Fan Appreciation Night, 4/28/07

John Madden didn't let us down. He said last night that he wouldn't take his money and run, but that he still does not see eye to eye with the CHL front office on several things. (For those people who think this was all smoke and mirrors and a need for attention, you're 100% wrong. Madden was dead serious about selling. He said he wouldn't turn his back on the fans, that's why he's staying.) The collectively held breaths of all who were at the CTC last night erupted into cheers and a standing ovation for the man in the black hat. Mr. Madden, you ARE Mudbugs hockey. Thank you for staying. That being said, I doubt there will be any group singing of "Kumbaya" at the league meetings in June. And I'm pretty sure there are other teams who are just as unhappy with how this season's officiating went as well.

It was a sad sight to see the arena floor wet with water, the ice having been melted and drained, the industrial fans working on drying the concrete surface. Then there was the jumbotron, which had been planned to be used to show interviews with the players who had already left, pulled up to the ceiling because it had gone kaput at the af2 Battlewings game on Friday night. (Now, maybe the CTC will finally buy a new one.) When it rains, it pours, eh? But it was a wonderful sight to see that great big crowd of people in the stands one more time, cheering on our Mudbugs.

Coach Muscutt gave a tug-at-your-heart talk about the perserverance and spirit of this season's team. He shouldered the blame for having the guys work hard for the Governors Cup and not resting them for the playoffs. He's trying get as many of these players as possible back for next season, and I have a feeling that Mudbugs fans will be very happy with the team that takes to the ice in October. So for now, we live on memories and watch the four teams battle for two spots to earn one silver cup. May the best playoff team win. Plus we've still got NHL hockey going on. And if folks think plastic mudbugs thrown on the ice is odd, then I don't know what they'd say about the real octopus/squid being thrown and then slung around in Detroit. The PETA folks must have conniptions when that happens.

First signing for 2007-08 season

Coach Muscutt didn't waste any time in re-signing the '06-07 CHL Goaltender of the Year. The Mudbugs announced that John Decaro was signed yesterday. After all the drama (see, I told you it was a soap opera for men) that's put a sour note on the ending of the Bugs' season, this news was more than a breath of fresh air. I felt as if gale force winds blew my bad mood away.

Watching Decs develop his skills this past season was great. Getting to know him was even better. John is a fierce competitor on and off the ice (avoid playing poker with him). But he's also a gentle soul. Mention his baby daughter and he turns into a big pile of mush. I had great fun kidding him about supplying him with newspapers and other reading materials. And JD, you gotta get rid of those blue shoes, haha.

Newspapers and a new plunger will be ready and waiting for you in October, John. The Mudbug nation is very happy you'll be back in the black and teal.

Series Two, Game 5: 4/22/07: Bugs 2, Riverkings 3 (OT)

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..." I don't think Charles Dickens would mind me using his words.

Last night's game was a summary of this season's ups and downs. There was great hockey out there on the ice, but there were also miscues and room to grow. Congratulations to Kevin McClelland and his team. They're going to give the winner of the Colorado/Oklahoma City battle a fine series of hockey.

I'd like to say a hearty and heartfelt "thank you" to all the Mudbugs players, Coach Muscutt, Coach Buchanan, George Bullock, Jr., and Billy Welker. Considering how the season began, for me, this was the best year I've experienced as a fan. Watching these boys grow together on and off the ice was truly a joy. You're the best, guys. To those who will move on, best of luck and blessings to you. To those who will return, October can't get here soon enough for me and I'll welcome you and the newbies back with open arms.

I'd also like to thank the Bugs' owners John Madden and Rob Walker, the front office, the on-and-off ice employees, the volunteers, and especially the Mudbugs Boilers Booster Club for once again putting on a wonderful season of hockey. NOBODY in this league does it better. A special note of thanks to Scholtzy for putting up with me.

I also owe thanks (and a water-filled trash can or two) to Roy Lang and the folks at The Shreveport Times for setting up the blog for me to "play". It's been a real treat for me, and I hope they let me continue to post here during the Bugs' off-season. There's always something going on in Mudbugs' hockey, whether or not there's ice on the CenturyTel Center's floor.

