the 30 games in played during the first half of the season. He was traded to Corpus Christi during the All-Star break, but declined to go. He was then suspended and released from the team.
The Mudbugs are 14-1-2 since the All-Star break.
TIME: 4:43 p.m.

MUDBUGS GAMEDAY
VS. LUBBOCK (19-23-3)
Outlook

The Mudbugs (28-13-6) get a chance to defeat the Cotton Kings for the second time in four days. After trailing 2-0 early, Bossier-Shreveport defeated Lubbock 5-3 at the Lubbock Municipal Coliseum on Thursday behind Ken Carroll's ninth straight win in net with 28 saves. Dan Wildfong collected the game-winner midway through the second period and five different Mudbugs scored ... Mudbugs veteran Chris Brassard extended his point streak to 14 games Friday. The streak is the highest in the Central Hockey League this season (Tulsa's Jaroslav Cesky currently on a 14-game streak as well) ... Bossier-Shreveport has won five straight at the CTC. The last loss came to Fort Worth on Jan. 28.

Season series (tied 1-1)
Date Score Site GWG

Dec. 31 Kings 5-1 LMC Emery Olauson
Feb. 16 Bugs 5-3 LMC Dan Wildfong

Mudbugs statistics
# PLAYERS, POS GP G A PTS +/- PIM
10 Dan Wildfong, LW 47 20 29 49 +5 211
14 Chris Brassard, LW 45 12 34 46 +14 62
16 Blair Manning, C 47 7 36 43 +14 36
41 Brett Smith, C 47 23 18 41 -2 44
25 Chad Spurr, RW 45 13 28 41 +6 59
32 Scott Sheppard, RW 21 22 9 31 +9 26
29 Ryan Manitowich, LW 47 15 15 30 +7 18
22 Craig Minard, D 41 3 24 27 +16 34
11 Jason Campbell, C 42 8 16 24 +2 32
44 Dale Lupul, D 44 6 17 23 +17 60
24 Jason Basile, D 38 7 9 16 +10 42
23 Milan Vodrazka, C 36 6 7 13 +9 18
8 Quade Lightbody, D 47 4 9 13 +9 109
20 Shane Palahicky, RW 46 4 7 11 +1 41
18 Jeremy Downs, D 34 1 3 4 +7 24
28 (IR) Martin Stuchlik, F 22 2 1 3 0 16
42 Chris Shaw, D 33 0 0 0 -1 147
TOTALS - 47 154 268 422 +28 1049
GOALTENDING
# GOALIES W L OTL SO GAA SV%
34 Ken Carroll 18 7 4 4 2.29 .920
1 David Cacciola 7 3 2 2 2.70 .914
TOTALS 28 13 6 6 2.68 .909

Cotton Kings statistics
# PLAYERS, POS GP G A PTS +/- PIM
10 Bobby Brown, F 38 12 23 35 -8 16
23 Emery Olauson, F 44 20 13 33 -9 27
18 Nolan Graham, F 43 20 12 32 -16 25
13 Kyle Nosan, F 44 11 20 31 +11 36
25 Jan Melichercik, C 44 6 25 31 -18 25
24 Paul Fioroni, LW 37 6 15 21 -1 112
19 Mike Brolsma, F 39 10 10 20 0 44
9 Stacy Bauman, D 44 4 15 19 +7 38
14 Jonathan Foster, F 42 9 7 16 -8 34
15 Josh Anderson, F 35 9 6 15 +1 42
21 Matt Macdonald, D 44 3 12 15 -15 91
16 Matt McNeely, D 44 5 8 13 +7 68
11 Ryan Moren, D 42 4 5 9 -10 65
20 Jason Beatty, D 39 1 6 7 +1 90
5 Nolan Brown, D 44 1 4 5 -11 92
22 Vic Pereira, F 38 2 2 4 -11 68
TOTALS - 44 125 192 317 -16 894
GOALTENDING
# GOALIES W L OTL SO GAA SV%
31 Lance Leslie 10 11 3 1 3.25 .899
30 Brett Koscielny 6 9 0 1 2.61 .917
26 Brad Buss 2 2 0 0 3.51 .900
TOTALS 19 22 3 2 3.20 .902

Thursday, February 16, 2006

2/17 BUGS at AMARILLO (L, 4-3 in overtime)

UPDATED STORY WITH MUSCUTT'S QUOTES
http://shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060218/SPORTS0303/602180357/1001/SPORTS


Longest winning streaks in team history
12 – Jan. 23, 1999-Feb. 18, 1999
10 -- Mar. 2, 1999-Mar. 21, 1999
10 -- Jan. 7, 2000-Feb. 3, 2000
9 – Jan. 29, 2006-Feb. 17, 2006
9 -- Jan. 31, 2003-Feb. 21, 2003
8 – Mar. 3, 2002-Mar. 16, 2002
8 – Nov. 14, 1997-Dec. 5, 1997

