Colorado Eagles Week In Review

Published on March 29, 2010 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Colorado Eagles News Release

Week in Review

Monday, March 22; Ulanski Named CHL MVP, Wins Scoring Championship As Well

(LEAGUE RELEASE - Tempe, Arizona) - The Central Hockey League (CHL) announced today that Kevin Ulanski of the Colorado Eagles has been named the recipient of the 2009-10 Central Hockey League's Most Valuable Player award along with winning the Joe Burton Scoring Championship. The MVP honor is 'presented annually to the Central Hockey League player adjudged to be the most valuable to his team' and is determined through balloting of CHL coaches, communications staff members and selected media members in each market.

The Joe Burton Scoring Championship goes to the CHL player who leads the league in points during the regular season (named after the league's all-time leading scorer - Joe Burton). Ulanski becomes the first Colorado Eagles player to win the scoring championship as he finished with 109 points (34-75109), 12 better than any other CHL player. He also led the league with a +45 plus/minus rating (was an even or plus player in 50 of his 64 games).

The Madison, Wisconsin native showed remarkable consistency during the entire season but especially during the second half of the season scoring 21 points in each January, February and March. Ulanski registered points in 53 of the 64 games he played and on 34 occasions recorded multiple-point efforts.

The fifth-year professional and second-year Eagle was named a starter for the 2010 CHL All-Star Team back in January and last week was named a member of the All-CHL Team.

Ulanski, a former star at the University of Denver, won the vote rather comfortably receiving 21 votes (52 total ballots cast). Coming in second place was Corpus Christi forward Chad Woollard who received 13 votes. Also appearing on the MVP ballot as finalists were Allen's Bruce Graham, Odessa's Sebastien Thinel and Rapid City's Les Reaney.

2010 CHL Awards that have already been announced are: CHL Athletic Trainer of the Year - Stuart Nichols, Tulsa Oilers CHL Gunner Garrett Equipment Manager of the Year - Tony Deynzer, Colorado Eagles CHL Man of the Year - Justin Quenneville, Corpus Christi Ice Rays CHL All-Rookie Team - F: Sean Muncy (RGV), Nick Sirota (MIZ), Ryan Garbutt (CRP), D: Jake Obermeyer (AMA), Sean Erickson (TUL), G: Danny Battochio (RPD) All-CHL Team - F: Riley Nelson (COL), Kevin Ulanski (COL), Les Reaney (RPD), D: Aaron Schneekloth (COL), Derek Eastman (TUL), G: Joel Martin (ODE) CHL Rookie of the Year - Danny Battochio, Rapid City Rush CHL Coach of the Year - Joe Ferras, Rapid City Rush Most Oustanding Defenseman - Aaron Schneekloth, Colorado Eagles Most Outstanding Goaltender - Joel Martin, Odessa Jackalopes

Tuesday, March 23; Moment #4 - Nelson Downs 'Bugs in 2OT

Eagles Fans,

The Colorado Eagles will be kicking off the 2010 Ray Miron President's Cup playoffs with a special countdown of great playoff moments at the Budweiser Events Center from our first six seasons. Each day leading up to Game 1 of the Northern Conference Semifinals, we'll unveil another moment on our Web site and our Facebook Fan Page. Each moment will have a description of the play from the official press release along with the video highlight.

One lucky fan who posts a comment about their own favorite playoff moment on our Facebook page will be selected to receive TWO FREE TICKETS to Game 2 of the Northern Conference Semifinals on Saturday, March 27.

We look forward to seeing you at all of the home playoff games this season as we make more moments happen. Tickets are on sale now! Get yours today by visiting www.comcasttix.com.

Moment #4 Tuesday, April 18, 2006 - Game 1 - Conference Finals - Riley Nelson's 2OT game-winning goal vs. Bossier-Shreveport

FROM THE ARCHIVES:

Eagles Outlast Mudbugs 3-2 in Double OT

LOVELAND, CO- The Colorado Eagles defeated the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs 3-2 in double overtime in Game One of the Northern Conference Finals. Riley Nelson scored the game-winning goal at the 10:36 mark of the second overtime to give the Eagles a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. Both goaltenders played remarkable in their respective nets with Eagles goaltender Paulo Colaiacovo saving 50 of 52 shots and David Cacciola saving 42 of 45 shots. The Eagles and Mudbugs will face off again Wednesday night at the Budweiser Events Center for game two of the Northern Conference Finals.