To those of you who have told me that you have enjoyed the blog, I am truly humbled and honored. When I agreed to do so, I thought I'd officially gone crazy. But it has been so much fun and I've gotten to know many more Mudbugs' fans through this forum. In the end, it's all about the love of the game and our players, no matter the outcome. To quote Mr. Dickens again, "There is a wisdom of the head, and a wisdom of the heart." And for the Mudbugs nation, the two are eternally entwined.

Series Two, Game 4: 4/21/07: Bugs 3, Riverkings 4

And we didn't even get kissed.

Bouncing around Beale Street

We had an Elvis sighting last night: on Beale Street, of course. He beckoned us to join him as he swiveled in his sparkly blue jumpsuit on the stage of Cafe 152. We waved, felt special for all of 15 seconds, and moved on. Yesterday was a day of fun and relaxation.

We were able to watch the team practice yesterday morning, which was quite interesting. I learned several things, but since all that is top-secret, I'll just say it looked really good. I will say that Chris Brassard was happier than a kid with a gigantic ice cream cone. He even played "goalie" for a few shots and tormented one of the amateurs--who gave just as good back, getting lots of chuckles from all of us.

We traveled to Mud Island for the afternoon, taking in the museum that details the history of the Mississippi River. It was quite good, plus we got a close up look at the beautiful riverboat that tours up and down the river. We have decided the next time we come up, we will be doing that.

Then we headed to Beale Street. We wandered up and down the crowded sidewalks, listening to great music drifting from the various restaurants and bars. There are some interesting shops along both sides of the streets, and of course, we had to check them out carefully. We decided to eat dinner at The Superior Restaurant on a recommendation from Fonger. His buddy Johnny used to own Flannagan's in Shreveport and now owns and operates this place. The food was fabulous, ribs falling off the bone and coated in a magnificent sauce. The staff was first-rate, and we were treated to a tour of their VIP room which contains tons of memorabilia from Hume High School from which Elvis Presley graduated. One of the class photos was of his senior class, and he looked quite spiffy. Afterwards there was more wandering and visiting, and several of us left the Memphisites with some fun memories, that's for sure.

Beale Street was offically "Mudbug-ized" yesterday afternoon and into the late evening. We brought a touch of Louisiana to downtown, and everyone had a ball.

Series Two, Game Three: 4/19/07: Bugs 5, Riverkings 2

I saw a very welcome sight in the second period of last night's game. A barrel full of monkeys scampered off the backs of the Mudbugs and ran for the exit doors. What a relief.

Even at the end of the first period, the Bugs down 2-1, there was a different feel to the effort the team was putting together on the ice. Their patience (and ours) paid off in the second with three goals on seven shots. When the Bugs went ahead 3-2, there was a palpable change in the atmosphere at the DCC. Mudbugs'-style hockey was back, and the fans who'd made the six hour trip were very happy--and we let everyone in the arena know it.

Ryan Campbell getting the elbowing major and game misconduct was poetic justice as I watched him harrass, curse, and push around the Abbott brothers as they came off the ice after pre-game warm-ups. And Sheldon Wenzel, I hope you worry and lose sleep these next two days. There's a word for players like you: marked. (Well, there are other words, but I can't put them here.)

Hard work in the corners, good passing, and great defense won this game for the Bugs. Good defense creates good scoring opportunities. Congratulations to the team for their TEAM effort. I think those monkeys have gone back to the zoo for good.

Walkin' in Memphis, er, Southaven

We've safely arrived in Southaven, driving I-20 to Jackson and up 1-55. Haven't been that way before, it was a lovely drive with minimal traffic.

We're here through Sunday morning, so check back tomorrow for a report about tonight's game. Saw some of the players, very focused and determined, before they boarded the bus this afternoon.

Make sure to listen to the game's broadcast tonight, either on 710 KEEL AM or 1130 KWKH AM. Justin and Roy will once again be entertaining, I'm sure. Now, I've got to go find a maid and get her to short-sheet Lang's bed....

Series Two, Game Two: 4/15/07: Bugs 1, Riverkings 4

Same song, second verse. A whole lot more confounding and a little bit worse.