MUDBUGS' STREAK ENDS IN OT

Bossier-Shreveport loses late lead, falls 4-3 to Amarillo.
By Roy Lang III
rflang@gannett.com
The Amarillo Gorillas rallied with a goal in the third period and an overtime game-winner from All-Star defenseman Mark DeSantis to end the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs’ nine-game winning streak Friday at the Amarillo Civic Center.
DeSantis’ tally, his 11th of the season beat Mudbugs rookie netminder David Cacciola with 2:01 left in the extra session.
Despite the loss, the Mudbugs (28-13-6) earned one point and lead the Northeast Division by more than 20 points. Amarillo (23-19-3) moved its home record to 17-7.
It appeared as if Mudbugs veteran Chris Brassard was going to make sure Friday was not night for streaks to end. He scored two second-period goals; including a short-handed tally to give the Mudbugs a 3-2 lead. Bossier-Shreveport (19-0-3) lost just its third game of the season of 22 when leading after two periods.
Brassard’s goals extended his point streak to 14 games.
The loss stopped the Mudbugs from matching the second-longest winning streak in franchise history. The Mudbugs rattled off 10 straight in the 1998-99 and 1999-2000 seasons. The franchise and Central Hockey League record is 12 games (1998-99).
Bossier-Shreveport is 15-1-2 in their past 18 games and returns to action Sunday against the Lubbock Cotton Kings at the CenturyTel Center.
The Mudbugs kept Derek Hahn, the CHL’s leading scorer, off the scoresheet. Hahn entered Friday’s contest with 30 goals and 55 assists.
The Mudbugs carried a one-goal lead into the final 20 minutes, but Hahn’s line finally broke through midway through the period to tie the score. Hahn’s linemate, forward Scott Wray, collected a rebound to even things up with 8:32 remaining in regulation.
Cacciola made an initial save on a long slap shot from the Gorillas and another on a rebound, but the third shot was the one that counted for Wray, who was able to get the puck past Cacciola.
Wray’s goal was his 26th this season in just 33 games.
Mudbugs captain Dan Wildfong got the scoring started with his 20th goal of the season late in the first period. However, Amarillo’s Dan Donnette answered just 12 seconds later. After Brassard gave the Mudbugs a 2-1 lead in the second period, Amarillo’s Keith Rowe countered.

GAMEDAY
MUDBUGS (28-13-5) at AMARILLO (22-19-3)
7 p.m., Amarillo Civic Center, 1130 AM, chltv.com
Outlook
The teams meet for the first of two this season. The second will also be played in Amarillo on Mar. 3. The Gorillas boast Derek Hahn, perhaps the best player in the Central Hockey League right now (no offense to Scott Sheppard). Hahn leads the CHL in points (85) and assists (55) and ranks fourth with 30 goals. The 28-year-old All-Star collects 1.93 points per game (Sheppard 1.58) ... Amarillo is tough at home, boasting a 16-7 record at the Amarillo Civic Center. Amazing considering the franchise ranks LAST in CHL attendance (2,987 per game). Maybe the quiet building helps the Gorillas lull their opponents to sleep ... These teams met twice last season and Amarillo escaped with shootout victories in both. Stat of the century: Greg Foster, yes the former member of the front office staff signed to fill-in duty, led all Mudbugs with two goals vs. Amarillo last year (he only played in one game). He was also tied with Scott Sheppard with two points. Hahn had two goals in the matchups as well.

2/16 BUGS at LUBBOCK (W, 5-3)

For Friday's story in the Times click below and read Scott Muscutt's postgame comments.
http://shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060216/SPORTS0303/302160009/1001/SPORTS

BUGS STREAK HITS NINE
The Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs recovered from a slow start, got goals from five different players and extended their win streak to nine with a 5-3 victory at Lubbock on Thursday.
Bossier-Shreveport peppered Lubbock netminder Brad Buss with 46 shots – including 21 in the first period. Most of the shots in the first 20 minutes came after the Cotton Kings took a 2-0 lead with a goal from Bobby Brown 8:49 in.
Second-year pro Brett Smith deflected home a slap shot from defenseman Dale Lupul to get the Bugs on the board with 4:08 left in the first. Veteran Blair Manning tied the game for Bossier-Shreveport two minutes later.
The Mudbugs nine-game winning streak is their best in three years and the 15-1-1 run is the squads second-best (15-0-2) since entering the Central Hockey League.
In a scoring oddity, five different Mudbugs scored and seven other teammates garnered assists. Not one Bossier-Shreveport player had a multi-point evening. Only three Mudbugs failed to score a point (Jeremy Downs, Chris Shaw and Shane Palahicky).
Veteran Chris Brassard extended his point streak to 13 games while Ken Carroll made 28 saves for his ninth straight win in net.
The Mudbugs are back in action tonight in Amarillo.
TIME: 9:50 p.m.