Bossier-Shreveport killed two early penalties in the first period, and on their first power play opportunity Chad Spurr converted on a shot from the point to give the Mudbugs a 1-0 lead. Just over one minute later, Dale Lupul lifted a short-angled shot over the shoulder of Eagles' goaltender Paulo Colaiacovo to take a 2-0 lead. The Eagles didn't capitalize on any of their 10 shots in the period and were down 2-0 going into the first intermission.

The momentum shifted in the second period, and Chris Hartsburg banged in the puck from a scrum in front of the net to cut the Mudbugs' lead to 2-1. Colorado's captain Greg Pankewicz scored his sixth goal of the post-season on a backhanded rebound at the 7:06 mark of the second to tie the game at two. Both teams had 11 shots in the period, but it was Colorado that had erased their two-goal deficit.

Neither team was able to manage a goal in the final frame. The Mudbugs again outshot Colorado 13-8, and both teams were 0-2 on the power play.

Both teams again skated scoreless in the first overtime period. It was the first period of the game that the Eagles outshot Bossier-Shreveport at 11-10.

A little over halfway through the second overtime, Riley Nelson won the game on a blasted slapshot that beat Cacciola glove side. Each team had killed two penalties in the overtime period and Nelson scored on the Eagles 45th shot of the night.

The Eagles and Mudbugs face off again in Game 2 Wednesday night at the Budweiser Events Center. Colorado leads the best-of-seven series 1-0.

Wednesday, March 24; Moment #3 - McGrane Scores in OT vs. Texas

Eagles Fans,

We look forward to seeing you at all of the home playoff games this season as we make more moments happen. Tickets are on sale now! Get yours today by visiting www.comcasttix.com.

Moment #3 Friday, May 1, 2009 - Game 2 - President's Cup Finals - Ed McGrane's OT game-winning goal vs. Texas

FROM THE ARCHIVES:

McGrane's OT Winner Evens Finals Series

LOVELAND, Colo. - The Colorado Eagles evened up the Ray Miron President's Cup Finals with the Texas Brahmas with a 5-4 overtime win in Game 2. Ed McGrane notched his team-leading eighth goal of the playoffs while on a 4-on-3 power play in overtime to send the series to Texas knotted up at one.

The festivities took on a somber moment prior to puck-drop as the Eagles honored two members of the organization's family with a moment of silence. Earlier this week the Eagles lost both backup play-by-play broadcaster Rich Bircumshaw and one of the team's original investors, Jim Ball.

Colorado got off to a quick start before spending the better part of the second half of the opening period in the penalty box (they were called for five penalties in a row, spending nearly eight consecutive minutes in the box). Riley Nelson extended his point streak to nine games with a goal 2:03 in after Jay Birnie freed up the puck in the left corner and sent it into the middle of the offensive zone for Nelson to put past Brett Jaeger.

But the Brahmas took advantage of two five-on-three goals from Scott Sheppard to take a 2-1 lead into the first intermission as the Texas forward beat Andrew Penner twice from the left circle. Sheppard also got the game-winner in Game 1 and led both teams in scoring in last year's playoff matchup.

Just like in Game 1, the Eagles controlled much of the second period, out-shooting the Brahmas 17-9 in this one. They were able to even the score at 2 with a power-play score of their own -- on their first power play chance since five minutes into the first period -- when Konrad Reeder got his first power-play goal of the playoffs.

The tying goal came at 7:16 -- with five seconds left in the power play -- when Adam Hogg sent a shot on Jaeger from the right midboards and Reeder was able to put home Colorado's second swipe at the rebound from the left side of the crease.

Then, at the exact moment their third power play was expiring, Scott Polaski 's shot from above the left circle went under the crossbar to make it 3-2. The assist for Hogg gave him the first three-point game of his pro career (all assists).

Colorado stretched their lead to 4-2 with a goal 3:19 into the third after Jaeger turned the puck over behind his own net. Brett Hammond picked off the puck and fed Hogg from below the goal line. Hogg's shot hit off the goal post, and landed in the crease where Birnie was able to poke it in. Hogg's fourth assist set a new franchise playoff record for assists in a game.

Brahmas Head Coach Dan Wildfong called a timeout to regroup and it paid huge dividends as Texas answered just 16 seconds later. Sheppard sent a backhand flip from below the goal line and Jason Deitsch, who was crashing the left side of the crease, where he knocked it out of mid-air and past Penner.

