Four Mudbugs Attending AHL Camps

September 26, 2007 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs News Release


BOSSIER CITY, LA - Four players from the 2007-2008 Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs roster are currently participating in American Hockey League training camps. Forwards Joe Ori and Darryl Lloyd are in camp with the Rochester Americans, while goaltender John DeCaro and defenseman Dale Lupul are with the San Antonio Rampage.

"We are obviously excited about these four guys," said Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Scott Muscutt. "We wish them the best while they're there, but at the same time, we can't wait to see them back in a Mudbugs uniform."

Ori made his mark during the 06-07 season, his first with the Mudbugs and second as a pro. In 63 games last year, the Niles, Illinois native scored 20 goals and assisted on 31 others, finishing as the team's fifth leading scorer. His plus 20 rating was tied for second on the club last year. In his rookie season, Ori played in , scoring 47 goals and 87 points in 05-06.

Lloyd returns to the Central Hockey League for his fourth pro season after spending last year with the Victoria Salmon Kings of the ECHL, where he scored 19 points and added 152 penalty minutes in 59 games. Before that, the 23-year-old played two seasons in the CHL for Laredo (2004-2005) and Youngstown (2005-2006), even garnering a five game call-up to the Cleveland Barons of the AHL in 05-06.

"Ori is such a great two-way player and he skates so well," Muscutt said. "And Lloyd is going to work that much harder than everybody else out there. He's got a high skill level and great work ethic."

The Rochester Americans opened training camp Monday and will play their first of three exhibition games against the defending Calder Cup champion Hamilton Bulldogs on Friday night.

As a rookie last year, DeCaro burst onto the CHL scene, winning the league's Most Outstanding Goaltender Award. He led the league with both a 2.20 goals-against average and .931 save percentage, earning his way onto the 2007 All-CHL and CHL All-Rookie teams. The 24-year-old Everett, Washington native finished with a record of 23-7-4 with two shutouts during 06-07 and played in the 2007 CHL All-Star Game. DeCaro was also called up to the AHL twice last year, appearing in two games with the Philadelphia Phantoms.

Lupul returns to the Mudbugs this year after spending last season in the United Hockey League. Playing 76 games for both Elmira and Quad City , the 27-year-old posted season totals of 49 points and 161 penalty minutes. Prior to that, Lupul spent his rookie year with the Mudbugs and was named to the 2006 CHL All-Rookie team after registering 29 points and a team-best +24 rating in 59 regular season games. He caught fire in the '06 playoffs with 5 goals and 14 points in 15 contests on the blueline.

"Johnny DeCaro deserves this opportunity after last year being named the CHL goalie of the year," said Coach Muscutt. "And this is no surprise for Lupul; he obviously has a great deal of skill since he spent training camp last year with the New York Islanders."

Training camp for the San Antonio Rampage began Tuesday at the AT&T Center , with their first preseason game coming up on Friday against the Houston Aeros at the Laredo Entertainment Center , home of the CHL's Laredo Bucks.

The 11th season of Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs hockey is fast approaching. The team opens up on Friday, October 19th in Mississippi , with the home opener slotted for Saturday, October 20th versus the Texas Brahmas. Group and season tickets are available by calling 318-752-BUGS.



Central Hockey League Stories from September 26, 2007


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