Mudbugs sign Lupul and Ori

July 18, 2007 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs News Release


BOSSIER CITY, LA -- The Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs followed Monday's major front office announcement with more news only days later. The Mudbugs have signed defenseman Dale Lupul and forward Joe Ori for the upcoming season. Lupul will wear the teal and purple for the first time since the 2005-06 season, while Ori returns for his second consecutive year with the organization.

Lupul returns to the Ark-La-Tex after playing 56 games with the Elmira Jackals and 20 games with the Quad City Mallards in 2006-07, both of the United Hockey League. In 76 games, Lupul totaled 22 goals and 17 assists from the blue line. He also racked up 161 penalty minutes and played five playoff games for the Mallards. Prior to last season, Lupul played 59 games with the Mudbugs in 2005-06, racking up 29 points and 76 PIMS. The Port Coquitlam, British Columbia native was selected as a finalist for the 2006 CHL All-Rookie Team and led the Mudbugs in rookie scoring in the same year.

"This year's team is based upon those who want to be Mudbugs. Dale has rekindled that passion," said Mudbugs Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Scott Muscutt." We hope that Dale's passion will take us to that next level in Mudbugs history."

Ori's first year of North American professional hockey proved to be a fantastic stint as he amounted 45 points in 63 games. He was one of only five Mudbugs to score twenty or more goals during the 10th season of Mudbugs hockey. A native of Niles, IL, Ori scored 6 points in 11 playoff games during the 2007 post season. Most of Ori's success came while complementing a forward line of Karlis Zirnis and Daniel Pegoraro.

"We're happy to have a dynamic player like Joe Ori back," said Muscutt. He's responsible defensively and gifted offensively. Ori was one of the guys who left last year feeling incomplete and is excited for another opportunity."

Lupul and Ori are the latest additions to a team that already includes the CHL's Most Outstanding Goaltender for 2007, John DeCaro. Former Mudbugs forward Brett Smith has also signed for the 2007-08 campaign.

Season tickets for the 2007-08 season are available by visiting www.mudbugshockey.com or calling 318-752-BUGS.



Central Hockey League Stories from July 18, 2007


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