DeCaro to Attend NHL Training Camp with Predators
August 27, 2009 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs News Release
BOSSIER CITY, LA - The Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs of the Central Hockey League, in conjunction with the NHL's Nashville Predators, today announced the addition of Mudbugs goaltender John DeCaro to the Predators' 2009 Training Camp roster. DeCaro will be among the Predators' goaltenders when they open training camp on September 12.
"What a great opportunity this is for John DeCaro," said Mudbugs Head Coach Scott Muscutt. "Every hockey player from the time he's old enough to pick up a stick dreams about playing in the NHL, and Johnny is getting a chance to do something that less than five percent of the hockey playing community gets to do. It's a phenomenal honor and one that is very well deserved. I wish him the best of luck while he's up there."
In Nashville, DeCaro will be sharing the ice with established NHL stars such as Jason Arnott, J.P. Dumont, Steve Sullivan and Shea Weber, just to name a few. The 26-year-old netminder has earned multiple call-ups to the American Hockey League in his pro career, but this marks his first crack at the NHL level.
"For the first day or two, it'll be like 'I can't believe I'm out here with these guys'," DeCaro remarked. "But once I settle in, I'll be out there doing a job and trying to show what I'm capable of. At the very least, it's a great opportunity to hopefully showcase what I can do and put my name out there."
DeCaro's three years of pro hockey have been highlighted by numerous awards, goaltending records, and most importantly: winning. The Marysville, Washington native brings a pro record of 65-23-9 into the coming season. In addition to winning back-to-back CHL Most Outstanding Goaltender awards in 2007 and 2008, DeCaro also was twice named to the All-CHL team and the league's All-Star Game.
During the 2007-08 season, the 6-3, 208-pounder single-handedly re-wrote the CHL goaltending record book as the 'Bugs won their second straight Governor's Cup. DeCaro established new single-season records for goals-against average, saves percentage and shutouts while also besting the league record shutout streak.
Even still, all those accomplishments pale in comparison to a chance at the National Hockey League.
"Ever since you were five years old it's something you've wanted a chance to do," DeCaro says. "I decided this summer to come back to Shreveport, and I was hoping for a legitimate opportunity somewhere at the next level. For a chance like this to come up is huge. I'm just going to have fun and do the best I can."
Nashville opens its preseason schedule on September 17 at home against the Atlanta Thrashers. The Predators will play a total of six preseason games, concluding their exhibition schedule on September 27 at Columbus.
The Mudbugs will begin their 13th season in Bossier-Shreveport on Friday, October 16 against the Laredo Bucks at CenturyTel Center. Full Season tickets and a variety of other ticket plans for 2009-2010 are available now, so call (318) 752-BUGS or visit our website at www.mudbugshockey.com for more information.
Central Hockey League Stories from August 27, 2009
- DeCaro to Attend NHL Training Camp with Predators - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- Bucks Bring Back All-Star Rivet - Laredo Bucks
- Celebrity Coaches To Battle - Tulsa Oilers
- Brahmas 'Juice' Up On Blueline, Re-Sign All-Star Kinnunen - Fort Worth Brahmas
- Eagles Are Secure Between the Pipes - Colorado Eagles
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