AT LUBBOCK (19-21-3)
7:05 p.m., Lubbock Municipal Coliseum, 1130AM, chltv.com
Outlook
The Mudbugs (27-13-5) look to extend their win streak to nine games tonight ... Lubbock won the season's only meeting by a seemingly one-sided 5-1 count on New Year's Eve. Leading 2-1, the Cotton Kings scored three power-play goals in the third period (four overall) and Brett Koscielny stopped 33 of 34 shots for Lubbock. Milan Vodrazka scored Bossier-Shreveport's lone tally ... The teams, which did not meet last season, play again Sunday at the CenturyTel Center ... Mudbugs veteran Chris Brassard is riding a 12-game point streak (second best current streak in Central Hockey League). Fellow veteran Blair Manning looks to extend his five-game streak with at least one assist and the Mudbugs look to better their current five-game road winning streak.
Season series (Cotton Kings lead 1-0)
Date Score Site GWG
Dec. 31 Kings 5-1 LMC Emery Olauson

Tuesday, February 14, 2006

2/14 BUGS vs. YOUNGSTOWN (W, 7-5)

NO WORRIES, TAKE THE TWO AND HEAD TO LUBBOCK
I hate to say I told you so, but I have a feeling four goals wasn't going to be enough to win this thing. Turns out 5 wasn't either.
There are two ways to look at this thing.
The Mudbugs made some ridiculously horrible mistakes and let Youngstown -- a team that thrives on its opposition's turnovers -- back into a game they had no business being in.
OR you say say, 'Geez, two months ago, the Mudbugs DONT WIN THIS GAME.'
It wasn't pretty, but sometimes you just have to take the two points and move on. The good news is Fort Worth and Youngstown will not be opponents in the playoffs.
TIME: 11:27 p.m.

TROUBLE BREWING AT THE CTC
Youngstown scored two quick goals to begin the third period and the game is tied at 4. This would be a devastating loss, despite the recent 13-1-1 run. You can't give up a 2-goal third period to Youngstown. Not again.
TIME: 9:02 p.m.

YOUNGSTOWN TIES GAME; BUGS RALLY WITH TWO MORE
Scott Sheppard and Dan Wildfong scored power-play goals in the second period to give the Mudbugs a 4-2 lead entering the final 20 minutes. Maybe it's me, but for some reason I don't think 4 goals is enough to win this game.
TIME: 8:37 p.m.

SHAW VS. MALLETTE
Youngstown tough guy Kris Mallette might be the nicest guy in the Central Hockey League. Mallette had Mudbugs defenseman Chris Shaw beaten badly in a second-period fight. But once Mallette took the blow to send Shaw to the ice he held his arms back and let the linesmen in to help Shaw. He could have delivered multiple knockout blows he wanted.
Shaw got an extra two minutes (not sure what for, unless two mintues now go each fight's loser).

UPBEAT FIRST PERIOD GOES MUDBUGS WAY
The Mudbugs and SteelHounds played another fast-paced period Tuesday at the CenturyTel Center and Bossier-Shreveport owns a 2-1 lead. The teams have already played 4-3, 7-6 and 5-3 games this season. With 18 in 20 minutes, the Mudbugs are on pace to eclipse the 50-shot mark again.
TIME: 7:41 p.m.

I WILL STOP CALLING PASSES FROM MANNING BEAUTIFUL
Because every pass from this guy is ridiculous. Blair Manning, a Mudbugs veteran, delivered a pass from the wall to Brett Smith, who beat Youngstown goaltender David St. Germain 3:22 into the contest.
TIME: 7:15 p.m.

LOVE IS IN THE AIR
Bossier-Shreveport broadcaster Steve Mears could open up his own Hallmark store with all the Valentine's Day presents in his office. The affection the ladies have for Mears will be on display tonight at the CenturyTel Center. I'm sure there will be "Be Mine" and other various messages displayed througout the arena.
The SteelHounds and Mudbugs, on the other hand, don't love each other. Youngstown had made two straight trips to the CTC in which it embarrased the home team. Bossier-Shreveport, if nothing else, must show this time the effort will be there early and there will be no upset this time.
Ken Carroll is in net for the Mudbugs and it appears David St. Germain will be in Youngstown's goal.

CHL GETS SOME RUN ON OLYMPICS
The Central Hockey League took the spotlight during NBC's (shown on USA) broadcast of the U.S./Finland women's hockey game Tuesday.
Angela Ruggiero, who scored two goals in the third period (the game-winner on an end-to-end rush was a thing of beauty no matter the gender) to help the Americans scored 5 goals in the third period to rally past Finland, was mentioned as being the only woman (non-goaltender) to play professional hockey with the men.
Ruggiero played with her brother, Bill, as a member of the Tulsa Oilers last week. The CHL got some pub, which is never a bad thing.
By the way, she's not bad. The hockey is good -- except for the 5,000 penalties called (and no, the ref wasn't Mark Hulshof). Compared to most of her teammates, Ruggiero is exceptional.

