Mudbugs Hockey Blog

First of all I would like to thank everyone for their kind words. Four seasons ago I began to create and update the Sabresinsider.com website. I did that for about 2 years and still am doing what I can for them. They were ready to shut it down due to lack of interest basically. I took it over and revived it, not knowing anything whatsoever about how.

I had no experience with web page design or HTML code. But I stepped into it and taught myself how to do it. My motivation was always in the fans interests. Being a long time fan of over 35 years myself I new what I wanted, and used that as a ruler to measure from.

The Website was indeed saved and is now re-designed and one of the best on the net. For two seasons before the redesign I covered the Mudbugs, with stats, news and post game reports. In fact I covered the Sabres, Amerks and the Mudbugs and wrote post game reports for all 3 teams on weekends. That was a task let me tell you. I then decided to go off on my own and create a website I could own myself that mainly covered the Mudbugs.

So I mulled over it for a while, decided the financial commitment as well as time commitment was going to be worth it. Just as before my motivation was for the fans. I looked at it as a way of giving back to the game of hockey which has literally helped me through some tough times, with the distraction from my troubles and getting together with all my hockey friends at the games has always been one of my favorite parts.

I felt that taking on this role was going to be my new occupation since becoming medically retired from the service, and needed something to keep myself busy other than volunteering at Shumpert Hospice Grace Home, which I have done for the past 5 yrs.

It took a good chunk financially to get this site up to speed as well as many many sleepless nights to setup to at least its basic form. But it was never about the money or the time it was for the fans and giving back to the game as well as doing my part to support and contribute to Mudbugs Hockey.

As I said I took this all on for you the fans, to give other Mudbug fans who are not only fortunate enough to attend games, but for Mudbug fans all over the world. I can look at the stats of the website and which countries visit each day and there are hits from countries such as the Netherlands, England, Australia to name a few but mostly from US and Canada.

I would like to point out that I intentionally created certain aspects of the site for you the fans to become involved as well. There is the Fan Articles, this was created for fans who have a story to tell and want it to be enjoyed by all Mudbugs Hockey fans from anywhere on the globe. There is no need to be an expert writer, My whole point was to give fans who find themselves writing long posts on message boards for example that everyone loves and then having it disappear into thin air never to be seen again. You can post them there and always be able to access them at any time from any where.

Also its a good place for anyone who wants to just write about their thoughts about the game. Again do not worry if you good at writing, When I started someone helped me with some very helpful tips, because I was not very good either. So if I can do it anyone can.

One of the other areas is 10th anniversary photos as well as any of your special memory hockey photos, and a bit about the picture if you like but it is not necessary. If anyone wants to jump in and be a part of fun and enjoyment of bringing your fellow Mudbug fans a great place to go for all their hockey needs then email me at billabre@msn.com.

This is our Website brought to you by the fans for the fans of not only Mudbugs Hockey, but the game of Hockey itself. Please feel free to express ideas, thoughts and yes any criticisms and things you think could be better. Let’s all work together and remember also, the Players read and like the site as well as their families from afar.

posted by Sabrbug at 7:17 PM

2 Comments:

Millerfan said…

Well; you really know how to pull on the heart strings of some people. One would be me. “My Devotion” is definitely a great one. Just wanted to let you know that I do appreciate everything you do as for as the MudbugsInsider site is concerned. You have really made it a place that’s so simple for people to navigate through.I also thank you for bringing me on to work with you on this website. You have taught me many things about HTML code. And among other things; it has given me direction in my life; also. After becoming disabled in 1999; I had really lost interest in everything.

I stayed depressed because I wasn’t able to work anymore. There were times when I really just didn’t have the desire to go on. GOD got me through that. And then Mudbugs hockey comes along & I meet you & Janet. Not long after; you are putting together a website for all the hockey fans & also putting me to work.

I have to admit the pay is really lousy. But the benefits of being involved in this, couldn’t be better. There are people that always come up to me & have something good to say about the Insider.

It’s usually always about how well it’s set up & how informative it is. I thank you for taking the time you did, to get this site up & running. And I also thank you for allowing me to be a part of it. Keep up the good work. People may not come to you about how much they love the site; but they do tell me to let you know how much they enjoy it.

