Mudbugs Return Leadership at Both Ends
Published on September 11, 2008 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs News Release
BOSSIER CITY, LA - Two of last year's team captains returned to the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs on Thursday, as the team announced the re-signings of forward Chris Brassard and defenseman Quade Lightbody. 2008-09 will be the seventh season in Bossier-Shreveport for Brassard and sixth for Lightbody. Combined with the recent additions of forwards Joe Blaznek and Travis Clayton, the signings also give Bossier-Shreveport its corps of four veteran players for the coming Central Hockey League season.
"We're obviously pretty excited to be getting two phenomenal leaders back with us," said Head Coach Scott Muscutt. "I think as a pair, 'Brass' and Quade have got to be up there with some of the best leadership duos in the league. They know what it takes to be successful and both of them are hungry to take us to the next level."
Brassard became the fifth player in Mudbugs history to wear the "C" as team Captain in 2007-08 and led the team in scoring for the third time in his Mudbugs career. With 65 points last season, Brassard posted his highest total since 2003-04 and also led Bossier-Shreveport in goal scoring with 29 tallies, giving him six seasons with at least 25 goals in a ten-year pro career. He was one of only three Mudbugs to play in all 64 games last season and also finished second on the team with 141 penalty minutes.
With a goal against Tulsa on December 1, 2007, Brassard reached the milestone of 500 points in his professional career. His first goal of 08-09 will tie him with Forbes MacPherson for third in all-time Mudbugs goals. The Toronto, Ontario native also ranks fourth in team history in assists and points, fifth in penalty minutes and sixth in games played. Overall, Brassard has 226 career goals, 325 assists and 551 points in 565 career games as a pro.
"It's great to come back for another year in Bossier-Shreveport," Brassard said. "Coach Muscutt has done his part this summer by bringing in two of the top players in the CHL, and combining them with all the other talent we've got will definitely help us get another shot at a championship. With so many natural leaders and a great group of experienced guys, I think this year will be a great opportunity for us."
Lightbody returns to lead the Mudbugs' defensive corps again in 08-09, having served as an alternate Captain in each of the last three seasons. Appearing in 60 games last year, Lightbody led the 'Bugs in toughness with 167 minutes in penalties and 12 fighting majors, which both led the team. He also chipped in eight assists offensively, but as always, the 6-2, 215-lb. blueliner's most important contribution was in his own defensive end. Lightbody was voted "Best Defensive Defenseman" by his peers in the CHL's annual Best of the Best Poll in 2008, and he finished the season with the third-highest plus/minus rating in the league. Among CHL defenseman, only his Mudbugs defensive partner, Dale Lupul, had a higher plus/minus than Lightbody's +32 last year.
In his five full seasons in a Mudbugs sweater, Lightbody has racked up 748 penalty minutes, placing him third in Mudbugs history. He is also one of only eight players to appear in more than 300 games as a member of the franchise.
"I'm really excited to play this year. I love this game; I love this team and the guys on the team," Lightbody commented. "I'm looking forward to playing another season, but I want to win. I want to win a championship, and every year in Bossier-Shreveport you have a chance to do that. We just have to put our nose to grindstone this season and get it done."
Coach Muscutt knows that Brassard and Lightbody will be pivotal toward his team achieving that goal.
"We're talking about a forward who led our team in points and goals last year on one side, and on the other end one of the league leaders in plus/minus last season," said the Coach. "Those are the kind of guys you want to bring back to your hockey team."
Bossier-Shreveport now has officially inked nine players for the 2008-09 CHL season, including six forwards and three defensemen. The puck drops on October 17th for the Mudbugs when they host former division rival Texas at 7:05 pm at the CenturyTel Center. Season and group tickets for 08-09 are on sale now, so don't miss out on your chance to be part of the 12th season of Mudbugs hockey. Call 318-752-BUGS or stop by the team office inside CenturyTel Center for more information or to purchase tickets.
Central Hockey League Stories from September 11, 2008
- Mudbugs Return Leadership at Both Ends - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
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- Oilers sign two - Tulsa Oilers
- Mississippi Adds Boudreau To Forward Line - Mississippi RiverKings
- RiverKings assist Ronald McDonald House in community fundraiser - Mississippi RiverKings
- Bucks To Hold Press Conference Today - Laredo Bucks
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