Mudbugs Training Camp Underway
Published on October 10, 2005 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs News Release
BOSSIER CITY, LA -- The 2005 Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs training camp officially began today with two on-ice practices at the CenturyTel Center and the camp continues this week as the 2005-2006 Central Hockey League season nears.
Of the 19 players invited to Mudbugs training camp, 12 return from last season including leading scorer Dan Wildfong who notched a career-high 32 goals last season. Joining Wildfong among the team's four veterans allowed (players with 260 professional games played or more) are forward Chris Brassard, forward Jason Campbell after a year of absence, and newcomer Blair Manning. A native of Edmonton, Alberta, Manning scored 18 goals and 58 assists in 80 games with the Motor City Mechanics of the UHL last season. The 5'10 185-pound center has twice recorded at least 80 points in the Central Hockey League, most recently with the Oklahoma City Blazers in 2002-03 (23 goals, 59 assists in 64 games).
In goal, all-star Ken Carroll returns for his fifth season in Bossier-Shreveport after posting a 24-11-2 record with a 2.12 goals against average and a .926 save percentage last year. Two rookie netminders will battle for the second goaltender position: Andrew Martin and Brett Walker. Martin, a 6'1" 175-pound native of Plano, Texas, went 9-17-1 last season with a 3.13 goals against average and an .885 save percentage for the R.P.I. Engineers of the Eastern College Athletic Conference. Walker, 5'10 165-pounds, has spent the last four seasons with the Geneseo State University Knights and enjoyed a 14-4-2 record during his senior campaign.
On defense, five defensemen return from last year's team including rookie Dale Lupul, who joined the Mudbugs as an amateur signee for the 2005 playoffs. Craig Minard (fifth year), Jason Basile (fourth year), Quade Lightbody (third year), and Chad Kemp (second year) will return to anchor the blue line and will be challenged by two newcomers: rookie Doug Watkins and Greg Snitowsky. Watkins comes to Bossier-Shreveport after a four-year career with the University of Alabama-Huntsville, while Snitowsky spent last season in the Southern Professional Hockey League.
Joining the Mudbugs' four veteran forwards in training camp will be returning center Chad Spurr, who spent last season with Pee Dee of the ECHL. In 2003-04, he recorded 31 goals and 39 assists in 53 games as the Mudbugs' second leading scorer. Also returning are forwards Shane Palahicky, Brett Smith, Ryan Manitowich, and Scott Sheppard who was nominated for CHL Rookie of the Year honors last year with 27 goals and 23 assists. In addition, more talent is expected to arrive from the Mudbugs' NHL affiliate, the Buffalo Sabres.
Returning for his sixth season behind the bench, Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Scott Muscutt labeled the first day of training camp a success. "I've liked what I've seen so far and the guys are ready to go," said Muscutt. "They have to understand why they're here and what it will take to stay here. It's going to take a lot of hard work, but I'm impressed so far. We've added some offensive punch and have some holes to fill so I think we're in for an extremely competitive camp."
The Mudbugs' preseason will begin on Thursday October 13th with a road exhibition game against the Odessa Jackalopes followed by another one on Friday October 14th at Lubbock. Neither game will be broadcast on local radio, however both can be followed through www.pointstreak.com.
The 2005-06 season will begin on October 21st at the CenturyTel Center against the Memphis RiverKings at 7:05 p.m.. For more information on season ticket packages or corporate partnerships, please call 318-752-BUGS or visit www.mudbugshockey.com.
Central Hockey League Stories from October 10, 2005
- Mudbugs Training Camp Underway - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- New League Rules Figure In First Day Of Camp - Tulsa Oilers
- Borsheim, McGrane Come to Colorado via AHL Teams - Colorado Eagles
- Former NHL Coach Camps With Bats - Austin Ice Bats
- RiverKings Fan Fest kicks off in two days - Mississippi RiverKings
- Mudbugs single game tickets on sale now - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- Bucks announced they will wear Aggie's hockey jerseys on Thursday - Laredo Bucks
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