GAMEDAY PREVIEW
VS. YOUNGSTOWN (18-26-2)
7:05 p.m., CenturyTel Center, 1130 AM, chltv.com
Outlook
Tonight could mean just as much for the next few weeks to Bossier-Shreveport (26-13-5) as Saturday's Laredo tilt. The SteelHounds have been the ultimate thorn in the Mudbugs' side. The 7-6 shootout loss was devastating, but Jan. 3's 5-3 defeat likely cost Chad Kemp his job -- temporarily at least. John Madden's "discussion" with the team afterwards was criticized by some fans, but the Mudbugs are 13-1-2 since. Coincidence? I think not ... Mudbugs forward Brett Smith has enjoyed playing against the expansion team. He leads all players with five goals and eight points in the three meetings this season. He scored an overtime game-winner against Youngstown on opening weekend at the CenturyTel Center. Jeff Christian leads Youngstown with four goals and seven points against the Mudbugs -- including the shootout winner Nov. 22 ... The difference in this series thus far has been Youngstown's nine power-play goals in 25 chances. The Mudbugs have four in 22 ... The Mudbugs travel to Youngstown for three straight to close out February before a Mar. 10 meeting at the CTC.
Season series (SteelHounds lead 2-0-1)
Date Score Site GWG
Oct. 22 Bugs 4-3 (OT) CTC Brett Smith
Nov. 22 Hounds 7-6 (SO) CTC Jeff Christian
Jan. 3 Hounds 5-3 CTC Scott Barnes

Saturday, February 11, 2006

2/11 BUGS vs. LAREDO (W, 3-2)

ONE FINAL THOUGHT: GOONING IT UP
Did the Mudbugs do what their fans have admonished opponents for the past two seasons? YES. Plain and simple: They gooned it up at the end.
Chris Shaw -- and head coach Scott Muscutt will tell that to your face -- was sent out to take care of a guy that had no chance in Adam Rivet.
"He's never fought in his life," Laredo coach Terry Ruskowski said afterwards.
Muscutt took exception to Bucks forward James Hiebert jumping Dan Wildfong with less than two seconds to play. So out came Shaw.
Shaw is the definition of a role player for the Mudbugs. He was simply filling his role and doing his job. And trust me, I've seen much worse goon tactics.
But I pray I don't get an e-mail from a fan after a game later this year when the other team drops the gloves as retaliation because I will simply point out the way tonight's game ended.
Personally, I think it's good for the game as long as a precarious line isn't crossed. I was shocked Shaw didn't get an instigating misconduct because it was obvious Rivet was not a willing participant. And rightfully so, I would be like Legault making a bee line for Jason Campbell. Soupy is smart enough to know when he's overmatched!


WRAPUP: LAREDO BLEW ITS CHANCES
The Bucks played very, very well to begin this hockey game. One bad turnover and a lackadaisical defensive play led to Laredo's two goals, but the Bucks had several opportunities to put Bossier-Shreveport away early. With any luck, the Bucks could have led 4-0 in the first 15 minutes.
Laredo coach Terry Ruskowski made it clear: His big players did not come up big when they had the chance tonight. Brent Cullaton and Jeff Bes littered the posts and crossbars. But he said to give the Bugs credit, they hung in there and battled back from a sloppy beginning.
This victory was nice, of course, but now the skeptics who say they didn't play anybody during this incredible 13-1-1 run can shut it. Bossier-Shreveport has gone 4-0 against the two division leaders from the Southern Conference during this span and added a win against the current No. 3-seed for the Northern Conference -- Oklahoma City.
That being said ... a 7-game series against the Laredo Bucks would be an absolute war. And, in my opinion, Colorado is still in a league of their own. But it appeared to be that way two seasons ago as well. It's not easy to repeat, just ask the Bucks.
He didnt much ink in my story because the play came on the Mudbugs first goal, but Chris Brassard had another tremendous game tonight. HARD WORK is what led to the short-handed tally. Brassard fought for that puck at the blue line and was determined to leave with it and head the other way. Then he made a spectacular move on the 2-on-1 to setup Smitty.
Tuesday presents another opportunity to exorcise a demon when the Youngstown SteelHounds come to town. Don't even want to talk about the last two times they visited.

BUGS WIN SEVENTH STRAIGHT
http://shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=SPORTS0303

FROZEN IN HISTORY
Referee Keith Kaval was caught with his pants down midway through the third when the Mudbugs scored what looked to be a goal on a delayed penalty.
Kaval had his arm raised signaling a Laredo infraction when the Mudbugs chipped in a rebound. Kaval made no signal and after doing his best impression of an iceberg and conferring with his linesmen, he called just the penalty on Steve Weidlich.
TIME: 9:21 p.m.