To me, the tone to this game was set at the first puck drop. Memphis player Sheldon Wenzel and Bugs player Konrad Brand were jawing and tangling sticks before the puck drop. Wenzel looked to his coach to see if he could “go”, McClelland shook his head “No”, the puck was dropped, Brand trips Wenzel, and seven seconds in the Bugs are on a penalty kill.

From there, we watched Memphis once again stymie the Bugs on scoring opportunities and capitalize on uncharacteristic defensive mistakes. The Bugs played a little better in this game, but not by much. Jason Williamson scored on a deflection sent to the net by Jason Basile. Shots on goal improved. Scoring chances were there, but the team routinely known for its tough, hard-to-crack defense is suddenly nowhere to be found. Instead it’s the Riverkings, using a two-one-two defense, who are standing tough in their zone. They are forcing the Mudbugs to play "their" game, and it's working very well. The Riverkings have something to prove, being the “mulligan” team who lost and still are playing. And in this weekend’s games, they showed they were the better team.

Back to square one again, from the coaches on down. Adjustments need to be made, and complacency needs to be a four-letter word for this Mudbug team. They were awarded the CHL’s “Hardest Working Team” award once again this season by their peers. We fans haven’t seen much of that team since the playoffs began. Not sure why or where they've gone, but they’ve got four days to find them before the puck drops again in Memphis. Time to pick yourselves up by your bootstraps, guys, and get back into the series.

Series Two, Game One: 4/13/07: Bugs 3, Riverkings 4

Little did I realize that when Series Two, Game One was "start over from the beginning", the Mudbugs would take that literally. Complacency strikes again. Like I tell my students, I don't mark up their papers with red ink because I'm having fun, it's because I want them to see their mistakes, understand what they did wrong, and then make sure they don't make them again. If I'd had a red pen last night, it'd have run dry about 30 minutes into the game. Not a good thing.

In the first period, the Bugs got on the scoreboard early, thanks to Forbes MacPherson feeding the puck to Dan Wildfong for a crash-the-net shorthanded goal. After that, neither team seemed to want to step up. They both looked like they were sizing each other up in a game of pick-up hockey. I said to my friend "B", "Is this a playoff game? Because there's not much intensity out there." She agreed.

Going into the second period tied up at one, I had some doubts...which were fulfilled. The Bugs' offense stayed in the dressing room,and the Bugs' defense wasn't even in the building. It was embarrassing. Memphis's third goal by Derek Landmesser looked like he was demonstrating a lesson in camp: everyone on the ice just stood there and watched him have enough time and space for a Mack truck to drive between him and the goal. Again, a big red X for that one. At the end of the second, the score was an embarrassing 4-1 in favor of the Riverkings. The Bugs had been schooled.

I missed the start of the third period as I was working the booster club table, but I was able to see the replay of Karlis Zirnis's score. Zirny had a good night, but it wasn't enough. The team woke up; unfortunately, it wasn't soon enough. Twenty-five minutes of Mudbugs hockey does not a win make. Memphis did a good job keeping the forwards on the boards all night and they couldn't get anything going up the middle. Different problems for the Bugs, but the same results. Memphis goalie Kevin Schieve wasn't really tested. All in all, a really frustrating night of watching for the Mudbugs' fans.

Tomorrow is another day, with no mistakes in it. Let's hope the lessons presented last night sink in, and our Bugs come out and realize they need to play sixty minutes of playoff hockey. Don't make me get out my red pens, guys.

Series One, Game Six: 4/10/07; Bugs 4, Thunder 1

There's no place like home.

And it's the place where the Mudbugs thrive. A raucous, excited crowd of fans welcomed our Bugs back to the Swamp at the CTC last night for Game 6. I had a great feeling about how the boys would play, but even I was surprised by how well the game went. The Mudbugs made the Thunder look like the Lollipop Guild: short, stumpy, and quite out of tune.