Then, at 8:58, with the Eagles on their fourth power play of the night, Brandon Benedict converted a turnover at the Colorado blueline into a 4-4 tie. It marked the first shorthanded goal scored against the Eagles in the playoffs, but came as no shock as the two teams tied for the regular season lead with 19 shorties apiece.

Despite a 5-4 disadvantage in overtime shots, Colorado controlled most of the play in the attacking zone but whiffed on several chances to get the puck on net. But at 8:28, McGrane scored a four-on-three power-play tally for his team-leading fourth man-advantage marker. The Eagles forward took a cross-ice pass from Nelson and blazed a shot past the Brahmas' netminder from the right circle to even the series.

Game 3 of the President's Cup Finals will be played at the NYTEX Sports Centre in North Richland Hills, Texas on Sunday; puck-drop is scheduled for 2:05 p.m. (MST).

Wednesday, March 24; Eagles Add Amateur O'Malley to Roster

WINDSOR, Colo. - The Colorado Eagles announced today that they have added amateur forward Brett O'Malley to their playoff roster. Each team in the Central Hockey League is allowed to carry two amateur players during the Ray Miron President's Cup playoffs.

O'Malley spent the past four seasons with the University of Calgary Dinos, where he acted as one of the team's assistant captains for the past two seasons. In that time, the 5-foot-11-inch, 175-pound forward registered 90 points (49-41-90) and 200 penalty minutes in 129 games.

Prior to his time with the Dinos, the right-handed shooter played five seasons in the Western Hockey League, split between two different teams (the Lethbridge Hurricanes & the Calgary Hitmen). In 327 WHL games, he registered 126 points (52-74-126) and 250 PIMs.

O'Malley, who will wear number 37 for Colorado, is coming off a strong final season with the Dinos in which he scored a late, game-winning goal to propel his team into the playoffs. Other hockey highlights include representing Canada at the IIHF U-18 world championship in 2002 where he had a goal and two assists playing alongside current NHLers Eric Staal and Pierre-Marc Bouchard, and attending a tryout camp with the New York Islanders in 2003.

Thursday, March 25; Moment #2 - Weiman's Series of Saves

Eagles Fans,

We look forward to seeing you at all of the home playoff games this season as we make more moments happen. Tickets are on sale now! Get yours today by visiting www.comcasttix.com.

Moment #2 Monday, April 18, 2005 - Game 5 - Conference Finals - Tyler Weiman's series of saves vs. Wichita

FROM THE ARCHIVES:

EAGLES LIGHT UP THUNDER 5-2; Colorado Leads Series 3-2

LOVELAND, CO The Colorado Eagles continued to win on home ice and beat the Wichita Thunder 5-2 in Game 5 of the Northern Conference Finals. Colorado now leads the best-of-seven series 3-2, and will head to Wichita for Game 6 on Wednesday night in hopes to clinch the conference title. Tyler Weiman made 34 saves, and Chris Hartsburg, Riley Nelson, and Ryan Tobler each had a goal and an assist in the Eagles victory. Scott Allison and Paul Esdale each scored a goal for the Thunder, who now are in a must win situation to keep their season alive.

Wichita Captain Jason Duda took a holding penalty 4:36 into the first period, and the Eagles took advantage of their first power play opportunity when Riley Nelson tipped the puck past Jason Flick. He was assisted by Ryan Tobler and Brad Williamson. The 1-0 lead for the Eagles was short lived as Scott Allison scored just 1:18 later, on a power play goal as Karlis Zirnis was serving time for a slashing penalty. Paul Esdale and Ryan Fairbarn added the assists on the play. Colorado continued to work hard and it paid off when the Eagles rushed into the zone and Greg Pankewicz fed Ryan Tobler who was coming down the right wing. Tobler flicked a backhand on goal on a short angle and it bounced off Jason Flicks back and into the net. The Eagles took the 2-1 lead into the intermission going 1-1 on the power play. Wichita out shot the Eagles 14-11 in the period and was 1-2 on the power play.