SHEPPARD PUTS BUGS ON TOP 3-2
Blair Manning executed yet another sick pass to Scott Sheppard who put it in his “spot” -- over Grumet-Morris’ glove hand -- and the Mudbugs took their first lead of the game at 3-2.
TIME: 9:03 p.m.

LAREDO A LITTLE BETTER LUCK WHEN TIED AFTER 2
The Mudbugs are 4-3-2 this season when the game is tied after two periods while the Bucks are a little better at 6-4.
This game is living up to the hype so far.
TIME: 8:50 p.m.

SHEPPARD ALL ALONE ... NADA!
Scott Sheppard had a chance to give the Mudbugs a 3-2 lead late in the second period but whiffed at the tail end of his breakaway on Grumet-Morris. We're headed to the third period tied at 2. The Mudbugs will have 1:51 left on their third power play to begin the final frame.
TIME: 8:35 p.m.

MANNING TIES SCORE AT 2
Action is so fast and furious here at the CTC I'm having trouble keeping up with the blog!
TIME: 8:29 p.m.

OVER CAPACITY
The curtains covering the west upperdeck have been opened. Therefore, the Mudbugs will have an attendance larger than the listed capacity of 7,353.
TIME: 8:08 p.m.

LAREDO LEADS 2-1 AFTER FIRST
The Bucks jumped to a 2-0 lead early, but a shorty by Brett Smith got the Mudbugs within a goal. Smith's goal set the franchise record for short-handed goal in a season (5). It made up for the Bucks' second goal, which Smith was caught pondering his missed shot in the Laredo zone while Brent Cullaton skated the other way and scored. Have to believe Mr. Muscutt will have a talk with No. 41 about that one.
Chris Brassard extended his point scoring streak to 11 with a beautiful assist on Smith's goal. Brassard outmuscled a Laredo player at the Bugs blueline and helped complete the ensuing 2-on-1 break.
Tell you one thing ... Laredo came to play tonight.
TIME: 7:40 p.m.

JERSEYS HAVE SLIGHT FLAW
The special NASCAR jerseys are sharp, except for the fact you can’t see the numbers at all. The visiting radio broadcaster, in this case Joe Dominey, must be throwing a fit.
The red sweaters have a diagonal checkered flag and silver numbers.
You would think the company that makes the jerseys would have designs that allow those in attendance to see which player is wearing them.
TIME: 7:37 p.m.

GRUMET-MORRIS VS. CARROLL
Ken Carroll gets the start and looks to extend his winning streak to eight games tonight against Laredo. I just have this feeling that Carroll is going to be the difference tonight. He is a known as a being a big-game player and tonight's as big as it gets during this regular season.
We'll see.
TIME: 6:46 p.m.

GAME TIME APPROACHES
We're one hour away from the drop of the puck here at the CenturyTel Center in what is likely the most significant, anticipated regular-season matchup of the season. The Laredo Bucks and Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs have each won nine of their last 10 games and own gigantic leads in their respective divisions. The Bucks lead the Central Hockey League's Southeast Division by 18 points while the Mudbugs pace the Northeast by 17.
Something has to give tonight.
TIME: 6:07 p.m.

VS. LAREDO (30-11-3)
7:05 p.m., CenturyTel Center, 1130 AM, chltv.com
Outlook
Not much needed to say here except Bossier-Shreveport vs. Laredo. That sort of speaks for itself ... Add to that the fact these are the two hottest teams in the Central Hockey League (both 9-1 in last 10 games) and it really makes this a war ... Last time the Bucks came to town the Mudbugs were trying to build some momemtum after an inconsistent first half. With the help of the 3-0 shutout of Laredo on Jan. 13, Bossier-Shreveport got momentum on its side ... Not one Mudbugs player has scored more than one point in the two games against the Bucks this season. Serge Dube is the only current Bucks player with multiple points against the Mudbugs (two goals Dec. 3). Brett Arcand-Kootenay had two assists in that game but was traded to Oklahoma City this week ... If the first two meetings (seven total goals) are an indication, tonight is going to be another defensive battle.

Season Series (Tied lead 1-1)
Date Score Site GWG
Dec. 3 Bucks 3-1 LEC Serge Dube
Jan. 13 Bugs 3-0 CTC Chad Spurr

Friday, February 10, 2006

2/10 BUGS vs. ODESSA (W, 4-0)

