Mudbugs Storm Past Thunder 4-1

Published on March 1, 2009 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs News Release


WICHITA, KS - All four former Thunder players on their roster chipped in as the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs knocked off the Wichita Thunder 4-1 on Sunday evening at the Kansas Coliseum. The win moves the Mudbugs to 4-0 against the Thunder this year puts them back within three points of first-place Mississippi in the Northeast Division standings.

Joe Blaznek led the way with a goal and an assist, while Travis Clayton contributed two assists, Todd Paul scored a goal and Jon Horrell made 18 saves to earn the win as all four players took on their former team. Mark Johnson netted the game-winning goal for the ‘Bugs late in the second period.

The Mudbugs struck first in the opening period, taking a 1-0 lead off the stick of former Thunder star Joe Blaznek. Blaznek got a pass from Dale Lupul just outside the blueline and went in on a mini-breakaway, putting a nice shot short-side on Krister Toews to put Bossier-Shreveport on top. The goal was Blaznek's 20th of the season, making this year the __ time in his career he has scored at least 20 goals. Joe Ori had a chance to extend the lead, but was stopped on a breakaway later in the period. The Mudbugs killed off three first-period powerplays for Wichita as well to take a 1-0 lead into the locker room.

The Thunder quickly answered to start the second period though when Brad Thompson's shot bounced off the leg of Joel Hanson in front and into the net to tie the game at one. The ‘Bugs had their scoring chances with two powerplays and a 16-3 shot advantage in the period, but couldn't retake the lead until the last minute. Kevin Cooper and Joe Blaznek controlled the puck deep in the Thunder zone before Blaznek fed a pass into the slot for Johnson, who buried it just inside the top corner to make it a 2-1 Mudbugs lead with just 14 seconds left in the period.

Wichita generated only five shots on goal while trying to come back in the third period, and Bossier-Shreveport eventually built on the lead. A great passing play led to the third goal, as Joe Ori hit Travis Clayton who whipped a pass across to Tyrel Lucas. Lucas beat Toews on the doorstep to score his 18th of the year on the powerplay and give the ‘Bugs a two-goal cushion. With just a few minutes remaining and the Mudbugs controlling in the Thunder end, a loose puck came to Todd Paul at the side of the net, who roofed it past Toews to provide the final 4-1 scoring margin.

Jon Horrell improved to 12-3-2 with the win, while Krister Toews still made 31 saves in defeat, dropping to 10-15-2. The Mudbugs outshot the Thunder 35-19 in the contest. Bossier-Shreveport finished 1 for 6 on the powerplay and held Wichita scoreless on five opportunities of their own, including a two-man advantage in the third.

Up next for the Mudbugs is an important Northeast Division matchup with the Mississippi RiverKings on Tuesday night at 7:05 pm at the CenturyTel Center. Tuesday's game will be the first of six meetings between the Mudbugs and RiverKings in the final three weeks of the CHL regular season, a series which will have significant impact on the Northeast Division standings. Individual seats for Tuesday's game are available through Ticketmaster at 318-741-9700, while group and flex ticket packages are on sale through the Mudbugs office 318-752-BUGS.

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Central Hockey League Stories from March 1, 2009


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