Thanks once again for all your hard work & devotion. And also a big thank you on this “Blog” you wrote. Keep up the awesome work.

March 20, 2007 10:33 PM

Anonymous said…

well… I for one look at ur site and read the wonderful blogs you post. I am 18 years old, and remember my first hockey game back at the hirsch. My dad and I were huge fans the first 2 years. I then decided to play hockey in which I played in the SBHA over at crystal palace when Jack owned it. After 2001 I stopped playing hockey and stopped attending games. Not sure why. But anyways my point is that I just recently got back into the Mudbugs in last years playoffs. My fiance now goes to all the games with me and she is hooked!!! Its wonderful lol. Hockey is just a game, but this hockey club will teach you life lessons. The main one is that no matter what situation you are in, working together and hard work will always preseveir. Saburbug what you do is awesome and keep up the wonderful work! My name is Nick by the way.
and PS in ur latest blog you said feel free to express any criticism. My only crticism to you sir would be the fact your such a big sabres fan. lol I know they are the “affiliate of us” but I have to stay loyal to the stars! lol but once again your awesome for what you do for us in the swamp. Thankyou!

March 21, 2007 4:36 AM

© 2007 – 2009, Mudbugs Hockey Blog. All rights reserved. To Republish you must link back to the Original Article

“First off I as many had their doubts as to where this team was going to finish the regular season, never did I dream or even dare to dream this team would finish atop the league and have the honor bestowed upon them as Governor’s Cup Champions.

Congratulation’s to all that made it happen, the team could have finished 2nd or 3rd or even just made the playoffs we as fans would have settled with that considering the way the season began with such chaos and uncertainty, not to mention confusion.

Head Coach Scott Muscutt and his crack staff came under some heavy scrutiny that began over the summer months all the way to almost Christmas time, But with precise vision and foresight the staff had the courage and the knowledge to stand firm against all odds and stick to their guns despite the heavy artillery fired their way.

Not only did they have the courage and fortitude to see what others could not, they went ahead and far exceeded any expectation anyone could have ever predicted.

Here are some accolades:
– Northeast Division Champions for the 4th straight season
– Governor’s Cup
– Set a new record for winning percentage with a .734 up from .711 set back in the 1998-99 Cup season.
– Finished the regular season 10-0
– 2nd time in as many season’s a Mudbug has won the Most Outstanding Goaltender Award, (Last season it was Ken Carroll)
– and the list goes on and on…..

But the one thing that’s missing may take just as much courage,fortitude, hard work and dedication as it took to get to this point. It has been said by many a player over the years that they would trade any of those accolades for the chance to compete for the Cup and be crowned as leagues best.

Just because the Bugs finished atop of the league in points, just because they finished the season 10-0, when the Bossier Shreveport Mudbugs line up at center ice with the Wichita Thunder to open the 2007 Conference Quarter Finals the record will be 0-0. This team must treat every team with the same respect despite how they got into the post season.

When I say they must respect the opposing team, I am talking about scoring ability, desire etc. it does in no way mean you do not play them physical, because that is a very important ingredient in which I have no doubt the Bugs will have in their game.

I wish this team all the success they hope to achieve and the strength, courage and desire to get it done. Good Luck Guys. You are already our heroes.

© 2007 – 2009, Mudbugs Hockey Blog. All rights reserved. To Republish you must link back to the Original Article

WTG guys. You two “Definitely” deserved this award.In fact. I think the entire “MUDBUG TEAM” should be named the Sherwood Players of the month of March.

I’m so proud of our entire team. These guys have more talent than some of these players that have been playing professionally for years. For example. I see Stewart luring these big time players to play for him; by waving all these perks in front of their nose. Being members of these big nice Country Clubs, all the golf you wanna play for free, big nice condominiums to live in. And no telling what else.

Do I blame the players for finding all this very nice & taking Stewie up on his offer??? Of course not. But now I show you another team. That would be the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs organization. What does Scotty Muscutt use to bring his players to camp to try out for a spot on the Mudbugs team???

I will tell you it’s NOT living in big nice condominiums. And it’s NOT free memberships at sprawling Country Clubs. They come here & they know within a matter of a few hours; exactly what to expect if they decide to play for Scott Muscutt’s team. Not to mention if Scott Muscutt decides he WANTS them to play for him.

