Mudbugs Lock Up Second Straight Governor's Cup

March 15, 2008 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs News Release


BOSSIER CITY, LA - The Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs won their second consecutive Governor's Cup Regular Season CHL Championship on Saturday night at CenturyTel Center , defeating Mississippi 3-0. The Mudbugs cruised to victory on the strength of three first period goals and another John DeCaro shutout for their 42nd win of the year.

Justin Aikins had a goal and an assist, Elias Godoy had two assists and DeCaro stopped all 30 shots he saw to extend his CHL record total to 11 shutouts this season. The win gave Bossier-Shreveport a 6-5 lead in the season series with the RiverKings, which will conclude tomorrow in Southaven, Mississippi .

All three goals in the first were highlight reel worthy as the Mudbugs took control of the contest early on, outshooting Mississippi 20-8 in the first. Justin Aikins got a steal that kept the puck in the offensive zone to set up the first goal. Aikins hit a streaking Elias Godoy, who then gave a pass a Kevin Cooper across the slot. Cooper directed the puck past Ian Keserich to reach 25 goals this season and give the Bugs the lead. Later in the period, Aikins was the beneficiary of another great passing play. Flying into the offensive zone, Aikins gave the puck to Tyrel Lucas in the slot. Lucas returned a pass to Aikins, who tucked in his 12th of the season to make it 2-0. Just over 1:30 later, a highlight reel tally from Daniel Pegoraro put the Bugs on top by three. Joe Ori took a pass from Godoy in the slot and patiently forced Keserich to the right side of his crease before sliding a back-door feed to Daniel Pegoraro, who buried his 12th of the year on the powerplay for the 3-0 lead.

The RiverKings settled down in the second period, limiting Bossier-Shreveport's chances and outshooting the Bugs 14-10. Through the second and then into the third period though, Mississippi couldn't solve DeCaro or the strong effort by the Mudbugs' defensive corps and back-checking forwards. As the third period went along, it was the Mudbugs who showed more intensity, outshooting the Kings 17-8 to hold off any attempt at a comeback.

The RiverKings missed on both of their third period powerplays and five total in the game, while Bossier-Shreveport converted one of four man-advantages. The Mudbugs finished the game with a 47-30 shot advantage.

Tomorrow's game now becomes even bigger for the RiverKings, who now face a three point deficit to earn a playoff spot with four games left. The Mudbugs and Mississippi will face off for the 12th and final time this season tomorrow at 5:05 from the DeSoto Civic Center . The radio broadcast on AM 710 KEEL will start off with the pregame show at 4:45, and the game can also be seen live on the CHL Network online.



Central Hockey League Stories from March 15, 2008


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