Rutherford Back with 'Bugs for 2010-11
July 22, 2010 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs News Release
BOSSIER CITY, LA - The Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs today announced the signing of forward David Rutherford for the 2010-11 Central Hockey League season. Rutherford, who was the 'Bugs leading scorer during the second half of last season, joins forward Travis Clayton as the two players signed by the club for the upcoming year.
Rutherford, 23, led the Mudbugs with nearly a point-per-game scoring average last season, totaling 38 points (18g, 20a) in just 41 games. He also led the team with a +26 rating while adding 62 penalty minutes (including four fighting majors) and three game-winning goals. In the playoffs, Rutherford chipped in six points (2g, 4a) in 11 games.
"David did some dynamic things for our hockey club last season, and we're very happy to have him back," said Head Coach Scott Muscutt. "He is a player who possesses strong offensive instincts and works exceptionally hard to meet the needs of his team every night. Last year he developed quickly into a player that could help this team win hockey games on a consistent basis, and I believe he'll continue to mature this season."
A native of Ladner, British Columbia, Rutherford joined Bossier-Shreveport last December, but it was in January when he truly began to show his abilities. On January 5 in Missouri, he scored perhaps the most memorable goal of the season. Standing behind the net with the Mudbugs trailing 3-2 in the third period, Rutherford laid the puck flat on his stick blade and tucked it into the top corner to perfectly execute a move widely known as "the Michigan".
From that point on, Rutherford tore through the second half of the season with 35 points in 32 games. He posted the second-longest scoring streak in the entire CHL from January 16 to February 21, racking up points in 16 consecutive games. Rutherford finished the season with points in 25 of the 'Bugs final 26 regular season contests.
Prior to turning pro, the 5-8, 180-pound center helped the Spokane Chiefs capture the Western Hockey League Championship and the Memorial Cup in 2008. He totaled 166 points and 340 penalty minutes over his last four seasons of junior hockey (three of which were spent in the WHL) before spending his rookie year in the ECHL in 2008-09.
Mudbugs 2010-2011 season tickets are on sale now, so call 752-BUGS or stop by the team office inside CenturyTel Center to get yours today! For all the latest Mudbugs offseason news, log on to www.mudbugshockey.com .
Season and group tickets are on sale by calling 318-752-BUGS (2847) or by visiting our website at www.mudbugshockey.com.
Central Hockey League Stories from July 22, 2010
- CHL 2010-11 Schedule to be Released Friday - CHL
- Rutherford Back with 'Bugs for 2010-11 - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
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- 'Dogs Ink Veteran Defenseman, Two-Time CHL All-Star Tyler Butler - Arizona Sundogs
- Alumni Date Set - Tulsa Oilers
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