Coach Muscutt's decision to begin the game with his veteran forward line was a huge statement. He was expecting big things of these three, and faster that you can say " Auntie Em, Uncle Henry, it's a twister!", from the first drop of the puck, the force to be reckoned with came from the Mudbugs. Forbes MacPherson's goal five minutes into the first period got the party started, and it never seemed to quit. Dan Wildfong and Chris Brassard had their best games of this series. With each ensuing goal, we got louder and happier. The look on Jeremy Downs' face when he scored with a boomer of a slapshot was worth its weight in gold. And Cam Abbott was his old scoring self again, netting two goals.

The Thunder seemed to shrink to a low whisper, but they did find some gumption in the third with Kris Wiebe's top-shelf goal. Overall, however, the Wichita team (and game plan) that had given the Bugs fits finally disappeared, just like the Wicked Witch did when doused with that bucket of water. Time and again, the Bugs were in the right place at the right time, doing the right things both offensively and defensively. When John Decaro stopped a zooming puck with his neck, we all held our breath. Thankfully, he shook it off, and the team kept the puck in the Wichita zone for quite a time, giving Decs a chance to regroup. The empty-netter by Abbott at the end of the third, thanks to a horribly misplayed puck by a Wichita player--put right front of the net like dessert on a platter-- was a great way to cap off this series.

I do want to congratulate the Thunder for effort that they put forth in this series and for giving our boys such a challenge. I feel that they did the Bugs a huge favor. Working hard for success makes it all the sweeter once it happens. And we all know who the hardest working team in the CHL is.

We saw dominant Mudbug hockey last night...finally. They had a few stumbles and rough spots(not to mention some anxious moments for the fans) this series, but the lessons learned were well worth it. Congrats, boys! The experience gained from this series will serve them well as they move into Series Two against our love-to-hate rivals, the Riverkings, which begins this Friday at the CTC. I'd say it's time for some Turtle soup this weekend, and the Mudbugs know how to do it up just right.

There's nothing like home-cookin'.

Series One, Game Five: 4/8/07: Bugs 3, Thunder 2 (2OT)

Last night's game was one that I wish I'd been able to see in person because it sure was torturous to listen to on the radio. The "almost" goals from both teams and the excited play-by-play of Justin Scholtes and Roy Lang nearly did me in. When the game went into the first overtime intermission, I had to turn off the radio and do some housework, I was so wound up.

From the start, the Mudbugs were all over the Wichita zone and All-Star goaltender Sebastien Laplante. We had a chance to see this young man work his magic during this year's CHL All-Star Game when it was held at the CenturyTel Center this past January. He was as great last night as he was three months ago. Watching him last Thursday, I thought he looked a little shaky, but he only played some of the third period of that game and faced a measly seven shots, so that effort was not a good indicator of what kind of shape he was in since injuring his ankle back in February.

The Thunder scored first---again---and "Seabass" (as he is called in Wichita) didn't blink for the Bugs until, on a powerplay, Ryan Fairbarn slipped one past him to tie the score up 1-1 near the end of the first. Then the nailbiting began. Or, should I say, gum chewing. The only time I chew gum is at hockey games. And I think I went through at least five or six pieces last night listening to this game. I'm going to have to restock my supply for tomorrow night.

Ken Carroll has a tremendous game, despite letting that shot from Steve Dix trickle in late in the third period to tie the score 2-2. KC's hard work and "in the zone" play kept the Mudbugs in the game through the first overtime (by that time I was out of gum, working on a pencil, and pacing around my living room). When Roy Lang went through the list of Thunder players that KC had stuffed, I just shook my head in amazement. Second overtime almost killed me. Being a middle school teacher, my blood pressure is probably not as low as it should be, but it's a good thing there wasn't a blood pressure cuff anywhere near me last night. When Fairbarn smoked the winner past Laplante, I think I woke up my neighbors.

Congrats to the Bugs for a tremendous effort and win. The team played hard and scrappy last night, not letting the absence of Jason Basile get them down. They knew what they had to do, crashing the slot and putting shots on goal, and they came out winners. From the sounds of the broadcast, both teams played good hockey, with not too much nonsense on or off the ice. I expect tomorrow night's game to be just as intense and entertaining. I may have to buy extra gum.

Easter Blessings or Rotten Eggs?

Happy Easter, everyone!


