Mudbugs Win Second Game in Eighteen Hours

January 27, 2009 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs News Release


SOUTHAVEN, MS - Ken Carroll made 39 saves in goal as the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs won their second game in an 18-hour span, beating the Mississippi RiverKings 2-1 on Tuesday morning at the DeSoto Civic Center. With the win, the Mudbugs have broken a three-way tie to take over sole possession of first place in the Northeast Division with 25 wins and 53 points.

Carroll held the Mudbugs in the game until third-period goals from Dave Pszenyczny and Joe Ori gave them the lead with 9:31 remaining in regulation. Bossier-Shreveport's penalty killers were also strong, shutting down all nine Mississippi powerplays in the game. It was also a typically physical affair between the teams, with four fights in the first two periods.

The Mudbugs got a few early shots in the first, but Mississippi quickly turned the tables around and ended up outshooting the 'Bugs 16-5 in the period. The 'Kings took a 1-0 lead during a 4-on-4 situation right after a Mudbugs scoring chance. After Dale Lupul's hard shot missed just wide, Mississippi quickly transitioned and Louis Dumont set up Bobby Chaumont, who beat Ken Carroll stick side to make it 1-0. Chaumont had a breakaway later in the period, but this time Carroll made a spectacular, sprawling save the keep the 'Bugs within one after one.

The RiverKings had the momentum early in the second period, outshooting the 'Bugs 8-2 in the first few minutes. Bossier-Shreveport got better as the period went along though, finishing the period with a 14-13 shot advantage. Neither team could light the lamp in the second though, and the score stayed 1-0 into the third.

Kevin Beech had a shutout going for over 48 minutes before the Mudbugs finally got on the board. Pszenyczny fired a bad-angle rebound toward the net and snuck it between Beech's legs to tie the game for Bossier-Shreveport. Just two minutes later, a powerplay goal gave the 'Bugs the lead. Chris Brassard sent a great centering feed from Brett Smith off the post, but Ori was there to backhand it into an open net to put the Mudbugs on top at the 10:29 mark. Mississippi pushed to tie the game late, but the 'bugs held on to take over the Northeast Division lead and improve to 5-1 against the RiverKings this year.

Ken Carroll is now 14-5-2 after the big win, while Kevin Beech drops to 20-10-1 in defeat. Beech made 26 saves as the 'Kings outshot the Mudbugs 40-28. Bossier-Shreveport finished 1 for 5 on the powerplay, while Mississippi was 0 for 9.

The Mudbugs will now return home to start a season-high seven game homestand with a pair of games this weekend at the CenturyTel Center. The 'Bugs host Rapid City on Friday night for the Rush's first ever visit to Bossier City at 7:05 pm. Then on Saturday, the Mudbugs take on the Wichita Thunder for the third time this season, also at 7:05 pm. Individual tickets for both games are available through Ticketmaster, while group and season ticket packages are available through the Mudbugs office inside CenturyTel Center or by calling 318-752-BUGS.



Central Hockey League Stories from January 27, 2009


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