Lightbody to Fly with Blue Angels
Published on May 5, 2009 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs News Release
BOSSIER CITY, LA - The Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs of the Central Hockey League are proud to announce that they are once again participating in this year's Barksdale Air Force Base "Defenders of Liberty" Air Show, which returns to Barksdale this weekend. This year, longtime Mudbugs defenseman Quade Lightbody will be flying with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, one of the world's premier flight demonstration teams.
"Since I was a child, I've dreamt of flying in a fighter jet. This is absolutely a dream come true! I am honored to have been selected for this opportunity and can't wait for it to get here," said Lightbody.
Lightbody, who recently completed his sixth season with the Mudbugs, will strap in for his flight in the F/A-18 Hornet Blue Angel with Lt. Ben Walborn at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, May 6 as one of three local celebrities who have been selected for exclusive flights that precede the main show performances this Saturday and Sunday.
"Quade is a perfect fit for this flight," said Capt. Christina Hoggatt, 2 Bomb Wing Public Affairs chief. "His widespread community and military support as well as his direct influence on elementary, high-school, and college students made him a natural. We are excited to have his support and participation as part of an event in this year's air show, which also hosts the Canadian Snowbirds demonstration team."
The Barksdale Air Force Base Air Show is a two-day event, Saturday, May 9 and Sunday, May 10 featuring the US Navy Blue Angels and the Canadian Forces Snowbirds as headliners. Other aerobatic performers include the Air Force Reserve's Ed Hamill, Greg Poe, the E Team Skydivers, Vintage Warbirds, and a Sunday Mother's Day concert from Aaron Tippin. The event features free admission, free parking, and a free shuttle service provided by Sportran. Shuttles will run from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday from First Baptist Bossier and Sunday from the Bossier Civic Center. More information is available on the official Web site: http://www.barksdaleafbairshow.com.
Quade Lightbody served as an alternate team Captain for the Mudbugs for the fourth consecutive year during the recently completed 2008-09 campaign. The Port Elgin, Ontario native was once again one of the CHL's top defensive players and reprised his role as one of Bossier-Shreveport's toughest customers as well, finishing third on the team with 141 penalty minutes. Lightbody was voted the "Best Defensive Defenseman" in the CHL's annual Best of the Best poll in 2008 after finishing third in the league with a +32 rating during the 07-08 season. The 6-2, 215-pound blueliner ranks seventh in Mudbugs history with 363 games played and fourth with 890 penalty minutes. Lightbody also ranks in the top five defensemen in franchise history in assists and points and has recorded over 1,000 minutes in penalties during an eight-year professional career.
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