RECAP: THIS WAS BEST GAME OF THE YEAR, NO JOKE
It's easy to throw "this was the best game of the year" around after wins like this, but tonight the moniker stands true.
Every line, every defensive duo (taking a gulp Mr. Hebert) and the goaltender played a great game against a first-place Odessa squad. However, do not underestimate what the loss of Don Margettie meant to the Jackalopes on Friday at the CenturyTel Center. He is a leader and it was clear Odessa didn't have much leadership tonight.
If you're a Mudbugs fan, the best thing to take away from tonight was the play of Ryan Manitowich. he scored for the first time in more than a month and his line with Spurr and Brassard was phenominal.
If that line continues to roll ... watch out!
I said it earlier, but saw a few people at Buffalo Wild Wings tonight who asked me ... Chris Shaw did NOT record an assist tonight. It will be changed to Craig Minard, who, oh by the way, is on FIRE. A plus-16 for the season???? It wasn't long ago he was in the negatives. What a season for Mr. Minzy.
MANNING GETS IN THE ACT; BUGS WIN 4-0
Blair Manning finished the scoring and the Mudbugs completed one of their best efforts of the season to down Odessa 4-0.
More later.
TIME: 10:11 p.m.
MANITOWICH GIVES BUGS A 3-0 LEAD.
Ryan Manitowich scored his first goal in 13 games to give Bossier-Shreveport a three-goal advantage lead midway through the third period.
This is a confident hockey club right now. Every line is playing well, and that's scary for the opposition.
TIME: 9:07 p.m.
LIGHTBODY VS. EWASKO
Quade Lightbody is not small by any stretch of the imagination. But in a second-period fight he gave up FIVE inches to Odessa's Jeff Ewasko. The gigantic Jackalopes forward is 6-foot-7, but Lightbody controlled the matchup. There was no takedown, but Ewasko's jersey was over his head when the fight was stopped.
Lightbody was coming to the defense of Dan Wildfong, who became tangled up with Ewasko behind the Odessa net. I've said it before and I'll say it again, Quade is the first Mudbug to jump to the defense of his teammates.
TIME: 8:19 p.m.
2-0 AFTER 20 MINUTES
Brett Smith and Scott Sheppard have given the Mudbugs a two-goal lead. Sheppard's goal was downright disgusting. Two, maybe three dekes sent Gorman flying and Sheppard calmly sent the puck past the line.
TIME: 7:41 p.m.
BUGS SCORE FIRST; SHAW SO CLOSE, BUT NO
Brett Smith took an excellent pass from Scott Sheppard and beat Odessa goaltender Mike Gorman to give the Mudbugs a 1-0 lead. Sheppard and Chris Shaw were announced at the CTC as garnering assists. Unfortunately for Shaw, he did not collect his first point of the season. Craig Minard should have been credited with the second assist.
Shaw remains the only CHL player with more than 20 games played and no points. He had played 28 entering tonight.
TIME: 7:28 p.m.
SHOT COUNTER DUDE ... WHEN YOU HIT THE GOAL POST, THERE IS NOT A SHOT ON GOAL.
Chris Brassard was credited with a shot on goal (and a goal from the cannon guy) when he hit the crossbar in the first period.
TIME: 7:15 p.m.
GORMAN VS. CACCIOLA TONIGHT
The Jackalopes' Mike Gorman will face Mudbugs rookie David Cacciola in net tonight as the Mudbugs (24-13-5) take on Odessa (25-13-5).
TIME: 6:36 p.m.
GAMEDAY
Outlook
Teams meet for second and final time this season. Chad Spurr scored twice Jan. 27 to lead the Mudbugs to a 5-4 victory at the Ector County Coliseum. Bossier-Shreveport outshot the Jackalopes 21-6 in the second period that night before the Jacks turned the tables for a 21-6 advantage in the final period ... The Mudbugs have earned at least one point in 13 of their past 14 games (11-1-2) and are riding a five-game overall winning streak ... Defenseman Jason Basile will miss his fifth straight game tonight due to injury after playing the first 226 games of his career (all with the Mudbugs) ... Scott Sheppard makes his second start since returning from the AHL.
Season Series (Mudbugs lead 1-0)
Date Score Site GWG
Jan. 27 Bugs 5-4 ECC Chad Spurr
Mudbugs statistics
# PLAYERS, POS GP G A PTS +/- PIM
10 Dan Wildfong, LW 42 17 29 46 +7 188
14 Chris Brassard, LW 40 10 28 38 +8 62
16 Blair Manning, C 42 4 32 36 +12 34
25 Chad Spurr, RW 40 11 23 34 +4 55
41 Brett Smith, C 42 19 14 33 -6 42
29 Ryan Manitowich, LW 42 13 13 26 +2 18
32 Scott Sheppard, RW 16 18 6 24 +5 26
11 Jason Campbell, C 37 8 14 22 +3 32
22 Craig Minard, D 36 3 18 21 +12 30
44 Dale Lupul, D 39 5 13 18 +15 60
24 Jason Basile, D 38 7 9 16 +10 42
23 Milan Vodrazka, C 31 6 6 12 +9 18
20 Shane Palahicky, RW 41 4 7 11 +1 37
8 Quade Lightbody, D 42 3 8 11 +5 98
18 Jeremy Downs, D 29 1 3 4 +6 22
28 (IR)Martin Stuchlik, F 22 2 1 3 0 16
42 Chris Shaw, D 28 0 0 0 -4 127
TOTALS 42 132 230 362 +20 977
GOALTENDERS
# GOALIES W L OTL SO GAA SV%
34 Ken Carroll 15 7 4 4 2.17 .925
1 David Cacciola 6 3 1 1 2.85 .907
TOTALS 24 13 5 5 2.67 .909
Jackalopes statistics
# PLAYERS, POS GP G A PTS +/- PIM
43 Sebastien Thinel, RW 43 28 36 64 +15 42
10 Dominic Leveille, RW 43 18 37 55 +10 50
25 Matt Cressman, C 43 20 16 36 +10 59
22 John Kozoriz, F 42 17 18 35 +8 60
9 Mike Rutter, C 28 11 22 33 +3 44
6 Scott Hillman, D 43 7 25 32 +4 41
18 Mike Carter, RW 41 9 22 31 +3 38
23 Don Margettie, RW 37 9 20 29 +8 126
24 Pascal Bedard, D 43 5 16 21 -5 63
41 Adam Loncan, F 41 10 9 19 +2 16
15 Paul Davies, LW 42 8 8 16 +3 55
16 Jeff Ewasko, D 34 6 8 14 0 193
17 Andrew Davis, D 41 0 11 11 -3 78
12 Chris Brannen, D 42 3 6 9 +15 36
37 Jamie Lovell, D 43 1 5 6 +17 29
5 Josh Legge, D 43 0 6 6 +4 94
TOTALS 43 152 267 419 +25 1061
GOALTENDING
# GOALIES W L OTL SO GAA SV%
40 Mike Gorman 19 9 2 2 2.46 .928
31 Derek Dolson 6 3 1 0 2.95 .915
TOTALS 25 13 5 2 2.95 .917