Colorado continued the offensive pressure in the second period, and at the 4:53 mark of the period Chris Hartsburg gave the Eagles a 3-1 lead. Lee Ruff brought the puck in behind the Wichita net, centered a pass for Kevin Marsh who fanned on it, but Chris Hartsburg was there to slap the puck past Flick stick side. Colorado took a penalty for too many men at the 8:45 mark of the period giving Wichita a golden opportunity to cut the lead to one goal. Tyler Weiman single handedly took that opportunity away when he made the save of the season on a shot by Paul Esdale. He went to the deck taking away a shot on the ice, but Esdale went top shelf and Weiman swung his left leg pad into the air and shut the door to conserve the Eagles two-goal cushion. The Eagles were whistled again at the 16:41 mark of the period on a penalty to Lee Ruff. In the ensuing penalty kill, Eagles right winger Mike Lephart stole a puck at center ice, beat the Thunder defense and skated in alone on goaltender Flick. Lephart faked to his backhand, made Flick commit to the ice, then switched to his forehand and snuck the puck around Flicks left leg to take a 4-1 lead into the second intermission.

The Thunder struck quickly into the third period on their second power play goal of the game. Paul Esdale lifted a centering pass from Jason Duda past Weiman to cut the Eagles lead to 4-2 just 2:18 into the period. The Eagles tamed the Thunders onslaught and capped the game nearly halfway through the period. Chris Hartsburg skated hard into Wichita s zone, slammed on the brakes and fed a streaking Kevin McDonald who neatly tipped the puck past Flick for his first goal and point of the playoffs. The Eagles held on to the 5-2 victory after holding the Thunder to only eight shots on goal in the third period.

Tyler Weiman saved 34 of 36 shots for his sixth playoff victory of the season. His counterpart Jason Flick saved 31 of the Eagles 36 shots and took his fourth loss of the playoffs. Colorado finished 1-4 on the power play; Wichita was 2-6. The Eagles and Thunder will battle again in Game 6 back in Wichita at the Kansas Coliseum. Game time is set to start at 6:00 pm MST. Be sure to catch all the action on 99.9 The Point, or on Sportsjuice.com.

Thursday, March 25; McGrane Named CHL Player of the Month

(LEAGUE RELEASE) - The Central Hockey League announced today that forward Ed McGrane of the Colorado Eagles has been named the Sher-Wood/TPS Central Hockey League Player of the Month for the month of March/2010. McGrane will receive a Sher-Wood/TPS portable DVD player, courtesy of Sher-Wood/TPS, to recognize his accomplishment.

The veteran forward had a tremendous second half of the season capped off by a 14-goal month of March. He totaled 20 point (14-620) and was a +11 during the final month of the season. He scored three game winning goals, three shorthanded goals and four power play goals. The Hamilton, Ontario native scored goals in eight of the Eagles 10 games during the month including five multiple-goal games. On the season, the 5-10, 193-pound forward led the CHL in goals with 44 and was fourth in points with 89 (44-4589). He scored 24 goals in his team's final 21 games tallying five game winners over that stretch. His strong month of March helped his team to an 8-2-0 record.

Other players receiving consideration for the monthly award for March include Allen's Nino Musitelli, Arizona's Kyle Hood, Bossier-Shreveport's Shawn Limpright, Colorado's Kevin Ulanski, Corpus Christi's Chris Richards, Laredo's Darryl Smith, Mississippi's Ryan Held, Odessa's Collin Circelli and Sebastien Thinel, Texas' Matt Pierce and Wichita's Tomas Klempa.

Sher-Wood/TPS CHL Player of the Month Ed McGrane, Colorado Eagles Position: Forward (March Totals) Games - 10 Points - 20 Goals - 14 Assists - 6 Plus/Minus - +11

Sher-Wood/TPS CHL Player of the Month (Previous Winners) October- Rob Hisey, Tulsa Oilers November- Jesse Bennefield, Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees December- Jon Pelle, Rapid City Rush January- Darryl Smith, Laredo Bucks February - Sebastien Thinel, Odessa Jackalopes March - Ed McGrane, Colorado Eagles

Friday, March 26; Moment #1 - Panks' President's Cup-Winner

Eagles Fans,

We look forward to seeing you at all of the home playoff games this season as we make more moments happen. Tickets are on sale now! Get yours today by visiting www.comcasttix.com.

