Late Texas Outburst Snaps Mudbugs' Streak

November 27, 2010 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs News Release


NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TX - Three third-period goals, including two in a 24-second span, helped the Texas Brahmas to a 5-3 win over the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs Saturday night at the NyTex Sports Centre. The loss ends Bossier-Shreveport's eight-game winning streak, putting the team at 15-5-0 heading into tomorrow's afternoon home game against Mississippi.

Brett Smith and Steven Crampton each had a goal and an assist as the ‘Bugs and Brahmas went back-and-forth throughout the night, trading leads four different times. Justin Aikins and Jamie Milam each had two assists also as the Mudbugs lost for the first time since November 6.

Both teams sent six shots on net in a first period which saw few scoring chances either way. The ‘Bugs got on the board though on a nice passing play with Justin Aikins and Crampton combining to feed Brett Smith, who skated into the slot before beating Wayne Savage through the five-hole at 8:36. That proved to be the game's only goal through 20 minutes.

The action heated up in a second period that featured three goals and three fights. Texas got goals three minutes apart from Chad Woollard and Tyler Allen to take a 2-1 lead in the early going. Then the gloves began to drop as Mitch Love faced Nathan Saunders, Shane Hart battled Todd Griffith and Steven Crampton dismantled Brahmas veteran tough-guy Roger Maxwell with numerous landed punches. The ‘Bugs then tied the game back up on Shane Hart's goal with less than two minutes remaining in the period.

The Mudbugs went back on top early in the third as Crampton sent a screaming shot into the top corner from the right circle to make it 3-2 for the visitors. The lead lasted only 29 seconds however, as Dan Reidel's shot was then deflected in by Maxwell to knot the game at three. Then the Brahmas went on top to stay when Tyler Allen scored on a delayed penalty at 15:55 and Matt Pierce followed with a screened-shot goal just 24 seconds later to make it a 5-3 Texas lead.

The Mudbugs tried to mount a last-minute comeback on the powerplay, but fell just short on their way to finishing 0 for 2 on the night. Texas converted 1 of 4 powerplay opportunities but was outshot 32-24 by the ‘Bugs.

Brian Foster (7-2-0) saw his four-game win streak snapped despite battling to make 19 saves, while Wayne Savage (3-3-1) stopped 29 Mudbugs shots. Former Mudbugs defenseman and Brahmas Captain Craig Minard was also honored with a special ceremony before the game following his retirement earlier this season.

Their three-game road trip now complete, the Mudbugs will return home to finish off a weekend of three games in three days tomorrow afternoon at 4:05 pm against the Mississippi RiverKings. The ‘Bugs will be wearing specialty jerseys representing either the Saints of the Cowboys during our "Pucks & Pigskins" game, which will feature football-themed entertainment throughout the game.

Remember that donations of non-perishable food will still be accepted from 9 am to 12 noon tomorrow at the CTC as fans have one last chance to contribute to either the Saints or the Cowboys to benefit the food bank of Northwest Louisiana.

Mini-plans and group ticket packages for all Mudbugs home games are available through the Mudbugs office at 752-BUGS. Individual tickets are on sale through Ticketmaster at 318-741-9700, online at www.ticketmaster.com or at the CenturyTel Center main box office.



Central Hockey League Stories from November 27, 2010


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