Tonight the Mudbugs face their biggest game this season without All-Star Jason Basile. Basile was suspended for one game for the hit during the second period of last Thursday’s game that he put on the Thunder’s Travis Clayton. Clayton left the ice wobbly, sat out a shift and came back to finish the second period, including quite happily engaging in a big roughhouse session in front of the penalty boxes. Not saying Basile’s hit was what caused Clayton to sit out the third period, but the CHL microscope forgot to focus on several Wichita Thunder activities that were also ignored by the referee. Call it both ways is all I’m asking. The Thunder organization needs to remember that when they point fingers at us for "bad behavior", there are three of their own digits pointing right back at them.

The Bugs have to understand that they control their own destiny: they seize control of the game early and often, they hold control over the score, they ensure the winning outcome. They’ve been put in situations like this before and done well. I believe that they will take care things quite nicely. We are all hoping that the Easter Bunny gives our boys the bounces and helps them puts the “eggs” in the net, and that they come home ready to finish this series on Tuesday night in the friendly confines of the Swamp. To all the fans who made the trip for tonight's game, do us all proud and make sure we can hear you as we listen to the radio broadcast.

Series One, Game Four: 4/6/07: Bugs 7, Thunder 5

Last night's game started off rather badly. I just sat there when it was 2-0 in the first thinking, "Dang, I don't think I can sit through another stinker, but I have to because I didn't drive to the arena." Dan had a goal waved off within the first two minutes of the game because Kaval said he kicked it in, but someone closer than me said he just angled his skate. We had two waved off tonight. And one of theirs was a gimme by Kaval, the fourth one I think. A Thunder player hooked Johnny down before they popped it in--no call, which is what got JD the penalty, he was not very happy.

Second period lasted forever as things got quite chippy. At one point the entire Thunder line (except Horrell) was in the penalty box, along with four Bugs. They finally settled down and played some decent hockey until the end of the second.

Last four minutes of the game were nailbiters, as the Thunder capitalized on a couple of defensive slips, moved up close, 6-5 until we got that last one. Horrell lasted through 5 goals, Leplante came in and the guys scored on him pretty quick. He was unhappy about that. He's definitely not 100%, even one of the Thunder fans I talked to said so.

French and Muscutt exchanged words after the second. French was ticked because of Basile's supposed elbow that knocked Clayton to the ice, all groggy-like. However, Clayton played on the next shift, but not much of the third period. Then apparently after the game, French and the Wichita office staff came down to the Bugs' dressing room, going after Muscutt and and Bugs' personnel near the tunnel. Lumurno tossed his cigarette at Hank the busdriver(there goes my compliment from yesterday). Afterwards, Musky had a looooooong talk with Wayne Bonney, who was there, in the parking lot as we watched. Hank said Wichita is the only place he's ever seen a front office staff stand at an opposing teams exit/tunnel and harrass players. They did it Thursday night, as I alluded to in my previous entry.

Well, I'm much happier with the end result, but again, they let them catch-up too much, and that's gotta stop. Laplante is not yet 100%, and they finally solved Horrell by getting the two-three d-men who were always parked in front of him out of the way. Lots more physical play from the Bugs last night. I think the Bugs found that bucket of water I was asking after game one. Let's hope they keep dousing them on Sunday.

Series One, Game 3: 4/4/07 Bugs 1, Thunder 4

We made the drive north to Wichita yesterday, arriving around 4:30. The drive was pleasant but long. It's rather chilly up here today, with an expectation of about an inch of snow later this afternoon. Not quite what the Easter Bunny expected, I'm sure. About thirty-five fans made the trip, including the Oris and Muscutts.

When we arrived at the Kansas Coliseum,several Thunder fans stopped and thanked us for coming, a difference from the past times I've come. Their crowd was not the size it's been in the past, but since it was a weekday game, I wasn't surprised. They didn't really get into cheering on their team until after we did our after-goal cheers. I guess we "inspired" them to do better than 35 people. We're sitting in the same perch as the previous years, next to the tunnel where the visiting team emerges and behind the net.

