Mudbugs Gameday Blog

2/22 (W) BUGS 2, TEXAS 0

2008-02-22T18:46:00.015-06:00

TERRIFIC GAME
Friday was the playoffs before the playoffs. Both teams brought their A games. Wildfong's team should be proud, if they keep playing like they did tonight, the playoff spot will be well within reach. On the other side, Scott Muscutt should be thrilled with his team. The Brahmas are fighting for their lives. The fact the Mudbugs, who are pretty much coasting to the No. 1 seed and a division title, can continuously bring this intensity says a lot about this bunch.
Ken Carroll played what I thought was his best game of the year. He is now the No. 1-ranked goaltender in the Central Hockey League.
Jason Campbell was unreal tonight. No. he didn't pile up the points, but he did exactly what he's done for years. He's a damn good hockey player.
Joe Ori: Wow, what a move for the game-winner.
Brett Smith: How does a guy who weighs 150 pounds continually outmuscle opponents? This kid is proof that effort goes a long way.
Jeff Bowerman: The Brahmas' PA guy gets my No. 1 star tonight. He announced the presence of the "Roy Lang Fan Club." 20 seconds later, Ori beat Cacciola for the game-changer. You're welcome Mudbug Nation.

HERE'S THE GAME RECAP:
http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080223/SPORTS0303/802230359/1001/SPORTS

AND MY STARS OF THE GAME
http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080223/SPORTS0303/80223005/1033/SPORTS0303

ORI DELIVERS
Joe Ori streaked wide of the Brahmas defense down the right wing and beat goaltender David Cacciola to give the Mudbugs a 1-0 lead early in the third period.

FEELINGS ...
Instead of the garbage goal so many of these scoreless games turn on, I think tonight will be determined by a beautiful play. There is so much offensive talent on either side that one turnover could quickly be converted into the game-deciding play. The third period is set to begin ... let's see.

STILL SCORELESS; GODOY GOES DOWN
Mudbugs forward Elias Godoy, who has 17 this season, went down with a knee injury late in the second period. There is no report on the severity of the injury to the first-year Bug.
Otherwise, this has been a tremendous hockey game, despite being scoreless. This is a game fellow CHL hack Greg Rajan would love.

STRONG FIRST PERIOD
The Bugs had Brahmas showcased a wondeful opening 20 minutes. There were plenty of hits and good saves while end-to-end action littered the period. There is no question both teams have some incentive tonight.

CARROLL VS. CACCIOLA
It's a matchup of former Mudbugs teammates and Central Hockey League All-Stars between the pipes.

POULSEN BACK IN ACTIONA definite sign things could get interesting tonight, Scott Muscutt activated Neil Poulsen from leave and the forward will play tonight.
Poulsen has one mission: Beat people up.

BRAHMAS CONFIDENT AGAINST THE BUGS
Texas leads the season series 4-3. The Brahmas are one of two teams to have a winning record against the Mudbugs this season. The other, Rocky Mountain, defeated the Mudbugs in a shootout in their only meeting this season.

THANKS CAPTAIN
Quick story regarding last night before we get to tonight's festivities. Yesteray afternoon, hours before the Mudbugs played Corpus Christi, I saw Mudbugs captain Chris Brassard in the organization's office.
Brassard told me he was going to score a pair for me. Well, how sweet. No. 14 scored twice last night, including the game-tying goal with 2:50 left in the game.
Thanks Chris, my wager that you would score 30 goals this season is back on track.

THE BLOG HAS RETURNED
Well at least for today. I have a feeling this is going to be a game worth blogging about.
I'm in North Richland Hills, Texas, and we're about 10 minutes from faceoff as the Texas Brahmas host the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs.

12/26 (W) MUDBUGS 3, TEXAS 0

2007-12-26T18:36:00.000-06:00

BUGS LAY THE SMACKDOWN

Texas head coach Dan Wildfong had some choice words after Wednesday's loss. Most are unfit to print. Read Thursday's Times for more.

COOPER MAKES IT 2-0

Kevin Cooper, who was robbed by Cacciola on a breakaway in the second period, got his revenge early 57 seconds into the third when he skated around the entire Texas squad and beat Cacciola.

PLAYSTATION2?

Tonight, the Mudbugs are on "Superstar" level and the Brahmas are on "Rookie." But Cacciola remains strong and the game is still 1-0 Bugs after 2.

The Brahmas amassed all of 3 shots on goal that period -- about the same number of times they had the puck with control in the Mudbugs' zone.

Scratch what I said about this game being intense. Unless intense is spelled t-e-r-r-i-b-l-e.

B-R-U-T-A-L

Texas is playing some mind-numbing hockey right now. No, that's not a good thing. It took 12 minutes into the second period before the Brahmas had control of the puck in the Mudbugs zone.

Cacciola comes up big again to stop Kevin Cooper on a breakaway. Cooper tried to go 5-hole, but Cacciola had had the stick there.

As I'm typing, Cacciola stones Zirnis incredibly.

IF THIS IS ANY INDICATION ...

David Cacciola is the only thing between Texas and a poor record. The Brahmas are terrible in their own zone -- sans Cacciola. The Mudbugs very easily could have 5 goals while I can't remember a quality scoring chance for Texas.

BUGS FAIL ON FIRST PP

With Steve Cruickshank calling the game, there won't be many power-play opportunities. The first came early in the second period, but the Mudbugs were unable to capitilize.

1-0 BUGS AFTER FIRST

The Mudbugs carried the play in the second half of the first period and took a one-goal lead after 20 minutes. The Brahmas look like they miss their sniper Scott Sheppard. Several pucks made their way around the Mudbugs' goal, but Texas never really made John DeCaro work too hard.

On the other end, Cacciola has ben magnificent minus Smith's goal which came on a bang-bang play in the crease.

BUGS STRIKE FIRST

Brett Smith’s tenacity created a turnover and the Mudbugs’ first goal of the game.
Smith’s pressure on a Brahmas defenseman behind the goal line forced a rink-wide pass which was intercepted by Karlis Zirnis.
Zirnis immediately fed a charging Smith, who fought Cacciola for the puck in the crease and punched it home late in the first period.

EVEN SO FAR

Not much hitting, but great goaltending so far. David Cacciola has been put to the test in the Brahmas' net.

CACCIOLA VS. DECARO
Two of the best goaltenders in the Central Hockey League -- and former understudies of Ken Carroll -- are between the pipes tonight.

JUST ANOTHER REGULAR-SEASON GAME? I THINK NOT!
Scott Muscutt and any other Mudbug can tell you this is just another game, but let's be frank. Ain't no freakin way.
Scott Muscutt wants a win against Dan Wildfong and the Brahams. It's plain and simple human nature. No, this game isn't going to DRAMATICALLY alter the outcome of the 2007-08 season, but that doesn't mean it doesn't mean more than your average game.
The Brahmas are loaded with former Mudbugs -- starting with coaches Wildfong and Forbes MacPherson. Muscutt's Mudbugs blew a pair of third-period leads to this team in October.
Sure, it's obvious the Mudbugs are a different team now, and Musky wants to prove it.
It's just a hunch, but this game with have more electricity than any other this season.

THE BLOG RETURNS
Due to a busy stretch, the Mudbugs' GameDay Blog took some time off, but it returns (for you guys downstairs in the video room), at least for tonight's matchup against the Texas Brahmas.

11/20 (W) MUDBUGS 2, RAYZ 1

2007-11-20T18:41:00.000-06:00

READ ABOUT MUSCUTT'S TIRADE:
http://shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071121/SPORTS0303/711210355/1001/SPORTS

Game recap:
http://shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071121/SPORTS0303/711210352/1033/SPORTS0303

MUSCUTT NOT PLEASED TO SAY THE LEAST
Just a couple excerpts from Scott Muscutt's post-game interview Tuesday. Of course fans will wonder why the story isn't all bubble gum and roses tomorrow ... at least this guy -- a pretty important one at that -- understands.

"The complacency and the stuff we do in the third period – we just insist on rolling the (expletive) dice out there. It’s not acceptable."

"The third period against Mississippi was the best third period I’ve seen the team play in seven year. Tonight we did exactly the opposite. Not one guy, not two guys – every (expletive) guy."

"This is the first time we’ve done something like that. That was ridiculous. That was the worst period of hockey we’ve played this year – bar none."

Check out Wednesday's editions of The Times for the complete story.

WHAT'S WITH THE THIRD PERIOD??
The Mudbugs still lead, but they are doing everything in their power to give the Rayz a chance. There is no official count, but I'm guessing the Mudbugs have turned the puck over more in this period than they did the first two combined.
Still, if they escape, a win is a win.

BIG KILL ENDS 2ND
The Mudbugs are 5 second away from killing off Corpus' fourth power play of the night.

TAPP MAKES INCREDIBLE SAVE ON PEGORARO PENALTY SHOT
The "most exciting play in hockey" ended poorly for the Mudbugs after Corpus goaltender Jason Tapp made an amazing save on a penalty shot from Daniel Pegoraro. Pegoraro fakes forehand near the slot and got Tapp to the ice, then went backhand into a seemingly wide-open net. Tapp reached back with his glove and snatched the puck out of midair inches before it crossed the line.

BUGS' HARD WORK BEGINNING TO SHOW
The Mudbugs have gotten to just about every loose puck first in this second period. Of course the period started

LET'S GET PHYSICAL
Niko Tuomi took exception to what he thought was his goaltender getting run twice and knocked down Karlis Zirnis from behind. Mudbugs captain Chris Brassard stepped in and the two went for a dance in the Rayz zone. Brassard didn't land much solid but manhandled Tuomi.
Moments later, referee Steve Cruickshank ruled Joe Ori was boarded by Chris Shaffer. Shaffer was given a boarding major and a gamer while Quade Lightbody was assessed an unportsmanlike conduct after it appeared he cross checked Shaffer in the face.
When all is said and done, the Bugs get a 3-minute major, so they can score as many as they can.

BUGS TAKE FIRST LEAD 22 SECONDS INTO 2ND
Brett Smith out hustled his defender to the puck deep in the corner and sent a backward centering feed to Chris Brassard, who tipped it past Tapp. It marks Brassard's first goal since his hat trick in the home opener on Oct. 20.

TWO LAST-PLACE TEAMS?
This is a battle of team in the cellar, but I'm guessing these squads are a bit better than your average cellar-dwellars. The Rayz played a very good period. The play was steady and both teams had scoring opportunities. A 1-1 tie is fitting.

BUGS AVOID DISASTER
Justin Quenneville rings a shot off the crossbar with 41 seconds left in the first period after Bugs goalie John DeCaro gives the puck away at the top of his crease.

BUGS PP LOOKS GOOD, TOO
However, no goal to show for it. Tied late in first.

RAYZ PUTTING ON PP EXHIBITION
Corpus has just one PP goal, but the Rayz two chances with the man-advantage have been spent entirely in the Mudbugs' zone.

ONE SHOT, ONE GOAL
Tyrel Lucas collected the Mudbugs' first shot on goal during a delayed penalty and sent the puck top shelf over Jason Tapp to the game at 1.

RAYS SCORE ON THE PP
Ori's penalty comes back to haunt Bugs as Kevin Watters smacks in a rebound less than 3 minutes in.

CORPUS TAPP-IN IT TONIGHT
Jason Tapp gets the start in net for Corpus tonight and get's run by Joe Ori less than a minute into the game.

DECARO IN NET FOR MUDBUGS
The goaltender carries a two-game shutout streak into tonight's matchup against the Rayz.

CHECK OUT THE MUDBUGS VIDEOS AND BLOGS
Shreveporttimes.com has some pretty good stuff up this week. This week's Tales From the Swamp video has interviews with Scott Muscutt and John DeCaro and a special segment where Brett Smith and Dale Lupul debate The Bachelor finale and Lupul's marital status. Chris Brassard has entered a couple of Captain's Blogs lately, and so has Heidi Bennett, our fan blogger extraordinaire.

11/20 (L) MISSISSIPPI 4, MUDBUGS 2

2007-11-20T18:32:00.000-06:00

11/13 (W) BUGS 3, MISSISSIPPI 0

2007-11-13T17:53:00.000-06:00

*MORE DETAILS ON LARRY STERLING INCIDENT DOWN BELOW*

READ ABOUT IT
STORY:
http://shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071114/SPORTS0303/711140320/1001/SPORTS

GAMERECAP:
http://shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071114/SPORTS0303/711140320/1001/SPORTS

BUGS WIN; STERLING TO BE TRADED
Early Tuesday, Mississippi suspended goaltender Larry Sterling (without pay) for his actions at a Bossier City hotel.

“The RiverKings are going to deal with it,” McClelland said. “Larry has played well for us. We want to make sure he has an opportunity to go somewhere and play. I’m not going to feed off the rumors and no one knows exactly what happened or what’s going down.”

One thing appears clear: Sterling had played his last game as a RiverKing. He was placed on the team suspension list, which draws a minimum 30-day suspension.

“Unless he’s traded to another team or another league,” McClelland said. “We’re not out to hurt anybody. He’s been good to our organization. We’re going to do the right thing for every party involved.”

SPECIAL TEAMS KEY FOR BUGS TONIGHT
Mississippi is down to 0 for 7 on the power play while the Mudbugs have made the most of their 4 shots on 4 power plays. They are 1 for 4.

DECARO FLASHES SOME LEATHER
After a glove save on Mississippi's Chad Woollard, Mudbugs goaltender John DeCaro raised his glove with the puck to make sure Woollard saw the flashy save. Now if Larry Sterling does that, the Mudbugs fans say he's too cocky and unsportsmanlike.

MISSISSIPPI HAS 6TH PP CHANCE
The Mudbugs shouldn't keep giving this team opportunity after opportunity on the power play, despite the 3-0 lead.

2-ON-1 MEANS 3-0 BUGS
Elias Godoy scored late in the second period to give the Mudbugs a 3-0 lead. Godoy tipped a centering pass from Justin Aikins high above Sebastien Centomo's shoulder and into the top of the net.

PEGS PUTS BUGS UP 2-0
A sweet move by forward Daniel Pegoraro gave the Mudbugs a power-play goal and a 2-0 lead midway through the second period. This kid is on fire since being put on the virtual public chopping block.

MORE HELP FROM AN OFFICIAL GETS THE BUGS A GOAL
A puck bounced off a linesman right to the Mudbugs' Karlis Zirnis while short-handed and Zirnis raced the length of the ice on a 2-on-1 with Brett Smith. Zirnis patiently waited to fire a shot on Sebastien Centomo and the rebound went to Smith, who found the open net midway through the second period.
The Mudbugs have been outplayed, but own a 1-0 lead. Maybe the bad bounces the Mudbugs said they got early in this season are coming back the other way.

RIVERKINGS GET ANOTHER PP
They have controlled the first 6 minutes of the second period. This is a tough team for sure and they seem to love this building.

DIVING?
Paging Wayne Bonney. The Mudbugs just got away with one. Justin Aikins was called for boarding and Mississippi's Sheldon Wenzel was called for diving. Umm, if he was boarded, it's hard not to take a dive. RiverKings fans should write letters now.

POWERLESS
The Mudbugs missed on their one PP chance in the first period to fall to 0 for 32 on the power play for the season against Mississippi. The RiverKings are 4 for 36

SCORELESS AFTER ONE
Mississippi looks like they are winning the battles right now. The only thing between the RiverKings and a lead is Bossier-Shreveport goaltender John DeCaro.
DeCaro stopped 14 shots in the first period.
The RiverKings will have 1:07 remaining on their third power play of the night when the second period begins.

MISS GETS THIRD PP CHANCE

Quade Lightbody off for holding. Mississippi has owned the past 5 minutes, but John DeCaro has kept the game scoreless between the pipes for Bossier-Shreveport.

RIVERKINGS GO RIGHT BACK ON PP
Dale Lupul called for roughing.

STILL SCORELESS
Despite four shots with the man-advantage, the RiverKings don't solve John DeCaro.

MISS. GETS FIRST PP OPPORTUNITY
The Mudbugs collected on shot on their power play. Both goaltenders playing well so far.

BUGS GET FIRST PP CHANCE
Ryan Campbell off for roughing Brett Smith.

GOOD GAME THUS FAR; RIVERKINGS FAR MORE PHYSICAL
The Mudbugs lead on the shot board 4-2 (not sure that's right), but Mississippi is winning the battles in the corner early in this game due to physical hockey. the RiverKings have thrown about 5 hits in the first 6 minutes and the Mudbugs 0.

TYREL LUCAS BACK IN ACTION; TRISTAN FAIRBARN OUT
Well thanks Tristan Fairbarn for your help. After one game of service, it appears Fairbarn is out. Tyrel Lucas, who missed Saturday's win against Austin due to injury, was back in the lineup Tuesday.
The Mudbugs now have 19 active players and one on IR (Jason Campbell).
My guess is Fairbarn will be retained until Kevin Cooper's paperwork is approved.

THERE IS A GAME TONIGHT, TOO
Behind goaltender John DeCaro, the Mudbugs look to extend their three-game winning streak tonight against a team that has won six straight in this building.
Bossier-Shreveport is coming off a 3-0 shutout win against Austin on Saturday night.
The Ice Bats are so terrible, today one unnamed Mudbug said "If we played like that, we'd still be skating."

STERLING SUSPENDED; RUMORS SURROUND INCIDENT
Mississippi goaltender Larry Sterling was suspended (without pay) beginning with tonight's game against the Mudbugs. Apparently, Sterling things didn't go well for Sterling at the team hotel last night in Bossier City.
Visiting teams normally stay at the Roadway Inn off Hilton Drive (near Airline Drive).
I'll assume a beverage or two may have had an effect on this and his supposed broo-haha.
Sebastien Centomo will start between the pipes for the RiverKings.
This is something the RiverKings don't need as they are on a roll right now. You know head coach Kevin McClelland won't tolerate such actions and I doubt thats the guy he tried to tangle with (right, Rajan?).
"After careful discussions with head coach Kevin McClelland, we felt that it would be best for the team and everyone else involved to place Larry Sterling on team suspension," Dave Mattice, director of business operations for the RiverKings said in a release handed out Tuesday night at CenturyTel Center.
Team suspensions are a 30-day minimum (so you can add another player), so it will be interesting to see what happens with this. A team could suspend anyone for just a game or two without signing another player, but obviously the RiverKings need another goalie (and have one tonight), so we'll see what happens.
The RiverKings, unlike their release said early Tuesday, signed goaltender Cody Daniel, not former Mudbug Adam Hanna.

11/10 (W) BUGS 3, ICE BATS 0

2007-11-12T17:09:00.001-06:00

READ ABOUT KEN CARROLL'S 22ND SHUTOUT
http://shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071111/SPORTS0303/711110340/1033/SPORTS0303

11/8 (W) BUGS 1, TULSA 0

2007-11-08T17:57:00.000-06:00

A HOME WIN!
Joe Ori scores late in the game to give Bossier-Shreveport its first home win in more than seven months.

A BATTLE OF THIRD-PERIOD FUTILITY
The Mudbugs and Oilers have both been outscored 11-3 in third periods this year. Who gives tonight?

ANOTHER CRUCIAL THIRD PERIOD AT CTC
Tulsa has not looked very good. In fact, I can't think of one quality scoring chance before the Oilers' current power play. The Bugs need 2 points tonight.

BUGS STAND STRONG
Now they go on their 4th PP of the night.

BUGS NEED BIG KILL COMING OUT IN THIRD
The Mudbugs need to kill 2:29 left in Darryl Lloyd's 5-minute major penalty for charging late in the second period.
The game is still scoreless, but could change quickly early in the third. Unlike a regular power play, the Oilers can score as many goals as they can during the major penalty.

BUGS HOLD STRONG
The Oilers get no shots on goal during their first power play.

TULSA GETS FIRST PP

THIS GAME IS FLAT OUT BO-RING
There hasn't been one decent hit on either side. This contest -- so far -- is completely reflective of teams with combined records of 3-9-1.

BUGS GET ANOTHER PP
That's 3 for the Bugs and 0 for the Oilers. That darn CHL. It hates Bossier-Shreveport.

PLAYS EVENS OUT; SCORELESS AFTER 1
The Mudbugs started strong, but Tulsa picked up its play as the first period progressed. In the end, it's another scoreless first period at CTC.
These are the types of periods that have come back to bite the Mudbugs. Sooner or later, they have to start taking advantage of their early chances.

WE'VE SEEN THIS BEFORE
The Mudbugs have clearly outplayed Tulsa in the first 10 minutes. They are outshooting the Oilers 8-4, but the game is still scoreless.

GOOD MOVEMENT, NO PAYOFF ON BUGS' FIRST PP
Three shots on goal, but the game is still scoreless.

FORMER BUG ST. PIERRE BETWEEN PIPES FOR TULSA
Kevin St. Pierre, who was named to the Mudbugs' 10th Anniversary Team, has the start in net for Tulsa tonight.

DECARO IN NET FOR MUDBUGS
Fresh off his -- and the team's -- first victory of the year Saturday in Mississippi, Decaro looks to improve his 1-3-1 record.

TIME TO BREAK THE SLUMP?
The Mudbugs (1-5-1) will attempt to snap a franchise record (in regulation) six-game losing streak at CenturyTel Center tonight against the reeling Tulsa Oilers (2-4).
The Oilers were expected to make waves in the Northern Conference this season with the acquisition of Jeff Christian, but the move certainly hasn't paid off yet.
Christian, the CHL's leading scorer a year ago, has no goals and three assists in the first six games. He is also a minus-8.
Yikes.

11/3 (W) BUGS 3, MISSISSIPPI 1

2007-11-04T21:10:00.000-06:00

SOUTHAVEN, MS – The Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs won for the first time this season on Saturday night at the DeSoto Civic Center , defeating the Mississippi RiverKings 3-1. Daniel Pegoraro broke a 1-1 third period tie with a shorthanded breakaway goal that proved to be the game-winner.
For the third consecutive meeting with Mississippi and Bossier-Shreveport, the game was scoreless after one period. Just like Friday night’s game at the CenturyTel Center , both teams had numerous power play opportunities in the opening period. The Mudbugs were 0-for-4 with the man advantage in the first, while the RiverKings were 0-for-3. The Mudbugs out shot Mississippi 15-6 in the first.
Scoreless hockey themed most of the second period as well, with the teams exchanging more power plays. At one point in the second period, there were four players from each team in the penalty box at the same time. Then late in the period, it was actually a Mudbugs even strength goal that broke the tie. Kevin Labatte fed Brett Smith for a one-timer in the high slot. Sebastien Centomo made the save for Mississippi , but Justin Aikins was there to pick up the rebound and score his first goal as a Mudbug and give the team a 1-0 lead. Although the shot totals were reversed in the second, 15-6 for Mississippi , Bossier-Shreveport had the one goal lead.
Then in the third period, Bossier-Shreveport was faced with a two-man disadvantage for the fifth time in the past three games. With Dale Lupul and Ryan Fairbarn in the box, Chad Woollard wristed one into the top corner to tie the game at one. The teams traded power plays later in the third without success, and then with under four minutes left, Elias Godoy took a boarding penalty to give Mississippi another man advantage. That’s when Daniel Pegoraro made a great individual play to give the ‘Bugs the lead. As the RiverKings moved the puck just outside their own zone, Pegoraro swooped in and stole it away. The second-year Mudbug moved in on a breakaway against Centomo and went to the backhand to score his second of the season and the game-winner. Joe Ori sealed the deal with an empty netter and the Mudbugs went on the win 3-1.
John DeCaro made 34 saves to earn his first victory of the season, as the Mudbugs were out shot 35-31 in the contest. Bossier-Shreveport was 0-for-7 on the power play while Mississippi went 1-for-10. The Mudbugs are now 1-5-1 on the season while Mississippi falls to 4-2.
Up next for Mudbugs is a home game against the Tulsa Oilers on Thursday evening, but before that, don’t forget to check out Powerplay with Scott Muscutt, the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs Coaches Show. It will be on Monday evening from 5:30 to 6:30 at Buffalo Wild Wings on the Louisiana Boardwalk and can be heard on the air on AM 1130 KWKH.

11/2 (L) MISSISSIPPI 3, BUGS 0

2007-11-02T17:42:00.000-05:00

READ ABOUT IT
http://shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071103/SPORTS0303/711030338/1033/SPORTS0303

EMPTY NETTER, 3-0
Franchise-worst seven-game losing streak at home.

ONE MORE PP CHANCE; 4:35 left
0 for 9

CRUCIAL POWER-PLAY CHANCE LOOMS FOR BUGS
And it goes down in flames. 0-8 on the night.

WELL MAYBE THIS IS THE PLACE THE BUGS WANT TO BE
Bossier-Shreveport trails 2-0 entering the final period. It's the first time all season the Mudbugs have trailed entering the third. Perhaps this is what they need to get a victory.
However, the more likely scenario says this could finally be a night the Mudbugs get outplayed and lose. You can't outperform your competition every night, and when you throw away victories like the Mudbugs have in the first two weeks, those points are impossible to get back.

RIVERKINGS SCORE TWICE QUICKLY
The RiverKings opened the scoring early in the second period on the power play. Aaron Davis had an open net after a shot from teammate Chad Woollard deflected to his stick at the right side of the crease.
Mississippi made it 2-0 quickly with a 5-on-3 goal by Woollard. The veteran was parked at Carroll’s doorstep and easily cashed in on a cross-crease pass. The Mudbugs’ goaltender had no opportunity to stop the puck.

SCORELESS AFTER ONE; CARBON COPY OF FIRST 5 GAMES
The Mudbugs are outplaying their opponents, again. It's scoreless after the first period. Let's hope the hard work is the only thing that ends up being the same tonight.

ZIP-ZIP EARLY; BUGS CONTROL FLOW
The Mudbugs are outshooting the RiverKings 8-1 midway through the first period.

IT'S FILLING IN LATE
The attendance isn't tremendous by any stretch, but people have arrived late.

THE DISAPPOINTMENT AT THE GATE CONTINUES
Maybe it's the 0-4-1 record.
Perhaps it's the Evangel-Calvary game or the rest of the Week 10 high school football slate.
Or maybe folks are on their way to Tuscaloosa for the LSU-Alabama game.
Whatever the case may be, there is NO ONE here tonight.
Not for a Friday.
20 minutes before the drop of the puck I'm guessing 1,200?

KEN CARROLL GETS THE START; VODRAZKA WAIVED
Goaltender Ken Carroll gets the start for the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs tonight as they host the Mississippi RiverKings at CenturyTel Center.
In order to welcome Jason Basile to the active roster, the Mudbugs released forward Milan Vodrazka, who played parts of three seasons in Bossier City.

10/30 (L) YOUNGSTOWN 5, BUGS 4

2007-10-30T17:49:00.000-05:00

READ ABOUT IT HERE
http://shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071031/SPORTS0303/710310346/1033/SPORTS0303

DISASTER CENTRAL
I'm tired of writing "it happened again."
But it did.
Make sure to check out The Times tomorrow for fallout from Tuesday's 5-4 loss to the Youngstown SteelHounds. Another third-period lead, another loss in regulation at CenturyTel Center.

BUGS IN TROUBLE

2,117???
Tuesday's crowd is the worst I've seen while covering the team. Tuesday's are tough, but it's not the first Tuesday we've seen action at CenturyTel Center.

STEELHOUNDS TIE IT
A Dale Lupul clearing attempt hit Pegoraro in the back of the leg and the SteelHounds kept control during a power play. Nathan Schwartzbauer was able to find Peter Pohl deep in the Mudbugs’ zone to DeCaro’s left. Pohl sent cross-crease pass to Jarman, who scored his second goal of the night.
The Mudbugs’ lead disappeared with 10:03 left in regulation.

PEGORARO FIRES BLANK ON BREAKAWAY
Daniel Pegoraro picked Nathan Schwartzbauer's poket clean early in the third period and skated alone toward Andy Franck. However, the Mudbugs forward wasnt able to muster a shot and the Mudbugs still lead by a goal. This is the type of thing that has cost the Mudbugs late in games.

WELL, ANOTHER GAME, ANOTHER TEST
The Mudbugs lead a game by one goal going into the third period for the fourth straight game. They have yet to win one. As usual, they are dominating the play through 40 minutes.

TURNOVER=YOUNGSTOWN GOAL
A turnover by the Mudbugs led to a goal by Kevin Jarman. The relentless SteelHounds moved within a goal one more time.

ANOTHER PP GOAL; 4-2 BUGS
Patience by Lupul and a nice deflection from Joe Ori lead to another power-play goal midway through the second period. Lupul slowly skated in from the right circle and lifted the puck toward the net before Ori got a piece of it and sent it over Franck’s stick and into the top of the net.

BENCH NOTE:
Mudbugs defenseman Jason Basile was behind the bench Tuesday, serving as Scott Muscutt’s assistant coach in lieu of Trevor Buchanan. No info on why Buchanan missed tonight's game. Or if he's observing from a different place.

LUCAS ON THE PP AGAIN; 3-2 BUGS
Rebound goal by Lucas -- his second of the game -- during 5-on-4 action to give the Mudbugs a 3-2 lead.

LSU LOSES!!
One parent thought he was was brilliant dressing his son up as an LSU Tiger, complete with jersey, pants, helment and eye-black for the Mudbugs' Halloween costume contest in the first-period intermission.
The kid made it to the finals, but lost to another in what looked like a bear costume. Thank god ... an LSU jersey is NOT a Halloween Costume! Go lil bear!

GAME TIED AT 2
The SteelHounds tied the game at 2 with a well-executed 5-on-3 tally late in the first period. The goal was as pretty as it gets with a two-man advantage as Youngstown captain Chris Richards sent pass through the crease to Eric Przepiorka. The forward sent the puck into the empty net with 3:50 left.
Youngstown failed to score on the time remaining in the power play.

STEELHOUNDS GO ON 5-ON-3

BUGS SCORE ON THE PP!
The Mudbugs took a 2-1 lead minutes later when Tyrel Lucas scored the team’s second power-play goal of the season. The tally actually came with the Mudbugs up 6 on 4 as Youngstown’s Jeff Alcombrack had been called for a delayed penalty.