They get hard work thrown at them the moment they hit the gym. After that; they get MORE hard work thrown their way out on the ice. (This comes from players that have played here). Along with this; they also get apartments to live in. When they arrive to their apartment for the 1st time; some of the women of the Mudbugs Booster Club have already been there. Why??? They have been there stocking the apartments with things for the players. Everything you can imagine from A to Z. (Many thanks to these people)

Then people get the chance to sponsor a player of their choice. When I say sponsor; that includes babysitting if a player & his wife would like to go out themselves. Making sure they have everything they need. Having them over for meals or taking them out at times. Just being there for them if you are needed. I can’t say enough about some of these sponsors. And I know the players would agree. They get to know these players & their families on a more personal level. And even when these players move on or move up to the next level; they are always like a part of their family. And this goes both ways.

Players that have left here most always try their best to keep in touch with host families & fans. In fact; some of the players NEVER leave after their playing days are over. Why??? Because THEY are made to feel like family from all the fans. The Booster Club members & the rest of the fans. These players are hand picked by Scott Muscutt & this is where “Character” comes in. Muscutt makes sure he has a group of guys that will not only gel on the ice; but off the ice as well. If he sees a player isn’t doing his part to help in this process; he sends them packing.

So for the Mudbugs organization; it’s not about the fine living in condos & free memberships to Country Clubs. It’s all about hard work ethic & learning to work on the ice together & then becoming a “Big Family” off the ice. Some don’t think character has anything to do with winning. Well; those people are seeing right now that it does. I have to say I used to be one that didn’t understand Scotty’s meaning on picking guys with character. I’m not scared to admit it. But I DEFINITELY understand it now. So you may ask; what is the BIG pay-off if a player decides to play for the BUGS???

That’s simple. They get the knowledge & the hard work it takes on how to become a better player; so they are ready if the chance comes along for them to move up. And one thing that almost EVERY player will agree on.

“THEY ARE OUR FAMILY”

Thanks for everything you guys do. You guys have made the regular season such a wonderful year.

Now it’s time to hang on tight; people. Because I think these guys are about to show all of of us what

© 2007 – 2009, Mudbugs Hockey Blog. All rights reserved. To Republish you must link back to the Original Article

One of the biggest discussions all season long has been the ridiculous playoff format. The confusion over how the new format will actually play out is drawing nearer each day. We all did the same thing when we heard the news, things like Huh? And what are they smoking?

I am not sure if anyone had actually took the too many hours trying to figure out the exact rules and scenarios that could take place in this seasons playoffs. It will be stupendously unique without question. I will try to break it down to more simple terms, although I can’t promise you won’t get a headache and spin off your chair anyway from dizziness.

I will start with what we already know:

The opening round (Conference Quarter-Finals) will feature 3 separate series of play in each Conference, with the 1st seed playing the 6th seed, the 2nd seed playing the 5th seed and the 3rd seed playing the 4th seed.

This is the part that will need some explanation. The following is how the rule actually reads:

The 2nd round (Conference Semi-Finals) will consist of the victorious 3 teams from each conference’s opening round, along with the highest seeded team which loses in the opening round.

What does this mean, well I guess its best explained with the following hypothetical scenarios as if the playoffs started today.

Northern Conference:

(1) Colorado would play (6) Tulsa
(2) Bossier Shreveport would play (5) Oklahoma City
(3) Memphis would play (4) Youngstown

Southern Conference:

(1) Laredo would play (6) Rio Grande Valley
(2) New Mexico would play (5) Amarillo
(3) Corpus Christi would play (4) Arizona

As you may have noticed there will be only 3 teams that will come out of the first round right? But wait where is the 4th team coming from?

Of the 3 teams in each Conference that are defeated in the round, the highest remaining previously seeded team advances to create the phantom 4th team. The only team that is assured a “Mulligan” is the top Conference seed. If the top seed loses their series the “Mulligan” belongs to them and they will advance.

However if the top seed wins their series, they will advance like normal and the “Mulligan” gets passed down to the 2nd highest remaining previously seeded team. This team will advance under the same rules as the first seeded team.