Tuesday, February 07, 2006

2/7 BUGS vs. CORPUS CHRISTI (W, 3-2)

SHEPPARD'S NO-GOAL AND A WRAP
The Mudbugs did it again. It's clear this team refuses to lose right now and veteran Chris Brassard come up large once again. What a great story it is to see what Brassard is doing these days. This guy had a down first month or two, but has transformed into a different player of late. Dale Lupul gets credit for the game-winner but Brassard's goal was the difference in winning and losing Tuesday night. The crowd was out of it. In fact, I have never seen the CTC as quiet as it was after Ryan Carter's goal midway through the third period.
When Ken Carroll makes a spectacular save on a 2-on-1 breakaway and doesn't get as much as a clap, you know something's wrong. But Brassard did what was needed to inject some life in the crowd and his mates.
Scott Sheppard's team leading 19th goal didn't last long. Sheppard, making his first start since returning from the AHL, was mistakenly credited with the third-period goal that should have been given to Jason Campbell.
Sheppard had several opportunities to bang home the rebound to the right of Scott Reid's crease, but Campbell made good with his effort.
By the way, there should be no forgetting Reid's performance Tuesday. He looked as if he was going to allow nothing past him, but somehow Bossier-Shreveport managed three goals. He was a star of the game for sure until Lupul's game-winner.
Of course Reid showing on the ice was nothing compared to his boxing display on the bench following the loss. I couldn't tell which teammate he punched, but to say Reid was frustrated is a severe understatement.
A tough two-game set at the CTC is in store for the Mudbugs. Odessa (Friday) is definitely no pushover and Laredo (Saturday) is the second-best team in the league.
Word is that Saturday's game is nearing a sellout so get your tickets ASAP.

LUPUL WINS IT
A knucklepuck from just inside the blue line from defenseman Dale Lupul gave the Mudbugs a 3-2 victory.
TIME: 9:52 p.m.

BRASSARD TIES IT UP
With less than 5 minutes remaining in regulation, Mudbugs veteran Chris Brassard tied the game at 2 with a slapper from the right circle. The crowd was mysteriously silent, but Brassard's bomb has given new life.
TIME: 9:31 p.m.

STUNNING BLAST GIVES RAYZ 2-1 LEAD
Ryan Carter scored from the blue line to give Corpus Christi a 2-1 lead. There is now 5:30 remaining.
TIME: 9:24 p.m.

WELCOME BACK MR. SHEPPARD
Scott Sheppard scored early in the third to tie the game at 1 in his first game since returning from Rochester of the AHL. The goal gives him the team lead with 19, despite missing 26 games. TIME: 9:07 p.m.

BIG POWER PLAY LOOMS FOR BUGS
Bossier-Shreveport will begin the third period down 1-0, but with 2:48 remaining on a power play. Scott Reid has been ridiculous in net for the Rayz, but often one leads to several. My prediction: If Bugs don't score on PP early in third, Mr. Reid will have himself a shutout.
TIME: 8:42 p.m.

REID STANDING ON HIS HEAD ... AND THEN SOME
Scott Reid is showing why he has spent some time in the American Hockey League this season. So far, he has made 31 saves ... several of the spectacular variety. Ken Carroll is the hard-luck guy, he's played well and trails 1-0.
TIME: 8:28 p.m.