TEAMS TRADE SOFT GOALS EARLY
The Mudbugs took a lead 1:29 into the game when a Dale Lupul wrister beat Andy Franck. But a Brett Smith turnover led to a Youngstown goal just 31 seconds later. Chris Shaffer's wrister beat DeCaro to tie the game a 1.

DECARO IT IS
Well, let the guessing and second-guessing begin.

WHO STARTS IN NET?
If Ken Carroll does not get the start tonight against Youngstown I would officially say there is an issue. John DeCaro has started three of the first four games. I understand Carroll had issues his first time out, but if indeed you are going to use some sort of goalie rotation, Kenny has to start at some point.
Carroll is says he's as healthy as he's ever been, so that's not it. We're just 10 minutes away from the pregame warmups, so we'll see who skates out first as the Mudbugs look for their first win of the 2007-08 season.

10/27 (L) TEXAS 4, BUGS 3 (OT)

2007-10-27T18:40:00.000-05:00

IT HAPPENED, READ ABOUT IT HERE
http://shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071028/SPORTS0303/710280343/1033/SPORTS0303

GOING TO OVERTIME

OH NO. IS IT HAPPENING AGAIN?
Anders Strome scores with just more than 4 minutes left to tie the game at 3.

GOAL LIGHT ON, NO GOAL
Dale Lupul rang a slap shot off the post during a power play in the third period, but the goal judge put the light on. Everyone in Texas still working out the kinks.

BUGS TAKE LEAD LATE IN SECOND
Darryl Lloyd scored with 3:05 left in the second period to give the Mudbugs a 3-2 lead. David Cacciola vehemently argued with referee Steve Cruickshank that the puck did not cross the goal line. Couldn't tell from my point of view as there was chaos in front of the Brahmas' net and Cacciola was sprawling like a mad man.

GOALS FAST AND FURIOUS NOW; BRAHMAS TIE IT UP
Scott Sheppard scores to tie the game at 2. It's the "former Mudbugs show" tonight at NYTEX Sports Centre.

PEGORARO PUTS BUGS ON TOP
Daniel Pegoraro scored on a freakish back-handed whack and the Mudbugs own a 2-1 lead midway through the second period.

BUGS TIE IT UP
Not long after Cacciola single-handedly snuff the Mudbugs’ back-to-back power play chances, the Mudbugs tied the game on Tyrel Lucas’ first professional goal. Daniel Pegoraro streaked down the right wing and sent a backhanded pass across the middle of the ice. Lucas took the pass and his powerful wrist shot barely snuck the puck past Cacciola glove side.

BRAHMAS KILL OFF 4-MINUTES OF PENALTIES
Still 1-0 with 15:55 left.

TRIPLE-MINOR??? HAHA
I've never seen a triple-minor, but I did tonight. Big Snake was assessed a triple-minor for roughing and a 2-minute minor for unsportsmanlike conduct. Not so much a team-player move. I'm pretty sure Dan Wildfong, the king of minor penalties, ever got a triple-minor.

BUGS START SECOND ON 4-MIN POWER PLAY
Big Snake's antics cost his team.

NO SURPRISE HERE: LET'S GET CHIPPY
Robin Big Snake has made his presence felt tonight. With a name like that it's hard not to. The Brahmas forward dropped the gloves with Mudbugs captain Chris Brassard after the first-period horn. The final seconds of the period took about 10 minutes as there were clock issues and then a nice scrap as the teams attempted to leave the ice.
Brassard and Quade Lightbody both told Mr. Big Snake they wanted a piece. We'll see if it develops. Bottom line: The Mudbugs trail 1-0. Maybe this is a good thing. They haven't been able to hold a lead, so let's try to come from behind.

BRAHMAS TAKE LEAD WITH PP GOAL
A beautiful centering pass from former Mudbug Blair Manning, who was stationed behind the net to John DeCaro’s left, led to a one-timer and a goal from Anders Strome with 1:54 left in the first period. Another former Bossier-Shreveport player, Scott Sheppard, got the secondary assist.

BUGS' PP GOES 0-2
I'm not qualified to coach or even question anyone regarding pro hockey. But during the Mudbugs' second power play tonight, all 150 pounds of Brett Smith was parked in front of the net.
Does this seem weird? The defenseman guarding Texas' crease looked a foot taller and about 80 pounds heavier.

ACTION FAST EARLY
Both teams seem to have their legs in the early moment. Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs' Karlis Zirnis had the best chance to score thus far, but was stopped by David Cacciola in the slot.

ATT, WE HAVE A PROBLEM
Mudbugs broadcaster Travis Huntington is doing play-by-play tonight with his cell phone as the folks here at NYTEX Sports Centre did not have a phone line available for the radio broadcast. Oops.

BUGS FANS HONORED AT PREGAME CEREMONY
Brahmas general manager Mike Barack thanked the large group of Mudbugs fans in attendance during a pregame ceremony kicking off the rebirth of the Brahmas franchise.

WILDFONG BECOMING THE MAYOR OVER HERE ALREADY?
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram had a full page spread on the Texas Brahmas today. The newspaper also sent TWO photographers to tonight's game. I can tell you, I've never seen that type of coverage for the Brahmas in this area. Kudos to Wildfong for pounding the pavement and the Star-Telegram for seeing this guy is something special.

JOHN DECARO GETS START IN NET FOR BUGS
He will face former Mudbugs goalie David Cacciola.

GREETINGS FROM NORTH RICHLAND HILLS!
The world isn't over and the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs, despite three straight losses, have arrived in Texas to play the Brahmas tonight. This building is small, about 2,200 capacity, but it's going to be loud tonight.

10/26 (L) MISSISSIPPI 2, BUGS 1

2007-10-26T17:57:00.000-05:00

ITS OVER 2-1 RIVERKINGS
Another third-period nightmare. Read about it here:
http://shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071027/SPORTS0303/710270348/1033/SPORTS0303

MISSISSIPPI SCORES TWO QUICK GOALS
Moments after the RiverKings hit the post on a power play, Ryan Held tied the game with a wrist shot from the left circle.

Things got worse for the Mudbugs 58 seconds later when DeCaro was screened on a Steve Makway slap shot from the left point. The puck snuck past the Mudbugs netminder and another third-period disaster was realized.

RIVERKINGS ON POWER PLAY WITH 10 MINS. LEFT

MIDWAY THROUGH THIRD, BUGS UP 1-0
John DeCaro has made some nice stops in the third as the Mudbugs still have a one-goal lead.

BUGS MAKE MOST OF QUIET PERIOD
Bossier-Shreveport took one shot in nearly 17 minutes during the second period. The second was a difference-maker. Brett Smith's goal quieted a Mississippi team finding its groove and sparked the nearly-silent CenturyTel Center.
Bugs lead 1-0 after 2 periods.

BRETT SMITH SCORES SHORTY TO GIVE BUGS LEAD
Brett Smith scored a short-handed goal with 3:03 left to give the Mudbugs a 1-0 lead. Great lead pass from Justin Aikins and Smith beat Sebastien Centomo with a deke and a forehand shot.

ACTION PICKS UP ON THE ICE
No less than three players were sent to the ice in a span of 30 seconds. One RiverKing and two Mudbugs hit the deck and the crowd finally had something to cheer about. No penalties.

QUIET CTC
The CenturyTel Center is as quiet as I've ever heard it in a game the Mudbugs aren't losing. The energy level from the decent-sized crowd reflects the scoreboard: 0-0.

BUGS UNABLE TO CONVERT; TIED AFTER 1
Bossier-Shreveport dominated the shot board (15-6), but the game has yet to see its first goal. Mississippi has a limited number of shots, but several of those were quality as the Mudbugs broke down on the blue line.

John DeCaro and Sebastien Centomo are on top of their game.

The best scoring chance came in the final 20 seconds as the Mudbugs skated in on Centomo with a 2-on-1 short-handed breakaway. Justin Aikins led the way with and Brett Smith. Aikins kept the puck and waited until the last possible second to shoot, but Centomo didn't bite on a possible pass and the game stayed scoreless through 20 minutes.

RIVERKINGS START TO PICK IT UP
Mississippi was quiet early, but has started to pick up its play. The Mudbugs had their chances early, but the RiverKings are beginning to find their way into the Mudbugs' zone easily.

QUIET EARLY
The Mudbugs have controlled the play for the most part, outshooting Mississippi 7-0 in the first 6 minutes. But it's still scoreless.

CENTOMO VS. DECARO
Sebastien Centomo will get his first start in a Mississippi uniform this season. Centomo was acquired this week and sees action right away. I know Mudbugs fans are disappointed Mr. Sterling isn't between the pipes.

FEARLESS PREDICTIONS
Here is a look at some Mudbugs numbers that won't be that way soon:
Brett Smith: 2 games, 0 points, minus-3.
Quade Lightbody: minus-2
Ken Carroll: 5.50 goals-against, .762 save percentage
Justin Aikins: 1 point -- this kid has some hands. Watch the points pileup.
Karlis Zirnis: 0 points???

MUDBUGS ORANGE?
The Mudbugs skated out onto the ice for their warmups in Halloween Costumes, I mean jerseys. They are mainly orange, or perhaps "pumpkin" with black trim. For gaudy Halloween sweaters, they are actually sharp. Let's hope the only nightmares in store tonight come for the boys in white and green.

DECARO IN NET TONIGHT
John DeCaro, who was the hard-luck loser against Mississippi on opening night one week ago, will get the start for the Mudbugs against the RiverKings (1-1) tonight at CenturyTel Center.

TIDBITS
The Mudbugs (0-2) have never lost their first two games in regulation under head coach Scott Muscutt. Bossier-Shreveport will look to avoid going winless in its first three games of a season for the first time in franchise history ... Mississippi won the season open one week ago with a goal from Jason Lawmaster midway through the third period ... Mudbugs defenseman Jason Basile returned to practice Thursday, but head coach Scott Muscutt says the All-Star will likely miss the next three games.

10/20 (L) TEXAS 5, BUGS 4

2007-10-20T18:49:00.000-05:00

READ ABOUT IT HERE:
http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071021/SPORTS0303/710210328/1033/SPORTS0303

TEXAS WINS 5-4
An inexplicable meltdown for the Mudbugs in the third period leads to an 0-2 record after the first weekend of play. Kudos to Dan Wildfong for rally his Brahmas, who were dominated for 40 minutes of play.
Thoughts
Chris Brassard did his part with a hat trick.
What happened to Ken Carroll?
The Scott Sheppard-Blair Manning-Anders Stromme line is going to put up a pile of points this season.
Texas was awful defensively early, but with David Cacciola in net, the Brahmas will be in many games they shouldn't be in this season.
Look for the game story at shreveporttimes.com and in Sunday's editions of The Times.

BRAHMAS LEAD 5-3

BRAHMAS TIE IT UP
Anders Strome scored on a deflection midway through the third period and we are tied at 3.

BRAHMAS POWERLESS
Texas again failed to record a shot on a power play. Four power plays, 0 shots and the Bugs still lead.

PP STALLS; BUGS STILL LEAD 3-2
The Mudbugs are currently outshooting Texas 30-8.

BUGS EMPTY ON PP; MAINTAIN 3-2 LEAD
The Mudbugs are having the best of special teams play (10 power-play shots to 0), but couldn't get the puck past David Cacciola during a power play late in the second period.

BRASSARD NETS HAT TRICK
Chris Brassard gets his third goal of the game just 9 minutes into the second period and the Mudbugs have another lead. Darryl Lloyd has assisted on all three of Brassard's goals.

BRAHMAS TIE IT UP
Grant Jacobsen scores early in the second period.

THREE PPs FOR THE BRAHMAS, 0 SHOTS ON GOAL
The Mudbugs stand strong again and thwart Texas' third power play.

BUGS LEAD 2-1 AFTER FIRST PERIOD; BRAHMAS ON PP
Texas will have 1:54 left on a 4-on-3 power play that will turn into a 5-on-4 when the second period resumes. The Brahmas are down simply for the fact they have been unable to control the puck around their own net.

TOO MENY MEN FOR BUGS; BRAHMAS DON'T CAPITILIZE
Texas is still without a shot on two power-play chances.

BRASSARD SCORES ON PP
The Mudbugs took a 2-1 lead with 6:34 remaining in the first when Chris Brassard gets his second goal of the game -- a rebound off a Darryl Lloyd centering feed.

BRAHMAS GET FIRST POWER PLAY; RECORD 0 SHOTS
Texas falls to 0 for 1 on the power play after failing to record a shot with the man-advantage.

BRASSARD LAYS THE WOOD TO BRAHMAS FORWARD
Chris Brassard got the best of Greg McConnell in a first-period fight, much to the delight of the crowd here at CenturyTel Center. It appeared two separate lefts stunned the Brahma before he was slammed to the ice by the Bugs captain.

BRASSARD ANSWERS
Mudbugs new captain Chris Brassard got his own rebound after Brahmas defenseman Mike Vellinga whiffed on a clearing attempt and the Mudbugs have tied the score at 1 just 2:39 into the game.

FORMER BUGS STRIKE FIRST
Blair Manning fed Scott Sheppard with a beautiful pass and the former Bugs combined to score 33 seconds into the game. Wow.

HONORING NO. 10
Dan Wildfong was honored by the Mudbugs before the game. In addition to a video presentation, he was presented with a stunning painting containing various images of him in a Mudbugs uniform.
Wildfong and Mudbugs head coach Scott Muscutt embraced briefly before Wildfong retreated to his post on the opposite bench.
The Mudbugs have never retired a number. If they didn't retire No. 10, they never will retire one.

FORMER TANDEM AT OPPOSITE ENDS
Former Mudbugs goaltender David Cacciola gets the start for Texas tonight while Ken Carroll will be between the pipes for the Mudbugs.

WE'RE ABOUT TO BEGIN

Welcome back to hockey, folks. The 2007-08 season is underway and we have a doozy in store tonight at CenturyTel Center.

Dan Wildfong is back in the building ... as the enemy! Wildfong's Texas Brahmas, who won last night are here to try and keep the Mudbugs winless. Wildfong isn't the only familiar face. Forbes MacPherson is Wildfong's assistant and they signed former Bugs Scott Sheppard, Blair Manning, David Cacciola and Craig Minard.

Sheppard scored twice in the Brahmas' opener and Manning tallied the game-winner at Austin with less than 3 minutes to go.

10/19: (L) RIVERKINGS 2, MUDBUGS 1

2007-10-20T18:48:00.000-05:00

The Mississippi RiverKings beat the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs 2-1 in the season opener for both teams. Jason Lawmaster broke a 1-1 tie midway through the third period to provide the winning margin for the RiverKings.

It didn’t take long for the action to get going in the first period, as the team exchanged early power plays and early scoring chances. It was the RiverKings who would strike first however, as Derek Landmesser and Aaron Davis would set up a Ryan Campbell power play goal and put Mississippi on top at the 6:08 mark of the first. The Mudbugs would answer back immediately though, as newcomer Elias Godoy walked in on a breakaway against Mississippi’s Larry Sterling and wrested a shot over his left shoulder to get the Mudbugs even only 22 seconds later. The first period would end with the score 1-1.

Five-on-5 hockey was a rarity in the second period, as the teams traded power plays for the majority of the frame. Playing with only four defensemen, Bossier-Shreveport’s penalty killers were faced with two-man-disadvantage for 1:35. The RiverKings couldn’t get on the board though, as the Mudbugs penalty kill unit did the job. After two periods, the score remained tied at one.

The teams would continue trading penalties into the 3rd period before Lawmaster’s tally that put Mississippi ahead. Bossier-Shreveport nearly got the game even with a power play opportunity late in the contest. Despite pulling goaltender John DeCaro to get a 6-on-4 advantage inside one minute to go, the Mudbugs couldn’t get the equalizer past Larry Sterling and the RiverKings would go on to win.

Bossier-Shreveport’s power play finished 0-for-9 on the night, while Mississippi converted 1 of 10 chances. Both teams finished with 22 shots on goal.

3/31 MUDBUGS VS. WICHITA GAME 2

2007-03-31T18:58:00.000-05:00

BUGS WIN IN 2ND OVERTIME
Jason Williamson pitched a shot from Ryan Fairbarn 5:42 into the second overtime to give the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs a 2-1 victory in Game 2 of the Central Hockey League Playoffs. He was also assisted by Cam Abbott. Rookie John DeCaro was brilliant in net stopping 55 of 56 shots between the pipes. Wichita's Jon Harrell was the hard luck loser allowing just two of 38 past him. The victory evens the series at 1-1 in the best of seven series. Games 3,4 and 5 will be played in Wichita beginning Wednesday.

FIRST OVERTIME
Thanks to the four minute power play against the Mudbugs, Wichita outshot the Bossier-Shreveport 14-12 in the first overtime. There was plenty of pushing and shoving but no major fights broke out. John DeCaro and Jon Horrell continued to play exceptional in net as the score remained 1-1.

OVERTIME PENALTY
Joe Ori was whistled for high sticking and drew a 4:00 minute penalty at 8:22 into the overtime. Wichita's Troy Barnes was the recipient of the stick to the mouth. John DeCaro was brilliant in net against the power play, allowing nothing past him.

FANS GET THEIR MONEY'S WORTH
The 4,669 fans in attendance got their money's worth with an extra period. The two teams skated to a 1-1 tie in regulation after going scoreless in the final two periods. Bossier-Shreveport outshot Wichita 34-22, including 11-3 in the third period.

BUGS STEP IT UP
Intensity got a little higher from both teams in the second period. There were several minor skirmishes that didn't draw penalties. However, the Mudbugs outshot Wichita 15-3 and have outshot the Thunder 24-18 through two periods with the score remaining 1-1.

FIRST ROUND MULLIGAN
Both Laredo and Bossier-Shreveport will both advance to the second round of the CHL playoffs whether they win or lose their round series. It's a new CHL rule this year that was passed unanimously by the owners to generate more revenue. It may keep the top seeds around for one more round, but it's a joke. Even Mudbugs fans think it's a bad idea, according to a Times online poll. Apparently, the team that HAS to win has more incentive. Wichita upset the Mudbugs while Rio Grande Valley knocked off Laredo last night even though the winners were No. 6 seeds.

HOOLA HOOP QUEEN
Audrey Bergeron, daughter of pilates instructor Catherine Bergeron, got more than the usual applause during the first intermission. Audrey, a first grader at St. Joseph's Elementary, delighted the crowd with at least five minutes of hoola-hooping. She was accompanied by drummer Greg Clifford, a sixth grader.

CROWD BACK IN THE GAME
Bossier-Shreveport's crowd, mostly silent Friday night, came to life first period tonight--especially when Joe Ori beat Wichita's Jon Horrell to his glove side. Karlis Zirnis and Daniel Pegoraro dug the puck out of the corner and slid the pass to Ori just in front of the crease. That evened the score at 1-1 17:49 into the first period.

WICHITA STRIKES FIRST AGAIN
Darren McMillan provided the quick lightning strike for the Thunder 6:21 into the first period on a rebound power play goal. The Mudbugs got the game's first three penalties whistled against them--including two by Brian Sutherland.

PESKY PINCH HITS AGAIN
I hope it isn't bad luck for the home team, but for the second straight night Pesky Hill will be doing Roy Lang's Mudbugs game blog. Roy will be handling color commentary on 710 KEEL Radio along with play-by-play voice Justin Scholtes.

DECARO IN NET
Rookie sensation John DeCaro, All-CHL and Goaltender of the Year, is between the pipes tonight for Bossier-Shreveport. The 6-3, 210-pounder gets the nod over veteran Kenny Carroll, who had a tough game in the 5-1 loss on Friday night.

3/30 Game 1 BUGS VS. WICHITA

2007-03-30T19:04:00.000-05:00

HORRELL IS SPECTACULAR
Wichita netminder John Horrell stopped 36 of 37 shots to help the Thunder manhandle the Mudbugs 5-1 Friday night at the Centurytel Center. The night didn't start well and it never got any better. Maybe tomorrow night?

TURN OUT THE LIGHTS
Wichita finally put the nail in the coffin on the Mudbugs early in the third period when Travis Clayton jumped the puck at mid ice. Clayton beat sprawled Carroll on a short-handed breakaway goal for a commanding 5-1 lead 2:07 into the third.

WICHITA CONTINUES TO SIZZLE
The Thunder continues to get the breaks and bounces in the 2nd period. Daniel Tetrault deflected the puck past Carroll at 17:10 for a 4-1 Wichita cushion.

OFF THE SNIDE
Bossier-Shreveport finally got off the snide with some great teamwork on the power play. Karlis Zirnis controlled the puck behind the Wichita net before feeding it to Ryan Fairbarn sneaking down the middle. Fairbarn slid the puck past goalminder John Horrell at 6:22 of the second period as the 'Bugs closed the gap to 3-1.

CARROLL HAS ROUGH START
The 2006 Goaltender of the Year in the CHL had a first period he'd like to forget. Ken Carroll, who has a 2.04 goals against average and stops .939 percent of the shots against him, allowed 3 of 12 shots past him in the first 20 minutes. As the horn sounded to end the period, Carroll heaved his stick against the glass in frustration.

LUCKY BREAK FOR WICHITA
Wichita capitalized quickly for a 3-0 lead at 12:55 of the first period when Brian Sutherland deflected Troy Barnes' shot above the glove of Carroll. It appeared Carroll was waiting to stop the shot before the Sutherland changed the direction of the puck into the net.

WICHITA STRIKES AGAIN
The Thunder obviously didn't get stiff-legged on the bus ride from Wichita, KS. Tyler Hanchuck beat Carroll at 9:48 of the first period on the glove side for a 2-0 advantage.

PESKY IN FOR ROY
I'm Pesky Hill pinch-hitting for Roy Lang on the Mudbugs Game Night Blog tonight. Roy's busy doing color commentary on radio with play-by-play man Justin Scholtes on KEEL 710 AM.

THUNDER STRIKES FIRST
It didn't take long for Wichita to score. Travis Clay cracked one past Ken Carroll's right side on the power play just 55 seconds into the game for a 1-0 lead.

3/13 BUGS VS. LAREDO

2007-03-13T18:38:00.000-05:00

2-0 BUGS AFTER ONE PERIOD
The Mudbugs stuck early, and it was the identical twins that lit the spark once again. Chris Abbott knocked in a rebound from a Cam Abbott shot to beat Eric Marvin and give Bossier-Shreveport a lead 2:16 into the contest.
DeCaro made several key saves before the Mudbugs tallied again exactly 10 minutes later. Forbes MacPherson deflected a shot from the blue line by defenseman Jeremy Downs and the Mudbugs were up 2-0.
DeCaro got the start over Ken Carroll on Tuesday and was stellar from the get-go. He welcomed James Hiebert back to the Bucks by stoning him on a 2-on-1 early in the first period.

WILDFONG TAKES EXPECTED TRIP TO IR; FORBIE RETURNS
Dan Wildfong has earned two weeks off in order to make sure he's 100 percent come playoffs. Former Mudbugs captain Forbes MacPherson was activated off the IR to replace the current captain.

HIEBERT RETURNS TO BUCKS; DECARO STARTS FOR BUGS
James Hiebert is back with Laredo. Talk about your 11th-hour signee. This dude was signed just in time to be eligible for the playoffs. Actually, he was "assigned" by Manchester of the Amercian Hockey League. Umm, yeah right.
That's an interesting way to get around clearing waivers for Laredo.

John DeCaro will start in net for the Mudbugs. It's a bit surprising to me. Maybe Mudbugs head coach Scott Muscutt wants to see how DeCaro reacts to high-pressure situations. This is a good test.

3/10 BUGS VS. OKLAHOMA CITY

2007-03-10T18:25:00.000-06:00

WILDFONG GIVES MUDBUGS 2-1 OT WIN!
http://shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070310/SPORTS0303/70310015/1001/SPORTS

WELL CRUICKY, YA CAN'T BE PERFECT
I happened to be watching Steve Cruickshank when Jason Williamson took a run at an Oklahoma City player behind his back early in the third period. There is absolutely no way he could have called a penalty. I have no clue whether Williamson deserved a penalty, because, like Cruicky, I wasn't watching Williamson.

ABBOTTS DO IT AGAIN!!
It took more than 40 minutes to solve Sean Connors, but the Abbott brothers took care of that early in the third period.
Jeremy Downs a great pass to Chris Abbott, who moved in on Connors 2-on-1 with brother, Cam. Cam took the pass in the slot and poked it past Connors with a backhand 1:10 in to the third period.

STILL SCORELESS
The second period showcased more of the same stellar goaltending.
Connors faced another 15 shots and made an amazing kick save on a short-handed slap shot from Joe Ori midway through the period. He finished the frame with a pad save on a Chris Gustafson slapper to keep the game scoreless.
After two periods, the Mudbugs were outshooting Oklahoma City 31-14.
Note: Mudbugs defenseman Quade Ligthbody went down against the boards in the first period. He was standing on the Mudbugs’ bench, but never returned to the game.

GREAT NON-CALL BY CRUICKY
Chris Abbott zipped into the Blazers' zone midway through the second period, but his mind proved too much for his body. His final move around an Oklahoma City defender left him leaping in the air and falling to the ice. The crowd went berzerk, wanting a penalty, but folks, Abbott was never touched. Great non-call by Steve Cruickshank.

ZIP-ZIP AFTER 1
Both goaltenders were spectacular from the opening faceoff.
Connors made five saves in one early Mudbugs power play (10 in the first period) while Carroll stopped several Blazers chances from point-blank range.
The Mudbugs carried most of the scoring opportunities in the first period (16 shots to eight).
Referee Steve Cruickshank made his first visit to CTC in quite some time. He is scheduled to call Tuesday’s game against the Laredo Bucks.

CRUICKY IN TOWN
Oh yeah, Steve Cruickshank is in the house. I guarantee a nominal amount of penalties tonight.

CARROLL VS. CONNORS ... BRAND OUT; CAM ABBOTT, GUSTAFSON IN
Ken Carroll is in net for the Mudbugs while Sean Connors sits between the pipes for Oklahoma City. If the playoffs started today, the Mudbugs and Blazers would be first-round opponents.
Good to see Cam Abbott out there in the pregame skate. He took 13 stitches in the chin after being hit with a slap shot midway through Friday's third period.
The news is not as good for defenseman Konrad Brand, who suffered an apparent knee injury when he crashed into the boards last night.
Chris Gustafson us active for tonight's game.

3/9 BUGS VS. YOUNGSTOWN (W 3-1)

2007-03-09T18:39:00.000-06:00

BUGS WIN 3-1
http://shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070310/SPORTS0303/703100372/1001/SPORTS

3-ZIP
Karlis Zirnis knocks in yet another rebound to make it 3-0 early in the second period.

MUDBUGS UP 2 AFTER ONE.
The Mudbugs took a 2-0 lead late in the third period when Bossier-Shreveport’s incredible twins struck again, showing the unbelievable awareness that has endeared them to the home fans. Cam Abbott sent a no-look pass behind the goal line to Chris Abbott in the slot. A one-timer gave Roberts no chance.
Roberts played well early despite the two-goal deficit, but DeCaro was on top of his game early. Youngstown failed on three power-play opportunities in the first period. DeCaro did his part in the first 20 minutes with 14 saves.

BUGS SCORE 19 SECONDS IN
Basile contributes immediately; putting a shot on Youngstown's goaltender and watching Cam Abbott knock in the rebound. The goal gives the Mudbugs a 1-0 lead 19 seconds into the game.
Hard to imagine a better beginning.

BASILE BACK IN
Defenseman Jason Basile is back of "IR" and in the starting lineup tonight.
He still must sit in a couple of games in order not to be considered a veteran next year. Defenseman Chris Gustafson was put on emergency leave.

DECARO VS. ROBERTS TONIGHT
John DeCaro will be in net for the Mudbugs while Brad Roberts will have that duty for the SteelHounds.
Youngstown, winners of eight straight, enters tonight as the hottest team in the Central Hockey League. Their last regulation loss came at the hands of the Mudbugs a month ago.

3/2 BUGS VS. TULSA (W, 8-0)

2007-03-02T18:35:00.000-06:00

Hed: Statement made
Lede: Mudbugs win 8-0 against Tulsa
By Roy Lang III
rflang@gannett.com
Not often are over-hyped events as good as advertised, but Friday at CenturyTel Center, the outcome was infinitely better than anyone thought it could be.
The Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs sent a loud, clear, ringing statement to the Tulsa Oilers and the entire Central Hockey League with an incredible, physical and dominating 8-0 victory.
“I felt like we had a bell to answer,” Muscutt said. “We answered it.
Leading up to Friday’s game, the Mudbugs – to a man -- vowed revenge for Tuesday’s loss at Tulsa. The ways in which Bossier-Shreveport redeemed itself on Friday were infinite.
N The Mudbugs (34-13-6) officially clinched a playoff berth.
N Thanks to Memphis’ loss at Youngstown on Friday, the Mudbugs took sole possession of first place in the Northeast Division for the first time this season.
N Rookie goaltender John DeCaro collected his first career shutout with 23 saves.
N Rookie Cam Abbott tallied a hat trick and two assists and fell short of the franchise record for points in a game by one.
N Defenseman Ryan Fairbarn collected a hat trick, too.
N The more than 6,000 fans were treated to free beverages at Sonic thanks to the scoring barrage.
N The Mudbugs tallied six power-play goals on a staggering 21 chances. Bossier-Shreveport amassed 32 shots on goal – on the power play alone.
N In an extremely rare event, Chris Brassard, a Mudbugs veteran forward, took Tulsa goaltender Bill Ruggiero up on his invitation to fight early in the third period. Brassard delivered a straight left to Ruggiero’s jaw during the skirmish.
N Tulsa head coach Butch Kaebel finally put a white towel over his head and waved it in the direction of referee Tom Sterns with 3:37 left in the game. He also collected a gold medal in the water bottle toss, sending the blue containers across the ice.
“We’re embarrassed by the performance,” Tulsa coach Butch Kaebel said. “But our hockey team has no choice but to have its heads up. It’s not November. We have to move forward.
“I don’t understand the refereeing tonight. We say we’re going to have CHL rules and then we call American Hockey League rules of NHL rules. It’s not easy for the guys, there are grey areas at this level.”Hmmm ... what do you think the message is?
Mudbugs head coach has put All-Star defenseman Jason Basile on the IR AND Forbes MacPherson in order to have 6-foot-3, 275-pound defenseman Konrad Brand available this weekend.
Come to your own conclusions.

