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Bossier-Shreveport's John DeCaro Named CHL's Most Outstanding Goaltender

March 23, 2007 - Central Hockey League (CHL) News Release


Rookie netminder John DeCaro of the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs has earned Most Outstanding Goaltender honors for the Central Hockey League's 2006-2007 season. Already named to both the CHL's All-Rookie and All-CHL teams earlier this week, and runner up in CHL Rookie of the Year voting, the Everett, Washington native outdistanced second place finisher David Cacciola from the New Mexico Scorpions in balloting of CHL head coaches, communications departments and selected media members in each market. The award is 'presented annually to the Central Hockey League's most outstanding goaltender, in memory of Scott Brower, former Memphis goaltender and Corpus Christi employee.'

24-year old DeCaro has performed admirably for the Northeast Division champion Mudbugs all season, currently posting a record of 22-7-4 while leading the CHL with both a 2.27 goals against average and a .929 save percentage. Pressed into full time duty following an injury to veteran Ken Carroll, last season's Most Outstanding Goaltender, DeCaro has responded exceptionally well, winning 19 of his last 22 outings for the Mudbugs, who enter tonight's contest in Tulsa riding a seven game winning streak. His play this season earned him a recall to the Philadelphia Phantoms, appearing in two games for the American Hockey League club. DeCaro also was selected to appear in the 2007 CHL All-Star Game played at the CenturyTel Center in Bossier-Shreveport, starting in place of the injured Carroll.

The Most Outstanding Goaltender award is the fourth overall for the Mudbugs organization, currently celebrating their 10th season of play. Carroll has won the award twice (2005-2006 CHL & 2000-2001 WPHL) while Kevin St. Pierre was selected during the 1997-1998 (WPHL) season.

The recipient of the CHL Most Valuable Player award will be announced Monday, March 26th, in conjunction with the winner of the Joe Burton Scoring Champion award.

2006-2007 Central Hockey League Award Recipients

All-CHL Team

F: Jeff Christian, Youngstown SteelHounds

F: Brent Kelly, Arizona Sundogs

F: Chris Richards, Youngstown SteelHounds

D: Derek Landmesser, Memphis RiverKings

D: Brad Williamson, Colorado Eagles

G: John DeCaro, Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs

All-Rookie Team

F: Cam Abbott, Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs

F: Bobby Chaumont, Laredo Bucks

F: Ryan McLeod, New Mexico Scorpions

D: Alex Dunn, Odessa Jackalopes

D: Craig Strain, Colorado Eagles

G: John DeCaro, Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs

Coach of the Year

Kevin McClelland, Memphis RiverKings

Athletic Trainer of the Year

Mike Ermatinger, Youngstown SteelHounds

Equipment Manager of the Year

Brandon Rose, Oklahoma City Blazers

CHL Man of the Year

Riley Nelson, Colorado Eagles

Rick Kozuback Award

Marco Pietroniro, Arizona Sundogs

CHL Rookie of the Year

Cam Abbott, Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs

Most Outstanding Defenseman

Brad Williamson, Colorado Eagles

Most Outstanding Goaltender

John DeCaro, Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs

Joe Burton Scoring Champion

TBA Monday, March 26th

Most Valuable Player

TBA Monday, March 26th

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Central Hockey League Stories from March 23, 2007


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.


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