Srgt. Hulka

Aikins, DeCaro Lift Mudbugs into Second Round

04/06/2011 10:45 PM -
PRESCOTT VALLEY, AZ – Justin Aikins scored his second goal of the night with 39 seconds left and John DeCaro made 48 saves as the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs defeated the Arizona Sundogs 2-1 in Game 4 of their Opening Round playoff series Wednesday night at the Tim’s Toyota Center. The win propels the Mudbugs into the Berry Conference Semifinals, during which they will face either Tulsa, Texas or Odessa in another best-of-five series.

DeCaro faced a barrage of Arizona shots throughout the night to keep the ‘Bugs in the game, which was tied at one for over 45 minutes of play. Aikins then scored the series-clinching goal on the powerplay with under a minute remaining to cap off a two-goal night and complete the four-game series victory for Bossier-Shreveport.

mudbugshockey.com: Mudbugs Headlines

That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, ...

Srgt. Hulka

Mudbugs to Face Tulsa in Second Round

04/10/2011 1:37 PM -
BOSSIER CITY, LA – The Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs of the Central Hockey League today announced the opponent and schedule for their upcoming Berry Conference Semifinal playoff series, which starts Friday night at the CenturyTel Center. The second-seeded Mudbugs will face the #3 Tulsa Oilers in the second round of the playoffs after the Oilers advanced past Mississippi.

The ‘Bugs defeated #7 Arizona in the Opening Round of the postseason, clinching the series against the Sundogs last Wednesday with a 2-1 road victory in Game 4. Tulsa, meanwhile, became just the second team in CHL history to win a best-of-five series by winning three straight games after trailing the series 0-2. The Oilers finished off the comeback with a 5-2 win over #6 Mississippi in Game 5 of their Opening Round series Saturday night in Tulsa.

Bossier-Shreveport and Tulsa faced one another just three times during the regular season, with the Mudbugs winning both of the first two games in October and November by a combined score of 12-6 to take the season series. The Oilers then won the final regular season meeting on January 15 to snap a 16-game losing streak against the ‘Bugs.

Bossier-Shreveport and Tulsa will begin the best-of-five series with Games 1 and 2 at 7:05 pm at the CenturyTel Center on Friday and Saturday. The series will then shift to the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma for Games 3 and 4 on Tuesday, April 19 and Friday, April 22 (if necessary) before returning to Bossier City for a potential Game 5 on Saturday, April 23.


mudbugshockey.com: Mudbugs Headlines

That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, ...

Srgt. Hulka

Maybe I can get to one of these games.

Srgt. Hulka

Mudbugs Drill Oilers in Game 2, Tie Series

04/16/2011 9:31 PM -
BOSSIER CITY, LA – The Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs scored three powerplay goals on their way to a dominating 6-1 victory over the Tulsa Oilers in a penalty-filled Game 2 of their Berry Conference Semifinal series Saturday at the CenturyTel Center. The series is now tied at one game apiece heading into Game 3 Tuesday at the BOK Center in Tulsa.

Simon Mangos assisted on four of Bossier-Shreveport’s first five goals in the contest and Travis Clayton tacked on three helpers of his own. Jeff Kyrzakos and Clay Plume both contributed “Gordie Howe hat tricks” to the victory with a goal, an assist and a fight each. The Mudbugs scored three powerplay goals on seven opportunities as Tulsa committed three five-minute major penalties and had three players ejected on their way to racking up 67 penalty minutes. The teams combined for over 105 total minutes in penalties between them.

mudbugshockey.com: Mudbugs Headlines

This was a hell of a game and probably the best Hockey game I've ever been to. We now go to Tulsa for game 3.

Go Bugs!

That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, ...

Srgt. Hulka

Bug win!!!! Bugs Win!!! Holy Cow! Bugs Win!!!!

Mudbugs advance to the conference championship game!!!!

