November 24, 2007 Mudbugs 4 Steelhounds 2

Amazing what can happen in two and a half minutes in a hockey game. If you’d gone to get some popcorn at the Chevrolet Center, you might have missed the quick scoring rally by the Mudbugs in the second.

Thanks to some loopy broadcasting problems, radio listeners missed the beginning of the first period. Seems like I tuned in just in time to hear Joel Irving (not this guy again) score a shortie as the period ended. So, I had to tough it out during the intermission, but Travis Huntington recapped his pregame program, which was cool.

In the second period new Mudbug Kevin Cooper decided to make his mark and Jason Campbell was more than happy to help him out. About ninety seconds later, Tyrel Lucas, with help from Elias Godoy and Joe Ori, smoked one past Franck. ANOTHER ninety seconds later Chris Brassard decided Franck was begging for the puck again and obliged him with the winning shot.

The Bugs held on to their 3-1 lead for most of the rest of the game, but the Steelhounds made things interesting with a PP goal in the third. With John Decaro getting peppered with the puck, I was once again chewing on a pencil. About a minute after that, Brett Smith said, “Nope, we’re going home with three points,” stole the puck, zipped into the ‘Hounds’ zone and sent one over Franck’s glove side to take care of the night. (Yep, there's that killer instinct. See, it can work!)

I do have to wonder, however, if the Y’town scorekeepers weren’t a bit stingy with the Bugs’ SOG numbers: 22 on Friday, 19 last night. Seems a little low to me. Were they sitting in the far corner with Travis?

The team has to be happy with the results of the trip. Only one other team had beaten the league-leading Steelhounds in regulation before last night (Mississippi--yea, Roy, your team). Each of the other two games the Mudbugs have played against the Steelhounds have been close, well-played games. The ‘Hounds return to the CTC this coming Friday, a day after the Mudbugs face the seemingly hapless Wichita Thunder. The Bugs have a great chance to move up in the standings this weekend, but it's a tough three games in three nights. But these next possible six points could be huge for the Mudbugs.

November 23, 2007 Mudbugs 3 Steelhounds 4 OT

This was an exciting game to listen to, I can’t imagine what it was like to watch. Even thought the Mudbugs lost in OT, they still earned an important point.

I thought this game was similar to the one that was played in the CTC back on October 30. It seemed fast and physical, and it sounded like the Mudbugs had good control of the game. When the Steelhounds tied it up in the third, though, I just couldn’t listen to the radio broadcast anymore, so I ~gasp~turned it off. Yes, call me chicken. I’d listened (and seen) too many of these types of games go to the other team in recent weeks. I just didn’t feel up to being tortured by another close loss.

Great play by ‘Hounds’ goalie Andy Franck---I could hear Elias Godoy’s angry mumbling all the way back home---and a stellar night from Joel Irving countered scoring efforts from Bug players Jake Ortmeyer, Dale Lupul, and Brett Smith.

In Coach Muscutt’s interview before the last night's game, he said it was quite an exciting game to watch, and he said, at times, he was caught up in being a spectator who was enjoying the skills of both teams. He said he thought the Bugs played very well, so I’ll take him for his word. But it was still tough to stomach another loss, especially that way. Wonder if they read my memo? On to night two in Youngstown....

Novembre 20, 2007 Mudbugs 2, IceRayz 1

First period: Eh, not too much to be happy about, I guess they’re just warming up. Second period: Yes! There’s a Mudbugs team out on the ice! Third period: HUH???

My comment at the end of the game as Toby and Willie were seranading the fans: Is it weird, that even though we won, I'm still ticked?

Corpus Christi has talent on their team, but, like the Mudbugs lately, just haven’t been able to convert a game into a win. Most impressive IceRay: Watters. Biggest disappointment: Blaznek. Biggest Thief in the building: IceRayz goalie Tapp, who committed a felony in robbing Daniel Pegoraro of his penalty shot. Our jaws were still open 5 minutes later.

The Bugs hit the road in the Black Pearl last night on their way to take on the Steelhounds this weekend. Some advice (take it or leave it) from l'il ole me....

Memo from a fan: Words and phrases to meditate on as you travel to Youngstown:

1. Proactive (the opposite of reactive): Don’t wait for the puck to come to you (or for the other guy to get it first). Give it to the opposing goalie, as many times as possible.

2. Finish your checks: Put a body on a guy, PLEASE! After a while they will get tired of being smashed. Right?

3. Tenacity: see also “Smith, Brett”. Work those corners like a, er, ahhh, um... a snake oil salesman who's down to his last nickel. Yea, that's it, a snake oil salesman...

4. Killer instinct: No more Mr. Nice Guy. No more 1 goal wins. Stab ‘em in the heart, then rip it out. (Graphic, yes. Necessary, of course.)

5. Consistency: Do what the Coach tells you to do! ON EVERY SHIFT! He's been there, done that, has a t-shirt, and championship rings to show for it.

6. Garbage goal: The ugly goals still count, guys, we don’t care how they go in. (Neither does Ian Croft, apparently. Just ask Ryan Held of Mississippi.)

