Clayton's Big Night Leads Mudbugs Past Oilers

January 23, 2009 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs News Release


TULSA, OK - Travis Clayton had two goals and two assists to lead the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs over the Tulsa Oilers 4-1 on Thursday night at the BOK Center. The win puts the 'Bugs back into a first-place tie with Oklahoma City in the Northeast Division and also moves them to 7-0 against Tulsa this year.

With four points on the night, Clayton took over the team lead in scoring and has moved to within two points of tying former Tulsa great Doug Lawrence as the second leading scorer in CHL history. Lawrence had 875 points in his CHL career, while Clayton now stands at 873. Ken Carroll had another great night in goal for Bossier-Shreveport with 38 saves, including 17 in the third period alone.

The Mudbugs dominated play in the first period but couldn't get on the scoreboard. Bossier-Shreveport peppered Tulsa goaltender Davis Parley with 20 shots in the first, but Parley made all the saves to keep the game scoreless after one. The 'Bugs outshot the Oilers 2-8 in the opening period and had three powerplay opportunities.

The Mudbugs did get on the board in the second period though, starting with Dale Lupul's sixth goal of the year. Lupul finished off a play from Travis Clayton and Chris Brassard by sliding the puck past Parley to make it 1-0. Less than two minutes later, a shorthanded goal made it 2-0 as Clayton fed a pass to a streaking Joe Blaznek, who beat Parley inside the far post for his team-leading 15th goal of the season at the 10:05 mark. Tulsa had many more shots in the second period, but the 'Bugs still outshot the Oilers 14-13 and held the 2-0 lead after 40 minutes.

Clayton made it 3-0 early in the third, firing a long shot that was deflected by a Tulsa defenseman and through Parley's five-hole to extend the Bossier-Shreveport lead. The Oilers finally got on the board with 7:41 remaining as Jake Riddle put a rebound past Carroll on the powerplay to break up the shutout effort. Clayton's empty-net goal with 24 second remaining put the icing on a 4-1 Mudbugs win.

Ken Carroll earned his 12th victory of the season with the 38-save effort, while Parley stopped 37 shots in the loss. The Mudbugs finished 0 for 8 on the powerplay in the game and outshot the Oilers 41-39. Tulsa converted 1 of 6 powerplay chances.

With their longest road trip of the season now behind them, the Mudbugs will head home for their first game at CenturyTel Center in nearly three weeks on Saturday night. The 'Bugs play host to Rio Grande Valley on Saturday for 98 Rocks "Back in Black" night starting at 7:05 pm. Help us "black out" the Killer Bees by wearing all black to the game as the Mudbugs look for their second win against Rio Grande Valley this season. Individual seats are on sale through Ticketmaster at 318-741-9700, while group and flex ticket packages are available at the Mudbugs office inside CenturyTel Center or by calling 318-752-BUGS.



Central Hockey League Stories from January 23, 2009


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.

OurSports Central