Moment #1 Wednesday, May 23, 2007 - Game 6 - President's Cup Finals - Greg Pankewicz's game-winning goal vs. Laredo

FROM THE ARCHIVES:

Eagles Win 2nd President's Cup with Win Over Laredo

LOVELAND, Colo." The Colorado Eagles scored two third-period goals to beat the Laredo Bucks 4-3 and win the Ray Miron President's Cup Championship for the second time in four seasons. Colorado was down by one goal twice in the game and found a way to come back each time and beat the Bucks in front of the 154th consecutive sellout at the Budweiser Events Center. Playoff Most Valuable Player Greg Pankewicz scored two goals including the game-winner and Ed McGrane added the other two goals for Colorado. Rookie goaltender Tim Boron won his second consecutive game making 27 saves on 30 shots making him the second rookie in net to win the cup-clinching game for Colorado. The Eagles will celebrate this Friday, May 25th at the Budweiser Events Center for a Championship Party starting at 7:00 p.m.

On the first shot of the game for either team, Eagles captain Greg Pankewicz scored his 16th goal of the playoffs at the 6:21 mark. He came into the zone on a partial breakaway and blasted a slapshot over the right shoulder of Bucks' goaltender Eric Marvin. Pankewicz was assisted by Sean Robertson and Tim Boron, and the goal marked his 31st point of the playoffs tying the Central Hockey League record for most points in a single playoff season. The Bucks tied the game on just their second shot at the 14:58 mark of the period when Leo Thomas slapped a one-timer over Eagles' goaltender Tim Boron for a power play goal. He was assisted by Steve Weidlich and Bobby Chaumont. The Eagles were awarded a four-minute power play just seconds later, but couldn't muster a goal as the teams skated into the first intermission tied at one. Colorado outshot the Bucks 8-4 in the period.

Laredo took a 2-1 lead at the 6:45 mark of the period when Bobby Chaumont took the puck in the middle of the slot and ripped a shot past the stick side of Boron. He was assisted by Igor Agarunov and Adam Rivet. The Eagles tied the game when Ed McGrane took a pass from Brad Williamson and beat Marvin with a low shot far post. It was the Eagles first power play goal of the game. Laredo answered with a power play goal of their own on a pass by Adam Rivet that went through traffic and Jeff Bes buried it for his 16th goal of the playoffs. Laredo held the lead for the remainder of the period and were outshooting the Eagles 20-19 after two periods.

The Eagles tied the game at three early in the third period when Scott Polaski fed Ed McGrane at the blueline, McGrane split the defense, skated in on a breakaway and beat Marvin topshelf with his backhand. Brad Williamson also assisted on the play. Colorado continued their pressure and at the 14:13 mark, Greg Pankewicz took a behind-the-back pass from Ryan Tobler and lifted the puck over the shoulder of Marvin for the game-winning goal. The Eagles held on in the final five minutes and won their second President's Cup Championship in the last three seasons. Colorado scored the final two goals of the game, both in the third period to put them atop the Central Hockey League.

Friday, March 26; Mudbugs Come Back For Game 1 Win

LOVELAND, Colo. - The Colorado Eagles lost, 4-3, in overtime, to the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs in Game 1 of the Northern Conference Semifinals. It marked not only the ninth playoff game out of 10 all-time between the two clubs to be decided by a single goal, but it was the fourth in the past five to end with a 4-3 score. It was also the third playoff game in a row between the two teams that went past regulation time.

The Mudbugs held a strong edge in shots in the opening frame (14-6), but the Eagles held just as strong an edge in hits. Jim Jackson got the only goal of the first period at 2:14 -- on Colorado's first shot -- when he took an innocent-looking shot from atop the right circle that beat John DeCaro. For the Eagles' defenseman, it was simply a carryover from the regular season when he led the team with three goals against the 'Bugs in as many games.

Colorado nearly added to that early lead with good shorthanded pressure a couple minutes later, but the puck began to bounce in the low slot as Ed McGrane (the league's goal leader in the regular season) and Kevin Ulanski (the league's top point-producer in the regular season) nearly converted a 2-on-1 break. And just moments later, Jackson stole the puck just outside the offensive zone and snapped the Eagles' second shot of the game off DeCaro's blocker.

Bossier-Shreveport again out-shot Colorado in the second period (12-9), but it was the Eagles that scored the only goals in the frame. Andrew Penner book-ended the period with some stellar saves to keep the 'Bugs off the scoreboard. Early in the stanza, he stopped Joe Blaznek with a lightning-fast left leg kick. And at 5:43, Riley Nelson made it 2-0 with a power-play goal from the right slot.

On the play, the Eagles' captain took a diagonal pass from Aaron Schneekloth and snuck a shot 5-hole on DeCaro. Steve Haddon and McGrane nearly added another tally on a 2-on-1 break about two minutes later, but Haddon's shot rang off the right post.