2/24 BUGS VS. YOUNGSTOWN

2007-02-24T18:21:00.000-06:00

STEELHOUNDS WIN IN SHOOTOUT; BUGS IN TIE FOR FIRST
By Roy Lang III
rflang@gannett.com
The Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs got all the help they needed Saturday. The Memphis RiverKings, the leaders in the Northeast Division, lost to Central Hockey League-worst Rocky Mountain and the Colorado Eagles lost to expansion Arizona.
Things appeared to be ducky in the chilly CenturyTel Center, too. The Mudbugs were involved in exactly what they wanted -- a tight, low-scoring affair with the Youngstown SteelHounds.
However, the Mudbugs failed to put the final star in alignment.
Chris Richards scored twice, including the game-winner in a shootout, and the SteelHounds escaped with a 3-2 victory in front of a stunned overflow crowd of more than 7,600 at CTC.
The long bright spot was the Memphis loss and the Mudbugs’ presence at the top of the division. For four months, Bossier-Shreveport (33-12-6) has been trying to claw out of a hole in the Northeast Division. Saturday, it reached the surface.
Bossier-Shreveport is also just two points back of Colorado for the top overall seed.
“We took the point out of it, at least we tied Memphis,” Downs said. “We did some good things – play two good periods at least, we were a bit rusty in the first, but we battled for our point.”
Youngstown goaltender Brad Roberts was incredible in net with 25 saves, plus four of five in the shootout, and soured a two-goal performance from Mudbugs defenseman Jeremy Downs.
The loss was the first in 11 games for Mudbugs rookie goaltender John DeCaro, who made 22 saves and two of four in the shootout.
Shaun Landolt scored on the SteelHounds’ first attempt in the shootout and the game ended when Mudbugs captain Dan Wildfong couldn’t muster a shot as the team’s fifth shooter. Daniel Pegoraro was the only Mudbug to beat Roberts in the shootout.
The Mudbugs were plagued by an inordinate amount of turnovers in the middle of the ice – particularly in its own zone.
“We weren’t as sharp as we’d like to be, there’s no question about it,” Muscutt said. “We’ve just been playing well lately and maybe we’re trying to put the cart before the horse and got away from our game a little.”
The final 90 seconds of the overtime were hectic. Roberts stood strong, making several saves during a flurry in front of the net. He robbed a Chris Abbott forehand attempt with a minute to go.
“That’s our game plan – clog up the middle, keep everything to the outside and let the goalies make the saves outside,” Youngstown head coach Kevin Kaminski said. “Roberts has shown some poise and has really matured since the start of the season. He’s given us a chance to win every night and that’s all you can ask for.”
Youngstown, 5-0-1, in its past six games, ended the Mudbugs’ six-game winning streak. The SteelHounds were the last team to defeat Bossier-Shreveport before Saturday.
The Mudbugs hit the road for a game at Tulsa on Tuesday. The game kicks off four straight against the Oilers, who play a pair at CTC on next weekend.
Youngstown caught a bit of a break to score the game’s first goal – a power play tally late in the first period.
Stephen Margeson attempted a slap shot from the point, but nearly whiffed. The puck trickled toward Mudbugs forward Daniel Pegoraro, who seemed to be caught off guard by the off-speed puck. The rookie missed his clearing attempt and the puck went right to Chris Richard’s tape in the slot.
Richards sent a wrister over the blocker of DeCaro and the SteelHounds led 1-0.
“It’s nice to get that first goal on the road, especially against a team that’s been hot,” Kaminski said.
The Mudbugs had a power-play chance of their own late in the first period, but Roberts made one of the best saves of the year.
The netminder stopped Cam Abbott on a breakaway with a last-second leg save to his right.
The Mudbugs shut Youngstown down in the second period. After allowing 11 SteelHounds shots in the first, Bossier-Shreveport gave up only four in the middle period.
The Mudbugs’ offense remained stymied by Roberts until a power-play goal tied the game late in the period.
Defenseman Jeremy Downs let a slapper fly from the blue line and Roberts, who had been spectacular all night, let it through with 4:57 left.
Dallas Anderson skated into the Mudbugs’ zone down the left wing and used his 6-foot-6, 228-pound frame to work around defenseman Ryan Fairbarn and issue a shot on DeCaro. The rookie goalie wasn’t able to control the puck and Brad Patterson was there to chip in the rebound 4 minutes into the third period.
With nine seconds left in a power play midway through the third, the Mudbugs tied the score at 2 when Downs set another slap shot into the Youngstown net.
The defenseman doubled his goal output for the season. His two previous goals came against Odessa on Dec. 30.
The Mudbugs were awarded a power play with 2 minutes left in regulation, but were unable to capitalize.
Roberts made a pad save on a rocket from Chris Brassard with 5 seconds left.

YOUNGSTOWN UP 1-0 AFTER ONE
Youngstown caught a bit of a break to score the game’s first goal – a power play tally late in the first period.
Stephen Margeson attempted a slap shot from the point, but nearly whiffed. The puck trickled toward Mudbugs forward Daniel Pegoraro, who seemed to be caught off guard by the off-speed puck. The rookie missed his clearing attempt and the puck went right to Chris Richard’s tape in the slot.
Richards sent a wrister over the blocker of DeCaro and the SteelHounds led 1-0.
The Mudbugs had a power-play chance of their own late in the first period, but Roberts made one of the best saves of the year.
The netminder stopped Cam Abbott on a breakaway with a last-second leg save to his right.

WILDFONG ON TIME TODAY
Captain Dan Wildfong is at the rink today, on time. Last night, an immigration issue in New Orleans left him at the rink's doorstep at 7 p.m., five minutes before the faceoff against Rocky Mountain.

DECARO VS. ROBERTS
John DeCaro, after a game off due to the return of Ken Carroll, gets the start between the pipes tonight for the Mudbugs. Brad Roberts will start for Youngstown.
The Mudbugs enter the game on a six-game win streak while the SteelHounds are 4-0-1 in their past four games.

PREVIEW OF TONIGHT'S GAME
The Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs look to continue their hot play tonight against Youngstown at CenturyTel Center (7:05 p.m.). Ken Carroll made his return between the pipes Friday, but rookie John DeCaro will play tonight.
The SteelHounds defeated Memphis, the Northeast Division leader, last night in overtime while the Mudbugs were forced to come back three times to defeat CHL-worst Rocky Mountain at CTC.
The Mudbugs will try to avoid the quick pace of Friday's game at all cost tonight. Youngstown brings the CHL's top two scorers to town in Jeff Christian and Chris Richards.
"We have to have a bigger effort Saturday," said Mudbugs captain Dan Wildfong, who scored twice Friday despite arriving to the CTC five minutes prior to the faceoff. "I don't think we played well Friday at all. We have to play better defense. We've been running and gunning too much. That doesn't win in playoffs.
"We'll start honing things in here -- keeping it more simple and not making too many fancy plays."
The Mudbugs could grab a share of the Northeast lead with a win and a Memphis loss to Rocky Mountain. Bossier-Shreveport also stands just three points behind Colorado in the race for the top overall seed.

2/23 VS. ROCKY MOUNTAIN (W, 5-4)

2007-02-23T18:25:00.000-06:00

Mudbugs claw past Rage
Better late than never.
Dan Wildfong arrived at CenturyTel Center at 7 p.m., five minutes before the puck was dropped between his Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs and the Rocky Mountain Rage. A trip to New Orleans to tend to immigration issues left Wildfong and wife, Kelly, speeding up I-49 on Friday afternoon.
He quickly put on his gear and made it to the bench early in the first period.
“Everyone told me to stretch,” said the Mudbugs captain. “I never stretch.”
Wildfong scored two goals, the last while he was flat on his face, and the Mudbugs held off a pesky Rage squad to collect a 5-4 victory.
Defenseman Ryan Fairbarn scored twice and helped bail out goalie Ken Carroll, who saw his first action in more than two months.
The victory brings the Mudbugs (33-12-5) within one point of Northeast Division leading Memphis. The RiverKings lost in overtime to Youngstown, Bossier-Shreveport’s opponent at CTC tonight.
Rocky Mountain, the Central Hockey League’s worst team (11-32-5), led three times Friday night, but a stretch of three straight Mudbugs goals in the second period did the expansion Rage in.
Fairbarn tallied with just .13 seconds remaining in the second period to give the Mudbugs a 5-3 lead. The goal made the difference.
“It was a weird game,” Mudbugs head coach Scott Muscutt said. “I don’t want to say we didn’t compete. We did compete. But nobody hit anybody and there just weren’t a whole lot of battles out there.”
Bret DeCecco’s goal 7:21 into the final period made it a battle on the scoreboard. In the end, the Rage helped the Mudbugs greatly with some discipline issues as the game wound down.
The Rage put the Mudbugs on the power play for the final 3:29 when Jordan Little took a 5-minute major slashing penalty for a whack to Chris Brassard. John DiPace gave the Mudbugs a 5-on-3 with a goaltender interference penalty and Bossier-Shreveport cruised in the final moments.
David Guererra allowed five goals, but made 36 saves for the Rage and kept the game from getting out of hand.
Unlike last week’s meeting in Colorado, the Rage started quickly Friday night. Poor defense led to a pair of early Rocky Mountain goals on the power play.
Mudbugs defenseman Chris Gustafson turned the puck over behind his own net and the Rage quickly turned the advantage into a 2-on-1 tally 2:32 into the game.
Kyle Kos made good on Dominic Noel’s cross-ice pass and beat Carroll between the pads.
The Mudbugs responded less than two minutes later when defenseman Fairbarn scored from the slot.
Rocky Mountain was not discouraged and answered 59 seconds later when Matic Kralj hit Trevor Weisgerber for a one-timer to regain the lead.
The Mudbugs appeared to get some extra jump on their second power play of the night. Bossier-Shreveport peppered Guererra with six shots and took advantage of their second power play to tie the game at 2.
The Mudbugs totaled 16 shots on nine power plays Friday.
Cam Abbott, the Central Hockey League Player of the Week who saw his six-game point streak come to an end Tuesday, collected his 17th goal of the season.
The Rage saw more of the same early in the second period, when Mark Wires scored courtesy of a cross-ice pass on the power play.
After the Rage took their third lead of the evening, the Mudbugs began to show a little life.
Wildfong netted a rebound from a Brian Sutherland shot to tie game with 8:50 left in second. The captain followed that with a head-first power-play tally to give the Mudbugs their first lead of the game.
In a wild 4-on-3 advantage over the period’s final moments, Fairbarn gave the Mudbugs a two-goal advantage with his second goal. His slap shot went between the pipes with just .13 seconds left.
The Mudbugs killed a 5-on-3 disadvantage early in the third and appeared to have control until a turnover led to a goal by DeCecco with 12:39 left.TIED 2-2 AFTER ONE
Unlike last week’s meeting in Colorado, the Rage started quickly Friday night. Poor early defense led to a pair of early Rocky Mountain goals on the power play.
Mudbugs defenseman Chris Gustafson turned the puck over behind his own net and the Rage quickly turned the advantage into a 2-on-1 tally 2:32 into the game.
Kyle Kos made good on Dominic Noel’s cross-ice pass and beat Carroll between the pads.
The Mudbugs responded less than two minutes later when defenseman Ryan Fairbarn scored from the slot.
Rocky Mountain was discourage and answered 59 seconds later when Matic Kralj hit Trevor Weisgerber for a one-timer to help the Rage regain the lead.
The Mudbugs appeared to get some extra jump on their second power play of the night. Bossier-Shreveport peppered Guererra with six shots and took advantage of their second power play to tie the game at 2.
Cam Abbott, the Central Hockey League Player of the Week who saw his six-game point streak come to an end Tuesday, collected his 17th goal of the season.

WILDFONG RETURNS, BASILE OUT
Captain Dan Wildfong and Jason Basile will not play tonight against the Rage. It’s likely a night off for Wildfong and an attempt to keep Basile under the vet limit for next year. As Mr. Michael Hebert said, “this is like going to a Yankees game and Jeter not playing.”
Pretty much true.
Well, Wildfong made his way onto the ice early in the first period.

GAMESMANSHIP STARTS EARLY
Billy T. Welker put the O in OCD. You don’t mess with the Mudbugs’ equipment manager without consequences.
Well before the teams hit the ice for the pregame skate, a Rocky Mountain player was messing with the stack of practice pucks. Welker warned him not to, but that didn’t work. So Welker promptly went over and swiped all the pucks.
Only in the CHL!

SUPERMAN IS BACK!
Ken Carroll will make his first start since mid-December tonight against the Rocky Mountain Rage. Carroll, a perennial All-Star, was out with a torn MCL. David Guerrera, a star against the Mudbugs in the 2004 President's Cup Finals (with Laredo), will play for the Rage.

2/20 BUGS VS. RAYZ

2007-02-20T18:29:00.000-06:00

NO ROOM FOR SLOW START
Corpus Christi is one of the best road teams in the Central Hockey League (14-6-5) and it's likely the Mudbugs aren't exactly well-rested after their 4,000-mile journey. But that only emphasizes the importance for Bossier-Shreveport to start strong tonight. Captain Dan Wildfong was looking for a little help from the fans in today's paper, but being a midweek game, there won't be the 7,000 fans in the house we've seen for the past handful of games at CTC.
My belief is the team that comes out and sets the tone early will emerge with the W.
The Rayz will not allow the thrilling comebacks Colorado and Rocky Mountain did.

DECARO VS. ZELENEWICH
It's John DeCaro in net for the Mudbugs against Brent Zelenewich for the Corpus Christi Rayz. Daniel Pegoraro is back in the lineup for the Mudbugs after missing two games with a mouth injury. The rookie is the leading scorer for the Bugs and missed time after taking a slap shot to the mouth in Colorado on Wednesday.
Ken Carroll is back in uniform for the first time since tearing an MCL in December.

2/2 BUGS VS. MEMPHIS

2007-02-02T18:27:00.000-06:00

Larry Sterling vs. John DeCaro in net tonight
The current No. 1 goaltenders will play at CenturyTel Center tonight. Sterling is 26-5-3 for Memphis while DeCaro is 14-6-3 for the Mudbugs and a winner in 11 of his past 12 games.
Mudbugs officials expect a near-full house tonight.

1/29 AT AUSTIN (W 2-1, OT)

2007-01-29T22:49:00.000-06:00

1/27 BUGS VS. AUSTIN

2007-01-27T18:32:00.000-06:00

The ROUT IS ON BRASSARD MAKES IT 5-1
15:00 to go in third period.

SHORTY GIVE BUGS 4-1 LEAD
Dan Wildfong helped the Mudbugs widen the gap with a power-play goal early in the second period. Chris Brassard had control of the puck at the top of the crease

Backhander richochet to Wildfong, who banked one off Beaudry.

Henry Kuster put the Ice Bats on he board with a power play goal midway through the second period. The Mudbugs responded vehemently when Jason Basile delivered hockey’s version of a dagger – a short-handed goal.
Basile and Joe Ori skated toward Beaudry on a 2-on-1 rush. The defenseman waited until the last second, never passed the puck and beat the Ice Bats goalie with a beautiful backhanded move to give Bossier-Shreveport a 4-1 lead.

BUGS LEAD 2-0 AFTER 1
Bossier-Shreveport tallied another goal late in the first period on a dazzling connection from a pair of first-year Mudbugs.
Jason Williamson won the faceoff in the left circle of Austin’s zone and Kyle Musselman immediately rifled a one-timer past a stunned Beaudry.

ZIRNIS GIVES BUGS LEAD
With beautiful backhander from the right circle.

MURPHY WASTES NO TIME
It took one shift for Chris Murphy to send a message to the Mudbugs. He made a bee-line for defenseman Ryan Fairbarn and sent him to the ice with an elbow to the jaw.

AUSTIN WITHOUT LEADING SCORER; BUGS GET CAM ABBOTT BACK
The Ice Bats will play without leading scorer John McNabb tonight, but team officials say he may be back for Sunday's rematch in Austin.
The goaltenders tonight will be John DeCaro for the Mudbugs and Miguel Beaudry for Austin.
Cam Abbott, the impressive rookie for Bossier-Shreveport, is back in the lineup after a stint on the 14-day IR.

1/26 BUGS VS. MEMPHIS (W, 4-1)

2007-01-26T18:51:00.000-06:00

MUDBUGS WIN 4-1
http://shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=SPORTS0303

MACPHERSON TALLIES AGAIN; BUGS LEAD 3-1
Former Mudbugs captain Forbes MacPherson scored for the second time Friday and put the Mudbugs up 3-1 with 10 minutes to go.

Bugs survive scare midway through third
Mudbugs defenseman Jason Basile committed a rare turnover behind his net midway through the third, but the Mudbugs caught a break.
Phil Aucoin picked up the loose puck behind the Mudbugs' net and found Travis Banga in the left circle. Banga sent a one-touch pass to Darrell Stoddard, who whiffed on the empty net.
The Mudbugs still lead 2-1.

DING, DING
Dan Wildfong took care of an overmatched Ryan Campbell just three seconds before Kyle Musselman and Doug MacIver went at it.
Musselman had an intersting strategy -- hold MacIver at bay and wait. Well MacIver, a Mudbug at the beginning of this season, moved in quickly and Musselman never had a chance.
The kid will learn.

SECOND PERIOD CAPPER
BUGS HOLD SLIM LEAD ENTERING THIRD; CROWD, GOALIES UP TO TASK
Tonight just has that playoff atmosphere and the crowd is here to prove it. The average attendance is down a bit this season (it's hard to increase by 15 percent every year), but Friday's crowd has to be the biggest of the season.
The teams have responded with some exciting action.

Kevin Schieve helped keep the RiverKings in the game with a couple of stellar saves near the end of the second period. He robbed another Brassard wrister and a point-blank stuff attempt by MacPherson.

Bugs goalie John DeCaro had little work in the second period, but made an amazing glove save on Darrell Stoddard with 41 seconds and change remaining in the period. The save brought the jam-packed CTC to its feet and preserved the Mudbugs lead heading into the third period.

BRASSARD MAKES IT 2-1
Chris Brassard gave the Mudbugs their first lead with a power-play goal midway through the second. The RiverKings allowed the veteran to skate free from the goal line and Brassard to advantage of the space to move in of Schieve and sent a nasty wrister into the back of the net.

MACPHERSON TIES IT UP
A mistake by lightly used goaltender Kevin Schieve helped veteran Forbes MacPherson tie the game at 1. Schieve came out of his net to play the puck during a Mudbugs power play early in the second period. MacPherson intercepted the puck, went to the crease and tied things up 26 seconds into the man-advantage.

MEMPHIS TAKES 1-0 LEAD
Jason Tessa cranked home a power-play goal early in the second period to give the RiverKings a 1-0 lead. Tessa’s wrister from the high slot worked its way through traffic and into the net.

Mudbugs begin second period down a man for 3:30
Forbes MacPherson is in the box for a roughing double-minor.

FIRST PERIOD CAPPER
The Mudbugs started slow and failed to record a shot on goal in the first 11 minutes of the game. Bossier-Shreveport’s John DeCaro, one of two Mudbugs netminders on the All-Star team last week, held strong and stopped the first seven shots of the game from an energized Memphis squad.
Bossier-Shreveport picked up the pace midway through the first and had several chances snuffed by Kevin Schieve, who received a rare start in relief of All-Star Larry Sterling.
The Mudbugs did poke a puck past Schieve, but referee Tom Sterns lost sight of the pill and called the play dead prior to the apparent goal.

Wildfong breaks another team record.
With his 467th game in a Mudbugs' uniform, Dan Wildfong set the Bossier-Shreveport franchise record. Trevor Buchanan, now a Mudbugs' assistant coach, stands second.

Tom Sterns didn't call a penalty in the All-Star Game; he's made up for it
After a quiet opening 15 minutes in the penalty box, Sterns called a slew of infractions in the waning moments of the first period. That's too bad, because the pace of the game was really starting to pick up.
Scoreless after 1.

The Mudbugs have picked it up; Sterns incites fans with "no-goal" call
Bossier-Shreveport picked up the pace, but had a goal disallowed by referee Tom Sterns. Sterns blew the puck dead on the left side of the crease, not realizing the puck had slid across the goalmouth. In his defense, he did blow the call (literally) BEFORE the puck went in the net. No biggie here, it happens.

More than 11 minutes, no shots on goal for Mudbugs
Bossier-Shreveport is getting it handed to them right now. While the scoreboard still shows 0-0, the Mudbugs have been outshot 7-0 and the play has been spent in the Mudbugs' zone the entire game.

Larry Sterling gets night off
Kevin Schieve will be between the pipes tonight for the RiverKings. The fans here are going to be so disappointed.

Those shirts are black ... pause ... NOT
So much for the Blackout tonight at CenturyTel Center. To me, it looks as if people AVOIDED wearing black at all costs.

1/6 BUGS VS. CORPUS CHRISTI

2007-01-06T18:34:00.000-06:00

All tied up
The Rayz tied things up early in the third with a beautiful rush into the Mudbugs zone. Quick passed from Justin Quenneville and Jason Baird resulted in Derrick McIver’s wrister past John DeCaro.

Penalty-kill unit helps Bugs take charge
The Mudbugs killed off 1:36 of a two-man disadvantage to begin the second period and quickly garnered the momentum. Chris Gustafson’s shot from the blue line appeared to deflect off Chris Abbott in front of Zelenewich and into the net. The power-play goal tied the game at 2 early in the second period.
MacPherson and Dan Wildfong teamed up for yet another goal to give the Mudbugs the lead late in the second period.
MacPherson was perched behind the Corpus net and threaded a pass to Wildfong in the slot. The Mudbugs captain sent a one-timer past Zelenewich to bring the crowd to its feet.

Dangerous time for the Mudbugs
If Bossier-Shreveport plans to extended their 8-0-2 streak, they will have to weather 1:36 of 3-on-5 to begin the second period. The Rayz have been creating great chances and should have no problem doing so at the beginning of this period.

Now we know how this was a 5-4 game last week.
Good action up and down the ice and the Rayz have come to play. They certainly are matching the Mudbugs' playmakers thus far and two long-distance bombs have Corpus up 2-1.

Mudbugs forwards Joe Ori and Daniel Pegoraro collided while shorthanded and Geno Parrish sent a wrister from between the top of the circles which deflected off the bottom of the cross bar and into the net.

Of course, Rajan informs me that Geno is the older brother of Mark Parrish, the NHLer.
Mark Parrish began his career with the Florida Panthers (I was a season-ticket holder there his rookie year) and now plays with Minnesota.

Baird 1, Brassard 0
Jason Baird smoked a one-timer past John DeCaro midway through the first period to tie the game at 1. The blast from the top of the left circle was quite impressive.

Bugs get on the board first
Forbes MacPherson didn’t take part in the pregame warm-ups due to a nagging injury but was entered in Saturday’s lineup and scored less than five minutes into the contest.
MacPherson slipped a rebound through the legs of Brent Zelenewich.
The Mudbugs veteran may not be having the statistical season many hoped for, but this guy is still gutsy.

More from the NFL playoffs
Mudbugs ticket manager Tim Hill can tell the Dallas Cowboys are playing. Many of the season-ticket holders are no-shows tonight -- especially in Sections 107, 108 and 109. Hiller says there is a huge group of Cowboys fans as season ticket holders.

Thanks to Rajan for more dope
It's Saturday and I don't have to do any of my own research ... this is great ... from Rajan ... Rayz winger Adam Powell wears No. 37 for Corpus Christi because of his favorite NFL player, Shaun Alexander of the Seattle Seahawks. Things must have been interesting this week in the locker room as Corpus head coach Ken McRae is a huge Dallas Cowboys fan. The Seahawks and the Cowboys met Saturday night in the NFC Wild-Card playoff round.

Something to watch for tonight!
Courtesy of info brought to you by Corpus beat writer Greg Rajan, there may be something extra to watch tonight. Rajan says the Jason Baird-Chris Brassard matchup might be interesting.
Brassard slashed Baird after Baird scored a shootout goal on New Year's Eve. Now Rajan said Baird did do a bit of showboating and showed up rookie goalie Adam Hanna.
We'll see if that has carried over!

BUGS (16-9-5) vs. Rayz (15-12-5)

1/5 BUGS VS. TULSA (W, 5-1)

2007-01-05T18:52:00.000-06:00

Still 1-0 Bugs
Hanna made at least five saves during the 5-on-3 chance. Most from long distance, including a magnificent glove save seconds before the first period expired.

Big moment here
Things are getting testy and the Mudbugs now face a 2-man disadvantage late in the first period. TheMudbugs lead 1-0 after a goal from Milan Vodrazka.

Lightbody vs. Joseph
Quade Lightbody and Marlon Joseph drop em midway through the first period. This was a spirited fight, but not many quality shots landed. However, Lightbody may have landed one or two more good ones.
Lightbody in a split decision.
Scoreless with 10:55 to go in the first.

DeCaro back in town, will not start tonight
Goaltender John DeCaro got off a plane in Shreveport at 4 p.m. this afternoon and is in attendance tonight at the CenturyTel Center. However, Adam Hanna will start against the Tulsa Oilers.

12/22 VS. MEMPHIS

2006-12-22T18:51:00.000-06:00

OUCH
The Memphis RiverKings have had a great start this season. But as their bus headed out of the parking lot of the CenturyTel Center tonight, I wonder how it was possible for them to feel confident atop the Northeast Division standings.
The Mudbugs are back, or at least it appears. Memphis is going to provide great competition is a highly competitive division, but dang tonight was a whoopin. In every phase. And I don't say that often, and not once this year (at least in the Mudbugs' favor). But if this is reflective of how the Mudbugs are going to play in the second half, all is definitely not lost.
We'll see though. There's a long way to go.

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GONG!
The Mudbugs lead 5-1 and chaos has erupted, just like I thought.

Well the shutout's gone.
A 5-on-3 goal spoiled rookie John DeCaro's chance at a shutout Friday night. The blast from the top of the left circle came from Jason Sessa.

OK, it's 4-0 to start the third and I expected fireworks
Nothing yet. However, the RiverKings just spent the entire two minutes of a power play in the Mudbugs' zone without a stoppage. You don't see that too often.

No, 3-zip
Cam Abbott gives the Mudbugs a 3-0 lead

2-zip
Chris Gustafson scores to make it 2-0.

SUCCESS!
After a LENGTHY delay, we're back at it. It was great to see the compilation of fights from the 2003-04 season on the big screen. Chris Brassard's bout against Memphis was simply a classic!

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
The start of the second period has been delayed a good 15 minutes due to issues with the glass near the Memphis bench. It took the CTC crew abotu 10 minutes to find a pane of glass, but it ended up being the wrong one.
Now they are taking a second shot at it. This one doesn't look promising either.

Bugs emerge with 1-0 lead from spirited first period
Karlis Zirnis scored the only goal of the opening 20 minutes when he was able to knock home a rebound. The Mudbugs outshot Memphis 16-8 and the energy was definitely present. A pleasant sight, considering the Mudbugs have played one game in roughly two weeks. John DeCaro hasn't been tested often in net, but is perfect nonetheless. Larry Sterling made a few big saves to prevent a bigger Bossier-Shreveport lead.

There was plenty of hitting in the firstm and a good bout between the Mudbugs Jason Williamson and Memphis' Steve Makway.
Williamson and Makway both landed quality shots in the rather-lengthy bout. The fight only ended because they were both gasses. The linesmen didn't need to pull them apart. They gladly skated to their respective penalty boxes.

Losses and gains
The Mudbugs suffered a big loss this week when goaltender Ken Carroll went down with a knee injury. However, the team will welcome back defenseman Ryan Fairbarn and forward Milan Vodrazka at the CenturyTel Center.
Tonight's game is a biggie. Of course, now, every game with Memphis is huge. The RiverKings are beginning to pull away in the Northeast and the Mudbugs are, gasp, last!

12/7 BUGS VS. WICHITA

2006-12-07T19:08:00.000-06:00

ATTENTION WAYNE BONNEY: We have a miracle!!
For the first time in my stint as a Central Hockey League writer, I saw DIVING CALLED BY ITSELF. Thank you Mark Lemelin. You called it on Scott Rozendal and you are now my hero. That is what the penalty is for, to STOP people from diving, not to offset a hooking call!

Wichita sure is undisciplined
The Mudbugs are being helped greatly by a lack of discipline shown by the Wichita Thunder tonight. The Mudbugs take the 2-0 lead to the locker room and will have 1:36 left on a power play when they return. That is one aspect that hasn't improved tonight. Bossier-Shreveport is 0 for 5 with the man-advantage.

Duda has returned
You knew he'd be back, despite taking a high stick and some stitches. Jason Duda is back in action, like a good hockey player would be.

Bugs bail rookie out, Mussleman scores again
Seconds after killing Murphy's penalty, Kyle Musselman made it 2-0.

Chris Murphy continues to take bad penalties
The Mudbugs worked hard to take a 1-0 lead. Rookie Chris Murphy did his best to erase that with completely undisciplined play.
Murphy has a bone to pick with Steve Dix after a first-period fight and decided to jump him 34 seconds into the second period.
The result was a 3-minute power play for Wichita.

Hard-working Bugs lead 1-0 after 1.
There is no lack of effort tonight and the veterans are leading the way. Forbes MacPherson and Dan Wildfong have brought linemate Kyle Musselman along for the ride and have staked the Mudbugs to a first-period lead. Musselman collected his first goal in 16 games as a Mudbug.

Karma’s a ***
Jason Duda left the ice in the first period after a high stick from Mudbugs defenseman Jason Basile drew blood. We’ve already talked about Duda’s high stick to Wildfong last time out.
After giving the fans grief about clapping for Chris Murphy after his losing fight, I have to give them credit this time. As Duda got up and held a towel to his bloody mouth en route to the bench, the crowd gave him rather generous applause.
Kudos to the gang at the CTC.