7. Sticks on the ice: Allows you to intercept passes, which in turn can become scoring opportunities. I can't tell you how many times I yell this at games (part one).

8. Man in front of the net: gets chances at a rebounding puck (see next entry) or a sneaky, Karlis Zirnis-between-the-legs, no-look pass. I can’t tell you how many times I yell this at games (part two).

9. Rebounding puck: When a goalie gives you a second chance. These are good, go get these.

10. Confidence: Three T’s and a C: Teamwork, Trust, Tenacity, Control.

As my friend V likes to yell, “C’mon Bugs, YOU CAN DOOOO IT!”

November 17, 2007 Mudbugs 2 Riverkings 4

This game was a lot closer in play than the score indicates. The Bugs played well for most of the game. However, it was another game that the Bugs couldn’t find a way to finish and win. Another totally frustrating outcome for fans. After watching the second half on NiftyTV, I wasn't in too nifty of a mood. I was a touch angry after this loss and not really eager to blog.

The scrum at the end of the game will only sit and fester in the minds of everyone for six weeks, when the Riverkings come back to the Swamp for the next rematch. Kozak and Makway, we’ll show you lots of appreciation when you return. Hopefully Ian Croft will be calling a game elsewhere.

What transpires for the Mudbugs between now and then is what will decide the season for the team. I checked the stats for the Bugs at this point last season, and the team is just about in the same place. At least they’ve been consistent in this category.

November 13, 2007 Mudbugs 3 Riverkings 0

I’m sort of glad I missed the first period of the hockey game (I had to attend a school function) because, while I was listening to the radio broadcast of the end of the first period while driving to the CTC, I was not a happy camper. It sounded as if somebody had put a revolving door on the sin bin, and our guys were real keen to set up house in there.

By the time I made it to the CTC, the first break was almost over, so I was a little worried about how the Bugs would respond in the second. The shot clock was not encouraging (our 9 to the Riverkings 14), but there have been enough scoreless first periods of play followed by break outs in scoring in recent games that I wasn’t too worried. As I sat down, I told my friends, “Ok, I’m here now, they can start scoring!” Seven minutes into the second period, on a PK, Brett Smith shoved home a rebound, and the plastic bugs went flying. Props to the linesman who “assisted” getting the puck to Zirnis, who, in turn, put it on Centomo's pads for the rebound. My friends fussed at me, “Where were you during the first period???”

About four minutes later, Daniel Pegoraro (one of the two famous—or infamous—PegorOri brothers) decided Centomo needed another reminder that Pegs has his number and backhanded the puck into the net. More plastic Mudbugs to remind the Riverkings where they were.

Elias Godoy—who Coach Muscutt says has such great natural skills---decided to add to the fun about four minutes later and popped the puck in on a deflection from Justin Aikens. Those little red crawfish were starting to get on the Riverkings’ nerves. At game's end, 8 Mudbugs had a point, and each line had scored a goal. Not too shabby.

The third period was, according to Muscutt, “the best-played period of hockey that I’ve seen from a Mudbug team in eight years.” When I heard Coach say this in his post-game comments, I was sort of startled, but after hearing his explanation about the way the defense controlled the ice, I have to admit it was a bit mind-boggling. If the boys are beginning to play this well NOW, what are they going to be like in January? In March? Then I laughed at myself. I’m not the one who should be worried, it’s the OTHER teams that should be concerned.

The Mudbugs go back to Southaven on Saturday night to face the Riverkings again. I will say that I will be rooting for the Turtles to upend Youngstown on Friday night. Yes, for about three hours I will be a Memphissippi fan.

On a more serious note, I will say that, despite the ribbing I’ve given him here on the blog, Larry Sterling is a very good goalie. I hope that when the dust settles on his suspension, he finds a good team to play for, that he settles down and lets his skills do the talking, and that he continues his winning ways.

Ok, enough seriousness....on to Southaven and another serving of Turtle Soup!

Saturday, November 10, 2007 Mudbugs 3 IceBats 0

6,035 got to see 60 solid minutes of Mudbugs hockey last night as the team honored our military by wearing special jerseys. (The sweaters were quite sharp. Check out www.shreveporttimes.com for game photos). It was the most complete, the most energetic, the most fun effort we’ve seen from the team so far. Congrats to Ken Carroll for his 22nd shut-out win, tying the CHL record. The Bugs’ defense did a stellar job of keeping the IceBats flustered and floundering, allowing a paltry 14 SOG, while the Mudbugs peppered goalie (and Minnesota Wild prospect) Miroslav Kopriva with 43 SOG. (Boy, do I like that number!)

Jumpin’ Joe Ori scored two goals in the game, with Justin Aiken adding the third for good measure. All the lines were working great together, and I think we saw an inkling of the good things to come. There were, though, at least four scoring opportunities that were sent high over the net (think field goals, haha), and if the boys could just get those down pat, it’s going to be tough for opposing teams to stop the offense. But that comes with practice and instinct, and I have no worries that will come to fruition.