McGrane continued his goal-scoring spree from the regular season with a beautiful shot at 13:55 as he unleashed a laser from atop the left circle that went over DeCaro's left shoulder and right into the crux of the top right corner of the goal. Penner capped off the period with another big save, with just over a minute and a half left, when he stoned Shawn Limpright (Bossier-Shreveport's leading scorer in the regular season) on a mini-break with another left pad save.

Colorado had another shorthanded chance just miss in the first two minutes of the third period, when McGrane found Ulanski alone in the slot, but his shot went over the crossbar. It would be a sign of things to come the rest of the period -- and the game -- as things began to go the 'Bugs' way.

Adam Hogg was called for a double-minor, high-sticking penalty at the 7:11 mark, and Bossier-Shreveport would strike twice on the ensuing power play for their first man-advantage markers of the night. Limpright got the first when he was able to deflect Jeff Kyrzakos ' pass from the right midboards over Penner from the low slot.

Then, with just four seconds remaining in the power play, Tyrel Lucas made it 3-2 when his shot from the right circle deflected down low and slid across the goal line. And just over a minute later, Bossier-Shreveport tied the game with a shorthanded goal when David Pszenyczny converted a 3-on-1 rush from low in the left circle.

DeCaro slammed the door on the Eagles the rest of the period, making several big saves about 15 minutes in, and then stone-walling McGrane with 2:22 remaining on another 2-on-1 chance. The game would end up going to overtime for the fourth time in the all-time playoff series between the two teams -- and the third time in a row.

It took just 42 seconds of the extra session for the game to be decided, as the Mudbugs scored the fourth of their four unanswered goals. The play occurred as Schneekloth turned along the right wing boards in his own zone and threw a blind pass into the slot that ended up right on Blaznek's tape between the hashes; he quickly snapped it past Penner for the game-winner.

Saturday, March 27; 'Bugs Take Game 2 in Another 4-3 Win

LOVELAND, Colo. - The Colorado Eagles fell again to the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs, by an identical 4-3 score, in Game 2 of the Northern Conference Semifinals. The two teams continued to prove that they're evenly matched as it was the fifth time in the past six playoff games between the two teams with that exact final score, and the 10th of 11 all-time decided by just one goal.

Opposite of Friday night, the Eagles dominated the first period shot total, out-shooting the Mudbugs 21-9. Unlike Friday night, however, John DeCaro was strong in the opening frame, stopping the first 18 shots thrown his way.

Unfortunately for Bossier-Shreveport -- and its starting netminder -- DeCaro left the game 13:55 in when he appeared to injure himself making a save on Jim Jackson 's power-play shot. Ken Carroll took his place between the pipes and let in the first shot he saw.

On the play, Kevin Ulanski 's shot was deflected by Ryan Tobler in the slot and right to a wide open Ed McGrane below the right circle. The regular season's leading goal scorer flipped it into the net for a power-play tally and a 1-0 lead. But the 'Bugs countered right back under a minute and a half later, when David Pszenyczny put home a Joe Ori rebound from the low slot to tie the game at 1.

Each team scored another goal in the second period to enter the third in a 2-2 tie. The Mudbugs' took a 2-1 lead 6:19 in -- on their first shot of the stanza -- when Ori found Joe Blaznek with a pass through the left circle before the 'Bugs' Game 1 hero snapped a shot past Andrew Penner.

Ryan McLeod evened the score at 12:53 of the middle frame when his shot from atop the right circle deflected off a defenseman and past Carroll, where it laid in the crease before a pile-up pushed it over the goal line. Each goaltender came up with some great saves the remainder of the period to keep the score knotted heading into the third.

The Mudbugs scored again on their first shot of the third period after Blaznek worked the puck free along the right-wing boards and left a drop-pass for Brett Smith alone in the faceoff circle. Smith then snapped a shot over Penner's shoulder to make it 3-2, 'Bugs.

Colorado countered just over two minutes later when Tobler's pass attempt to Riley Nelson across the low slot was broken up, and the puck went to Ulanski in the right circle. The league's MVP blasted it into the net to tie the game back up at 3.

But at 6:12, Smith sent Ori on a big breakaway in which he had plenty of time to deke Penner with a backhand-forehand move before tucking the puck inside the left post. It was the fourth goal of the game for the Bossier-Shreveport line of Ori, Smith, and Blaznek.

