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