However as before if the 2nd seed loses their series, the “Mulligan” belongs to them and they are allowed to advance. If they win their series they will advance as normal and therefore the “Mulligan” once again gets handed down to the 3rd and last possible spot, and would play out the same way as the first two scenarios, except for the fact that win or lose the 3rd and 4th remaining seeds will advance one way or another, Whether it be by winning or by “Mulligan”. The only difference in who wins the series between the 3rd seed and the 4th is where they be placed in 2nd round (Conference Semi-Finals).

The three winning teams from each conference in the opening round will be reseeded 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, (according to their previous seed) with the highest seed team losing the opening round automatically seeded 4th for the remainder of the conference playoffs. So are you confused yet?

In short, if seeds 1, 2 and 3 win their series then the 4th seed will advance, win or lose. The 5th and 6th seeds can only advance if they win.

The 3rd round (Conference Finals) will consist of the victorious 2 teams remaining from each conference, with seeding Conference Semi-Final seeding remaining in effect to determine home ice advantage.

The 4th round (President’s Cup Final) will consist of the victorious 2 teams remaining from their respective Conference playoffs. Home ice advantage in the Ray Miron President’s Cup Finals will be awarded to the club with higher regular season point totals, regardless of any earlier playoff seeding.

-The higher seeded club in each playoff meeting will receive home ice advantage
-Each of the four playoff rounds will use a best-of-seven game format
-Any contests tied after regulation play will not use the shootout to determine a winner as in the regular season. Any tied playoff games will use additional 20 minute periods of sudden death play.

Should two or more teams be tied in points for any seeding issue throughout the playoffs, the following tiebreakers will be used:

-Most wins
-Head to head record
-Goals for and against differential

© 2007 – 2009, Mudbugs Hockey Blog. All rights reserved. To Republish you must link back to the Original Article

From where I am sitting, which happens to be at a Tiki Bar near Cocoa Beach, Florida enjoying a very cold brew along with a very nice view…of the water!!! what did you think I meant? ok you got me, its official the women are fine in Florida.

The food is awesome and the weather is too 76 today, nice!! But I did think about y’all back in Mudbug Country because as I said before I distracted myself ehmmm!! the Bugs are back on top looking downhill at the rest of the division.

The run to the finish line looks like this:

Mudbugs – 9 games left
RiverKings – 10 games left
Steelhounds – 8 games left
Tulsa – on the outside knocking on the door – 10 games left

Now we could waste time trying to figure out who has the easier schedule, but in my mind every game is neither easier or harder than the rest. The teams still have to go out there and win the game no matter the opponent.

For the Bugs to hold on to the division lead its easy to say all the Bugs have to do is win all 9 remaining games and it’s a lock, that would be wonderful. We are 3 points up with 2nd place Memphis nipping at our butts with 1 game in hand, which bring the margin of error to a very slim amount to work with indeed.

I want them to succeed and earn their 4th crown in a row, but it would not be the end of the world if they did not. This season with the way it began is already at a level of sheer amazement among most Mudbugs fans, going into the playoffs healthy and strong and eventually bringing the Cup home is just simply an amazing and storybook ending to a most amazing and possibly unpredictable season.

I did not get to see my Buffalo Sabres dropped by the Colorado Avalanche 3-2 last night, but it was however great news to here that Co-Captain Chris Drury was back in the lineup after recovering from injuries that resulted for the questionable hit laid on him last week by Ottawa’s Chris Neil. I am sure Drury was glad to be back so he can put that whole incident to rest and just think about preparing for the playoffs.

That’s all for now, It will be tough to leave the nice weather, awesome looking beer wenches and very fine company of friends to return to the flying airborn fungus of Shreveport La. then I must. I will miss my friends at 3 home games while I am here in Melbourne Fla. and as we trek back home we will zip on over to Lafayette La. to visit my new grandson for the first time, and the happy Mom and Dad too.

So cheer loud and for me, and go Mudbugs!!!!

Lastly Congrats to “That Pesky Wildfong” for his most dubious awards as the CHL’s Best Leader and Most Annoying Player. That’s funny I don’t find him annoying at all. LOL. way to go Danny Boy!!!!

© 2007 – 2009, Mudbugs Hockey Blog. All rights reserved. To Republish you must link back to the Original Article