Love when the fans cheer after a fight when the home guy loses ... NOT
Chris Murphy took about three forearms to the nose after he went to the ice in the middle of a fight with Wichita's Steve Dix. However, the sparse crowd at the CTC decided that was worth a round of applause. It always happens, the home guy gets the bad end of a fight and the crowd loves it. Why? Cuz when the home guy wins a figth, that applause is lost in the shuffle.

Duda and Wildfong meet again
Wichita veteran Jason Duda and Mudbugs captain Dan Wildfong have a love/hate relationship ... OK, there's probably not much love. The last time these two met at the CenturyTel Center, an accidentaly high stick by Duda sliced Wildfong's lip. Seven stitches later, Wildfong was on his way to yet another scar.
As expected, the two were back jousting again early in Thursday's game.

Crowd is extremely disappointing
I know it's still "football season," but tonight's crowd is about the smallest, most unenthusiastic I've seen in my four seasons covering the Mudbugs.

12/2, Mudbugs v. Youngstown

2006-12-02T18:58:00.000-06:00

Game wrap
The profanities were flying out of Bossier-Shreveport head coach Scott Muscutt's office following tonight's loss. It was an upsetting game for Muscutt when his team delivered virtually no effort against Youngstown.
The Mudbugs are a Jekyll and Hyde team. Who knows which team will show up on any given night?
Take tonight's game for example. The Mudbugs looked out of sync all night and gave little effort in their shellacking by the Steelhounds. The scoreboard read 3-1, but it could have been much worse.
Youngstown was all over the Mudbugs from the opening faceoff. And it didn't help that guys like Dan Wildfong and Forbes MacPherson (two of the leaders in the dressing room) didn't have their best games.
Wildfong looks like he's lost some speed this season. For a guy like him, who's engine is always revving, that's very difficult to overcome. He was on the ice for each of the Steelhounds' goals.
The Mudbugs' philosophy is to outwork their opponents every night, but they were outworked tonight.
The Bugs are in need of some goal scorers/playmakers and fast. They don't have any real scorers like Youngstown does in Chris Richards or Jeff Christian.

End of 2nd
The Bugs will need a small miracle to win this one. They are getting outplayed on both ends of the ice and need a couple bounces to go their way.

Another one for Youngstown
The Mudbugs are having some serious problems muscling Youngstown players from in front of the net. The Hounds just poked one past Carroll for the 3-0 lead. Mark Johnson had a Mudbug on him, but managed to muscle his way to the puck and slide it into the net.
Youngstown smells blood and is pouring it on the Mudbugs during a recent pp.

Release the hounds!
Youngstown makes it 2-0 off Doug Orr's third goal of the season. It wasn't a hard shot, but it looked as if Ken Carroll was screened on it by a defenseman.
Bugs are playing rather listless, getting beat to loose pucks and not playing smart defense.

End of 1st
Much better flow to tonight's game than Friday night. Both teams are moving the puck pretty well up and down the ice. The Mudbugs' one error has haunted them.

Bugs first power play
The Bugs have their first pp of the night. Right now, it's not looking too good for them, but what else is new. The pp has struggled through the first two months. The Bugs got one shot on net during that extra man advantage...back to full strength.

And just like that...
the Mudbugs trail 1-0 36 seconds into the game. A turnover deep in their zone and breakdown on defensive assignments leads to the Steelhounds pouncing on a loose puck for the game's first goal. Could be a long night for the Mudbugs.

BCS buzz
Fans got their football fill prior to tonight's faceoff. A small group huddled around one of the TVs in the CenturyTel Center concourse to watch the conclusion of the USC-UCLA game. There were several happy faces when the Bruins hung on to upset the BCS No. 2 Trojans. Don't think they were Michigan fans though.

11/28 BUGS VS. MEMPHIS (L, 3-2)

2006-11-28T18:20:00.000-06:00

THE WRAP-UP
http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061128/SPORTS0303/311280013/1001/SPORTS

Have to agree with Muscutt on one thing ...
If indeed he didn't say anything ridiculous to referee Keith Kaval, the second 5-on-3 for Memphis was probably a stretch. However, the Mudbugs had PLENTY of chances to win this game. And during the first 20 minutes, it didn't even look like the Mudbugs belonged on the same sheet of ice.

The crowd is booing, but Forbes MacPherson lost his bid for an Oscar and the Mudbugs lost the lead
In my opinion, MacPherson did not get decked at center ice (illegally anyhow) and instead tried to draw a penalty. Dan Wildfong, thinking MacPherson got run, retaliated with a slash.
In the end, Derrick Landmesser scored during a 5-on-3 and head coach Scott Muscutt took another penalty to give the RiverKings another 5-on-3 chance at the end of the second period.
2-1 Kings after 40 minutes.
This completely changed the outlook of the this game, but the striped one got this right I believe.

Bugs getting pushed around ... but it's still 1-0
Memphis is having its way with Bossier-Shreveport right now. They look bigger and faster and definitely more in tune with each other.

Cue the Jeorpardy music
The scoreboard appears frozen as the teams look to start the second period. The only thing more stagnant than the Mudbugs' offense is the computer chip in the scorebard.

Memphis leads 1-0 after one
The bad news: The Mudbugs trail.
The good news: It could be much worse.
If Memphis loses this game, it will definitely roo the numerous chances in the opening 20 minutes.

RiverKings are a different team
It's interesting to watch the RiveRKings without Don Parsons. You actually watch other players and not just No. 13.
Memphis has put on an excellent display of passing tonight and the only thing between the Mudbugs and a 3-0 deficit is goaltender John DeCaro.

Memphis on top already
It took the RiverKings took just 60 seconds and one shot to burn the CHL's best penalty kill unit as Jason Sessa scored to give the Kings an early 1-0 lead.

Chris Murphy back in the lineup for the Mudbugs
Murphy has played just six games for Bossier-Shreveport this season, but has returned from an undisclosed injury Tuesday against Memphis.
Murphy is a live wire and will certainly be entertaining to watch.
Cam Abbott, who has scored two game-winning goals this season, was put on the injured reserve.
John DeCaro will be in net for the Mudbugs tonight.

11/25 BUGS VS. WICHITA

2006-11-25T18:39:00.000-06:00

It's not a power-play goal, but ...
Dan Wildfong did knock in a puck ONE second after the Mudbugs' third power play expired. We have a tie game.

If you're not going to keep a somewhat-accurate shot total, why have a shot board?
Ken Carroll has been screwed out of at least 3 saves.

Blaznek strikes first
Wichita leads 1-0.

Quick 0-for-2 start in the PP.
Really good movement though. Keep that up and it will be just a matter of time.

Martin vs. Carroll it is!
Hmmm.

Could it be Andrew Martin in net for Wichita?
The former Mudbugs goalie skated out first for the Thunder. This would be interesting. However, Dean Martin could shut the Mudbugs down right now.

11/24 VS. RIO GRANDE VALLEY

2006-11-24T18:38:00.000-06:00

ROOKIE MISTAKE PUTS BUGS IN HOLE
The first period is over and the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs allowed just two shots, but they trail 1-0 after a huge rookie mistake by defenseman Brian Sutherland.
Sutherland coughed up the puck right in front of Ken Carroll and Jonathan Robert picked up the loose rubber and beat Ken Carroll, who was completely caught off guard.
The Mudbugs are 0-4 on the power play and are not improving their palty numbers with the man-advantage.

KEN CARROLL IN NET
Superman will look to get the Mudbugs back on track tonight at the CenturyTel Center. The Mudbugs are 4-0 at the CTC this season.

11/22 AT RIO GRANDE VALLEY, L 3-0

2006-11-23T14:42:00.000-06:00

“(We hit) a couple of goal posts and early in the hockey game we had chances to score and didn’t score,” Bossier-Shreveport coach Scott Muscutt said. “We got beat by a better team (Wednesday). They outworked us. We’ve got a lot of growing to do between now and (tonight).”

Read Todd Mavreles' account here
http://www.themonitor.com/SiteProcessor.cfm?Template=/GlobalTemplates/Details.cfm&StoryID=16541&Section=Sports

11/18 BUGS VS. OKLAHOMA CITY

2006-11-18T18:29:00.000-06:00

BUGS WIN IN SHOOTOUT
Carroll outstanding. Read more at shreveporttimes.com

TIED UP WITH 4 MINS LEFT
Both goaltenders outstanding tonight.

IT TOOK A 4-ON-4 GOAL
The Bugs lead 1-0 early in the third.

IF YOUR POWER PLAY ISN'T WORKING ...
Your penalty kill must be stellar. And the Mudbugs' is just that. Oklahoma City has had several chances, but the Blazers fell to 0-for-6 thanks to a pair of unsuccessful opportunities late in the second period.
The game is scoreless heading to the final frame.

MAKE THAT 0-FOR-7
The Mudbugs were unsuccessful on their fifth power play of the second period. But it lasted just 18 seconds.

POWER PLAY CONTINUES TO BE A PROBLEM
The Mudbugs are now 0-for-6 on the power play tonight. They snapped an 0-for-18 streak last night, but that was courtesy of a 5-on-3 tally.

CONNORS KEEPS GAME SCORELESS
Sean Connors, replacing a 5-0 Sebastien Centomo, has made several key saves in the second period as the Mudbugs are flying all over the ice.

TIED AFTER 20 MINUTES; VERY ENTERTAINING
Tonight's game is much more entertaining that last night. The Blazers and Mudbugs are scoreless after one period, but the teams have combined for 27 shots, one fight and several scoring opportunities.
Last night, Austin and Bossier-Shreveport had a total of 26 shots midway throught the third in an extremely dull contest.

WILLIAMSON VS. DEARLE
The Mudbugs fans get their chance to see newcomer Jason Williamson drop the gloves. He went toe-to-toe with Oak City's Graham Dearle in a very entertaining bout late in the first period. Both players landed several punches, Dearle lefts and Williamson rights.

TONIGHT GOOD TEST OF WHERE THE BUGS STAND
Just two of the 5 Mudbugs victories have come against teams with winning records and Oklahoma City is definitely one of the best teams the Mudbugs have played so far.
Austin was downright pathetic last night, but a victory against the Blazers would be significant ... especially with the talent sitting in the stands due to injury.

I WISH WE COULDN'T SEE THESE CAMO JERSEYS
The Mudbugs have reached a new low in regards to their jersey auctions. The white, grey and black sweaters tonight are ... ummm ... bad. For starters, the numbers are completely invisible (how appropriate). Not good for fans who don't know who these players are yet.
Nevertheless, fans will dish out hundreds, some thousands, of dollars to bid on these after the game against the Blazers.

P-I-M-P
It was bittersweet to see Dan Wildfong tonight.
On one hand it was hilarious. The Mudbugs captain was wearing a spiffy suit, but walking with a cane. Well it was a cutoff hockey stick transformed into a cane. But as Jay-Z says, “pimpin aint easy”
Wildfong says his leg, which was debilitated due to a two-hander by Paul McBrien at Lubbock, isn’t getting any better.
He missed Friday’s game and is obviously out tonight. The Mudbugs play at Rio Grande Valley on Wednesday before returning to the CTC for a doubleheader next weekend.
Wildfong’s status for the upcoming games remains questionable.

10-27 and 10-28 AT MEMPHIS (L, 3-1 and L, 2-1, SO)

2006-10-28T22:06:00.000-05:00

Another tough one in Memphis tonight. The Mudbugs clearly left the momentum from Thursday's victory against Laredo at home.
Take away the second and third periods against the Bucks and what do you have this season?
Not much (two goals in the past 2-plus hockey games).
But, of course, this is the M.O. of the Mudbugs. Start slow. The team is struggling offensively and it's crazy to think what might be happening had Mr. Ori and Nason and Zirnis not come to the rescue.
It's not time to panic, but four losses in five games is no reason to be excited either.
Yes, the Mudbugs did defeat the defending champion Laredo Bucks on Thursday, but my fear is that was a rivalry win. In rivalries, disparities in talent are usually nullified due to the increased level of emotions. Clearly the Mudbugs had that against the Bucks.
Question is, which is the real Mudbugs' team? Thursday's or the other four games?
Unlike the folks who e-mailed me following the Laredo win, telling me I was out of my mind picking Memphis to finish ahead of the Mudbugs, I'll do the right thing and wait to respond.
Mind you, my selection was made before names like Zirnis, Ori, Williamson and Nason were possibilities.
The Mudbugs play 10 of 12 games on the road to start the season. This could either get really ugly, or it could be an incredible wave of momentum to build on.

10/27 MUDBUGS VS. LAREDO (W, 5-2)

2006-10-26T18:52:00.000-05:00

FALLOUT FROM CHL?
No less than four incidents are under review from the Central Hockey League from last night's rumble between the Laredo Bucks and Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs.
Normally it takes a day or two for the penalties to be handed down.
I'm sure Tyler Lawson is under consideration for further discipline after his starring role in Louisiana Highstick Massacre, but the Mudbugs likely won't go unscathed.
Chris Murphy was a maniac on the ice. Note to Murphy: When a linesman corrals you not once, but twice, it's time to go to the penalty box.
He must learn to curb that youthful exuberance.
Here's the rundown via a CHL official:
Murphy has been suspended indefinitely and will miss at least this weekend's games at Memphis.
The Mudbugs as a whole were fined for inciting the brawl and Chris Brassard was fined for a headbutt during the brawl.

POST-GAME QUOTABLES

LAREDO COACH TERRY RUSKOWSKI
(On Jeff Genovy’s delay of game penalty in the second period)
It’s one of the most unnecessary penalties I’ve seen.

We took a lot of them today. The turning point was the second period when we took all the penalties. They capitalized on it.

It’s stupid hockey. Stupid hockey. We should be drawing penalties instead of taking them. It’s called stupid hockey. We may not be the most talented team, but we may be the most stupid hockey team.

(On his team’s impressive start in the first 30 minutes)
The whole first period, the game was absolutely unbelievable. The guys moved the puck, they were streaking, going hard to the net. It was all the little things we needed to do to be successful.
Then the penalties came around and that’s unacceptable – unacceptable. There are going to be different moves on this team. There are three guys waiting for H2Bs, once they get in we’ll be a different hockey team.

(On why the Mudbugs have Laredo’s number in the regular season, but not in the playoffs)
Going back to the playoffs, I think they underestimated us after the beat Colorado. I don’t think they took us to heart. We played pretty good hockey, we make good on the opportunities and we got goaltending. Dov Grumet-Morris was outstanding for us.

If we’re going to be successful, it starts with goaltending. Right now, we’re on shaky ground.

(Absence of Jeff Bes due to broken jaw)
Jeff’s absence is a big blow to our team. He’s a leader, he’s a guy on the power play that makes the play that no one else can make. He’s a guy that scores goals when no one else is scoring goals. He’s just a guy I look to a lot – killing penalties, on the power play. Not having him in the lineup is an obvious void because he’s a veteran guy who can do it all for me. I’m hoping he can come back soon, but it depends on how fast he heals.

(On immigration issues)
With the immigration problems we’ve had this year, and we seem to be the only league to have them, it’s a problem.

I just told the guys, ‘It’s like the second day of training camp.’

This is only the second day we played as a team. We still have to jell and we’re still missing three guys.

I don’t know why this happens here, but not the NHL or other leagues. I can’t answer it.

CUE UP MICHAEL BUFFER!!
Well, well, well. Two big rivals played Thursday night and it was the defending President's Cup champions who came unraveled.

Laredo was in control of this game 2-0 until 30 minutes of the most undisciplined hockey the CHL has seen in some time.

The line brawl was entertaining. While Ken Carroll and Nathan Marsters dropped the gloves, it was nothing the UFC would be proud of.

It was surprising to see a Terry Ruskowski-coached bunch implode like this, but don't get too excited Mudbugs fans. We've seen this before. The Mudbugs dominate the regular season 7-2, but are 4-8 when it counts against the Bucks.

Plus the Bucks were without Jeff Bes, Mr. Mudbugs Killer himself. And Ladislav Kouba to boot.

If nothing else, it should help the new Bugs bond and it will DEFINITELY sell tickets. More than 6,200 on a Thursday night was pretty impressive to start with.

MUCH, MUCH, MUCH more on the festivities Thursday coming up. We have comments from Ruskowski, Muscutt, Wildfong, Brassard and Ken Carroll.

GONG!!!
A massive line brawl as ensued here at the CenturyTel Center. The Mudbugs lead 5-2 with 1:51 left and this place is a mess.

ZIRNIS MAKES IT 4-2
Scores his third goal of the season. This one, like the Mudbugs' first three, also came on the power play.

FAIRBARN PUTS BUGS OUT FRONT
A slap shot from new Mudbugs defenseman Ryan Fairbarn gives his team the lead in the second period. It's the third power-play goal of the period for the Mudbugs.

My, how things have changed.

JERRY GLANVILLE, WHERE ARE YOU? BUGS TIE IT UP!
The NFL stands for "not for long," according to the former NFL coach. I'm not sure what CHL stands for, but Laredo rookie Jeff Genovy may want to walk back to the border.

With the Bucks leading 2-0 and short-handed, Genovy grabbed the puck at center ice and did his best impression of Nolan Ryan. It drew one of the craziest penalties I've seen in person and the Mudbugs went on to score 3 power play goals to take the lead.

The Mudbugs were lifeless prior.

WISE CRACKS FROM CORPUS
Instant message from Greg Rajan: I think the Mudbugs have every Sutherland on their roster except Kiefer and Donald.

See, I gave you credit!!

LAREDO HAVING ITS WAY
The Laredo Bucks are looking pretty good right now. It's hard to tell how much is the Mudbugs being a bit discombobulated or the Bucks clicking on all cylinders.

Remember folks, this is a Laredo team without Jeff Bes (broken jaw) and Ladislav Kouba.

FOUR POWER PLAYS, STILL A DOUGHNUT
Bugs head to period No. 2 with some offensive and defensive issues. The Mudbugs must plug up the middle in their own zone.

LAREDO PUTS 1-2 PUNCH TO MUDBUGS
Patrick Murphy and Serge Dube scored less than four minutes apart in the first period to give the Bucks a 2-0 lead.

Both goals were rebounds as the Mudbugs have sorely lacked coverage in front of Ken Carroll.

The Bucks are feasting in the slot.

MURPHY DIDN'T CONSULT LAREDO'S ROSTER
Is it youthful exuberance or just a hockey player being a hockey player. Chris Murphy, all 5-foot-11 of him (hmmm OK), dropped the gloves with towering Laredo forward Tyler Lawson (6-4, but looked 7-4 next to Murphy).

Lawson took his sweet time while Murphy struggled for some leverage. When the time was right, Lawson unleashed an uppercut and which crippled Murphy a bit and then a punch to the back of the head that sent the Mudbugs' newcomer to the ice.

Expect more scrappiness from Murphy as he has been compared to Dan Wildfong.

POWER PLAYS GALORE
The Mudbugs have received back-to-back-to-back man advantages here in the first period. They finally did get a scoring opportunity on the third, but Laredo netminder Nathan Marsters robbed a Joe Ori wrister with his glove.

FIRST POWER PLAY
The Mudbugs used various combinations during their initial power play of the evening. They collected one shot and no scoring chances.

LINEUP CARD PLEASE
There are no less than 12 new faces playing for the Mudbugs this season, so we'll all be learning who's who and who can do what. It will be interesting to see how this team jells throughout the season. Bossier-Shreveport is notorious for sub-par starts to the season and this newfound bunch faces quite a task.

IT'S HOCKEY NIGHT IN SHREVEPORT
OK, maybe not. But still, it's opening night of the 2006-07 home schedule for the Mudbugs. Quite an impressive crowd is filing into the CenturyTel Center on this raining Thursday night.

5/6 BUGS vs. LAREDO (GAME 5, President's Cup Finals)

2006-05-06T12:23:00.000-05:00

IT'S ALL OVER
The Bucks held out for the remaning two minutes of play and will be crowned President's Cup Champions tonight. It's a disappointing way for the Mudbugs to lose after such a promising start to this game. It'll be remembered for the three goal lead that was given away, and perhaps for the mistake that led to the game winner.

The Mudbugs came into this game with all the right intentions and effort but in the end Laredo was just too much.

TURNOVER - BUCKS LEAD
There aren't too many worse times in a game, or a series, to make a critical mistake in the defensive end. But with 2:05 left in this game, a mistake by the Mudbugs defense has handed this game on a silver plate to the Bucks, Igor Agarunov scoring his second of the game to give Laredo a 4-3 lead. It's along way to come from 3-0 down but four straight goals may have done the Mudbugs in.

1:06 left and Ken Carroll has been pulled.

2:51 LEFT - ANYONE'S GAME
Quade Lightbody had a great chance to seal this thing for the Mudbugs, but wristed his close range shot straight into the mid-section of Grumet-Morris.

2:51 left in the game, and although the Mudbugs look most likely of the two teams to win it in regulation, the Bucks are eager to pounce on the counter. It could go either way.

BUGS ON THE POWERPLAY, 7:19 LEFT
Here's a golden chance for the Mudbugs. They have the man advantage at a critical point in this game. Can they make it count?

DEADLOCK ENSUES
Since Laredo tied the game early in this closing period both teams have been playing defensive hockey, trying to make sure they don't lose the game instead of going out and winning it. The Mubdugs are starting to be more aggressive up front because they know they HAVE to win this game. Laredo would be happy getting lucky on the break and stealing it tonight. If not, they two more games at home to wrap it up. All the pressure is on the Bugs to go for it.

LAREDO TIES IT UP
Todd Griffith has tied the game at 3-3 just 47 seconds into the third period after a feed from Ladislav Kouba sent him clear of the Mudbugs defense. His shot squeeked over the shoulder of Ken Carroll and into the back of the net. A shocking collapse from the Mudbugs, who were in control at 3-0 after 20 minutes.

BUCKS SET UP TENSE THIRD PERIOD
Two goals early in the second period have put Laredo back in this contest. The Mudbugs have done well to get back on their feet after that early setback and have had chances of their own, but right now it's end-to-end stuff as both teams believe they can win this game.

The Bugs have the edge at 3-2 heading into the final 20 minutes of play on home ice this season. They'll need to give it their all to hold onto this lead and take the series back to Laredo on Tuesday. It's not over yet.

MANITOWICH MISSES BREAKWAY CHANCE
With 4:11 to play in the second period Ryan Manitowich misses the target after being set up Chad Spurr on a 2-on-1 break.

LAREDO EASING BACK INTO THIS ONE
Two quick goals in this second period and Laredo has made a game of it. The Mudbugs were firmly in control in the first period, but are a little shaken by the way the Bucks have responded. It's 3-2 midway through the second period, but it's now an evenly-contested game.

After 20 minutes this thing was headed back to Laredo for sure. Now the Mudbugs have some work still to do here.

NOW IT'S INTERESTING
Jeff Bes has made it 3-2 just a few seconds into the Shephard penalty. It's 3-2. This game is NOT over with just yet.

BUCKS GO ON THE POWERPLAY
Scott Shepherd has picked up a double minor for high sticking. Here's a chance for Laredo to get into the game if they can take advantage.

The Mudbugs penalty killing unit is at 85.11% this playoff season. The Lardeo powerplay is the best this postseason at 24.69%.

AGARUNOV SPOILS THE PARTY
A little under two minutes played in the first period and Igor Agarunov picks up a rebound to bring the Bucks back into this game.

Ken Carroll made the inital save, but could only push the puck out to the left of his crease where Agarunov pounced on the loose puck and put it into the unguarded net. 3-1 Bugs.

BUCKS TOP LINE FEELING THE PAIN
Laredo's top offensive line of Jeff Bes, Chris Grenville and Brent Cullaton were all a minus-three in the first period.

FLOODGATES OPEN FOR BUGS OFFENSE
In the first three games of this series, the Mudbugs couldn't so much as buy a goal, losing all three games and scoring only four goals in the process.

In the last 40 minutes of play (last period of Friday's game and first of this one) the Mudbugs have torched Laredo for 7 goals.

You have to wonder how much the Bucks are missing Dube, or whether it's just a case of the Mudbugs getting their game back in gear. Either way, if things keep going this way, this series will head back to Laredo on Tuesday for at least one more game. Game 7, if necessary, would be Thursday.

There's still a ways to go though. First the Bugs have 39 seconds of a Laredo powerplay to see off. Then they have to see how the Bucks respond to a 3-0 first period, deal with whatever they throw at them, and get this game safely in the bag without any casualties.

END OF FIRST PERIOD, BUGS UP 3-0
It's the end of the first period and Bugs and ruling the ice at the moment. Two goals from Brassard, one shorthanded, and another from Dale Lupul and the Bugs are firmly in control of this game through 20 minutes.

It'll be interesting to see how the Bucks respond to this. Will they cut their losses and send a message as the teams head back to Laredo for games 6 and 7? Or will they come out hard and try to rescue this one?

Carroll hasn't been tested yet. Grumet-Morris looks like he's more than a little shaken.

BRASSARD AGAIN....IT'S A RIOT!
He hadn't scored in 11 Finals games. He now has two! Chris Brassard breaks away on a shorthanded effort, set up by Dale Lupul along the right side boards, and slides the puck under Grumet-Morris for a 3-0 Bugs lead.

Quade Lightbody is still in the box for the Bugs. Priority mission for the next 30 seconds or so - keep the sheet clean and go into the break with a three-goal lead.

MAKE THAT TWO
A similar play to the one where Brassard put the Bugs in the lead and Dale Lupul has put the Bugs two goals for the good with 3:23 left in the period and on their 10th shot of the game.

Shane Palahicky did the bump-n-grind work in the right corner, feeding Lupul who was advancing into the slot and let a one-timer rip.

Officially the Bucks only have 1 shot on goal for the period, although they have had a couple of close calls and one soft shot on target.

BRASSARD PUTS BUGS AHEAD!
Chris Brassard hadn't scored in 11 Finals games prior to tonight. With 5:32 left in the first period he's broken that duck with a close range slap-shot from Chad Spurr's feed to put the Bugs 1-0 up.

The Bugs have had the better of the chances in this first period and it's finally paid off.

SECOND MAN ADVANTAGE GOES BEGGING
Another extra man situation for the Mudbugs, but this time it's Laredo who pose the biggest threat on the breakway. Steve Simoes was denied twice by Carroll, the first on a 2-on-1 breakaway, the second off a great feed from James Hiebert from the right corner.

Grumet steps up big again to deny Palahicky as the powerplay chance goes by.

GRUMET-MORRIS TESTED EARLY
Laredo goalie Dov Grumet-Morris is being tested early on a Mudbugs powerplay. Brett Smith forced a big save when Scott Shepherd found him all alone but Smith's one-timer to the top right corner was brilliantly caught by Grumet-Morris.

The Bugs have 3 shots, but no success, on the early man advantage.

GAME 5, SERIES, AND 2004 ON THE LINE
The start of the game is just minutes away. The Bugs know that game 5 and this championship series are both on the line. It's a must win.

But talk about "revenge" for their 2004 Game 7 loss is also on the line. Defeat in this series and there can't be any excuses this time around.

Bring it on!

DUBE OUT!
You have to wonder how much of an impact the injury to Serge Dube will have on the Bucks. He's likely to miss the rest of the season with a leg injury.

Dube led the team among defensemen in the regular season with 55 points (14 goals, 41 assists) and a team-leading plus-39. He's also the team-leading defenseman in the playoffs with 9 points (3 goals, 6 assists) in 15 games.

The Bugs have their own adjustments to make with Chris Shaw not playing tonight because of the injury he sustained last night, but the loss of Dube will either hurt, or inspire the Bucks who are hungry to seal the deal tonight.

THE 20-MINUTE SHOWING MUST BE 60 (OR MORE) TONIGHT
The Mudbugs' played a great hockey game, but may have played their best period of the entire postseason in Friday's third.
Forget the four goals, Bossier-Shreveport, a very desperate team, took it to a very physical Bucks team, they won the battles in the corners for the first time in the series. Jeff Bes didn't have an entire sheet of ice to work his magic.
Tonight's Game 5 is infinitely more difficult than Friday. The Bucks will have a sense of urgency while the Mudbugs have the task of carrying the momentum for a period of 24 hours. This is the second of the what the Mudbugs hope will be four must-win games.
A victory tonight truly puts the series in doubt again. Yes, Laredo would still be in the driver's seat, but they'd have some company up front.
I just have a feeling if this thing shifts back to Laredo, the hockey gods are going to have something spectacular in the works.
But none of that matters if the Bugs dont exhaust themselves with at least 60 minutes of the effort and execution it did in the third period last night.
Laredo will likely be without Serge Dube, who appeared to suffer a rather significant leg injury in the third period Friday. Dube is the Bucks' best defenseman, yes, but also one of the best, if not the best, in the entire Central Hockey League.
The Bucks will also counter Ken Carroll with rookie Dov Grumet-Morris. The kid has been outstanding in this series, but has offered up several stray rebounds. Thus far, Bossier-Shreveport has been unable to capitilize.

5/5 BUGS vs LAREDO (GAME 4, President's Cup Finals) W 5-1

2006-05-05T19:37:00.000-05:00

GAME RECAP
http://shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=SPORTS0303

LAREDO SCORES TO TIE THE GAME. GUESS WHO?
Jeff Bes scored midway through the second and the game stands tied at 1 heading to the third.
The Mudbugs had a goal taken away late in the second when referee Fred L'Ecuyer ruled a high stick was used my Blair Manning to deflect the puck past the Laredo goalie.
TIME: 8:44 p.m.

GOOD ACTION
At times during this series -- except during the Mudbugs' power play -- these teams have played outstanding at different times. Tonight, there is outstanding end-to-end action.
TIME: 8:23 p.m.

A POWER-PLAY GOAL!!
For those of you in office pools, the number was 20. Bossier-Shreveport ended the madness at 20 straight unsuccessful power plays with Brett Smith's tally late in the second period.
TIME: 7:46 p.m.

5/2 BUGS vs. LAREDO, GAME 3

2006-05-02T19:04:00.000-05:00

BOOM! It's OVER!
Jeff Bes, who had been silent for the whole game, just gave the Bucks the game-winner less than two minutes into OT. The Bucks have a 3-0 series lead in the President's Cup finals.
Cullaton and Igor Agarunov get the assists. Cullaton had the initial shot and Carroll sprawled to make the save. His momentum carried him out of position and Bes knocked the puck into a wide-open net.
-B.V.
Time: 9:55 p.m.

