Mudbugs Hockey Blog

With the moooooving on of Dan Wildfong to the Brahmas, who will replace arguably the biggest pain in the ass to play against the Mudbugs ever had? Danny played the game with the type of grit that had a way of getting under the skin of the opponent causing them to lose their focus as well as their tempers.

He not only was an antagonist, he was antagonist that backed it up as well, Most night’s against fighters bigger than he was, but that never stopped him he has always win or lose bled Mudbug Red for his team and the fans. That kind of leadership, courage and willingness will be very hard to replace. Will it be done? maybe the better question is, Can it be done?

He and Forbes Macpherson, who also mooooooved west as Wildfong’s assistant, will be the last of the tough teams from the WPHL cup era, other than the coaching staff that is. But the coaches can only do so much, team leadership comes from someone in a jersey not in a suit. New leaders must emerge, who will they be?

But that’s only part of the story the Bugs need to get tougher and I know I say it every year they need to get bigger. What’s wrong with bringing down some big tough western Canadian players? The kind of players that will be tough to play against and will give the opposition something to think about every time they play the Mudbugs.

I mean take a look at the team Logo, does it not portray one pissed off crawfish? One that says ” I am tough and mean and determined to reach my destination, so either get going or get your ass out of my way. ” I’d like to see a team tough to play against and entertaining to watch this season.

Wildfong is the last bit of grizzle leftover from the tough WPHL Mudbugs cup teams.

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I must say that I was shocked to hear the news of Mudbugs GM Jason Rent being let go, leaving on his own , or just flat out fired, which ever the case he will be missed. I have had the pleasure of knowing him and his beautiful family over the years and they have always treated me in a way that made me feel that I was always welcome.

I have great respect for the man and wish him and his family many happy trails to whatever endeavor they choose. All his hard work and dedication to the Mudbugs organization and fans will not be replaced, but instead added to the foundation of what is the Mudbugs today.

As for some bit of speculative news, I wonder if this brings upon any more changes within. Will Scott Muscutt take over the duties of General Manager? If so does that translate into to Assistant Coach Trevor Buchanan taking over as Head Coach? Then who would be your choice for a new Assistant Coach?

Well It’s time for summer and that means it’s time for speculation, rumors and little crumbs of actual news throughout the scorching days and sticky nights of life in Mudbugs Country.

Team press Release..

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Or at least I will try. The Mudbugs never did play their best hockey in the playoffs or at least not the hockey they were down the stretch. Could it be that this team was not playoff ready? I am not referring to coaching as I am to experience as a whole as to what was needed by this team win in the post season.

I think maybe some of the players were a little overwhelmed by the intensity of their opponents and had hard time trying to match it. many a foolish team have thought they could go into the playoffs and just turn on the light and be playoff ready, well it rarely happens that way. The Mudbugs took a fair amount of the season searching for an identity as well as chemistry, these are things to be expected with such a large turnover as the Bugs started the season with.

But when the light went on in the latter part of December, it just glowed brighter and brighter all the way to their 2nd ever Governor’s Cup crown.

What happened after that is what has Mudbug fans scratching their heads. How could a team that worked so hard and was at times dominating at home or on the road be so inept in the second season?

Did they get too big a head to deflate? was it just inexperience? or god forbid did some kind of animosity rear it’s ugly head into the locker room? Well we know they had the talent, we know they had the spirit, but the playoffs are a whole new monster and it is never kind and never easy, you must work for every inch of ice and be willing to accept the punishment it takes to win. If not then that monster will eat you alive. I guess they will just have to learn from this and be better for it next season. Let’s not let the disappointment of the destination ruin the beauty of the journey.

I think if we can sign the core of talent we had last season along with a couple of new old faces like Brett Smith, who is and will be an excellent addition to this team or any team along with goalie standout John DeCaro we will be in great shape for the new season. One last thought, Is the reign of Kenny Carroll as the number one guy on it’s way out?

Finally, Good luck to Danny and Forby with their new adventures with Brahmas except of course when the Bugs face off against them this season, then it’s us or them and they will be the enemy. That will take some getting used too for sure.

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