04/23/2011 10:01 PM -
BOSSIER CITY, LA – Despite bringing a three-goal lead into the third period, the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs were forced to hold off a late rally to earn a series-clinching 5-4 victory over the Tulsa Oilers in the deciding Game 5 of the Berry Conference Semifinals Saturday night at the CenturyTel Center.*After winning the series three games to two, the Mudbugs will now advance to the Berry Conference Finals to face the top-seeded Allen Americans.
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Steven Crampton set up three goals in the victory, while Andy Contois and Nick Layton each had a goal and an assist.*Justin Aikins also posted two helpers as the Mudbugs built a 4-1 lead through 40 minutes before the Oilers tallied three times in the third period and kept pushing until the final horn.
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After Tulsa gained a 4-0 shot edge in the opening minutes, it was the ‘Bugs who would score first.*Justin Aikins and Steven Crampton worked hard in the corner to free the puck up before Crampton fed it to Nick Layton, who stuffed it through Ian Keserich’s five-hole in front at 11:39.*
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The Oilers countered a few minutes later when Bates Battaglia picked up a Mudbugs turnover and sniped a perfect shot into the top corner to tie the game.*With less than two minutes remaining in the period, Andy Contois got a pass from Crampton in the neutral zone and sped right through the Tulsa defense to the front before chipping a shot into the top corner to give the ‘Bugs a 2-1 lead.
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The home team extended the lead at 6:04 of the second when Crampton made a brilliant pass to spring Contois and Brett Smith on a 2-on-1 break.*Smith then deflected Contois’ pass into the net to make it 3-1.*David Rutherford extended the advantage to 4-1 late in the period with a powerplay goal, stepping in from the right boards and rifling a shot past Keserich’s stick side.
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Tulsa roared back in the third period as Evan Kotsopoulos one-timed a Marty Standish pass into the net and then Michael Beausoleil backhanded a rebound past John DeCaro 57 seconds later to cut the lead to one.*Bossier-Shreveport went back up by a pair at 9:35 after goaltender Trevor Cann (who had replaced an injured Keserich) stopped Jim Jorgensen’s shot off a pass from Jeff Kyrzakos only to have Shawn Limpright knock in the rebound to put the lead at 5-3.
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Chad Costello scored a powerplay goal for Tulsa to make it 5-4 with less than five minutes remaining, but the Oilers could not find the equalizer as the ‘Bugs went on to win the game and clinch the series victory.
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John DeCaro (5-1) finished with 21 saves as the Mudbugs ended with a 30-25 shot advantage.*Ian Keserich stopped 15 shots in the first two periods before Trevor Cann (4-3) was tagged with the loss after allowing one third period goal on 11 shots.*Both teams ended up 1 for 5 on the powerplay.
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The Mudbugs will now await a finalized schedule for their best-of-seven Berry Conference Final series against the Governors’ Cup Champion Allen Americans, who dispatched Rio Grande Valley and Odessa to reach the third round.
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mudbugshockey.com: Mudbugs Headlines

That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, ...

Srgt. Hulka

*
Mudbugs Hold on to Take Game 1 in Allen

04/29/2011 9:44 PM -
ALLEN, TX – The Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs built a 4-1 lead through two periods and held off a late Allen Americans charge to take Game 1 of the Berry Conference Finals by a final score of 5-4 Friday night at the Allen Event Center.*The Mudbugs now hold a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series going into Game 2 Sunday in Allen.
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Shawn Limpright scored Bossier-Shreveport’s last two goals of the game (including his second consecutive game-winner) and added an assist, while Justin Aikins had a goal and an assist.*Brett Smith also contributed a pair of helpers as the ‘Bugs scored twice on the powerplay and once shorthanded on their way to winning Game 1 for the second time in three tries this postseason.
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Allen struck first as Dave Bonk tallied just over three minutes in to put the home team ahead 1-0.*The Mudbugs tied it with a powerplay goal midway through the period when Simon Mangos snuck a long shot through traffic and then Chris Whitley’s five-hole at 10:32.*Justin Aikins gave the ‘Bugs a 2-1 lead just over two minutes later when Brett Smith tapped a Kevin Young pass right to him before he cut across the crease and shelved a backhander for another powerplay goal.
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Bossier-Shreveport extended the lead to 3-1 halfway through the second stanza as Dave Pszenyczny picked up a rebound along the boards and shot it into an open net past a prone Whitley for his first goal of the playoffs.*Then late in the period, Smith grabbed the puck just inside the Mudbugs blueline and made a long pass to Limpright, who skated into Allen ice and ripped a long shot through a screen past Whitley with just two seconds left in the period to make it 4-1 ‘Bugs after two.
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At 6:55 of the third, Judd Blackwater tapped in a nice feed from Colton Yellow Horn to get Allen back within two.*With Bossier-Shreveport shorthanded five minutes later, Michael Couch cleared the puck into the Allen zone, allowing Limpright to win a race, get around Dave Bonk and tuck it between Whitley’s pads to give the ‘Bugs a 5-2 edge.*Yellow Horn answered right back with a powerplay goal just over 30 seconds later to get the Americans back within 5-3.
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Aikins was whistled for a double-minor penalty for high-sticking with less than five minutes remaining, leading to Jarret Lukin’s powerplay goal that cut the Mudbug lead to one.*The ‘Bugs were able to kill off the second half of the penalty and finish off a 5-4 victory to take the 1-0 series lead.
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John DeCaro (6-1) stopped 28 shots to tie Whitley for the CHL playoff lead with six wins as Bossier-Shreveport was outshot 32-26 in the contest.*Chris Whitley (6-3) finished with 21 saves in the loss for Allen.*The Mudbugs scored on two of four powerplay chances, while the Americans were 2 for 8.*
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The Mudbugs will now look to take a 2-0 series lead when the series continues with Game 2 on Sunday at the Allen Event Center.*Opening faceoff is set for 6:00 pm, with radio coverage starting at 5:40 on AM 1130 KWKH.** The game will also be shown live online on CHL-TV.

