LAREDO, TX- The Laredo Bucks of the Central Hockey League will play two Northern Conference teams this weekend, when they host Wichita on Friday, before hosting Bosser-Shreveport on Saturday at the LEC. Both games will start at 7:30pm, with group tickets starting at $10. Call 718-BUCK (2825) to order.
Entering this weekend's games, the first-place Bucks (6-4, 12pts) are led in scoring by reigning CHL MVP Jeff Bes (3-14=17), who has scored a least a point in nine of Laredo's 10 games this season.
This weekend the Bucks will play games three and four of a season-high seven-game home stand, where they are 1-1 thus far.
Laredo is coming off one of their best performances this season, when they handed Rio Grande Valley their first regulation loss Saturday night, by a 5-2 score. Team Captain Serge Dube scored twice to vault the Bucks into first place in the Southeast Division.
*Thunder Rolls Into Laredo*
In the two teams histories, the Bucks and Thunder have only played five times, with each meeting being decided by one-goal, and all but one meeting going into overtime. The Bucks are 2-0-3 against the Thunder all-time, including 2-0-1 at the LEC.
Friday's game between Laredo and Wichita will be the first meeting between the two teams since January 20, 2007, when the Thunder won 4-3 in a shootout at the LEC.
The Thunder (3-6-1, 7pts) will come into Friday's game on a four-game losing streak, but two of Wichita's three wins have come on the road.
Wichita is led by one of the CHL's All-time leaders, in Jason Duda. Duda is in his 13th professional season, as well as his 13th with the Thunder. Duda has his name written all over the CHL record book. He is third in games played (692), third in goals (321), fourth in assists (507), and fourth in points (832). This season Duda has scored four goals, with 10 assists for 14 points, leading the Thunder once again.
The Thunder will see a familiar face on the other side of the ice Friday night, as Alex Goupil will face his former team for the first time. Goupil played in 43 games for Wichita last season, before being traded to Laredo on the trading deadline (Feb. 10). With the Thunder last season Goupil scored 13 goals, with 12 assists, for 25 points.
*Bucks vs. Thunder All-time Series*
(Bucks are 2-0-3 vs. Thunder)
-11/2/02: @Laredo 7, Wichita 6 (Second-game ever at LEC)
-3/7/04: @Wichita 4, Laredo 3, OT
-3/7/05: @Wichita 2, Laredo 1, OT
-11/26/05: @Laredo 3, Wichita 2, OT
-1/20/07: Wichita 4, @Laredo 3, SO
*Rivalry Re-newed On Saturday*
Laredo will host their long-time rival Bosser-Shreveport on Saturday at the LEC, on Boy Scout Night. All Boy Scouts and their families are invited to attend. Call 718-BUCK (2825) to order tickets.
Before traveling to Laredo on Saturday, the two-time defending Governor's Cup Champion Mudbugs will host Mississippi on Wednesday, and then travel to the Texas Brahmas on Friday.
The Mudbugs are off to a fast start, as they are 7-2 (14pts), four points behind Oklahoma City for first place in the Northeast Division.
Bossier has had a lot of scoring thus far this season, averaging 4.2 goals per game, while allowing just 2.0 against them.
The Mudbugs have six players with double-digit points so far this season, led by a trio of players with 12 points (Travis Clayton, Kevin Cooper, Tyrel Lucas).
Bossier beat Laredo 2-1 on October 18th at the LEC, in each teams second game of the season.
Group Tickets for this weekend's games start at just $10, call 718-BUCK (2825) to order yours today.
*Bucks New Team Store Online!*
The Bucks new team store was uveiled yesterday on the teams website, www.laredobucks.com/teamstore. Purchase all of your favorite Bucks merchandise online, without waiting in line.
At the online team store you will find hats, t-shirts, jerseys, and much more.
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