OT IS HERE
This game will either be over in the first 5:00 of OT or we're going to be here all night.

My pick for the game-winner? Not Jeff Bes, the Mudbugs are too focused on him...so how about his linemate Brent Cullaton, who was the Bucks' top goal-scorer this season.
Sorry Bugs fans...Laredo has got a ton of momentum since tying the score.
- B.V.
Time: 9:42 p.m.

OT IS LOOMING
Each side is chugging for the game-winner, but it looks like overtime at the CTC with less than 1:30 remaining...
B.V.
Time: 9:27 pm.

OFF WITH HIS HEAD
The Mudbugs fans are chanting for Sterns' head after a non-call on a Laredo defender. Brent Smith intercepted a pass at the blue line and was in on net, but the defender had good positioning and locked him before he could get a shot off. It was a good solid defensive play just like they teach you from the first day a hockey player puts on a pair of skates. Take the body, don't worry about puck.
Nothing like hearing a few thousand fans chant, "Ref, you suck!"
-B.V.
Time: 9:15 p.m.

UH OH...
The Bugs are in jeopardy of letting this game get away from them. The Bucks are skating harder, beating the Bugs to pucks and controlling the tempo.
Sterns finally calls a penalty on Laredo for holding and the Bugs have yet another power play.
-BV
Time: 9:09 p.m.

LET THEM PLAY
Referee Tom Sterns has swallowed his whistle in the third period. There have been a couple of questionable non-calls that probably would have drawn a penalty in the first period.
Laredo ties the score off Todd Griffith's (an amateur the Bucks added for the playoffs) wrister that beats Carroll over the glove hand.
13:30 left to go...1-1
- B.V.
Time: 9:06 p.m.

CAN ANYTHING SLOW DAN WILDFONG?
Seriously. I want to know what that guy has for breakfast.
I've got problems dragging myself out of bed in the morning, but his motor never stops. He just finished one shift where he had a breakaway chance on net, circled back up ice and intercepted a pass and then was back in the Laredo zone mixing it up in the corner.

Oh, and the Mudbugs have another pp chance coming up. Let's see what they can do.
-Brian Vernellis
Time: 8:35 p.m.

POWER PLAY STILL STRUGGLING
Ugh. The Mudbugs are having a tough time just getting the puck over the blue line and setting up the power play. Of course, as soon as I write it, the Bugs get a quick shot on net that Grumet-Morris has got to look sharp. The Bugs anemic power play still lacks any bite. The Bucks skaters are beating them to loose pucks and clogging up the neutral zone. Boss-Shreve falls to 0-for-15 and 1-for-18 in the series.
-Brian Vernellis
Time: 8:22 p.m.

LAREDO - NO GOAL FOR YOU!
The Bucks thought they tied the score, but Ken Carroll makes a tremendous save in the 4-on-4 situation to keep it 1-0.
-Brian Vernellis
Time: 8:11 p.m.

BUGS ARE BUZZIN' AGAIN
Ryan Manitowich's speed to the net forces a Laredo penalty (hooking), but the Mudbugs can't capitalize on another power play. Roy Lang is picking the Mudbugs will go 20 power plays without a goal.
The Bucks are going into the box, so here's No. 16.

And just as quickly, Dale Lupul gets a penalty so there goes that power play chance.
-Brian Vernellis
Time: 8:10 p.m.

ONE PERIOD IS DONE
So far, so good. The Mudbugs are up 1-0 after the first period. You can tell the Bucks are the better skating team, but the Bugs have controlled the game for the most part. Laredo has had a few chances and avoided a disaster when Grumet-Morris played the puck and nearly knocked into his own net.
The Mudbugs had better stay in sharp in the second period.
-Brian Vernellis
Time: 7:48 p.m.

BACK ON THE PP
The Mudbugs are back on the power play and are showing signs of breaking out of their horrible post-season slump. They are definitely moving the puck better and are crisper with their passes. They're also getting good separation and creating a lot of space for themselves and keeping the Bucks moving. As long as they can keep the Bucks moving, there's a greater chance of catching them out of position.
-Brian Vernellis
Time: 7:34 p.m.

MUDBUGS PILING ON THE PRESSURE
Laredo is overwhelmed so far. They've had one rush down ice and had to ice the puck a couple of times, but the Mudbugs are swarming all over the Bucks zone...
The hard work has paid off - less than 2:00 into the game - the Mudbugs strike first with Scott Sheppard beating Dov Grumet-Morris.
And, the Bucks just took a penalty. Mudbugs up 1-0.
-Brian Vernellis
Time: 7:10 p.m.

FACE-OFF IN SECONDS
The key to the Mudbugs win tonight - first and foremost - don't give the Bucks room to operate. If the Bucks have room to skate, it could be very costly.
That's how the Mudbugs were able to advance against a talented offense like Colorado - bottle them up and win all the 1-on-1 battles.

Here's my pick for tonight's three stars...

3. Jeff Bes

2. Dan Wildfong

1. Ken Carroll

Safe picks...I know. But in a big game like this one, go with the guys who perform in the big ones.
-Brian Vernellis
Time: 7:04 p.m.

Bugs vs Laredo Game 3 - A Fan's Perspective

2006-05-02T19:02:00.000-05:00

Another one gone...
Time: 10:00

Laredo wins. Yeah, I know what you're thinking. Odds are, if you're a Bugs fan, I'm thinking the same thing. Bes scored 1:57 into OT while Kenny was sprawled out on the ice. That marks Bes's third game-winning goal in this series. If the Bugs still plan on winning the President's Cup, something has got to change. Let's hope things are different at Friday's game.

Here we go
Time: 9:33 P.M.

...into Overtime. After a 15 minute intermission, sudden death overtime will begin.

Laredo Goal
Time: 9:06 P.M.

Laredo's Todd Griffin ties the game with a goal at 5:48 into the 3rd with assists from Frantisek Lukes and Adam Rivet. Bugs better step it up if they want to win this one.

A second too late
Time: 8:42 P.M.

The Bugs finally put the puck in the net on the 8th power play of the night... however, it was literally a second after the horn sounded the end of the 2nd period. Good job guys... now let's see if y'all can get it in the goal during the period...

Glad to have ya back, Kenny!
Time: 8:10 P.M.

Ken Carroll is awesome. No doubt about it after the 2 fantastic saves he just made against Laredo. Laredo thought they scored... they had their arms up in celebration and everything. The best part of it (well, depending on how you look at it) is that Kenny really hasn't had any help from the defense. That just goes to show how truly awesome he is. Welcome back, Carroll!

Attendance
Time: 8:02 P.M.

It's 1:25 until the second period begins, and its amazing how quiet it is. Attendance is unbelievably low for such an important game. Granted it is a Tuesday night, but for this to be a Finals game, attendance is certain below par.

Lucky...
Time: 7:40 P.M.

Man, did Laredo's goalie have luck on his side... He was inches away from scoring a point for the Bugs. He was sweeping the puck around to the back of the goal, and he hit the post. Lucky for him it did... Ruskowski wouldn't have been too happy if it had gone in!

Somebody messed up...
Time: 7:25 P.M.

Whoever puts the number of the player and the amount of time when a penalty is issued on the scoreboard obviously does not know players' numbers very well. Shane Palahicky, number 20, received a 2 minute minor for tripping. He sat in the box. Yet, Chris Shaw's number, 42, was displayed on the scoreboard. Poor Shaw... he was innocent this time. He was at the bench with the team. Hopefully the crowd knew that it was actually Palahicky in the box.

Bugs Goal
Time 7:11 P.M.

Looks like the Bugs may be off to a good start... Sheppard scores less than 2 minutes in the first with assists from Manning and Smith. If Shepp and Manning can get into their tag-team scoring groove, the Bugs may come out ahead this game.

Let's go...
Time: 7:09 P.M.

Here we are at Game 3 of the President's Cup Finals againnst Laredo. Hopefully the Bugs will step up tonight and make something happen. Kenny is back in goal... Cash was good, but Kenny knows what its like to have this kind of pressure on his shoulders. Also out at the start of the game are Jeremy Downs, Scott Sheppard, Quade Lightbody, and Brett Smith.

Tom Sterns is the referee tonight. I can already hear the boos...

4/29 BUGS at LAREDO (GAME 2, President's Cup Finals) L, 3-1

2006-04-29T14:43:00.000-05:00

UPON FURTHER REVIEW
Channel 12 made the trip to Laredo, Texas, and after reviewing their tape of the penalty in question on Chris Brassard, the Mudbugs veteran did throw an elbow to Bucks goaltender David Lemanowicz.

Referee Paul DePuydt was AT LEAST half right.

I also believe Lemanowicz caused interference with Brassard, who did make an attempt to get out of his way, but the Bucks goalie still sent Brassard to the ice.

So maybe there should have been offsetting calls, but either way, Brassard was a very undisciplined play.

Just as Brassard got to the netminder in the hopes of pouncing on a rebound, Brassard slightly extended his left elbow, which glanced off the mask of Lemanowicz.

Even if the penalty would have been a poor call -- which it wasn't -- the Mudbugs did not lose because of it. One goal will not win you a hockey game -- ask Colorado head coach Chris Stewart. For a look at Channel 12's video, watch Mike Dirmann's sportscast at 10 p.m. Sunday night.
TIME: 1:01 a.m.

BUCKS TALLY ON THE POWER PLAY
The difference in this series. The Bucks' power play is on fire. The Mudbugs is putrid.
TIME: 10 p.m.

NIL
Another power play, another doughnut for the Bugs. Bossier-Shreveport has a total of five shots on six power plays tonight.
TIME: 9:42 p.m.

NADA, NOTHING, ZERO
The Mudbugs amounted absolutely no scoring chances during their four-minute power play. The game remains tied at 1, thanks solely to Ken Carroll.
TIME: 9:36 p.m.

BUGS POWER PLAY MUST COME THROUGH
The Mudbugs have a chance to steal a game and momentum in the series with the final 1:58 of a double minor call to Laredo's Steve Weidlich.

Bossier-Shreveport is 0 for 4 with the man-advantage tonight. That must change.
TIME: 9:21 p.m.

FEARLESS PREDICTION
Scott Muscutt will go bonkers when asked about the elbowing call on Mudbugs veteran Chris Brassard early in the second period.

Brassard was given two minutes for having his head taken off by Laredo netminder David Lemanowicz. The Bucks were awarded a 5-on-3 and scored the tying goal.
TIME: 9:01 p.m.

IS IT HOOKING OR DIVING? SERIOUSLY THIS IS RIDICULOUS!
Yet another simultaneous hooking and diving call. Is it hooking or is it diving? If the league is trying to curb diving ... THEN CALL DIVING ONLY! I have never seen it in any game, although Duane Lewis says it's happened. How many times?

It's such an easy way out for the official. It's a joke.
TIME: 8:58 p.m.

GOOD OPENING 20 ... BUT
This Laredo team is scary. The Mudbugs smothered them for the most part, but the Bucks look like they can strike at any moment. Bossier-Shreveport must continue to leave Laredo no room to work whatsoever.

Great opening period by Ken Carroll, who made a key save early and was full of confidence.
TIME: 8:18 p.m.

HARD HITS, SHOTS AND PUCK POSSESSION
Now this is the President's Cup Finals.

There have been more body checks thrown in the first five minutes of Saturday's affair than the entire powder puff affair of Game 1.
TIME: 7:50 p.m.

ANYTHING YOU CAN DO ...
One night after Laredo scored 49 seconds into Game 1, the Mudbugs scored 18 second into Game 2 when Blair Manning lifted a puck past David Lemanowicz from a hard angle.

This is exactly what the Mudbugs needed.
TIME: 7:44 p.m.

ANOTHER DISAPPOINTING CROWD
Apathy has apparently set in near the border. The Bucks are nowhere near a sellout for the second straight night. Tonight's crowd appears to be smaller than last night's 5,800 effort.
Not a good sign for the CHL. What if Laredo starts losing?
TIME: 7:30 p.m.

DALE HENRY, BRAIN SHANTZ IN DA HOUSE
Two former Mudbugs have graced the Laredo Entertainment Center on Saturday.
TIME: 7:13 p.m.

BUCKS COUNTER WITH LEMANOWICZ
David Lemanowicz will be between the pipes for Laredo.
TIME: 6:58 p.m.

THERE IS STILL A 34 JERSEY IN BLACK
Ken Carroll was the first Mudbug to take the ice during the pregame warmups for the first time since Feb. 24.

Carroll will carry a 12-game winning streak into tonight.
TIME: 6:57 p.m.

CARROLL IS EXPECTED TO START GAME 2
The reigning CHL Most Outstanding Goaltender will make his first start since Feb. 24. David Cacciola's run of 25 straight games comes to an end.

4/28 BUGS at LAREDO (GAME 1, President's Cup Finals) L, 4-2

2006-04-28T18:53:00.002-05:00

THIS WAS A PRESIDENT'S CUP GAME????
There was no chippiness, a lack of intensity, no great drama and one hard hit. This was a very disappointing hockey game. The Mudbugs have no excuse for coming out flat.
It's one thing to get beat, but they usually go out with a fight, a whitewash, a little smack talk ... something.
Laredo didn't bring a physcial game by any stretch of the imagination.
Overall, just a really disappointing effort for Bossier-Shreveport, and in reality, any fan who watched this boring affair.
Saturday becomes crucial for the Mudbugs, who can leave South Texas with a great feeling if they win. Tonight will be completely forgotten in that case.
I'm giving a call to Ken Carroll.
Let me say this first, David Cacciola was not the reason the Mudbugs lost. But if Carroll doesn't play Saturday, he will never get in this series. It could give the Mudbugs' the extra early jump which will be greatly needed.
TIME: 1:56 a.m.

4-2 BUCKS FINAL

MUDBUGS IMPROVED, BUT LAREDO STANDS STRONG
Bossier-Shreveport has appeared to stymie the Bucks' offense, but the lead remains 4-2 for Laredo.
TIME: 10:01 p.m.

ONE MORE GOAL AND CARROLL NEEDS TO SEE ACTION
Laredo leads 4-2 and if the Bucks can make it a three-goal lead, I would be shocked if Ken Carroll doesn't see action.
If indeed he's 100 percent, he needs some game action before starting any game in this series.
And this is no knock against David Cacciola, he's been phenominal, but you have to try to make the best of a bad situation.
TIME: 9:07 p.m.

BEST GETS THE H-T
Jeff Bes scored his third goal of the game midway throught the second.
TIME: 9:02 p.m.

CARROLL LENDS HELPING HAND
Ken Carroll, on the bench for the 25th straight time Friday, helped the officials tape up a loose piece of padding next to the bench.
TIME: 8:57 p.m.

PALAHICKY GETS THE BUGS CLOSER
After a rare mistake by Laredo goaltender Dov Grumet-Morris, Shane Palahicky poked a puck into the net and the Mudbugs are back within one.
TIME: 8:43 p.m.

BES SCORES ANOTHER ON THE POWER PLAY
Jeff Bes is one of the most dangerous players in the league and he's had plenty of room to work this evening. He scores with roughly 20 seconds remaining in the first period and the Bucks regained the momentum and a two-goal lead heading into the intermission.
The Mudbugs will begin the second period with nearly two minutes remaining on their fourth power play chance.
TIME: 8:19 p.m.

BASILE CUTS LAREDO LEAD IN HALF
Mudbugs defenseman Jason Basile scored on a slap shot on a power play to give the Mudbugs their first goal of the Finals.
TIME: 8:07 p.m.

THINGS HAVE CALMED ... FOR NOW
The Mudbugs have found their legs a bit and the all-out Laredo attack has been quieted for now. Still, it's 2-0 Bucks.
TIME: 7:59 p.m.

CURRENTLY POWERLESS
The Mudbugs have no shots on goal despite two full power-play opportunities. Laredo has five shots and two goals.
TIME: 7:53 p.m.

DEER CORN?
It appears the Bucks fans have a new tradition of throwing deer corn on the ice following a Bucks goal.
TIME: 7:49 p.m.

BUCKS ARE READY. ANY QUESTIONS?
Laredo, despite a poor showing by the crowd here in Game 1, are dominating the early moments. Would be beneficial for Bossier-Shreveport to get a goal in this period to have something positive to take into the rest of the game.
TIME: 7:48 p.m.

DEFENDING CHAMPS STRIKE FIRST ... AND SECOND
Nick Warriner used a no-look backhand to roof one past David Cacciola just 49 seconds into Game 1. Laredo leads 1-0.
Jeff Bes completed a perfect power-play rush 16 seconds into the Bucks' first chance. It's 2-0 quickly.
The Mudbugs scored first in four of the five games against Colorado in the Northern Conference Finals.
TIME: 7:43 p.m.

CACCIOLA/GRUMET-MORRIS IN NET
No shocker here, but it's a battle of rookies between the pipes.
TIME: 7:09 p.m.

RUFUS IS IN THE HOUSE!
Rufus Lopez, red beret and all, has just graced the press box with his presence. The Bugs fans have yet to get in line for the autographs.
TIME: 6:57 p.m.

THE MOMENT HAS ARRIVED
The 2006 President's Cup Finals have arrived and the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs and Laredo Bucks are set to do battle at the Laredo Entertainment Center.
TIME: 6:56 p.m.

4/24 BUGS vs. COLORADO (GAME 5 -- A fan's perspective)

2006-04-24T18:35:00.000-05:00

Down to the last minute and a half...
Time: 9:25

Okay... for the last few minutes I'm going to just type as things happen...

Colorado takes out their goalie to put another person on the ice

Everyone is scrambling for the puck... It's getting pretty violent down there!

2 seconds left...

Colorado shoots... IT HIT THE PIPES!! THE BUGS WIN!! THEIR GOING TO THE FINALS!!

Nothing left for Colorado to do but pack their bags and go home!!

Good one, Cash
Time: 9:08

There's been some really great saves from Cacciola tonight, including one just moments ago where the puck actually bounced up into the air a couple of feet in front of him that he effortlessly caught. Man's got some sick skills.

Colorado Goal
Time: 9:04

Scored by Parillo with assists from Harisburg and Cook 7:45 into the 3rd. Mudbugs' defense is going good tonight, so it may be pretty hard for Colorado to score again.

Attendance
Time: 9:03

4,926. Less than the last game!! Where is everyone?? Come on people!! These are the best games of the season!! Let's get the attendance up!!

A little birdy just told me that...
Time: 8:46

There are two Laredo Bucks in attendance tonight. How interesting...

Yawn
Time: 8:25

The 2nd period hasn't really been a very eventful period. We scored, but that's about it.

Loving the Signs
Time: 8:25

A couple of fans from section 115 brought some great signs tonight... One said Clear, next said The, last said Zone. Lucky for them, that great guy who runs the soundbooth played the song that coordinates with that phrase, giving them the perfect opportunity to show them off. How neat is that?

2 - 0
Time: 8:09

Bugs score 8:07 into the 2nd. Sheppard scored the goal with some help from Smith and Lightbody.

SCORE!
Time: 7:14

Powerplay goal scored 5:54 into the first by Dale Lupul after a nice pass from Scott Sheppard. Blair Manning also gets credited an assist on that one.

2nd Powerplay
Time: 7:12

The Bugs are entering their second powerplay opportunity just 5 minutes into the game.

Look who it is!
Time: 6:55

I'm sure practically everyone in the arena tonight is thinking the same thing... Of all the games in all of the playoffs, how did Steve Cruickshank end up being the Referee at this one? What were the odds of that one? This is going to be an interesting game...

I've never been good at introductions...

I've been told that I must introduce myself tonight on the blog... I'd prefer to remain anonymous, but its not my call. So, here we go: Hi! My name is Amy Stockton. I have been a Bugs fan since their inaugural season. I was lucky enough to meet Roy Lang and I somehow convinced him to let me write these things. Well, enough about me, let's get to the game...

4/22 BUGS VS COLORADO, GAME 4

2006-04-22T18:45:00.009-05:00

UH OH!!

Ryan Tobler just made it 2-1 out of the blue. The Mudbugs have been in control, but one good chance infront of goal and he took it.

This could set up a dramatic finish after the Bugs had been in control of the game all night long.

Will they go into defensive mode, or try to catch the Eagles out and go for a third goal?

LAST TEN MINUTES

Colorado has yet to seriously threaten in this third period. It's still 2-0 Bugs and even on a crucial powerplay failed to apply any serious pressure. Cacciola is on 25 saves for the night and isn't giving anything up tonight.

This is a professional performance from the Mudbugs. They came out with a game plan, put it into effect, and haven't slacked off for one second. They've kept the heat on all night and have not let Colorado dictate any of the play.

If anything, it's the Mudbugs that will add to their tally. Manitowich just missed a glorious chance to put the game beyond any doubt.

THIRD PERIOD UNDER WAY

We're a couple minutes into the third period. It's pretty much more of the same so far. The Bugs are certainly not settling for a 2-0 win. They want more and have come out just as hard as Colorado, if not more so.

MUDBUGS IN CONTROL

The Mudbugs lead 2-0 after the first period. Colorado is clearly rattled and will I'm sure be coming out hard in the third period trying to turn this thing around. Colaiacova is giving up rebounds off just about every shot the Bugs fire on him. Cacciola is standing firm.

Bad news for the Eagles....they're 0-7 in the postseason when trailing after two periods.

BRASSARD MAKES IT TWO!

Talk about piling on the pressure. The Bugs kept the puck in the Colorado zone by chasing the puck into the corners, keeping the pressure on the Eagles defense, and low and behold come out with a second goal. Chris Brassard takes a feed from Ryan Manitowich behind the net and launches it for a two goal lead! Manitowich is having a stormer. A goal and a helper.

BUGS HOLDING ON

7 minutes left in the second period and the Bugs still hold a 1-0 lead. David Cacciola is earning his pay check once again. He just made an outstanding save from Garrett Larson and has 15 saves on the game so far.

The Mudbugs are doing an awesome job of keeping the pressure on the Eagles goal, chasing the puck into the corners and giving the Eagles defense a hard time.

MANITOWICH OPENS SCORING

Ryan Manitowich has given the Mudbugs the lead. The Mudbugs had a good spell of continued pressure, never giving up the chase in the Colorado zone, and finally a rebound off Chad Spurr's shot spilled out to Manitowich in the slot and he drilled the puck high into the top left corner.

1-0 Bugs!! . . . That should blow this game out the water. It's been tight so far....that should change now. The Eagles now this is a must-win game.

SCORELESS FIRST PERIOD

We're scoreless through the end of the first period. Not too many clear cut chances . It's tight. It's a little edgy. And it probably won't take much for this game to explode. Shots on goal are 10-7 in favor of the Mudbugs, but really neither team deserves to lead after the first 20 minutes.

MUDBUGS COME OUT STRONG

Midway through the first period and it's the Mudbugs that have had the best chances so far to take the lead. An early powerplay led to a handful of good chances. David Cacciola, making his 23rd consecutive start, has only had one real save to make so far.

It's starting to get a little physical though, so this thing could heat up fast.

PIVOTAL GAME 4

Tonight is going to go a long way to deciding this series. The Bugs crashed the party in Colorado and stole home ice advantage back. They won convincingly in game 3. A win tonight would put them 3-1 up with another home game on Monday to come. The Eagles win tonight and home ice advantage goes back to Colorado and the Bugs will have to win on the road one more time.

Looks like a big crowd tonight. Great atmosphere. Let's hope it's a great game too.

4/21 BUGS VS COLORADO - A Fan's Perspective

2006-04-21T18:54:00.000-05:00

1:58 to go...
Time: 9:31

Pressure is mounting... The Eagles just got off a time out. Let's see if it was worth it...

Colorado is without goalie, yet the puck is staying down by Cash...

All 5 Bugs are surrounding Cash...

Cash makes a great save...

PALAHICKY GETS A BREAKAWAY AND SCORES!! 26.2 seconds left... I think we all know who won this one!!

FIGHT!!!! MILAN VODRAZKA VS DESROSIERS!! ANOTHER FIGHT!!! CHRIS SHAW VS JESSE COOK!!!

Whoa... Still 18.83 seconds left... what else could possibly happen??

Cook and Shaw are out with game misconducts... another Eagle sits in the box...

and there's the buzzer!!! THE BUGS WIN GAME 3!!

And yes, I'm going to say it again, regardless of what some people from other blogs may think, let's hope the Bugs can keep this up in the next two games. GO MUDBUGS!!!

Getting pretty scary...
Time: 9:25

The teams are getting pretty aggressive out there... The suspense is building... The plays are becoming more intense, the players are becoming a little antzy... What a great game to be at!

Attendance
Time: 9:15

5,008. 5,008. Colorado has had 109 sellouts in a row, and the Bugs barely break 5,000. Where are all the fans? Where'd they go? I thought that since this was a playoff game the attendance would be at least 5,500. This crowd has been pretty lively tonight, and that somewhat makes up for the lack of peole filling the stands.

The Good Brian
Time: 8:56

Did you know: Times' writed Brian McCallum has attended 4 Mudbugs playoff games (not including this one) and each time, the Bugs have won. So, if the Bugs win tonight while Brian is in attendance, we'll all know why -- Because of Brian!!

Tid bit from the 2nd Intermission
Time: 8:46

Three kids are running in the penguin races. Two older ones and one little one. Clawed, being the big kid he is, decided to help the little one out, and held the two older kids back. The little kid won, mostly thanks to Clawed. How sweet!

Bugs score again
Time: 8:36

Manning gives the Bugs a 2-goal lead with a goal 17:27 into the 2nd. Assists go to Lupul and Minard.

Can't say that one doesn't count!
Time: 8:27

Guess the Bugs won't let that non-goal goal get them down... Manitowich scores at 13:44 into the 2nd with help from Brassard & Basile. The Bugs are now leading, 2 - 1.

No goal?? Are you kidding me?
Time: 8:20

The Bugs should have scored. But, the ref says Fonger touched Colaiacovo so the goal doesn't count. Called it incidental contact, and ruled it no goal. At least the fans got to have fun yelling "Ref you suck" again. That chant never gets old.

Bugs tie it up
Time: 8:02

Jason Campbell put the Bugs back in the game after a nice wrister from Chris Brassard 1:58 into the 2nd.

End of the First
Time: 7:39

It's a few minutes into the first intermisson. Rob Walker just gave away $200 to a guy who shot a goal from the middle line. Maybe we could use that guy on the team tonight... Out of 19 shots on goal, Colaiacovo only had to actually try to block a couple of good shots.

Colorado Goal
Time 7:26

Yeah, they scored. Well, honestly, it wasn't so much them that scored, but that doesn't matter.

So, with 8:05 left in the first, the Eagles hold the lead at 1 -0.

Not quite a fight
Time: 7:22

Chris Shaw and Sean Robertson kind of went at each other... Nothing too impressive, but if they are getting this rough this early, who knows what'll happen next.

Let's go...
Time: 7:05

Cacciola's in goal tonight... Maybe one day we'll get to see Carroll start again. Barely 4 minutes into the game and already it looks as though this is going to be a violent game.

The fans have already started the "Ref You Suck" chants... This is going to be fun.

4/19 BUGS at COLORADO (GAME 2, W 3-2)

2006-04-19T19:46:00.000-05:00

POLAR OPPOSITE
The Mudbugs should have won Game 1, the Eagles Game 2.
Either way, this series is tied as it shifts to the CenturyTel Center in Bossier City for Friday's Game 3.
The Mudbugs were forced to kill two Colorado power plays in the final four minutes. While Scott Muscutt did not have a view of the penalty to Shane Palahicky, he was adamant about saying Chris Brassard deserved his high sticking infraction with just more than 1 minute remaining.
An incredible series so far. Expect more of the same in Bossier City.
TIME: 11:39 p.m.

THIS THIRD PERIOD SHOULD BE A DOOZY
The Mudbugs have a power play to begin the final 20 minutes -- of regulation anyhow.
TIME: 8:56 p.m.

COLORADO TIES GAME; BUGS REGAIN LEAD
Brad Williamson tied the game at 2, but Mudbugs captain Dan Wildfong silenced the BEC crowd with his first goal of this postseason. The Mudbugs were outshot 22-8 in the period, but managed to score two goals to Colorado's one.
TIME: 8:37 p.m.

MOMENTUM IS NOTHING A PENALTY CANT KILL
After watching Colorado toy with the puck in their zone for most of the second period, the Mudbugs took advantage of their third power play.
With Les Borsheim off for hooking Dan Wildfong, it took just 16 seconds to score. Scott Sheppard sent a bullet pass to Blair Manning at the goal line. The veteran took control and patiently waited for an opening. Finally, he spotted Brett Smith in the right circle and sent a pass his way. Smith one-timed a puck into the top of Colorado’s net.
TIME: 8:18 p.m.

MUDBUGS HAVING PROBLEMS CLEARING ZONE
Bossier-Shreveport seems to have fallen back into the first-period mode. Colorado is enjoying long stretches in the Mudbugs' zone. Nevertheless, the game is still tied at 1.
TIME: 8:14 p.m.

COLORADO FAILS TO CONVERT 3-ON-1
Colorado missed the net to cap a 3-on-1 break midway through the period after Mudbugs defenseman Chris Shaw was caught pinching in the Eagles’ zone. With David Cacciloa sprawled out, Chris Hartsburg sent the puck flying over the net from the slot and into the back glass.
TIME: 8:10 p.m.

PLAY HAS EVENED UP A BIT IN PERIOD 2
The Mudbugs defense has clamped down a bit in this period and Colorado hasn't seen as many point-blank opportunities this time around -- although the period is just 6 minutes old.
TIME: 8:07 p.m.

IS TURNABOUT FAIR PLAY?
Colorado dominated the first period but only managed a 1-1 tie. Could this be some reverse Karma for the Eagles after the Mudbugs carried play Tuesday and didn't get a victory? The next 40 minutes will tell.
However, it's hard for me to believe the Eagles will not capitilize on these chances if they continue.
TIME: 7:52 p.m.