Carroll made several big saves the rest of the way as the Eagles tried to tie the game up one more time. He stopped 14 of 15 shots in the final period as Colorado capped off its night of firing pucks on net (they out-shot the Mudbugs 47-23).

Game 3 of the best-of-seven series will be played on Tuesday, March 30 in Bossier-Shreveport, La. The Mudbugs lead the series, two-games-to-none.

The Week Ahead

Tuesday, March 30 (Game 3), Thursday, April 1 (Game 4) & Friday, April 2 (Game 5 - if necessary); Eagles Look For Revenge in Bossier-Shreveport After dropping the first two games of the Northern Conference Semifinals at home, the Eagles (#2 seed) will look to return the favor against the Mudbugs (#3 seed) as the series shifts to Bossier City, La. The Eagles and Mudbugs have made a history of playing close games -- especially in the playoffs -- and after Games 1 & 2 both ended with a 4-3 score, this series looks to be no different. The teams are so evenly matched that Colorado is 3-3 at home all-time against the 'Bugs in the playoffs, with each team scoring an identical 19 goals. If necessary, Games 6 & 7 would be played back at the Budweiser Events Center on April 6 and 7 respectively.

Notable Numbers

SLIM MARGINS - The Eagles and Mudbugs continue to play one-goal games. Five of the past six regular season games between the two teams have been decided by a single score, as have 10 of the past 11 playoff meetings. Even more ironic, five of the past six playoff games between them have ended with a 4-3 score (as did two of their three regular season games this season).

FIRST TO FOUR - With the Eagles and 'Bugs specializing in 4-3 games, scoring four goals takes on a special significance. In their all-time playoff history, neither team has ever scored at least four goals and lost. And in their 22 all-time regular season meetings, a team has scored at least four and lost only twice. Colorado was 33-3-2 in the regular season when scoring at least four goals.

PLAYOFF PLAYER - Ed McGrane has continued his late season scoring spree with a goal in each of the first two playoff games against the Mudbugs. McGrane won the season scoring title (44 goals) by netting 23 tallies in his final 18 games. In last year's playoffs, McGrane led the Eagles in points (19) and goals (13); nobody else on the team had more than five scores. In the past two playoff seasons, McGrane's shooting percentage is.190 (15-79).

ALL-TIME PLAYOFF POINTS - Riley Nelson's next point will make him the Eagles' all-time leader in playoff points; he's currently tied with Greg Pankewicz at 95 points. Ryan Tobler is third on the list with 66 points, but Ed McGrane (63) is quickly gaining ground. Aaron Schneeklth (44) is five points away from joining Brad Williamson (49) in the top-5. At the opposite end of the ice, Andrew Penner's next win will make him the first Eagles goalie with 10 playoff victories.

TWO IN A ROW AT HOME - The Eagles have dropped the first two games of a playoff series at home for just the second time in their seven seasons, with the only other occurrence taking place in their first ever playoff series against Wichita in 2004 (also the Northern Conference Semifinals). It's the organization's third two-game home losing streak in the playoffs, matching their longest all-time. The only other time it happened was when Colorado was swept in the 2008 President's Cup Finals by Arizona.

CHANGE IN SCENERY - The Eagles actually have a better all-time regular season record against the Mudbugs on the road. Of their 22 all-time meetings, the Eagles are 7-4-1 at home with a +5 goal margin, while they're 7-2-1 with a +8 in Bossier-Shreveport. Colorado won both of last year's playoff games in Louisiana in overtime.

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Central Hockey League Stories from March 29, 2010

Shots from the Point - CHL
Mudbugs vs. Eagles Game 3 Tomorrow at the CTC - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
Mudbugs Weekly - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
Bucks, Laredo Energy and Border Lease To Donate $10,000 Tuesday - Laredo Bucks
Allen Americans Weekly Notes - Allen Americans
Held Wins CHL Monthly Three Stars Award - Mississippi RiverKings
Oilers Tie To Frozen Four - Tulsa Oilers
Missouri's Jeff Christian Wins Oakley Three Star Player of the Year Award - CHL
Colorado Eagles Week In Review - Colorado Eagles
Bucks Host Allen In Pivotal Game Three Tuesday - Laredo Bucks
Jackalopes Weekly Update - Odessa Jackalopes
Rush Win Defensive Battle 2-1; Take 2-0 Series Lead - Rapid City Rush
Mavericks Lose Tight One In Game 2, 2-1 To Rush - Kansas City Mavericks

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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