mudbugshockey.com: Mudbugs Headlines

That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, ...

Srgt. Hulka

The Bugs are coming back to Century Tell for two games with a very surprising 2 games to 1 advantage over Allen!!

All of you North Louisiana and East Texas fans, Lets get out Friday night and support the Bugs. If you've never been to a hockey game, man are you in for a treat! I'm going at lunch today to get my tickets.

Late Goal Gives 'Bugs Game 3 Win, 2-1 Series Lead

05/04/2011 9:56 PM -
ALLEN, TX – Nick Layton and David Rutherford hooked up on the winning goal with just 1:11 remaining to give the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs a 3-2 victory over the Allen Americans in Game 3 of the Berry Conference Finals Wednesday at the Allen Event Center. After winning two of three games played in Allen to start the best-of-seven series, the Mudbugs will now bring a 2-1 series lead back to the CenturyTel Center for Game 4 Friday night at 7:05.

Overtime appeared imminent when the Americans tied the game with just over a minute remaining, but Rutherford’s play at center helped set up Layton’s game-winner just over one minute later. Rutherford finished with a goal and an assist in the contest, while Jamie Milam scored the ‘Bugs other goal.

Allen started the game with two straight powerplays and a 5-2 early shot advantage, but the ‘Bugs killed off both to keep the Americans off the board. Bossier-Shreveport then went on top 1-0 after a hard-working shift that concluded with David Rutherford sending a backhand wraparound shot into the top part of the net at 12:40. Each team sent six shots on goal in the first and the Mudbugs went to the locker room with a 1-0 lead.

The Americans skated to an 11-4 shot edge in the second frame and had two more powerplays, but couldn’t beat John DeCaro as the game stayed 1-0 going into the third.

The Mudbugs went on an extended powerplay when Kip Brennan was issued a five-minute major penalty for boarding Brett Smith early in the third, but it was Allen who would capitalize first on Tobias Whelan’s shorthanded goal at 4:09. Bossier-Shreveport got that goal back shortly after when Jamie Milam wristed a puck past Chris Whitely from the high slot for a powerplay goal.

It seemed the game was headed for extra time when Zion one-timed a point blast through traffic and into John DeCaro’s five-hole with only 2:16 remaining. But then with just over a minute left, Rutherford stole the puck from Scott Langdon at center ice and headed into Allen ice with Layton. Rutherford’s cross-ice pass was deflected on the way through, but Layton quickly picked it up and fired it past Whitley to put the ‘Bugs ahead to stay at 3-2.

John DeCaro (7-2) made 27 saves on the way to his seventh win of the playoffs as Bossier-Shreveport was outshot 29-18. Chris Whitley (7-4) stopped 15 shots in the loss for Allen. The Mudbugs’ penalty killing unit rebounded in a big way with a 4-for-4 effort, while the ‘Bugs scored once in three powerplay chances of their own.

With the ‘Bugs leading 2-1 after three games in Allen, the series now shifts to Bossier City for the next two contests. Games 4 and 5 are set for Friday at 7:05 pm and Sunday at 4:05 pm at the CenturyTel Center. Mudbugs group ticket packages can be purchased by phone at 318-752-BUGS or in person at the team office inside the CenturyTel Center.


mudbugshockey.com: Mudbugs Headlines

That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, ...

SmashMouth

Srgt. Hulka

Bugs Win!!!! Bugs Win!!!!!

Home at last, Mudbugs thump Allen
By Roy Lang III rflang@gannett.com
May 7, 2011

The Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs learned the importance of a little breathing room Friday night at the CenturyTel Center.

Now they have plenty of it.