NOTE TO BUGS: Don't give Colorado power-play chances
Colorado is all over the Mudbugs late in the first period. The Eagles have tied the game with one power-play goal and have several golden opportunities to take the lead on a second man-advantage.
Colorado is outshooting the Mudbugs 13-6 with 2:51 remaining in the opening frame. This must change if the Bugs hope to garner a split.
TIME: 7:30 p.m.

SHEPPARD MAKES IT 1-0 BUGS
With Steve Mears as my witness, I said Scott Sheppard would be a standout tonight. Well, he scored just 5:30 into the contest on the power play and Bossier-Shreveport takes an early 1-0 lead.
TIME: 7:14 p.m.

EAGLES OFF TO MUCH BETTER START TUESDAY
Colorado didn't wait to begin Game 2 tonight, but the Mudbugs are the first to score.
TIME: 7:13 p.m.

KEN CARROLL IN UNIFORM
But he will not start tonight's contest. Mudbugs rookie David Cacciola gets his 21st straight start tonight against the Eagles.
TIME: 6:42 p.m.

4/18 BUGS at COLORADO (GAME 1, L 3-2 in double overtime)

2006-04-18T19:57:00.000-05:00

WHAT A GAME
The Colorado Eagles scored three unanswered goals to capture Game 1 of the Northern Conference Finals. The game went into double overtime and was a classic.
The bad news is the Mudbugs controlled play for most of the evening and still didn't win. Whether it was a bad bounce, a post or a spectacular save by Paulo Colaiacovo, Bossier-Shreveport couldn't score after the first period.
It certainly wasn't from a lack of opportunities though.
Game 2 will obviously tell us a lot about this series. It's a near must-win for the Mudbugs -- especially after doing everything but win Tuesday.
TIME: 12:29 a.m.

HEADED TO PERIOD NO. 3 ALL TIED UP
What a second period between the Mudbugs and Eagles. Colorado scored the lone goals, but the final 5 minutes of the frame was exciting playoff action.
TIME: 9:00 p.m.

YA JUST KNEW IT WASNT GOING TO BE EASY
The Colorado Eagles must have received a good tongue lashing during the first intermission and whatever head coach Chris Stewart said worked. The Eagles look like a different squad and the game is tied at 2.
TIME: 8:18 p.m.

MUDBUGS UP 2-0
Stunned. That's all I can say. The Colorado Eagles are the team with a terrible start tonight. I know the Eagles will play better, but right now they are terrible.
Chad Spurr (power play) and Dale Lupul have helped Bossier-Shreveport take an early two-goal lead.
Colaiacovo has no viable backup so the Mudbugs need to pour it on.
TIME: 7:36 p.m.

LIVE FROM LOVELAND
I made it and the game's about to start. Paulo Colaiacovo vs. David Cacciola tonight. Neither Ken Carroll or Jeff Blair is dressed.
TIME: 6:54 (Mountain).

4/9 Bugs vs Wichita

2006-04-09T18:06:00.000-05:00

The only thing left for Wichita...
Time: 8:05 P.M.

...is a long bus ride home!! The Bugs win the game 7-4. It was a good game. The last song played tonight was a great song for the moment... U2's "Beautiful Day". I guess the guy running the music really does know what he's doing, eh Flamer? ;)

The attendance could have been better... it was only 4,045 - 40 less than Thursday's attendance of 4,085. Where is everyone at? I figured we'd have a large crowd tonight considering what was on the line tonight.

The boys played hard tonight. Let's hope they continue to play this hard in the next series.

Open Net!
Time: 7:44 P.M.

Wichita should have just left the net open all night. Maybe with a 6th person on the ice they would have done better than they did. But, since they left their net unattended, Manning made a beautiful open-net goal with only 8.42 seconds left in the game. Manning rocks.

Another Goal
Time: 7:30 P.M.

Wichita scored again. Ken Wiebe gets the credit for it and Scott Rozendal gets the assist. Let's hope the Bugs step up and keep the Thunder from catching up.

Thunder Goal
Time: 7:24 P.M.

Lizotte, with some help from Duda and Clayton, just brought their score to 3. The score now stands 5-3 in favor of the Bugs.

Tyler Liebel of the Thunder is injured. He is in a ball on the ice. He was helped off the ice and looks to be okay.

Someone has an attitude problem...
Time: 7:22 P.M.

Ryan McLean just got a penalty for slashing. The linesman escorting him into the box had to push him into the penalty box. McLean chirped at the Ref, getting himself a misconduct penalty. It wasn't a game misconduct, but there is only 9:57 left in the period so he's out the rest of the game. Before he left the box to head to the locker room, the video of him on the screen showed him with Mickey Mouse ears. Too funny!!

Goooooooooal!!
Time: 7:21 P.M.

Wooooo-hoooo! The Bugs score their 6th goal of the night! Scott Sheppard scored with an assist from Chris Shaw! Good goal, good goal.

You know, until close to the end of the regular season, many people didn't believe that Shaw would score a point. I knew he couldand that he would all along! I'm glad he's getting into a groove and getting more game time. I look to see great things from him in the games to come. Congrats Shaw! Keep up the good work & continue beating the snot out of people! A game just isn't a game unless you kick someone's booty.

Wichita is switching goalies. Like that's really going to help. The Bugs are on fire tonight. Nothing can stop them now.

FIIIIGHT!!
Time: 7:09 P.M.

Wildfong just beat the crud out of Wichita's David Tetrault! Likely one of the best fights in this series. Wildfong had Tetrault on the ground in no time. Tetrault slapped the glass in the box. Someone needs an attitude adjustment!

The video guys just played the clip from The Waterboy about the can of whoop you-know-what. They couldn't have picked a better time for that clip!

Gooooooal!
Time: 7:04 P.M.

Woo hooo! Beautiful power-play goal from Spurr 1:22 into the 3rd! Assists from Brassard and Basile.

The bell has rung again...
Time: 6:41 P.M

I've got to hand it to them, Wichita will stop at nothing to win tonight. Immediately after the buzzer to end the 2nd went off, the Thunder and the Bugs went at it. Nearly all 8 players on the ice went at it. Lightbody jumped from the bench to get in it, resulting in a game misconduct for leaving the bench during an altercation. Wichita's Matt Coughlin did the same, and he was ejected also. There were some other minor penalties, but those were the two best.

Recap of the 2nd...
Time: 6:35 P.M.

I'm kinda behind tonight aren't I?

About 6 minutes after the Thunder scored, Brett Smith scored with some assistance from Sheppard and Manning. 5 minutes later the Bugs gained another goal from Sheppard with assists from Manning and Lupul.

I promise this blog WILL get better... I hope.

Uh Oh...

Wichita goal from Joe Blaznek at 3:41 into the second to tie it up. Assists from Tetrault and Liebal. Starting to get kinda antzy...

A Very Eventful First...
Time: 6:05 P.M

2 goals for the Bugs, 1 for Wichita, and a whole lot of penalties. First goal for the Bugs scored by Brett Smith on a 2 man advantage power play with assists from Scott Sheppard and Craig Minard at 7:25 into it. Wichita's Kris Wiebe tied it up roughly 2 minutes later with assists from Jason Duda and Daniel Tetrault. Then the Bugs got one ahead with a goal from Chad Spurr. Chris Brassard and Dale Lupul assisted.

The first also brought a few penalties for Wichita... Here's one of the worst: While already one man down, Joe Blaznek slashes Sheppard right across the back. It was a nasty shot... Shep fell to his knees but got right back up. It takes a lot to keep that guy down.

Fight at the end... The buzzer sounding the end of the period was apparently like a bell in boxing match for both teams... the players on the ice started to have at it over by the Thunder's bench. It didnt go very far, but it made it obvious to everyone around that both teams are in it all the way tonight.

Game 3 - A Fan's Perspective

2006-04-06T19:12:00.000-05:00

A Beautiful Game
Time: 9:45 P.M.

Well, the Bugs win it 4-0. Congrats to Cacciola on his 3rd professional shut-out. Man's got some sick skills.

Wichita just wasn't into it tonight. There was no spark in them.

Stars of the night: 1. David Cacciola, 2. Chris Brassard, & 3. Quade Lightbody. David truly deserved to be #1 tonight. He poured everything he had into it. Congrats again dude on the shut-out.

Go Bugs... keep playing like tonight and we can say hello to the President's Cup!

No goalie = Easy goal
Time: 9:39 P.M.

19:17 into the 3rd, Manning scores a short-handed empty net goal.

What??
Time: 9:28 P.M.

Bugs shot... it should have been a goal. Silly L'Ecuyer. Let the booing begin...

There's nothing like listening to a crowd of over 4,000 chant, "Ref you suck!" at the top of their lungs.

Drop the gloves...
Time: 9:25 P.M.

Chad Spurr and Ben Murphy go at it towards the center of the ice at 11:30 into the 3rd. Pretty good fight. Both end up in the box with 5 minute majors for fighting. Ryan Coghlan also ended up in the Thunder's box with a 2 minute minor for roughing.

Shoved against the glass
Time: 8:45 P.M.

Campbell just cross-checked Scott Rozendal. Hit Rozendal so hard his helmet came off. Go Soupy!

Cutting it close there, Cash
Time: 8:42 P.M.

Cacciola is a great goalie. That's obvious. But tonight he has more than just skill on his side, he has luck there, too... he managed to block a shot that he likely would have missed if he had been thinking about it. The shot was not planned, so he didn't have much time to think about it. Seconds later, luck strikes again when a blocked shot reflects backwards towards the end of the goal that he's not blocking. If a Wichita player had been on that side of the net, Cacciola likely wouldn't have had enough reaction time to block it. Luck is on his side tonight, and that's a very good thing for both him and the Bugs.

Literally seconds later, players from both teams basically dog-pile onto Cacciola trying to get the puck. L'Ecuyer (the ref) just stood there and watched for about 10 seconds, probably trying to decide whether or not he should blow his whistle. He did. FINALLY. It's times like this one that really makes me wonder what goes through the minds of referees...

Thunder needs to step up
Time: 8:40 P.M.

Either Cacciola is having a really good night, or the Thunder's hearts aren't into this game. At the end of the second they have one more shot on goal than the Bugs, but no goals. I can't decide if its from all of the broken sticks they've suffered through tonight, or if its because they are playing more for the penalties than the goals. If the series continues this way (keep your fingers crossed), we can wave bye-bye to Wichita this Sunday!

Just for Blank... I was told to mention that the hot tub crowd at the top of 114 is very wild tonight. I'll admit, they are probably the most spirited bunch I've ever seen in the hot tub at a game.

Score!
Time: 8:33

Ryan Manitowich scores 15:20 into the second making the score now 3-0. Brassard and Spurr got the assists for that one, putting them close to the top of my "Players that are on the Ball" List. Brassard has already scored once this game, and this marks Spurr's second assist of the game. Let's hope they can keep it up for the 3rd.

Right there!
Time: 8:25-ish (I say -ish because the blog site went down for a while and I am having to estimate the time)

The Bugs must have heard me. At least Scott Sheppard did. 9:21 into the second, Shep decides to be there. After a great pass from Minard to Smith, Sheppard got in postion near the goal for Smith to send him a beautiful slow pass that Shep not only caught, he slapped it into the goal. Poor Laplante didn't even see it coming. He was manning the other side of the net. Thanks to Shep for being there for this one... I knew someone could do it.

Where were you on that one?
Time: 8:20 P.M.

Watching the Bugs play tonight makes me wonder... where are they? One player gets a break-a-way and hauls up the ice to the goal... he sees the other team closing in on him, and hangs back for a sec to try to pass the puck to someone else. But, no one's ever there. Just makes me wonder how many goals the Bugs would already have tonight if someone had been.

End of the first...
Time: 7:50 P.M.

So its the end of the first. If you aren't here, you aren't missing much yet. Shots on goal this period: Bugs 15, Thunder 14. The Bugs have done well with keeping the puck where they want it until someone goes to the box. The Thunder hasn't scored on any of their power plays, but I wouldn't breathe a sigh of relief just yet. The way they look tonight, anything could happen. Both teams look like they know what's on the line, and nothing is getting in their way.

Tids & Bits from intermission -
- Different music! Its great to have a change in the music. I know that I was starting to know the exact times that songs were played since the same songs were played at the same time every night. The song being played right now is a nice dance song with a salsa kind of twist to it. Very different from the songs they were playing at the games before.
- Penguin Racing. This should really be a sport. Okay, maybe not really, but you have to admit it is pretty funny to watch people dress up in giant penguin suits and run around the ice. Tons of fun.

Spoke Too Soon
Time: 7:35

I guess I spoke a little soon... its starting to look like the ref's going to call everything. In less than a minute, he's put 2 Bugs in the box. Sheppard and Wildfong are now both waiting patiently (as patiently as can be expected, I suppose) for their minor penalties to expire. Let's hope the team can hold it together and not spend the entire night in the box!

Howdy!
Time: 7:15 P.M.

I'm sure that by the title of this blog it's obvious that this isn't Roy Lang. I am a fan who was lucky enough to get the opportunity to write the blog. I was supposed to be writing the real blog, but due to some confusion (Thanks Roy!) someone else is. So, I am writing this one. It may not be as professional, and it may not be as in-depth, but this is from the perspective of a true fan.

Catching Up:

Okay - 3:51 into the first period Brassard scores with some help from Spurr. Great shot, too.
- Couple good saves from Cacciola, nothing too spectacular though yet. I'm sure we'll see
some great saves by him though before the end of the night.
- It's only 10:15 into the first and there has already been a slew of penalaties called. So far
the officiating has been pretty even. No one can say the refs are leaning more towards
one team... yet.

4/6 Wichita vs. Mudbugs, Game 3

2006-04-06T18:45:00.000-05:00

Mudbugs coasting to win
With less than four minutes left, the Mudbugs maintain their 3-0 lead over Wichita.
Time: 9:32 p.m.

Low showing
An announced crowd of 4,085 showed up for Game 3. Is it me or is that a little low for the first home playoff game of the season? Especially since it's spring break and kids are home from school. Just a thought.
Time: 9:20 p.m.

Two down, one to go
The Mudbugs continue to outwork Wichita which has looked lost in its defensive zone surrending the two goals to Sheppard and Manitowich. The Mudbugs need to stay out of the penalty box to even give Wichita an opportunity like that, even though the Thunder are 0-for-9 on the power play.
Time: 8:59 p.m.

Second period underway
Laplante just made a great save in the early stages of the second, robbing Dan Wildfong. Laplante flashed his glove hand up to stop Wildfong's shot which was heading for the top corner.
And Cacciola answers with a great save of his own, doing the splits and stabbing his left leg out to stop a Wichita player streaking toward the net.
Time: 8:11 p.m.

One is done
The Mudbugs won the first period and not just because of Brassard's goal. The Thunder need to find some life to their game and stop committing stupid penalties. The Mudbugs have outworked the Thunder and done a marvelous job on the penalty kill. Wichita had five power plays in the period, and you'd think they could cash at least one in. Guess not.
Time: 7:51 p.m.

Key point here
The Mudbugs are down 4-on-3 after penalties to Scott Sheppard and Dan Wildfong. Let's see if the Thunder can take advantage...Nope. Excellent job by the Mudbugs penalty killers. The Thunder had one legit shot and couldn't convert. The Mudbugs kept the Thunder out on the perimeter out of harm's way.
Time: 7:41 p.m.

Wichita looking slow
The Mudbugs are all over Wichita on their latest power play. The Thunder have eight shots on goal and that's surprising. They have no offense in the early going and look very out of sync.
Laplante is getting a workload.
And now, Wichita is going off with another penalty...
Time: 7:36 p.m.

Mudbugs strike quick
Chris Brassard fires a laser from the right circle beating Wichita netminder Sebastien Laplante early in the game and the Mudbugs are up 1-0.
This game is getting chippy as Blair Manning just drew a major penalty for boarding, driving a Wichita player into the boards from behind on a dangerous looking play.
The Thunder aren't taking advantage of the situation though and the Mudbugs are adding to their problems.
There goes Brent Smith for two minutes for elbowing...
Time: 7:23 p.m.

Bringing the heat
The Mudbugs are putting early pressure on the Thunder, which is having a tough time clearing their own zone. You'd think the early pressure would pay off big with a goal or two early, but this is the playoffs and stranger things have happened.
Time: 7:06 p.m.

Keys to the game
We're minutes away from faceoff and so far it's a sparse crowd at the CenturyTel Center. Unless the fans are waiting out in the parking lot to make a mad dash for the doors, this crowd could be around 3,000, which is stunning for the faithful Mudbugs fans.

Anyway, the biggest key for tonight's game will be if the team's top lines can finally crack through and put some points on the board. Neither team's top line has produced much through the first two games.

Wichita's Travis Clayton, Joe Blaznek and Jason Duda have three points between them. The Mudbugs top line of Blair Manning, Scott Sheppard and Brett Smith have a goal back in Game 1 - thanks to Smith.

Also, look for this to be another goaltender battle. Defenses usually step it up in the postseason and that's been the case between the teams.
Time: 6:40 p.m.

4/1 BUGS at WICHITA, GAME 2

2006-04-01T18:57:00.000-06:00

OT NO.2 HEADED OUR WAY
Not often you see so many power plays in overtime, but Saturday's first was full of them. Wichita had parts of three power plays, but didn’t convert. Bossier-Shreveport failed to score on its only chance. The goaltenders continued to put on a clinic. David Cacciola’s only mistake was clearing the puck over the glass and collecting the ensuing two-minute minor that carried over to overtime No. 2.
The Mudbugs have 1:03 to kill to begin the second overtime.
The last time these teams went to double overtime (Game 5 last season) Shane Palahicky scored the game-winner.
TIME: 10:50 p.m.

HEADED TO OT ... AGAIN
For the fourth time in five playoff games, the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs and Wichita Thunder head to overtime.
TIME: 9:52 p.m.

CAN BUGS CONTINUE TO KILL THESE PENALTIES?
Wichita has one of the most potent power-play units in the league. The Thunder are on its seventh chance of the night.
TIME: 9:28 p.m.

THUNDER MAKES BIG STAND
The Mudbugs failed to score during their five-minute power play and Wichita escapes with the game still tied at 1.
Bossier-Shreveport recorded 5 shots during the 5-on-3 time and 1 during 5-on-4.
If the Thunder grab this game, this will certainly be a key stretch.
TIME: 8:44 p.m.

MAJOR POINT IN THIS SERIES
The Mudbugs will have a two-minute 5-on-3 plus a three-minute one-man advantage after Travis Clayton was called for an elbowing major with 7:48 to go in the second period.
If the Thunder survive this disadvantage, you would have to think it would have some serious momentum.
TIME: 8:35 p.m.

DEJA VU
The Mudbugs own a 7-1 second-period shot advantage with 8:42 remaining.
TIME: 8:34 p.m.

MINARD MAKES UNBELIEVABLE DEFENSIVE PLAY
Mudbugs defenseman Craig Minard prevented a sure goal with a sliding stop in front of goaltender David Cacciola. With a Thunder attacker open to Cacciola's left, Minard slid on his back and with a full extention stopped a cross-ice pass with his stick.
Wichita maintains a 1-0 lead.
TIME: 8:12 p.m.

WICHITA TAKES LEAD
Kris Wiebe scored his second goal of the series late in the first period to give the Thunder a 1-0 lead. This game has all the indications it could get ugly. Not a whistle goes by without some dirty stuff.
TIME: 7:47 p.m.

DEFINITE EDGE TO TONIGHT'S AFFAIR
These teams' hate for each other has blossomed early in Saturday's first period. There have already been several scrums, including a fight between Chris Shaw and Ryan McLean.
Still scoreless 10 minutes in.
TIME: 7:24 p.m.

WILDFONG MISSED DENIED ON SHORT-HANDED BREAKAWAY
Dan Wildfong was unable to convert on a short-handed break in the first period. Wildfong took possession at Wichita's blue line and skated in on goaltender Sebastien Laplante. The puck appeared unrulely and was on edge the entire time. Wildfong's last-second backhander went high above the goal and into the netting above the glass.
TIME: 7:16 p.m.

WICHITA MISSED PRIME OPPORTUNITY TO SCORE FIRST
Tyler Liebel missed a back hander at the end of a 2-on-none in the opening moments Saturday and the Mudbugs have already avoided disaster twice. Wichita hit a cross bar just seconds into the game.
TIME: 7:09 p.m.

BACK FROM THE DEAD
Well last night was a mess. At least the Mudbugs only struggled for 10 minutes to start the game. I wasn't so lucky. But I'm near 100 percent and ready to blog for Game 2.
A victory tonight would really give the Mudbugs the upper hand in this series. A loss and things are a lot closer to even.

3-31 BUGS AT WICHITA, GAME 1 (W, 3-2 in overtime. Bugs take 1-0 series lead)

2006-03-31T19:07:00.000-06:00

COMPLETELY DIFFERENT BUGS TEAM IN SECOND
Their legs look like their back.
The Mudbugs had prime opportunity midway through the period with a 4-on-3 power play advantage. Laplante made some great stops – without rebounds – during the 4-on-3, but Mudbugs defenseman Dale Lupul made it 2-1 with an absolute cannon from just inside the blue line after the advantage had moved to 5-on-4 for Bossier-Shreveport.
Bossier-Shreveport is outshooting Wichita 11-4 in the second period.
TIME: 8:24 p.m.

STILL 2-0, BUT BUGS ARE ON THEIR HEELS
Sebastein Laplante has given up zero rebounds in the first period, but every shot the Thunder take seems to ricochet out into the slot.
This game could get very ugly if this continues.
TIME: 7:32 p.m.

WICHITA ROCKING AND ROLLING ALREADY
Kris Wiebe scroed two goals in the first seven minutes of the first period and are all over the Mudbugs.
I mentioned on the air with Steve Mears that Mudbugs goaltender David Cacciola needed a strong start to this series because Ken Carroll is not available.
It's not all his fault by any means. But the Bugs need to clear out some rebounds.
TIME: 7:19 p.m.

Here we are ... it's playoff time!

3/24 vs. MEMPHIS

2006-03-23T18:34:00.000-06:00

HATTY FOR MANNING
Blair Manning scored another power-play goal to collect the hat trick. The Bugs lead 4-2.
TIME: 8:19 p.m.

MANNING COLLECTS ANOTHER
Blair Manning scored a power-play goal during the first minute of the second period to give the Mudbugs a 3-2 lead.
TIME: 7:58 p.m.

THURSDAY'S OFFEREING MUCH MORE EXCITING
Four goals in the first period and a little rough stuff has given the fans at the CenturyTel Center much to get excited about.
TIME: 7:57 p.m.

2 GOALS, 18 SECONDS
Tie game.
Blair Manning, Brett Smith and Scott Sheppard figured in on the scoring for both goals.
Manning goal and assist
Sheppard goal and assist.
Smith two assists.
TIME: 7:27 p.m.

2-0 MEMPHIS
Just after the second Memphis power play ended, the RiverKings scored to make it 2-0.
TIME: 7:20 p.m.

MEMPHIS SCORES PP GOAL TO TAKE LEAD
Brad Wanchulak scores his seventh goal in 12 games for Memphis as the RiverKings take a 1-0 lead early in the first period.
TIME: 7:10 p.m.

MUDBUGS WEARING SPECIAL RED SWEATERS
As tradition would have it, the Mudbugs are wearing their American Diabetes Association jersey which will be auctioned off after the game tonight.
TIME: 7:02 p.m.

BASILE TAKES PREGAME SKATE; CARROLL ON BENCH TONIGHT
Although he won't play tonight, Mudbugs defenseman Jason Basile took the pregame skate tonight before the Memphis game. Ken Carroll is back in uniform tonight, but will backup David Cacciola, who gets his 13th straight start.
TIME: 6:49 p.m.

CACCIOLA VS. DILORENZO
In net tonight.

THE SWAN SONG IS ABOUT TO BEGIN
But at least it's only the end of the regular season.

3/21 BUGS vs MEMPHIS (W 2-1 in shootout)

2006-03-21T18:15:00.000-06:00

INITAL GAME STORY
http://shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060321/SPORTS0303/603220336/1001/SPORTS
Much more in the a.m. including audio from Muscutt and Brassard.

HE WHIFFS, HE SCORES ... ANYWAY
Chris Brassard whiffed on his shootout attempt, but faked the goalie -- and himself into a victory for the Mudbugs. Make sure you listen to his audio later tonight. He's one funny dude.
TIME: 10:21 p.m.

TRYING TO FIND SOMETHING TO WRITE ABOUT
Oh hey, there was an offside.
TIME: 8:58 p.m.

THIRD PERIOD UNDERWAY
Bugs must start a bit better in this frame. Tied 1-1.
TIME: 8:39 p.m.

SHEPPARD ROBBED BY DILORENZO
Scott Sheppard may want to try and shoot somewhere beside top-shelf glove side. He has been robbed yet again, this time by Michael Dilorenzo late in the second period after Sheppard undressed, redressed, then undressed Kevin Harris in the RiverKings' zone.
TIME: 8:16 p.m.

PERFECT TIMING
A sheet of glass has come loose. The only thing that could have made this game less interesting.
TIME: 8:14 p.m.

WAKE ME UP BEFORE I GO ...
Second period = zzzzzzzzzzzzzz
TIME: 8:12 p.m.

MAKE THAT 13-1 MEMPHIS IN SECOND PERIOD SHOTS
So much for my theory of Muscutt's bunch flying to start the second.
TIME: 8:05 p.m.

MEMPHIS HAS UPPER HAND EARLY AGAIN, BUT CACCIOLA STRONG
Memphis is up 7-1 in shots in the second period -- a start reminiscent of the first -- but the score is still tied at 1.
TIME: 8:01 p.m.

FIRST PERIOD TALE OF TWO HALVES
After a forgettable opening half, the Mudbugs turned on the switch in the final half of the first period to tie the game with Memphis.
The Mudbugs, once down 5-1 on the shot board, rolled up 16 shots to Memphis' 10. It's not excusable for Bossier-Shreveport to look so lost in the first few minutes, but it's quite admirable to wake up so suddenly. Undoubtedly, Scott Muscutt will demand the next 40 minutes resemble the past 10.
The game is very clean thus far, not a hint of any dirty stuff. The Mudbugs organization thanks the RiverKings.
TIME: 7:36 p.m.

FOUR SECONDS ... THAT'S ALL IT TOOK
For Bossier-Shreveport to turn the tables. Chad Spurr, Blair Manning, Jeremy Downs and Chris Brassard all touched the puck during a four-second span to begin the Mudbugs' third power play of the night. Brassard's slap shot got past Michael Dilorenzo's glove and the game is tied at 1.
TIME: 7:28 p.m.

DOWN FOR MAINTENANCE? HUH
What good is a live blog if it’s not live?
Anyhow, while Blogger was taking a coffee break, the Mudbugs have remembered there was a hockey game scheduled for tonight.
It’s no surprise that Milan Vodrazka was on the ice when it appeared Bossier-Shreveport got a spark. The Mudbugs still trail 1-0, but the intensity has been picked up a notch – at least temporarily.
TIME: 7:21 p.m.

MEANINGLESS GAME? NOT ACCORDING TO MEMPHIS
The RiverKings are completely controlling the play early at the CenturyTel Center. They lead 1-0 on the scoreboard and 5-1 on the shot board. It appears as if the Mudbugs took this "means nothing" seriously.

WILDFONG, KEMP, CARROLL SCRATCHES
Craig Minard returns to action tonight after missing Saturday's victory.
TIME: 7:03 p.m.

CACCIOLA VS. DILORENZO
"Cash" gets his 12th start in a row.
TIME: 6:47 p.m.

TWO MORE AT HOME
The 2005-06 season's final homestand has just two games left. The penultimate game takes place here at the CenturyTel Center in 50 minutes. The Mudbugs and Memphis RiverKings are bitter rivals, so it will be interesting to see the intensity level in what amounts to a meaningless game.

BIG BLOG FAN
http://www.myspace.com/katewarren
Did ya do splel chcek?

3/18 BUGS vs. TULSA (W, 7-2)

2006-03-18T19:02:00.000-06:00

DONT MAKE THE RESERVATIONS FOR WICHITA JUST YET
Oklahoma City scored with .01 seconds remaining to send its game with Wichita into overtime. The Blazers won it in the extra session to move with one point of the Thunder for the No. 3 seed in the Northern Conference.
Wichita still has a game in hand and the teams are slated to meet in the season finale.
TIME: 10:14 p.m.

7-2, wow.
Blair Manning has five points.
Scott Sheppard and Milan Vodrazka have two.
Jeremy Downs nabs three assists.
The happiest dude in the building?
Chris Shaw, who collected point No. 1 on the year.
TIME: 10:12 p.m.

BUGS REGAIN MOMENTUM
Milan Vodrazka likely can't say momentum, but he sure did grab it during the second period Saturday. Tulsa scored a pair to get back into a game it had no business being in, but Vodrazka scored twice midway through the period to regain the three-goal advantage.
5-3 heading to the third.
TIME: 8:40 p.m.

TOM STERNS IS BRUTAL TONIGHT
Time: 8:31 p.m.

VODRAZKA GETS HIS SECOND OF THE NIGHT ... SONIC FOR EVERYONE!
It's 5-2 Mudbugs.
Tom Sterns is brutal tonight.
TIME: 8:25 p.m.

SHAW GETS AN ASSIST ... AND WILL KEEP IT
TIME: 8:23 p.m.

TOM STERNS NEEDS AN EYE DOCTOR
Five minutes into the second period Tom Sterns ruled Chad Spurr kicked the puck into the net??? Spurr CLEARLY knocked the puck in with a forehand.
Sterns was standing within 5 feet of Spurr. That is honestly one of the most baffling rulings I have EVER seen.
It is definitely the most obvious call I have seen get called the wrong way. The replay, shown here at the CTC, will definitely baffle Wayne Bonney, too.
There is no way I, Bonney, or anyone on planet Earth, can justify the call.
Bugs still lead 3-2.
TIME: 8:16 p.m.

NO MATTER THE OUTCOME
The Mudbugs lack of focus in the first five minutes of the second period was atrocious.