The first thirty-five minutes of last night's game was all Mudbugs. Good passes, fast skating, keeping the puck in their zone, 11 SOG in the first period. It looked pretty good. Wiebe's goal came off of a rebound, Jason Basile's tying goal had us pumped. Unfortunately, the Thunder got a deflection from dangerous Travis Clayton, who was parked in front of Ken Carroll, a few moments later and that seemed to take a lot out of our boys. Going into the third down by one goal didn't worry me too much, but when Wiebe scored on the breakaway early in the third, that was the difference in the game.

Wichita is still doing a great job of clogging up the lanes and keeping two players in front of goalie Horrell at all times when the Bugs are in their zone. Horrell made an awesome save on a shot from Chris Brassard that could have turned the momentum of the game.

I liked what I saw from the team the first half of the game. The second half, not so much, obviously. I'm still seeing the big difference between experienced players and rookies. Case in point: I watched the Thunder vet Joe Blaznek use his stick to easily lift a Bug rookie's stick off the ice and steal the puck, then zip into the Mudbugs zone for a scoring chance. That, my friends, is an example of a player who has seen many playoff games.

I do want to comment about something that disappointed me last night. Two of Wichita's front office personnel were standing in the tunnel area when one of our players came off the ice at the end of the game. They got mouthy with our player, laughing at him; and I found that to be very unprofessional. They weren't anyone I'd had contact with before. Joel Lumurno from the front office has been nothing but pleasant, and I found their behavior to be quite disappointing.

The Bugs had a long meeting after the game last night. They know they have to find a way to scramble the defensive tactics of the Thunder and get Horrell off of his game. It's doable. He's still making the same mistakes I saw the other night in The Swamp. This team has got to find those mistakes and make the most of them. I'm not real partial to mulligan stew....

Series One, Game Two: 3/31/07 Bugs 2, Thunder 1 (2 OT)

Sometimes it's the quiet ones who surprise you the most. Jason Williamson is a rather quiet, pleasant young man, but when he does speak, he's a pretty confident guy. He does his job on the ice by flying under the proverbial radar. People maybe forget to watch him because he's not as flashy as some of the other players. Last night, the Bugs didn't need flashy. They just needed something basic. His goal in the second OT to give the Mudbugs their needed win won him more than 4600 new friends. And I'm not sure he realizes it. Seeing him after the game last night, he was just as humble and reserved as ever, but the tired smile he wore said it all. Thanks for being right where you needed to be, Jason.

The first few minutes of the game had us all worried again, but they seemed to rebound and remember their jobs. It was nice to see that they played most of the second and third periods in the Thunder zone. Holding Wichita to 3 SOG in the second was heartening. But watching Horrell stop, snatch, grab, deflect so many chances became unnerving. This kid has some weaknesses, and the Bugs need capitalize on them. At one point in the first we were yelling out one of these weaknesses (and no, I ain't naming it), and a Thunder player heard us and took care of the "problem".

Much better TEAM effort tonight. But we still saw missed opportunities in front of the net. Wichita's defense was still swarming the net like hornets, but not as much as Friday night. The Thunder got tired a lot faster than the Bugs last night, which is what the Bugs needed in OT.

By the time the second overtime period had begun, I was having flashbacks to three years ago: triple OT against Wichita, the jumbotron playing skits from Saturday Night Live, and Jim Sprott wearily pushing the puck past every player from one end of the ice to score at the other end. One example of how much players were leaving out there was, after his first shift in the second OT, Thunder captain Jason Duda basically crawled into his bench, hunched over, and I think, puked his guts up. His trainer was trying to rehydrate him with something from a Gatorade bottle. How these guys punish their bodies continues to amaze me.

John Decaro, what can I say. Once again, he kept his team in the game. We were worried the mohawk would be kinda like Samson cutting his hair. Nope, not a shaky play all night from this kid.

Well, it wasn't the bucket o' water that I wanted, but it was a win, an important win, a win that ties the series 1-1. More of the same hard work is going to produce more wins in Wichita this week. On to the Kansas Coliseum and the league's "most annoying fans." I believe they're going to be more annoyed than annoying by week's end. We've got lots of quiet surprises on this team who can and will score. And who doesn't love good surprises?