Tyrel Lucas sat as a precaution and Darryl Lloyd sat out the first game of his two-gamer. Former Texas Brahma---and little brother to Ryan---Tristan Fairbarn donned a Mudbug sweater and played quite well for having joined the team earlier in the day. I admit it was confusing at first to see two Fairbarns out on the ice at the same time, haha.

Special props to Brett Smith, who worked his tail off last night. His efforts on the PK in digging out the puck from the corners, pestering the mess out of the IceBats who had the puck, and just his overall ability to be everywhere while working his shift deserve an extra mention.

Adding to the fun, Matthew Broderick was in the Swamp to drop the ceremonial puck and film his latest movie Wonderful World. He sat in section 109 for most of the 1st period and some of the second, and had a ball doing the “Goalie, Sieve” chant with the rest of the fans. Maybe he’ll come back on his own on Tuesday night.

The Riverkings are back in town on Tuesday night, and I think the revitalized Mudbugs will give them quite a battle. Bring on the Turtles, the Bugs are ready!

Thursday, November 8, 2007 Mubugs 1 Oilers 0

As boring as this game seemed to be, it was still a pretty good one. (I would have been in trouble if it had been more exciting; my brain was multi-tasking about 8 different school-related things that night.) Things started clicking for the team early, and the Bugs got the jump on the shot clock. But, there was another solid goalie in front of the opposition’s crease: former Mudbug goalie and UHL Komet standout Kevin St. Pierre. It must have been very weird for St. Pierre to be on the “wrong” side of the ice at the CTC. He played a great game, saving some unbelievable shots.

Jeff Christian, the scoring wiz in Y’town last year, is having a dismal season so far. And I guess he decided to take out his frustration on Ty Lucas by shoving him headfirst (with no call from ref Ian Croft) into the boards during the first. Ty skated to the bench on his own but then went to the dressing room, was put on a stretcher, and taken to the hospital. Coach told us at the post game show that Lucas “could have a broken neck”, but by the time Muscutt got back down the the dressing room, Ty was back with good news: no severe injuries.

Darryl Lloyd collided with an Oiler player while both were skating for the puck and referee Ian Croft cited Lloyd five minutes for kneeing. The CHL has since suspended him for 2 games. So we will be without number 27’s efforts until next Saturday. Unfortunate, yes, because Lloyd brings quite a bit on tenacity and hard work to the ice.

Joe Ori finally ended the double-goose egg on the score board in the third period, catching a between-the-legs, no-look pass from Karlis Zirnis. From my vantage point, I couldn’t see the pass, but a friend who did said it was unreal. The Mudbugs worked hard to keep the Oilers from scoring, and John Decaro got his shut out as Willie Nelson and Toby Keith’s voices were a overdue, very welcome sound at the end of this one.

November 3, 2007 Mudbugs 3 Riverkings 1

This weekend part deux....

Desperate times call for desperate measures, so I went to Mass at St. Jude’s (he’s the patron saint of desperate times) Saturday afternoon and lit a candle. (Is it sacriligious to cross your fingers while praying???) Later on I tuned in KEEL for the game after having dinner with my folks, but as I got further away from the city, the station went to static that seemed overlayed with mariachi music. Great. Wasn’t any clearer at home, and I didn’t feel like driving around for three hours in hopes of a good signal. The Internet feed wouldn’t to work for me as well, and NiftyTV refuses to acknowlege a MacIntosh computer, so I was, well, you know. Thank goodness for pointstreak.com

Saturday night’s first and most of second period seemed almost a carbon copy of Friday night. Bugs dominated the first period with shots, the ‘Kings the second. But lo and behold, Justin Aiken scored his first goal as a Bug, and things were looking up....until they faced another dreaded 5-on-3 for the ‘Kings in the third. Could someone please tell Tudor Floru he doesn’t have to blow his whistle every other minute to make sure it’s still working????

But Daniel Pegoraro must have said, “That’s it, I’ve had it!" He stole the puck from a Riverking and proceeded to “deke S-bass out of his jock” (Thanks, Donnie!) and score a shortie on Centomo. Linemate Joe Ori would seal the deal with an empty-netter and the Bugs come home with their first win of the season.

Now, I’m not saying that lighting that candle had anything to do with the boys bringing home a huge 2 points. But if need be, I’ll be lighting enough candles to illuminate the CTC if necessary. Congrats, guys! Let’s do it again on Thursday when the Tulsa Oilers limp into town.

November 2, 2007 Mudbugs 0 Riverkings 3

“Does anyone else feel like we’re being Punk’d?” asked my friend B as we morosely watched a dismal third period at the CTC on Friday night. We all had to laugh at her observation, but yes, it was as if the Pod people had come and taken over the Mudbugs.
Amongst the things I heard said on Friday night, the “it may be time to get out the paper bags if this keeps up” was the one most disheartening, especially since I thought that Memphis wasn’t even trying to win the game and they won anyway.

It’s obvious Larry Sterling---Mudbugs fans’ favorite whipping boy---enjoyed his shut-out, and thankfully, we got no “quality shots” quote from said goaltender. Despite the ample SOG for the Mudbugs, many of them were soft and delivered right to him. When it rains it pours, right? Surely it couldn't get any worse.....