MUSCUTT'S NOT GONNA LIKE THIS
Tulsa scores a short-handed goal 11 seconds into the second period. This is absolutely the last thing a team out of the playoff race -- and clearly out of the game in the first period -- needs.
Now, they have life.
TIME: 8:05 p.m.

MAKE IT 3-ZIP
Blair Manning picked up his third point of the night with a semi-breakaway goal to give Bossier-Shreveport a 3-0 lead.
The Mudbugs will begin the second period with 2:47 left on a power play.
The short-handed Mudbugs are making Tulsa look bad. Guess the Oilers have thrown in the towel.
TIME: 7:51 p.m.

WONT GO DOWN AS POWER-PLAY TALLY ... but
Scott Sheppard banged home a rebound three seconds after the Mudbugs' fourth power-play chance of the evening to give the Mudbugs a 2-0 lead.
See, throw the puck at the net and look what happens.
TIME: 7:49 p.m.

LOTS OF PRETTY PASSES NO GOALS
The Mudbugs spent much of the time during a 5-on-3 in the first period showing off some good puck handling skills, unfortunately it didnt amount to much in the way of scoring chances.
TIME: 7:44 p.m.

SOUPY ... CANADIAN FOR PELE
Jason Campbell did his impersonation of the Brazilian soccer star with a bicycle-like kick to get the puck out of the Mudbugs zone while shorthanded in the first period.
TIME: 7:29 p.m.

SMITH SCORES NO. 30
Blair Manning rushed toward the puck after the Mudbugs scored early in the first period to grab the puck for teammate Brett Smith. Smith collected his 30th goal on the power play.
TIME: 7:25 p.m.

OWNERS' BOX IS FULL ... OF MUDBUGS
Four banged up Mudbugs are viewing tonight's game from the box above Section 105. Chad Kemp, Ken Carroll, Dan Wildfong and Craig Minard have the night off.
TIME: 7:10 p.m.

CACCIOLA AGAIN
No surprise here as David Cacciola will take on Tulsa's Marco Emond.

3/17 BUGS vs. WICHITA (L, 2-1)

2006-03-17T18:09:00.000-06:00

SPURR MAKES IT INTERESTING, BUT NOT TONIGHT
Jon Volp kept the Wichita Thunder in the game for 40 minutes and then the Thunder's top line of Travis Clayton, Jason Duda and Joe Blaznek took control.
Volp was spectacular, but David Cacciola played another solid game.
This is a game that the Mudbugs offense must step up and with this one for their goalie.
Bossier-Shreveport had several opportunities, but Volp had the answer each and every time.
This was a playoff-type game and the Thunder proved once again that it will be an extremely tough opponent.
Great to see this after the game -- the coaches shaking hands. Scott Muscutt (baby in tow) walked down to the Wichita locker and congratulated first-year Thunder bench boss Mark French.
I'm not quite sure Muscutt and Derek Laxdal would have done the same.
All I know is Round 1 is setting up to be one hell of a hockey series.
TIME: 10:15 p.m.

IT'S 2-0.
Wichita is as potent as ever. Joe Blaznek rifles one into the net during a 4-on-3 advantage. The Bugs trail 2-0.
TIME: 9:18 p.m.

THUNDER STIKES FIRST
Travis Clayton, with help from Jason Duda and Joe Blaznek, scored early in the third period to give Wichita a 1-0 lead. A poor clearing attempt was intercepted by Duda just outside the blue line. Duda patiently waited for his linemates to tag up, then fed a pass to Clayton who rifled one over the shoulder of David Cacciola.
TIME: 9:04 p.m.

THE FIX IS IN ... JUST ONE PROBLEM ....
No one told Wichita goaltender Jon Volp. Wichita looks terrible. There are showing absolutely no discipline or jump, but Volp is a monster. He has 28 saves in 34 minutes of hockey.
TIME: 8:27 p.m.

VOLP IS AMAZING
Jon Volp has single-handedly kept this game scoreless.
He has robbed Scott Sheppard at least three times -- twice on seemingly open nets.
TIME: 8:17 p.m.

ITS GETTING CHIPPY BOYS AND GIRLS
The Mudbugs have failed to score on three power plays in the first period -- including a 4-min stint -- but the story here looks like it's going to be survival.
These teams still don't like each other and it's showing. Wichita's Ryan McLean was kicked out for a cross check to the face of Mudbugs defenseman Jeremy Downs. Downs was given 5 minutes for roughing (that's what was announced). I imagine it will be more of a retaliatory spear.
Scoreless after 1.
TIME: 7:48 p.m.

KUDOS ON THE JERSEYS
Anyone who reads this knows I've had a problem or two with some of the special jerseys. Well tonight's St. Paddy's Day sweaters are tremendous.
Dark green with some nice dark gold trim. The letters and numbers (in white) are clear as day.
TIME: 7:12 p.m.

FUNNY STUFF
Does anyone else find this humorous?
Taken from the Wichita Thunder notes in the Wichita Eagle newspaper.

“The annual wheelchair hockey game drew about 200 fans and raised more than $6,000 for Wheelchair Sports. Ben Murphy’s (current Thunder left winger) shootout goal gave the Thunder players a victory over a team of wheelchair athletes.”

Wonderful PR move to BEAT the wheelchair athletes. They take you to a shootout and then you beat them? Haha.
Of course I have to joke with kid gloves cuz the Wichita people tend not to like anything of mine, but come on! I’m sure this could be some great ammunition for some classic chirping on the ice.
The game sounds like it was for a great cause. It’s awesome to see the players give back to the community. I would have loved to see this game!
It would be great to see the Mudbugs do something like this. That might actually be a team the Mudbugs could beat in a shootout.

3/14 BUGS at MEMPHIS (W, 6-1)

2006-03-14T13:00:00.000-06:00

IT WAS GOOD WHILE IT LASTED
Chris Shaw was stripped of the assist he was originally credited with in the third period. I have it from a good source that Brett Smith will likely be given the second assist on the Mudbugs' final goal.
I feel bad for this guy. It's one thing to go through this, but to have the point, then see it disappear is torture!
TIME: 10:32 p.m.

BUGS BLAST MEMPHIS 6-1.
Chris Shaw got a point, Scott Sheppard had two goals and David Cacciola made 43 saves.
TIME: 9:24 p.m.

CHRIS SHAW GETS A POINT!!!
Congratulations to Chris Shaw, who was awarded an assist on Scott Sheppard's second goal in the third period.
TIME: 8:57 p.m.

JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT IT WAS GOING TO BE TAME
The Memphis RiverKings and Mudbugs closed the second period with a bunch of trash talking and Dale Lupul bleeding like stuck pig after taking a punch from Darrell Stoddard.
One word for the third ...
GONG

CAMPBELL MAKES IT 4-0
Jason Campbell scored on a wrister from just inside the blue line to give Bossier-Shreveport a 4-0 lead.
If the CHL was smart, they would institute the 5-goal rule in this one.
TIME: 8:02 p.m.

KUDOS TO DON LONG
It's celebrity night on the radio. First Scott McLeod, aka Biggie Small, is the color guy, now Don Long, Dan Wildfong's father-in-law makes a cameo.
Don, you think Dan is a good scramble partner? Give me a call sometime! haha.
My scramble services are always available.
TIME: 7:49 p.m.

SO, WHERE DOES CARROLL'S ABSENCE LEAVE THE BUGS
Anyone who thought Ken Carroll was just resting up for the playoffs may own a pair of teal and purple glasses. It's clear now that Carroll is hurt, and has been for some time. It will be tough to know exactly how severe Carroll's injury is, Scott Muscutt will not say -- he never comments on injuries.
David Cacciola is having a tremendous year, but there is just something about seeing No. 34 between the pipes come playoff time.
Mudbugs fans can only home this injury will heal in the next two weeks.
TIME: 7:46 p.m.

MILAN VODRAZKA!!
He's a Memphis killer! He scores to make it 3-0 late in the first period. The RiverKings are headed on the power play. Memphis is brutal. Enough said.
TIME: 7:30 p.m.

MARTIN STEHL
Name of new goaltender. He's from Southern New Hampshire.
TIME: 7:23 p.m.

MUSCUTT NOT BEHIND THE BENCH
Trevor Buchanan is coaching this team as head coach Scott Muscutt is under the weather. If the Mudbugs win this one, I don't want any e-mails telling me what the Mudbugs' record with Buck behind the bench is.
TIME: 7:19 p.m.

BRASSARD, MANITOWICH SCORE TWO QUICKIES
The Mudbugs are dominating early. As in most games, the third goal will prove extremely important. A 3-0 lead would be the final dagger I believe as Memphis is TERRIBLE at coming from behind this season.
TIME: 7:17 p.m.

WE KNEW THIS WAS COMING
Ken Carroll is no longer a "healthy" scratch. The Mudbugs signed a third goaltender who will be on the bench tonight. Details coming soon.
TIME: 6:53 p.m.

SCOTT MCLEOD A MUST LISTEN!
My buddy Scott is doing the color for tonight's game on 1130 AM. This is an absolute must listen. He's hilarious, the nicest guy you would ever want to meet and i good hockey guy!!!
TIME: 6:47 p.m.

IN CASE YOU MISSED LAFOREST COLUMN
http://shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060313/SPORTS0405/303130008/1001/SPORTS

AND LAFOREST AUDIO
http://shreveporttimes.com/assets/wma/D921876313.MP3

AT MEMPHIS (21-31-4)
7:05 p.m., DeSoto Civic Center, 1130 AM, chltv.com
Outlook
These teams have met nine times this season, but dang it seems like it's been awhile. Well, the rivalry will be rekindled as tonight is the first of three meetings in the final six games (The RiverKings visit the CenturyTel Center March 21 and 23) ... Memphis legend Don Parsons missed a month -- of course the RiverKings didn't play the Mudbugs during that time -- but has collected four points in his two games back. He has scored two of three game-winners against Bossier-Shreveport this season. Dan Wildfong and Ryan Manitowich have two game-winners for the Bugs ... Wonder if David Cacciola will continue to help Ken Carroll "rest?"
Season series (Bugs lead 6-3)
Date Score Site GWG
Oct. 21 Bugs 4-3 CTC Brett Smith
Oct. 29 Bugs 6-4 DCC Ryan Manitowich
Nov. 11 Kings 3-1 DCC Don Parsons
Nov. 15 Bugs 6-3 DCC Dan Wildfong
Nov. 19 Kings 2-1 CTC Don Parsons
Dec. 23 Kings 4-2 DCC Kevin Harris
Jan. 7 Bugs 3-2 CTC Ryan Manitowich
Jan. 21 Bugs 1-0 CTC Dan Wildfong
Jan. 29 Bugs 4-2 CTC Blair Manning

3/12 BUGS vs. AUSTIN (L, 4-3 in shootout)

2006-03-14T12:59:00.000-06:00

http://shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060313/SPORTS0303/603130325/1033

3/11 BUGS vs. OKLAHOMA CITY (W, 4-2)

2006-03-11T18:27:00.000-06:00

BUGS SUCK IT UP FOR THIS ONE
The Mudbugs could have mailed this game in after Oklahoma City tied the game at 2 in the third period or when the Blazers were on one of their six power plays in the third. But the undermanned Mudbugs did save some face and scored yet another victory.
The team has some serious concerns right now, with three or four healthy defenseman. Scott Muscutt says he's making calls at 2:30 a.m. to try and find a solution. Look for a blue-liner in town soon.
TIME: 12:07 p.m.

SHAW VS. DEARLE
Good bout here. Both players landed some quality shots. The crowd went crazy when Dearle's helmet went flying, but folks, that was one of his few blows that didn't land.
Shaw earned the original two-minute roughing call and the Blazers scored on their ensuing power play to tie the game.
TIME: 9:26.

A SHOT RINGS OFF THE GLASS YET A PENALT SHOT IS CALLED, LOL
This is by far the worst call I have seen on giving/not giving a penalty shot. Garrett Prosofsky, on a clear break, was tugged on by Chris Brassard, yet rang a blistering shot off the back glass.
Mark Hulshof decided to reward Prosofsky for his inaccuracy with a penalty shot. It was baffling.
Prosofsky put a heck of a move on David Cacciola, but slid the puck wide of the net. It's clear he can't hit the net with or without a goalie in there.
TIME: 9:03 p.m.

WHO TICKED OFF SHEPPARD?
Scott Sheppard is spending more time in the penalty box than Dan Wildfong and Chris Shaw tonight.
TIME: 8:53 p.m.

BIG PENALTY KILL
With Chris Shaw in the penalty box serving a pair of minor penalties, the Mudbugs preserved their 2-1 lead.
Could by the key stretch in this hockey game.
TIME: 8:48 p.m.

LIGHT ME UP QUADER
Quade Lightbody used a nifty wrister to beat Sean Connors and give the Mudbugs a 2-1 lead early in the second period.
TIME: 8:30 p.m.

BLAZERS TIE IT UP
All-Star defenseman Kahlil Thomas scored in the first minute of the second period to quiet the capacity crowd at the CenturyTel Center and tie the game at 1.
TIME: 8:21 p.m.

SPECIAL TEAMS WILL DETERMINE THIS ONE
The Mudbugs had 6 power plays and capitilized on one. Oak City failed on three attempts. Trust me, there will be more.
TIME: 8:03 p.m.

WELCOME TO THE MARK HULSHOF SHOW
We're already had 10 minor penalties called in the first 14 minutes of the game. The Mudbugs are enjoying their fifth and sixth power plays right now -- already had two 5-on-3s.
TIME: 7:51 p.m.

MANITOWICH GIVES BUGS LEAD
Ryan Manitowich scored midway through the first period to give Bossier-Shreveport a 1-0 lead.
TIME: 7:42 p.m.

THIS BUD'S FOR YOU
The Oklahoma City sweaters have an old-timey scrpit B on the front -- reminiscent of the symbol for the King of Beers.
TIME: 7:37 p.m.

BLAZERS SCORE, OH WAIT, NO
Oklahoma City superstar Michel Beausoleil had a goal disallowed after doing his best Karch Kiraly impression. Beausoleil spiked the puck into the net after the shot from his sem-breakaway fluttered high above David Cacciola's head.
TIME: 7:32 p.m.

GAME DELAYED
First it was to let the crowd arrive after an accident on the Jimmy Davis Bridge, now a portion of the glass behind the Mudbugs net has caused a delay. Looks like the game is set to go, 16 minutes late.
TIME: 7:22 p.m.

BACK IN BLACK
In an attempt to change the Karma from last's night's -- well forgettable evening -- the Mudbugs are dressed in black tonight. I believe this is the first time this season.
TIME: 7:21 p.m.

SPURR ANOTHER CASUALTY?
Mudbugs forward Chad Spurr -- the hottest offensive force on the team -- is a scratch from tonight's game. No idea what the reason is here. Know Shaw and Kemp were hurt last night but didn't catch the Spurr injury.
The good news is the return of Dale Lupul, who is nursing a bruised foot.
TIME: 7:10 p.m.

CACCIOLA VS. CONNORS
David Cacciola was one frustrated dude last night as the Youngstown SteelHounds rolled up eight goals. He gets his shot at redemption tonight. The Mudbugs must give him some help in this one. They didn't last night.
TIME: 7:05 p.m.

KEMP SUFFERS BROKEN ARM
Chad Kemp is done for the season after suffering a broken right arm in Friday's game against Youngstown.
He played in 39 games for the Mudbugs this season and recorded one goal and four assists.
The injury leaves the Mudbugs with three "healthy" defenseman -- Craig Minard, Quade Lightbody and Jeremy Downs. Dale Lupul is suffering from a bruised foot after blocking a shot in Rio Grande Valley, Chris Shaw was knocked a bit silly last night against the SteelHounds and Jason Basile remains on the IR with a significant knee injury.
TIME: 6:30 p.m.

3/10 BUGS VS. YOUNGSTOWN (L, 8-3)

2006-03-10T18:29:00.000-06:00

SATURDAY'S TIMES A MUST READ
Scott Muscutt, Jean Laforest and Jeff Christian talk about Friday's blowout at the CenturyTel Center. Christian scored 50 and 51, but Muscutt wasn't too happy with his on-ice behavior.
Audio from these three will go up sometime Saturday. Laforest talks about today's article about the 1998-99 Mudbugs vs. this year's Mudbugs squad.

YOUNGSTOWN BEATS DOWN BUGS
It's 6-3 thanks to some horrific defense in the Mudbugs' return to the CenturyTel Center. So much going on, trying to catch up. 10 minutes left, SteelHounds could get to double digits.
TIME: 9:12 p.m.

BUGS GIVE UP KILLER SHORT-HANDED GOAL
Special teams could tell the story again tonight in this series finale. Jeff Christian showed why he's an MVP candidate when he raced the length of the ice and scored a short-handed goal in the final minute of the second period.
The goal was setup by a horrible turnover in the SteelHounds' zone as Chris Brassard left a drop pass for Craig Minard at the point. Only one problem -- Minard was in no man's land and Christian intercepted.
TIME: 8:43 p.m.

SPURR UNDRESSES ANOTHER GOALIE
Chad Spurr tied the game at 2 with a wraparound goal midway throught the second period.
TIME: 8:26 p.m.

KEMP GOES DOWN
First it's Chris Shaw, not defenseman Chad Kemp. Kemp had to be helped off the ice in the second period.
Dale Lupul didn't dress, Shaw was hurt in the first, now Kemp. Half the D-core is down.
TIME: 8:17 p.m.

CHRISTIAN COLLECTS NO. 50
Jeff Christian scored his 50th goal of the season midway through the second period and Youngstown has taken a 2-1 lead at the CTC.
TIME: 8:14 p.m.

5-on-3 GOES BY WITHOUT A GOAL
The Mudbugs moved the puck well and Chris Brassard rang one off the post and was robbed by David St. Germain as the Mudbugs failed to score on the 5-on-3 to start the second.
TIME: 8:05 p.m.

IMPORTANT 1:37 COMING UP
The Mudbugs will have nearly a full 5-on-3 power play to begin the second period after a couple questionable calls by referee Keith Kaval.
Youngstown -- also aided by a few interesting calls -- scored on a 5-on-3 to take a 1-0 lead in the first.
TIME: 7:46 p.m.

SMITH TIES IT UP
Brett Smith showed incredible accuracy to score from the left circle with 2 minutes left in the first period. The game is tied at 1.
TIME: 7:38

HOUNDS GET FACIAL; LEAD 1-0
Kelly Sickavish had a puck bounce off his face -- yes his face -- and over the shoulder of David Cacciola to give Youngstown a 1-0 lead during a 5-on-3 power play.
TIME: 7:37 p.m.

SHAW BACK ON BENCH
It appeared serious, but Chris Shaw is back in the Mudbugs' bench with 7 minutes left in the first period. He went back in the ice paired with Quade Lightbody.
TIME: 7:27 p.m.

CHRIS SHAW GOES DOWN
Defenseman Chris Shaw was in agony after going down in his own zone with what appears to be a significant injury. With the Mudbugs' lack of depth at the blue line, this is not good. Shaw skated with assistance to the locker room holding his lower back.
TIME: 7:20 p.m.

STEELHOUNDS PASS ON NATIONAL ANTHEM, BANNER UNVEILING
In a move a little disrespectful as far as I can see, Youngstown coach Jean Laforest did not send out his team until the very last second at the CenturyTel Center on Friday.
The visitor's bench was empty for the Star Spangled Banner (please people learn the words if you're going to sing it) and the unveiling of the Northeast Division championship banner.
If I was Laforest, I would have had my team -- behind 30 points in the standings -- out there to show them what they are playing for next season.
TIME: 7:12 p.m.

BUGS GET WELL-DESERVED STANDING "O"
The Mudbugs' fans haven't seen their team since the middle of February, and since then, the team has gone 6-0-1. The fans greeted the boys in teal and purple with a standing ovation.
TIME: 7:02 p.m.

CACCIOLA IN NET FOR BUGS
Time: 6:40 p.m.

3/8 BUGS at RIO GRANDE VALLEY (W, 3-1)

2006-03-08T19:40:00.000-06:00

SOUPY NETS GAME-WINNER; BUGS FINISH ROAD TRIP IN STYLE
Three third-period goals by the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs led to a 3-1 victory over the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees, one day after the Mudbugs watched a one-goal lead disappear in Hidalgo, Texas.
TIME: 10:13 p.m.

TIE GAME
Brett Smith, like he has so many times this season, pounced on a rebound and scored to tie the game Wednesday night.
TIME: 9:35 p.m.

STILL 1-0 AFTER TWO PERIODS
The Mudbugs definitely enjoyed a better flow during the second period, but still couldn't solve Bees All-Star Evan Lindsay. They trail by one with 20 minutes remaining.
TIME: 9 p.m.

SHEPPARD TAKES HIS TURN WITH THE POST
Sniper Scott Sheppard rang a blast off the post during a 4-on-3 power play midway through the second period. The Mudbugs are attacking well, but still trail 1-0.
TIME: 8:46 p.m.

MUDBUGS PICKING UP THEIR PLAY
Bossier-Shreveport is starting to pressure Rio Grande Valley. With just a one-goal deficit, the Mudbugs could tie this thing at any moment.
TIME: 8:40 p.m.

LINDSAY ROBS MANITOWICH
The Mudbugs finally got a prime scoring opportunity, but Evan Linday -- the Bees' All-Star netminder robbed Ryan Manitowich, who was alone in the slot.
TIME: 8:37 p.m.

SHAW'S PENALTIES WERE FOR
Unsportsmanlike conduct, then a 10-minute misconduct for obscene language.
TIME: 8:18 p.m.

MUDBUGS ON THEIR HEELS AS THE FIRST PERIOD MERCIFULLY ENDS EARLY
Bossier-Shreveport is showing signs of the seven-game road trip tonight. The Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees are unfortunate to only be up 1-0. Thankfully, thanks to another pane of glass coming undone, the period ends 16 seconds early.
TIME: 8:06 p.m.

BEES SCORE FIRST
Dwayne Hay executed a beautiful play to fake Mudbugs netminder David Cacciola out of his shoes, then hit teammate Aaron Phillips with a pass in front of the net. Phillips had no trouble poking the puck into the open goal.
TIME: 8:04 p.m.

MATIC KRALJ UNDRESSES KEMP
Rio Grande Valley forward Matic Kralj danced around Mudbugs defenseman Chad Kemp in the Mudbugs zone, but fired his point-blank shot off the post to keep things scoreless in Rio.
TIME: 7:53 p.m.

NOTHING AGAINST CHRIS SHAW BUT ... IM JUST ASKING
He took a minor penalty and a misconduct moments after the puck was dropped Wednesday night. He has no points this season. He fights every once in a while. What do the Bugs fans think about the effectiveness of Shaw? Leave a comment on the Blog to let me know what you think.
TIME: 7:48 p.m.

BUGS MUST START STRONG
David Cacciola is likely gassed from his performance yesterday afternoon, so the Mudbugs better keep as much pressure off his as they can. If the Bees get as many shots as they did yesterday, I fell Cacciola won't be able to hold Rio off.
TIME: 7:37 p.m.

3/7 BUGS at RIO GRANDE VALLEY (L, 3-2 in shootout)

2006-03-07T09:58:00.000-06:00

GAME STORY
http://shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=SPORTS&nocache=1

BUGS LOSE IN A SHOOTOUT
Details of shooout: (Bugs 1-6 this season)
Bugs
Chad Spurr backhand score (1-0 Bugs)
Chris Brassard missed on forehand (1-1)
Brett Smith backhander rolls off stick-no shot (1-1)
Scott Sheppard wrister stopped (1-1)
Dan Wildfong gets poke checked (2-1 Bees, game over)

Bees
Bret Decceco wrister scores (1-1)
Trevor Weisgerber wrister save (1-1)
Nathan Rosychuk wrister stopped 5-hole (1-1)
Matic Kralj wrister scores (2-1 Bees)

MUDBUGS ENJOY OVERTIME POWER PLAY
But fail to score.

NO MATTER THE OUTCOME
The Mudbugs have still not lost a game on the road in regulation in 2006. That's amazing.
TIME: 1:04 p.m.

SHOCKER ... THE GLASS POPS OUT AGAIN
TIME: 1:03 p.m.

HEADED TO OVERTIME
Bees outshooting Bugs 43-24.
TIME: 12:59 p.m.

THIS GAME IS TIED
With the extra attacker, the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees have tied the game at 2 with under a minute remaining -- 37 seconds after Sheppard gave the Mudbugs the lead.
TIME: 12:56 p.m.

SHEPPARD DOES IT AGAIN
Scott Sheppard scored on his own rebound to give the Mudbugs a 2-1 lead with 79 seconds left in regualtion.
TIME: 12:55 p.m.

BEES TIE IT UP
You knew it was coming, but Bret DeCecco tied the game at 1 with a goal late in the third period off a bad rebound from David Cacciola, who had been amazing.
TIME: 12:49 p.m.

SHOTS ARE
FIRST PERIOD: 12-10 BEES
SECOND PERIOD: 10-3 BEES
THIRD PERIOD: 13-2 BEES

I'D SAY THIS CAN'T CONTINUE ... BUT
The Mudbugs are leading despite getting outchanced and outplayed and certainly out power played (I made that word up).
TIME: 12:36 p.m.

YET ANOTHER RIO POWER PLAY
They haven't scored yet today, but the Killer Bees are giving every opportunity to.
TIME: 12:34 p.m.

MORE REPAIRS NEED TO DODGE ARENA'S GLASS
Great, looks like there is no lunch break for me today. The game has been delayed yet again as the glass at the Dodge Arena is being repaired.
TIME: 12:32 p.m.

DID THE BUGS SIGN CACCIOLA OR VLADISLAV TRETIAK?
The Mudbugs netminder has made 27 of 27 saves and appears to be doing his impression of a goaltender who doesn't belong in the CHL.
TIME: 12:28 p.m.

I CAN'T BELIEVE IM MISSING THIS GAME
There is nothing more that I would want than to hear 5,000 kids screaming at the top of their lungs. When are the Bugs going to host such an affair? It really would be a tremendous event.
TIME: 12:25 p.m.

FYI ... RYAN MANITOWICH
Had 22 penalty minutes for the SEASON entering today's game. Tom Sterns has issued three penalties on the speedy Bugs forward today.
TIME: 12:11 p.m.

BUGS OUTSHOT 10-3 IN SECOND ... BUT
Still hold the lead. David Cacciola looks like he's having one of the best games as a professional. That must continue to get his fifth straight victory.
TIME: 12:07 p.m.

MANITOWICH A THIRD PENALTY
Tom Sterns with another interesting call, giving Ryan Manitowich his third minor penalty of the day. The Mudbugs will have to kill off 1:33 of the charging the goaltender call to start the third.
TIME: 12:04 p.m. Just remember who predicted the disparity in penalties.

DELAY AS ARENA IS BEING REPAIRED
The Mudbugs are in the midst of a penalty kill, but a portion of the glass at the Dodge Arena is being repaired. Bugs lead 1-0 late in the second period.
TIME: 11:55 a.m.

ALL IT TAKES IS ONE SHOT
Chad Spurr deposited the puck in the open net on the power play and the Mudbugs take a 1-0 lead despite having just 3 shots in the second period. However, Wildfong is headed to the box.
TIME: 11:50 a.m.

MUDBUGS OFFENSE MIA
If I've heard David Cacciola's name once, I've heard it 400 times. Rio Grande Valley has spent what seems like the entire second period deep in the Mudbugs' zone, but Tom Sterns has just handed the Mudbugs their second power play. Time for the Bugs to switch the momentum.
TIME: 11:48 a.m.

CACCIOLA BIG IN SECOND PERIOD SO FAR
Rookie netminder David Cacciola has made some huge saves early in the second period and the Mudbugs and Killer Bees are still scoreless.
TIME: 11:40 a.m.

BUGS GET A POWER PLAY
Matt Medley heads to the box and the Mudbugs will go on their first power play of the game.
TIME: 11:33 a.m.

MANITOWICH IN BOX AGAIN
Tom Sterns handed Ryan Manitowich his second penalty of the game and, less than a minute into the second period, the Mudbugs are short-handed for the fourth time today. The Mudbugs have not enjoyed a power play yet.
DIDNT SOMEONE ON HERE MENTION RIO MIGHT GET A GOOD GAME FROM STERNS TODAY???
TIME: 11:31 a.m.

BUGS COLLECT SOME BEST OF THE BEST HONORS
The Mudbugs organization had a strong showing in the Central Hockey League's "Best of the Best" awards, collecting five first-place honors.
Ken Carroll was named the best goaltender in the league, Dan Wildfong the best leader, Brett Smith the best penalty killer and the team the hardest working.
The Mudbugs Boilers Booster Club was voted the best in the league.

Scott Muscutt took third in the "best coach" category while the fans at the CenturyTel Center took second in the "most annoying" race while play-by-play master Steve Mears was third in "best announcer."
The CTC was voted the third-best arena in the league and had the third-best locker rooms.

SCORELESS AFTER 1
The Mudbugs certainly wish the first 20 minutes could have been extended. They seemed to get their legs late in the first and were swarming the Rio zone. Maybe the momentum will continue in the second.
TIME: 11:07 a.m.

BUGS PICK IT UP OFFENSIVELY
Now that Bossier-Shreveport has completed its penalty kills -- temporarily at least -- the offense has started to roll. Scott Sheppard rang one off the post late in the first period, but the score is still zip-zip.
TIME: 11:05 a.m.

BEES HAVE 10-4 SHOT ADVANTAGE
Rio Grande Valley has pressed the issue late in the first period and hold a significant advantage on the shot board. Cacciola remains strongs, as does the Mudbugs' penalty killing unit. 3 for 3 thus far.
TIME: 11:02 a.m.

STALEMATE SO FAR
Things are business as usual in the first period. Dan Wildfong has spent plenty of time in the penalty box and David Cacciola has made several big saves.
TIME: 10:59 a.m.

STERNS IS THE REF ... UH OH.
Tom Sterns had a rough outing the only time these teams met this season. A little surprise to see him back doing this game, but that's how the chips fell. Rio coach Tracy Egeland was extremely unhappy and was fined for his comments following the game.
TIME: 10:35 a.m.