The Mudbugs, a team that can't seem to avoid drama late in hockey games, raced to a five-goal third-period lead against the Allen Americans and held on for a 6-4 victory in Game 4 of the Berry Conference Final.

However, Friday's 50-minute effort of dominating hockey was good enough to put the Central Hockey League's top seed on the brink of elimination.

Jamie Milam scored twice and four of his teammates joined the light-the-lamp party as the Mudbugs own a 3-1 series advantage.

Bossier-Shreveport can close things out in Sunday's Game 5 (4:05 p.m.) -- the final game of the series to be played in Bossier City. The Mudbugs are looking to make the most of the pair of home games they were given for the best-of-7 series.

A boisterous crowd of 2,896 has plenty to cheer about as they reveled in Friday's one-sided affair.

"We felt (the crowd), absolutely," Milam said. "It felt like the first game of the year when we came out and went after Mississippi and beat them 10-1. We felt the energy.

"It's good to be home with what happened with the rink -- we tried to stay focused and not worry about it. Being home, we knew this was an important game. To have them behind us was a big help."

Third-period goals by David Rutherford, Steven Crampton and Jeff Kyrzakos gave Bossier-Shreveport a 6-1 lead and twice knocked out Americans netminders.

"They had some good hockey players tonight and I felt like we got outmatched man to man," Allen head coach Dwight Mullins said.

However, Allen struck with three goals. Nino Musitelli's goal with 5:44 left in the game started a string of three Americans goals in 3:39. Musitelli's second goal of the period cut the lead to 6-4 with 2:05 remaining.

Allen yanked goaltender Chris Whitley for the final 90 seconds, but was unable to cut the lead to one.

"We attacked our game over the first 50 minutes of the hockey game," Mudbugs head coach Scott Muscutt said. "We got away from that in the last 10 minutes. We got standing still and we can't do that kind of stuff.

"In the end, if we can find a way "¦"

And they did, again.

Sunday, the Mudbugs will have an opportunity to clinch a spot in the President's Cup Final for the first time since 2006.

"It's a lot easier to get going (at home)," Milam said. "You don't have the boos and the Josh Groban playing when you enter the ice. It's a fun game and we like to have fun. Winning is fun and the (crowd) helps out."

Allen will look to stage its second improbable series comeback. Odessa took the first two games in Allen during the best-of-5 conference semifinal, only to have the Americans win three straight - a pair at Odessa - and the series.

"(Friday) is one game," Mullins said. "The nice thing is we've been in this situation before. All we can do now is look toward Sunday."

Allen would need just one road victory this time. Games 6 and 7, if necessary, will take place in Allen on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The Mudbugs would like to avoid one final trip to the Metroplex again this season - unless it's to catch a plane to Colorado or South Dakota.

Colorado, a former conference foe, also holds a 3-1 lead in its series with Rapid City in the Turner Conference Final.

The Mudbugs played a finesse game in the first period while the Americans took the body. Amateur Nick Layton fired a shot off a post 1:30 into game for Bossier-Shreveport, but the Mudbugs wouldn't be held scoreless for long.

Milam beat Whitley high and to his blocker side with a 35-foot slap shot 4:40 into the period.

"We find that (Whitley) goes down early if he can't see," Milam said. "I honestly didn't aim; I was just trying not to get it blocked."

Allen didn't have many opportunities in the first period, but took advantage its last. Colton Yellow Horn entered the Mudbugs' zone unabated and scored during 4-on-4 action to tie the game.

Milam got to work early in the second period and gave his team its second lead of the game. This blast proved to even more impressive. Milam moved back to 60 feet and unloaded on a trickling puck for his second tally of the evening.

"Initially, you take a step back in your head, but once I saw how slow it was going, I figured I could beat it there," Milam said. "It worked out."

The goal was the defenseman's fourth of the postseason.

"He's a kid that's been finding ways to compete and contribute every night," Muscutt said. "You love to see guys like that get rewarded. When Jamie Milam is on his game, he electrifies our entire team."

Veteran Travis Clayton deflected a Michael Couch shot past Whitley to give the Mudbugs a 3-1 lead late in the period. Allen had an opportunity to garner momentum for the final 20 minutes, but failed during a power play over the final 2 minutes of the second period with Andy Contois in the penalty box for hooking.

Whitley kept his team in the game with a stop on Jeff Kyrzakos during a short-handed breakaway that set the stage for a wild third period.

shreveporttimes

That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, ...

SmashMouth

Unfreaking believable ..... your team is the shiznit!