'Bugs Rally From 3-0 Deficit to Top Jacks

Published on October 24, 2009 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs News Release


ODESSA, TX - The Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs rallied from a 3-0 first period deficit and got two goals from Simon Mangos in an 11-round shootout to knock off the Odessa Jackalopes 5-4 Saturday night at the Ector County Coliseum. Brett Smith's game-tying goal with only 5:11 remaining tied the game at four to complete the comeback and force overtime.

Mangos also had two assists in addition to the game-winner as the ‘Bugs got goals in regulation from Mike Salekin, Travis Clayton, Joe Blaznek and Smith. John DeCaro made 30 saves in his second victory of the season.

Odessa took control early in the first period when Mike Lesperance opened the scoring with a powerplay goal just 2:57 in. Colin Circelli then made it 2-0 Jackalopes when his shot deflected off Chris St. Croix' stick and over John DeCaro's shoulder less than two minutes later. The Mudbugs had killed off two minutes worth of 5-on-3 powerplay time and then another two minutes of 5-on-4 time for Odessa when Jean Bourbeau knocked in a pass from Sebastien Thinel to stretch the lead to 3-0. The Jackalopes outshot the ‘Bugs 18-8 in the first 20 minutes.

Bossier-Shreveport rallied in the second period when Tyler Liebel stole a puck in the Odessa zone and set up Mike Salekin's first goal of the season to get the ‘Bugs on the board. Travis Clayton followed a few minutes later with a powerplay tally that got the Mudbugs back within one at 3-2. Late in the period though, the Jackalopes re-took the two goal advantage when Kenny Bernard somehow banged a rebound past DeCaro at the side of the net to give Odessa the 4-2 advantage after two periods.

The Mudbugs kept battling into the third though, pulling back within a goal at 6:57 on Blaznek's second goal in as many nights. Brett Smith then tied the game up on his first goal of the season after Joe Ori and Justin Aikins held the puck in the offensive zone to create the scoring chance.

After a scoreless overtime session, Mangos gave the ‘Bugs the lead in the shootout before Mike Ramsay tied it at one in the fourth round. Then after five consecutive scoreless rounds, it was Mangos' turn to end the marathon and cap off the 5-4 victory with his second shootout goal of the night.

Joel Martin stopped 24 shots for Odessa in defeat. Odessa finished 2 for 8 on the powerplay, while Bossier-Shreveport converted 1 of 7 chances.

Next up for the Mudbugs will be a bout with the rival Texas Brahmas at 7:05 on Friday night in Bossier City. The defending CHL Champions will be back at the CenturyTel Center as the two clubs renew their rivalry for the first of eight times this season. Group packages and mini-plans are available through the Mudbugs office at 752-BUGS, while individual tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster at 741-9700.

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Central Hockey League Stories from October 24, 2009


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