CACCIOLA VS. DUNBAR
David Cacciola will face Terry Dunbar this morning.
Cacciola is 11-3-2 with a 2.65 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage on the season while Dunbar is 6-6-2 (3.15, .891)
NOTE: Craig Minard is back in Shreveport in anticipation for the birth of his child.
TIME: 10:31 a.m.

AT RIO GRANDE VALLEY (26-22-5)
10:30 a.m., Dodge Arena, 1130 AM, chltv.com
Outlook
The Dodge Arena will be buzzing. No, that's not some lame attempt at humor, it's actually true. More than 5,000 screaming school children will be in attendance today. These games are quite interesting. The kids, they just don't stop ... The Mudbugs (34-13-6) look for their sixth straight road win against the Killer Bees, who are fight for their playoff lives ... The only time the teams met was Jan. 24 in a curiously officiated hockey game. Referee Tom Sterns called seven minor penalties on the Killer Bees -- to the Mudbugs' two -- in the second period. Two power play goals -- to Rio's one -- were the difference ... Seven Mudbugs are averaging at least one point a game over the last 10.

Season series (Bugs lead 1-0)
Date Score Site GWG
Jan. 24 Bugs 2-1 CTC Chad Spur

3/4 BUGS at OKLAHOMA CITY (W, 2-1)

2006-03-04T13:34:00.000-06:00

OKLAHOMA CITY GAME STORY
http://shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060305/SPORTS0303/603050333/1001/SPORTS

POST GAME AUDIO
Scott Muscutt
http://shreveporttimes.com/assets/wma/D92097235.MP3

SAUTER GOES BONKERS
The Blazers enjoyed five straight power plays in the third period, including six of nine minutes with the man-advantage beginning halfway through the third.
Oklahoma City scored what they thought was the tying goal with 53 seconds left, but referee Paul Mariconda waived it off, saying the whistle blew before the puck entered the net. Oklahoma City knocked the puck in after two or three whacks in a scrum with Cacciola.
Oklahoma City coach Doug Sauter charged onto the ice after Mariconda after the final horn. He pushed one linesman in his attempt to get to Mariconda and got into a bit of a shouting match with a few Mudbugs players.
The crowd at the Ford Center littered the ice with garbage as well.

BUGS SQUEAK THIS ONE OUT 2-1
TIME: 10:15 p.m.

BLAZERS GET ANOTHER POWER PLAY WITH 22 SECONDS LEFT
Dan Wildfong took a needless high stick and Oklahoma City will get one last gasp for the last 22.9 seconds left in the game.
TIME: 10:12 p.m.

OKLAHOMA CITY GOAL WAIVED OFF
The Blazers thought they scored the tying goal with 53 seconds left, but the referee waived it off saying the whistle blew. Oklahoma City knocked the puck in after two or three whacks at netminder David Cacciola.
In my opinion, this call could have gone either way. In no way was it a clear-cut goal. Cacciola appeared to have control of the puck before the Blazers knocked it in.
TIME: 10:07 p.m.

AND ANOTHER ...
This just can't keep happening. Now Chad Spurr takes a cross check.
TIME: 10:02 p.m.

HOW LONG CAN BUGS CONTINUE TO SURVIVE THIRD-PERIOD PENALTIES?
The Mudbugs have offered up three power plays in the third period for Oklahoma City.
TIME: 10 p.m.

LAREDO LOSS BIG FOR BUGS
Laredo lost to cellar-dweller Corpus Christi tonight which looms large for the Mudbugs in a possible race for home-ice in the Finals if the two teams would happen to meet.
TIME: 9:57 p.m.

EAGLES LOSE; EARN POINT IN SHOOTOUT
Odessa defeated Colorado 6-5 in a shootout, but the point earned for the Eagles could prove crucial in the standings.
TIME: 9:54 p.m.

BRAD WANCHULAK IS ...
From the University of Notre Dame and his stop with the Memphis River Kings is the fourth of the season. Must be a head case. He scored a hat trick tonight against Youngstown.
TIME: 9:38 p.m.

I'M GOING TO SAY IT
The Mudbugs have yet to lose a game in regualtion in which they led going into the third period. Their record is 23-0-3. Oklahoma City is the best team in the CHL when trailing heading into the third at 5-17-1.
TIME: 9:36 p.m.

COLORADO HAS TIED THINGS UP AT 5; LAREDO LOSING; MEMPHIS UP 7-6!!!
No shocker that the Eagles -- despite 13 skaters -- have tied the score at Odessa. Laredo is losing 2-1 against Corpus Christi, but the story of the night has to be the Memphis RiverKings. Some guy named Brad Wanchulak has a hat trick for Memphis, who leads Youngstown 7-6 in the third. WHO???
And you just can't figure Wichita out. They were on fire before they blew it in Fort Worth last night and now they trail Tulsa 2-1.
TIME: 9:27 p.m.

THIS WIN IS GOING TO BE A TOUGHIE
The Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs lead 2-1 heading into the final period, but Oklahoma City controlled the play in the second period. The Blazers outshot the Mudbugs 15-7 in the second 20 minutes.
TIME: 9:14 p.m.

BLAZERS SCORE ON POWER PLAY
Joe Dustin scored late in the second period and the Mudbugs -- who dominated the first 20 minutes -- have a perilous 2-1 lead.
TIME: 9:09 p.m.

CACCIOLA IS KEY TO AVOIDING OAK CITY COMEBACK
The Mudbugs' skaters have lost the momentum, but David Cacciola is the difference right now. He must continue to make big saves until the Bugs are able to manufacture another goal.
TIME: 9 p.m.

BLAZERS OWN 11-1 SHOT ADVANTAGE
Oklahoma City is definitely a different team in the second 20 minutes. The Blazers own a 11-1 shot advantage midway through this period.
TIME: 8:51 p.m.

INTENSITY UP, BUGS MATCH IT
The Blazers are playing much better in the second period, but the Mudbugs have been up to the task thus far. The third goal of this game will be crucial!
TIME: 8:39 p.m.

OKLAHOMA CITY LIKELY TO COME OUT BLAZING
Oak City isn't going to come out like it did in the first period, so the Mudbugs better be ready. The Blazers reeled off 7 goals last night after a sluggish start.
TIME: 8:29 p.m.

COLORADO LOSING; LAREDO TIED
The Colorado Eagles are losing to the Odessa Jackalopes 3-2 in the second period while the Laredo Bucks are tied at 1 with Corpus Christi after one period.
However, you never count the Eagles out of any game after last night's performance.
Wichita is currently tied with Tulsa after 1.
TIME: 8:19 p.m.

MUDBUGS HEAD TO INTERMISSION UP 2-0
The Mudbugs are 22-3-3 when scoring first this season. Brett Smith has both goals for Bossier-Shreveport. The Mudbugs held the homestanding Oklahoma City Blazers to 3 shots on goal. Those three shots came very, very early in the period.
TIME: 8:14 p.m.

SMITH COLLECTS 28th OF SEASON
Brett Smith took the team lead in goals when he tipped in a Dale Lupul shot six seconds into the Mudbugs' first power play. It's 2-0 already.
TIME: 7:58 p.m.

SMITH OPENS SCORING AGAIN
For the second straight night, Brett Smith scored the first goal of the night. His 27th goal ties him with Scott Sheppard for the team lead.
TIME: 7:53 p.m.

MANNING RETURNS "HOME"
Mudbugs veteran Blair Manning will certainly get some extra love tonight from the fans at the Ford Center. The forward played two seasons (2002-04) there. He scored 32 goals and collected 101 assists in 128 games.
Manning's stats
Year Games G A Pts PIMS
2002-03 64 23 59 82 69
2003-04 64 9 42 51 44

POSSIBLE PLAYOFF PREVIEW
This could be an important night to garner postseason momentum as the Blazers and Mudbugs could meet in the first round.
TIME: 7:44 p.m.

MOMENT OF SILENCE
There was a moment of silence for Graham Dearle before Saturday's game. The Blazers winger lost his mother, Bonnie, in an auto accident this week.
A terrible couple of weeks for parents of CHL players as Colorado's Ryan Tobler lost his father last week.
TIME: 7:35 p.m.

LUPUL IN STARTING LINEUP
Great to see Mudbugs rookie defenseman Dale Lupul in the starting lineup tonight. If you listened to the Scott Muscutt interview from last night, he said that Lupul would likely not play tonight. But his pregame skate must have gone well, the headaches gone and Lupul is ready to go.
TIME: 7:33 p.m.

CACCIOLA GETS ANOTHER START
You read it last night on the blog ... Ken Carroll would be getting some rest, well here's more proof. Cacciola makes his third straight start on and fourth in five games.
TIME: 7:28 p.m.

RECAP FROM SATURDAY NIGHT
Story
http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060304/SPORTS0303/603040357/1033
Audio
Scott Muscutt
http://www.shreveporttimes.com/assets/wma/D92092033.MP3
Brett Smith
http://www.shreveporttimes.com/assets/wma/D92088333.MP3

GAMEDAY
AT OKLAHOMA CITY (32-20-3)
7:35 p.m., Ford Center, 1130 AM, chltv.com
Outlook
For the second straight night, the Mudbugs encounter a team fighting for its playoff position ... The Mudbugs have taken five of six points from the Blazers in three meetings this season. Bossier-Shreveport forward Brett Smith has two goals and three assists in the series this season and scored the game-winner in the most recent meeting Jan. 20. Michel Beausoleil and Marty Standish have collected two goals each against the Mudbugs ... Oklahoma City is a possible first-round playoff opponent for the Mudbugs, but the Blazers are in a major battle with Wichita for the No. 3 spot in the Northern Conference.

Season series (Bugs lead 2-0-1)
Date Score Site GWG
Dec. 29 Blazers 4-3 (SO) FC Tim Earl
Dec. 30 Bugs 3-2 (OT) CTC Chad Kemp
Jan. 20 Bugs 2-1 CTC Brett Smith

3/3 BUGS at AMARILLO (W, 6-1)

2006-03-03T11:37:00.000-06:00

BUGS ROLL; EAGLES JUST DON'T QUIT
The Mudbugs skated past Amarillo 6-1, but the bigger news may be what's happening in Colorado. The Eagles scored twice in the final 97 seconds of regulation to force overtime against the Cotton Kings.
The Mudbugs had the chance to pull within seven points of the Northern Conference leaders. Now it will be an eight-point advantage at the least.
Colorado wins in a shootout. Still leads by nine over Bossier-Shreveport.
TIME: 9:38 p.m.

BUGS "ONE OF THE BEST TWO OR THREE TEAMS"
Amarillo's announcer, while chastising goaltender Shawn Degagne said, "granted, the Mudbugs are the second or third best team in the CHL."
The overall record might say that, but clearly there is no team playing the hockey the Mudbugs have played the past two months. This is one of the best runs in the league's history.
Bossier-Shreveport has earned at least one point in each of its past 15 games (14-0-1) and owns a 20-1-2 mark since Jan. 6.
Laredo had a 21-1-3 streak during its President's Cup season of 2003-04.

TURN OUT THE LIGHTS
Scott Muscutt's plan to get his Mudbugs acclimated to the ice Amarillo has apparently worked. Jason Campbell scored to give the Mudbugs their fourth straight goal and a 5-1 lead early in the third.
TIME: 9:08 p.m.

COLORADO CURRENTLY LOSING
With Lubbock holding a 4-2 lead on the Colorado Eagles early in the third period, the Mudbugs may have a chance to pick up two points on the Northern Conference leaders. Bossier-Shreveport trailed Colorado by nine entering tonight with two games in hand. Assuming wins in the two extra games, some could look at Colorado's lead at three if they lose tonight.
TIMEL 9:04 p.m.

THEY DID IT AGAIN
The Mudbugs killed off the sixth Gorillas' power play to begin the third period. It marked the second unsuccessful 5-on-3 effort by Amarillo.
TIME: 9:02 p.m.

ANOTHER 5-ON-3
A late penalty by Bossier-Shreveport defenseman Chris Shaw gave the Gorillas a 5-on-3 to begin the third period. This is the second time tonight a Shaw penalty has lead Amarillo to a two-man advantage. I have a tough time believing Scott Muscutt is a happy man as the Mudbugs hit the dressing room -- despite a 4-1 lead.
TIME: 8:40 p.m.

BUGS KILL PENALTIES
The Mudbugs survived the 5-on-3 and still hold a three-goal advantage. One of the amazing things about this recent streak is the fact the Mudbugs have been able to do this despite the loss of players such as Jason Basile and Dale Lupul (although on for tonight). I was worried about the lack of depth on the blue line, but the healthy defenseman and the forwards have picked up the slack. Quite impressive.
TIME: 8:31 p.m.

SHAW GIVEN BOARDING PENALTY
The last thing the Gorillas need right now is power-play time. Chris Shaw and Chad Spurr helped Amarillo to a 5-on-3 opportunity with penalties midway through the second period.
TIME: 8:27 p.m.

NOT TO BE FORGOTTEN ...
Dale Lupul, as expected, was held out of Friday's game at Amarillo. The defenseman, injured Saturday at Youngstown, did skate with the team Thursday and today.
TIME: 8:24 p.m.

SHEPPARD SCORES 14TH POWER-PLAY TALLY OF SEASON
Scott Sheppard has given the Mudbugs a 4-1 lead with a power-play goal during 4-on-3 play.
TIME: 8:23 p.m.

WILDFONG VS. SOCHOLOTUCK
Dan Wildfong got the better half of a spirited fight between Amarillo's Trevor Socholotuck not long after the Mudbugs took a 3-1 lead. Wildfong landed some solid early blows while Socholotuck rallied late. But this decision goes to Wildfong 10-9.
TIME: 8:14 p.m.

ASK AND YOU SHALL RECEIVE
Ryan Manitowich gave the Mudbugs a 3-1 lead.
TIME: 8:12 p.m.

A HOME GOAL JUDGE SAYS "NO GOAL"??????
As soon as referee Paul DePuydt skated to talk to the goal judge, you just had to feel the Gorillas had tied the game at 2. However, the home off-ice official rules Amarillo did not score and the Mudbugs still have a 2-1 lead.
Amazing.
TIME: 8:10 p.m.

PALAHICKY SCORES TO GIVE BUGS LEAD
Shane Palahicky fired a blast past Amarillo netminder Shawn Degagne early in the second period to give the Mudbugs a 2-1 lead. Will be interesting to see if the Mudbugs can garner a two-goal lead. They have been great at getting the lead, but not very good at getting a multi-goal advantage.
TIME: 8:07 p.m.

CARROLL GETS ANOTHER NIGHT OFF
This is typical come March for the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs ... Ken Carroll getting some rest. Rookie netminder David Cacciola gets his second start in a row and third in four games as he takes on the Gorillas in the Jungle.
Expect Carroll to play sparingly as the postseason approaches.
Goalie duties in March:
2004-05: Ken Carroll 5 games; Jeff Blair 5 games.
2003-04: Jeff Blair 5 games; Ken Carroll 3 games.
TIME: 7:47 p.m.

BUGS, GORILLAS TRADE FIRST-PERIOD GOALS
Brett Smith scored his 25th of the season to give the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs a 1-0 lead midway through the first period, but Scott Wray tied the game late in the period with his 29th.
The undersized jungle provides less-than-enough room to create scoring opportunities, but Amarillo outshot the Mudbugs 14-10 in the opening 20 minutes.
TIME: 7:43 p.m.

CARROLL GETS GOALIE OF MONTH
Bossier-Shreveport netminder Ken Carroll was announced as the Central Hockey LeagueÂ Goaltender of the Month for February.
Carroll posted a perfect 8-0-0 during the month with a goals-against average of 2.25 and a save percentage of .927.
Carroll, also a Northern Conference All-Star this season, helped lead the Mudbugs to a record of 12-0-1 during February and extended his personal winning streak to 12. He earned his CHL-best fourth shutout of the season with a 3-0 win at Fort Worth on Feb. 4. The Oil City, Ontario native is among CHL leaders in wins (20, T-5th), goals-against average (2.31, 3rd) and save percentage (.921, 6th).
This is the second time this season Carroll has earned Goaltender of the Month honors. He was also the recipient in October.

Dale Lupul eyes speedy recovery
http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060303/SPORTS0303/603030303/1033

Muscutt sends Bugs to Amarillo early to adjust to small ice surface
http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060303/SPORTS0303/603030305/1033

Watch out for Wichita. Thunder rolls.
http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060303/SPORTS0303/603030304/1033

Tales From the Swamp
http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060303/SPORTS0303/603030330/1033

MUDBUGS GAMEDAY
AT AMARILLO (25-22-3)
7 p.m., Amarillo Civic Center, 1130 AM, chltv.com
Outlook
The Mudbugs (32-13-6) look for a little revenge on the Gorillas, who rallied to force overtime two weeks ago and defeated Bossier-Shreveport on a goal from Mark DeSantis. Mudbugs alternate captain Chris Brassard scored two goals in the Feb. 17 matchup while defensemen Craig Minard and Dale Lupul collected two assists apiece ... Mudbugs coach Scott Muscutt sent his team to Amarillo a day earlier than normal to get team more acclimated to the smaller ice surface ... This game begins a stretch of four straight against team battling to get in the 2006 postseason. The Gorillas are in a three-way battle with Amarillo and Rio Grande Valley for the final two spots in the Southern Conference.
Season series (Amarillo leads 1-0)
Date Score Site GWGFeb. 17
Gorillas 4-3 (OT) ACC Mark DeSantis

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

2006-02-25T14:25:00.000-06:00

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.

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

2006-02-24T23:43:00.000-06:00

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

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

2006-02-22T11:56:00.000-06:00

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

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

2006-02-19T16:39:00.000-06:00

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

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

2006-02-16T22:31:00.000-06:00

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)

2006-02-16T12:12:00.000-06:00

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

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

2006-02-14T15:39:00.000-06:00

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

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

2006-02-11T10:47:00.000-06:00

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

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

2006-02-10T18:32:00.000-06:00

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

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

2006-02-07T18:35:00.000-06:00

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)

2006-02-07T18:34:00.000-06:00

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

2006-02-07T18:33:00.000-06:00

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

2006-02-02T19:01:00.000-06:00

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.

1/29 BUGS vs. MEMPHIS (W, 4-2)

2006-01-29T16:22:00.000-06:00

BUGS PREVAIL AND THINGS GET TESTY
The Mudbugs win this rough affair 4-2. Scott Muscutt's feelings after the game were obviously. In his words he is tired of the circumstances surrounding Steve Cruickshank as a referee in this league and the way his games are being called.
I'm no expert, but the fact Dan Wildfong received four minutes of extra penalties in the late scrum was baffling.
It was your typical late hockey game crap between two teams that hate each other.
Back to the game. Another solid effort by the Bugs, and finally a convincing win. Those one-goal games can be excruciating. Folks, Chris Brassard is a different hockey player. Even at his best in a Mudbugs uniform defense wasn't his forte. Not saying he was poor defensively, but he didn't stand out like he has the past two weeks.
The Mudbugs head into Corpus Christi for a pair this week to meet a Rayz team that hasn't scored in more than FOUR games. That's actually scary if youre a member of Bossier-Shreveport.

GONG!
With 4:54 left in the game things got a touch ugly. Not surprising if you've been reading the blog today. Nearly every Mudbugs and RiverKings skater on the ice was penalized. No big brawls broke out, it was just one big dog pile for the most part that started when Dan Wildfong and Derek McKinlay started throwing blows.
TIME: 7:27 p.m.

VODRAZKA SCORES AGAIN!
Milan Vodrazka scored his second goal of the night to give the Mudbugs a 4-1 lead.
TIME: 7:28 p.m.

THE OLD JOKE GOES ...
The only way Blair Manning is going to score is if a puck bounces off his leg. The unselfish veteran is known for his passing skills and infrequent shots. Well, he put the Mudbugs up 3-1 late in the second period ... that's right, when a puck bounced off his leg and into the net. Following a Dilorenzo stop of Chris Brassard and Milan Vodrazka, the puck careened off Manning, who was crashing the net, and into the net.
3-1 after 40 minutes. The chippyness died down in the second, but if the game is out of hand, I wouldn't be surprised to see it resurface.
TIME: 6:45 p.m.

CAPTAIN DAN PUTS BUGS AHEAD
Another "garbage" goal for Dan Wildfong, who put the Mudbugs ahead 2-1 after he was Johnny on the Spot following a rebound from Memphis goaltender Michael Dilorenzo. Two minutes left in second.
TIME: 6:38 p.m.

WELCOME TO THE CHL COACH McCLELLAND
He was standing on the top of the Memphis bench at the CenturyTel Center screaming at the top of his lungs. The former NHL player and Stanley Cup winner was pleading for the officials to see the Mudbugs had too many men on the ice. Finally, the whistle blew and RiverKings coach Kevin McClelland got his wish.
But the Mudbugs fans didn't appreciate the coach's antics -- although justified. McClelland and the fans behind the Memphis bench became involved in a brief shouting match. Old time hockey.
TIME: 6:36 p.m.

GONG SHOW IN THE MAKING HERE
Chippy would accurately describe the first period at the CenturyTel Center. It seems as if things will only get worse, too.
Dan Wildfong and Sheldon Wenzel -- who went with Shaw earlier -- dropped the gloves in the final seconds of the first and this time Wenzel got the best of things.
1-1 after 20 here. Stay tuned for the rest of the bout, I mean game.
TIME: 5:56 p.m.

THEY WANTED TO GO, BUT DIDN'T
Moments after Chris Brassard and Darrell Stoddard threatened to drop the gloves, they were both integral parts to goals from their teams.
Stoddard knocked in a rebound to give Memphis a 1-0 lead, but Brassard used a beautiful feed to setup a goal from Milan Vodrazka 26 seconds later.
Mudbugs are outshooting Memphis 11-7 with 3:03 to go in first.
TIME: 5:40 p.m.

TWO SECONDS IN!! BOMBS AWAY
Chris Shaw and Sheldon Wenzel dropped the gloves as soon as the puck hit the ice Sunday. After several seconds to get to center ice, there was much dancing but not much punching. Both players did a pretty good job of tying the opponent up. However Shaw likely landed the best punch.
Time: 5:12 p.m.

THIRD IN THREE DAYS
Would be tough to expect Memphis and Bossier-Shreveport to play at a paced comparable to the past two nights. Memphis played an overtime affair last night in Wichita while the Mudbugs pasted Fort Worth goaltender Larry Sterling with 60 shots on goal Saturday, one night after a game in Odessa.

1/28 BUGS vs. FORT WORTH (L, 4-3)

2006-01-28T12:50:00.000-06:00

DEFENSIVE MISCUES CONTINUE TO HAUNT MUDBUGS
Bossier-Shreveport is a good team, there is no doubt about it, but the tendancy by the Mudbugs to give up that untimely goal to the opponent better change ... SOON.
A turnover created Wes Mason's game-winner midway through the third period. The sad thing is, this was the Brahmas' only glimpse of a scoring chance in the first 10 minutes of the third. Fort Worth, with just 13 skaters, was gassed in the final 20 minutes and you could tell. The Brahmas were doing everything just to get the puck out of their own zone. How many times did they ice the puck? Too many to count.
60 shots on goal and three goals? Now I'm the first one to say the shots are super-inflated for the Mudbugs at the CTC (still wish the off-ice folks would realize they are only hurting the Mudbugs goaltenders and helping the opposition's). But they had plenty of scoring chances tonight without much success. The three goals they did score Larry Sterling had no chance on.
I thought it was a really gutsy move to put David Cacciola in net tonight. And I'm not playing Monday-morning quarterback, I told Mudbugs general manager Jason Rent this before the face-off.
My thought was this. The Fort Worth game meant much more than Sunday's game against Memphis. Losing to the worst team in the CHL almost mentally erases all the good stuff that's happened lately. Especially considering the recent breakdown against a the CTC last time out.
I expected to see Ken Carroll in net tonight and Cacciola against Memphis (he shut them out last week). Many would say Carroll played Friday night in Odessa. Well Sterling played in Austin on Friday, too. That being said, maybe Carroll wasn't 100 percent.

UGH
A defensive breakdown led to Wes Mason's game-winning goal midway through the third period and the Mudbugs fell to the Fort Worth Brahmas again.
For a detailed recap, log onto shreveporttimes.com
TIME: 10:45 p.m.

72 SHOTS THROUGH TWO PERIODS
Tied at 3. Should be interesting third.
TIME: 9:01 p.m.

MCLAUGHLIN GETS HAT TRICK; GAME TIED AT 3
Just when it seems I'm going to be able to write another blog entry, there is another goal. Short recap: The Bugs tied it up, McLaughlin scored againt to make it 2-1 Fort Worth before Brett Smith tied it at 2. Jason Basile scored to give Bossier-Shreveport a 3-2 lead before McLaughlin completed the hat trick with a goal. This all in the first half of the second period.

BRAHMAS UP 1-0
Beau McLaughlin scored a goal off a rebound to give Fort Worth a 1-0 lead with 4:43 remaining in the first period.
TIME: 7:34 p.m.

FAST AND FURIOUS FIRST PERIOD
Halfway through the opening 20 minutes, the Mudbugs had amassed 15 shots and the Brahmas 10. Nevertheless, we're scoreless.
TIME: 7:27 p.m.

SCHEDULE CHANGE
The Mudbugs, thanks to an appearance by Nine Inch Nails, have rescheduled what was to be their final regular-season game on Mar. 25. The game against Austin will now take place Mar. 12 (Sunday) at 7:05 p.m.

CACCIOLA VS. STERLING
Those who thought Andrew Martin would get the start tonight, must start trusting me, haha. Martin has not been signed yet, but should by next week. The only remaining game between the Bugs and the Brahmas is in Fort Worth in two weeks.
TIME: 6:28 p.m.

Outlook
The Mudbugs face the stingy Brahmas once again. Bossier-Shreveport has won four of the seven meetings against the Central Hockey League's worst team this season ... Mudbugs defenseman Chris Shaw is one of two players (Brit Dougherty, Austin) in the CHL to have played at least 20 games without scoring a point. Entering Friday, 275 players (not including goaltenders) had recorded at least one point. Ken Carroll and Andrew Martin have each recorded an assist in net for the Mudbugs this season ... Fort Worth defenseman Konrad Brand may possess the most amazing feat of all his Brahmas teammates this season. Brand plays on a team that has allowed 41 more goals than its scored this season, yet he is a plus-6. Truly amazing. He would rank fourth in plus/minus on the Mudbugs ... The Brahmas signed former Mudbugs netminder Andrew Martin, but he is unlikely to play tonight.

Season series (Bugs lead 4-1-2)
Date Result Site GWG
Nov. 25 Brahmas, 4-3 (SO) FWCC Bret DeCecco
Nov. 12 Brahmas, 2-0 FWCC David Silverstone
Nov. 25 Bugs, 2-1 (OT) CTC Scott Sheppard
Dec. 2 Bugs, 4-1 FWCC Martin Stuchlik
Dec. 16 Bugs, 6-5 (OT) CTC Dan Wildfong
Dec. 17 Bugs, 5-0 CTC Ryan Manitowich
Jan. 14 Brahmas, 3-2 (SO) CTC Ben Gustavson
Brahmas statistics(through Thursday)
# PLAYERS, POS GP G A PTS +/- PIM
17 Cory Stillman, C 38 17 19 36 -3 61
11 Bret DeCecco, RW 38 18 14 32 -9 44
27 Wes Mason, LW 32 14 18 32 -11 10
29 Ryan Fairbarn, D 37 7 17 24 -5 38
2 Vladimir Hartinger, D 25 5 16 21 -17 70
7 Jimmy Sokol, F 35 5 14 19 -14 37
24 Ben Gustavson, LW 38 8 9 17 -1 101
16 Matt Reynolds, F 38 7 8 15 -8 85
10 (IR)Derek Seal, F 27 6 5 11 -8 38
8 Konrad Brand, D 32 1 10 11 +6 91
21 Ty Hennes, F 32 5 5 10 -1 63
28 David Silverstone, LW 20 4 4 8 +3 53
18 Beau McLaughlin, RW 26 2 5 7 0 21
15 Mike O'Sullivan, F 31 4 2 6 -3 14
23 Justin Coutu, D 24 1 3 4 -9 47
22 Andrew Nahirniak, D 19 1 3 4 -2 32
5 Sheldon Lee, D 38 0 4 4 -12 64
44 Noah Katz, C 1 0 0 0 -1 2
TOTALS - 38 100 161 261 -41 1095
GOALTENDING
# GOALIES W L OTL SO GAA SV%
35 Larry Sterling 11 16 3 1 3.38 .900
1 Chris Davidson 1 3 1 0 3.80 .879
TOTALS 12 21 5 1 3.71 .888
Mudbugs statistics(through Thursday)
# PLAYERS, POS GP G A PTS +/- PIM
10 Dan Wildfong, LW 35 13 25 38 +6 155
16 Blair Manning, C 35 2 28 30 +8 32
25 Chad Spurr, RW 33 8 20 28 +3 45
14 Chris Brassard, LW 33 6 22 28 +2 49
41 Brett Smith, C 35 16 11 27 -4 40
29 Ryan Manitowich, LW 35 13 10 23 +2 18
11 Jason Campbell, C 30 6 10 16 +3 22
22 Craig Minard, D 29 3 12 15 +5 26
24 Jason Basile, D 35 5 9 14 +8 42
44 Dale Lupul, D 32 2 9 11 +6 50
8 Quade Lightbody, D 35 3 7 10 +9 80
20 Shane Palahicky, RW 34 4 5 9 -1 33
23 Milan Vodrazka, C 24 4 2 6 +4 10
18 Jeremy Downs, D 22 1 3 4 +6 12
28 Martin Stuchlik, F 22 2 1 3 0 16
42 Chris Shaw, D 21 0 0 0 -3 93
TOTALS - 35 107 185 292 +10 807
GOALTENDING
# GOALIES W L OTL SO GAA SV%
34 Ken Carroll 10 7 4 3 2.26 .920
1 David Cacciola 5 2 1 1 2.81 .907
TOTALS 18 12 5 4 2.77 .904