RAYZ GET ON BOARD FIRST
Corpus Christi capitilized on a turnover (thanks Rajan) and Christopher Robertson made good on a one-timer to give the Rayz a 1-0 lead
TIME: 8:15 p.m.

EXACTLY WHAT YOU WOULD EXPECT FROM ALL-STAR GOALIES
32 shots and no goals in the first period between the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs and Corpus Christi Rayz. Ken Carroll (13 saves) and Scott Reid (19) have been stellar.
TIME: 7:57 p.m.

SHEPPARD ... WOW!
And now the nominees for the best move by a Central Hockey League player not to score a goal. Scott Sheppard danced out of the corner and around three Corpus Christi defenders before drawing iron on a wrister early in the first period.
"That's what the American Hockey League will do for you," a Mudbugs official said in the press box. Sheppard is still tied for the team lead in goals at 18 despite missing more than two months while he was called up to Rochester.
TIME: 7:31 p.m.

THE PUCK HAS DROPPED
Time: 7:14 p.m.

SCOREBOARD CLOCK MALFUNCTION DELAYS GAME
No word on when the puck will drop.
TIME: 7:10 p.m.

ALL-STAR SHOWDOWN IN NET
Ken Carroll will matchup against Scott Reid tonight at the CenturyTel Center.

SHEPPARD BACK IN THE FOLD
Will be interesting to see who Scott Sheppard is teamed up with tonight against the Rayz. When he left he was working extremely well with Dan Wildfong and Blair Manning, but Manning has been on fire on his line with Chris Brassard and Milan Vodrazka.
My guess says Wildfong will be in the mix with Sheppard and a Mudbug to be named later.

2/4 BUGS at FORT WORTH (W, 3-0)

2/3 BUGS at CORPUS CHRISTI (W, 3-2)

Thursday, February 02, 2006

2/2 BUGS at CORPUS CHRISTI (W, 4-1)

GAME STORY SURE TO BE DETAILED
Since I wasn't lucky enough to make the trip to C.C., take a look at Greg Rajan's version of the 4-1 victory. He does hate the Bugs -- OK, not really -- but it's worth checking out. Of course the blog is always useful, entertaining and insightful, too.
http://www.caller.com/ccct/rayz

BASILE'S STREAK COMES TO AN END
Mudbugs defenseman Jason Basile saw his consecutive games streak come to an end at 226 tonight. Now you know why head coach Scott Muscutt was so upset at the end of Sunday's game against Memphis.
Basile had just set the franchise record and was third in CHL history before tonight's scratch.

MINARD, LUPUL BOTH +3
Defensemen Craig Minard and Dale Lupul registered in at plus-3 for tonight's game against Corpus. Lupul is tied for first on the team at plus-13 for the season while Minard (plus-11) is third.

BUGS WIN 4-1
It's not often a team does exactly what it sets out to do, but that's exactly what happened Thursday night in Corpus Christi. The Mudbugs preached all week about how the first 20 minutes of tonights game against the Rayz were crucial. All the Mudbugs did was score 3 goals despite the fact Bossier-Shreveport is the second-worst team in the CHL in first period scoring. This team is firing on all cylinders right now.

A determining factor tonight was Jason Campbell's goal with 12 seconds left in the 2nd period. Everyone knows how fragile a 2 goal lead has been in the 3rd period this year, but Soupy's tally pretty much made the 3rd period a cake walk. Ken Carroll was stellar in goal again tonight, making 35 of 36 saves and giving up 1 goal in his 3rd straight contest.
Oh, by the way, the Mudbugs rallied to outshoot Corpus Christi 37-36 to continue their incredible streak of outworking and outshooting their opponents.

Tune in tomorrow for the finale of the doubleheader. Same bat time same bat channel.
TIME: 10:13 p.m.

OUTSHOT? NO WAY!
The Mudbugs have not been outshot by an opponent in quite some time, but despite a 4-1 lead, trail 30-27 in the shot department midway through the final period.

BUGS ACCOMPLISH GOALS
Bossier-Shreveport wanted to pressure Corpus Christi early and certainly accomplished that feat tonight. The Rayz had scored just one goal in five games entering tonight and, to a man, the Mudbugs wanted to keep the frustration level of their opponent high.
Shane Palahicky, certainly no coincidence the most vocal about coming out strong Thursday, got on the board with an early goal. Tallies by veterans Dan Wildfong and Chris Brassard helped Bossier-Shreveport to a 3-1 lead after the first period.
Another veteran, Jason Campbell, scored in the second and the Mudbugs own a 4-1 lead entering the third.

BATTLE OF THE BLOGS!
Greg Rajan just e-mailed me to tell me of the much anticipated contest. Unfortunately I am in the middle of North Carolina without internet access, so the GameBlog will not be updated in a timely fashion tonight.
Therefore, the two blogs will look much the same tonight with mainly post-game analysis.
Stay tuned for Friday's blog against Corpus, too.