Smith, Decaro Re-Sign in Bossier-Shreveport
Published on August 19, 2010 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs News Release
BOSSIER CITY, LA - The Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs of the Central Hockey League today announced the signings of their Captain and number-one goaltender for the coming season with the return of forward Brett Smith and goaltender John DeCaro. Both players are longtime Mudbugs fixtures who will look to help lead the team toward its fourth Championship in 2010-11.
"When you're recruiting in the offseason you want to base your team around two pivotal points: sound goaltending and strong leadership," Head Coach Scott Muscutt said. "This week Mudbugs fans can be treated to a pair of guys coming back to our team who are among the best in the league in those categories. We're obviously very excited to have Johnny's savvy back between the pipes and Smitty's energy and leadership up front."
Smith, 28, returns for his sixth year in Bossier-Shreveport and second as team Captain in 2010-11. The Guelph, Ontario native is coming off a season in which he fought through injuries and illness to accumulate 45 points on 14 goals and 31 assists. Smith also led the club in shorthanded goals for a third straight year to become the all-time franchise leader in shorthanded tallies.
In the playoffs, the former Ferris State Bulldog scored three goals and added four assists in 11 games as the Mudbugs came within one victory of the President's Cup Finals. In his last 18 postseason contests, Smith has totaled 15 points (8g, 7a).
Since joining the Mudbugs as a rookie in 2004-05, Smith has averaged 18 goals and 50 points per year with the club. During that time the 5-8, 180-pound center has ascended into the top ten in franchise history in games played, goals, assists and points. Despite seeing action in 44 career playoff games and appearing in the 2006 President's Cup Finals, Smith has yet to win a professional Championship.
"I know I always say this, but now more than ever I'm really excited for the season to start with who we've got coming back and the additions we're making to our team," Smith said. "I truly believe we were capable of winning it all last year if some of the breaks would have gone a little differently, and that just makes our drive to win a Championship that much stronger."
DeCaro, 27, will tend goal for the Mudbugs for a fourth year in 2010-11 as he looks to improve upon an impressive 89-37-10 career win-loss record. The 6-3, 200-pound netminder recorded his third 20-win season last year, going 24-14-1 with a 2.73 goals-against average, .912 saves percentage and two shutouts. He was the CHL's Goaltender of the Week for February 1 after going 3-0 and making 93 saves during the previous week.
DeCaro was forced out of action just two games into the 'Bugs 2010 playoff run, suffering a season-ending injury in the first period of Bossier-Shreveport's 4-3 Game 2 win over the Colorado Eagles.
"Getting hurt in the playoffs has really fueled the fire for me to get back and help finish what we started last year," DeCaro said. "We had a legitimate shot to win it and that definitely wasn't the way it was supposed to end. I don't care about stats or anything like that; I'm all about going out there and trying to help this team win games and ultimately a Championship."
The Marysville, Washington native was heavily decorated in his first two pro seasons, taking home the league's Goaltender of the Year honor and being named to both the All-CHL team and CHL All-Star Game in back-to-back seasons between 2006 and 2008.
DeCaro rewrote the CHL's goaltending record book during his sophomore campaign of 2007-08, shattering previous league marks for goals-against average, saves percentage, shutouts and individual shutout streak.
Mudbugs 2010-2011 season tickets and mini-plans are on sale now, so call 752-BUGS or stop by the team office inside the CenturyTel Center to get yours today! For all the latest Mudbugs offseason news, log on to www.mudbugshockey.com .
Season and group tickets are on sale by calling 318-752-BUGS (2847) or by visiting our website at www.mudbugshockey.com.
Central Hockey League Stories from August 19, 2010
- Smith, Decaro Re-Sign in Bossier-Shreveport - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- Rich Kromm Named GM-Coach of IceMen - Evansville IceMen
- Muscutt Featured in CHL Q&A Session - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- Gems Announce Season Theme for 2010-11 - Dayton Gems
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