Mudbugs Hockey Blog

It is a tough pill to swallow to be so close, to come so far while overcoming so much. But when you go further than you yourself ever imagined, with the strength and wisdom you never thought you had, is that taste so bad you lose the ability to see the truth?

The truth is that every player on the Mudbugs team lost game seven and the series with it knowing full well that one team was going to advance and one team was going home.

The Bossier Shreveport Mudbugs may have been defeated 7-3 in the 7th game of the Northern Conference Finals to the advancing Rapid City Rush. And yes, the privilege to represent their Conference in the Finals along with it. But are they losers, just for losing? I think not. I despise the crude adage “there is no 2nd place” or “there is #1 and everybody else is a loser”. Continue Reading »

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Game 7’s can be the ultimate excitement in any series. This group of Mudbugs players have fought tooth and nail for every inch of ice surface no matter what the adversity. No matter what is thrown their way, they seem to find a way to work through and persevere.

Parker Van Buskirk is a great example of just that. He came in here with the explicit attitude of NOT playing like a backup of the team’s backup. But more like a starter on any team in the league. He said he wanted to be a “calming influence for the guys”  and has done so and more.

With the Bossier Shreveport’s back against the wall, down 3 games to 2 in the series, it was time for a hero. It was time for a team full of heroes to get the job done or its the end. Van Buskirk stopped all 27 shots he faced for his 1st professional shutout. He was the hero in this game. Continue Reading »

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The Rapid City Rush forced the Bossier Shreveport Mudbugs to a position they have not been thus far in the playoffs. The brink of elimination at 3 games to two in the Northern Conference Finals. The two teams will meet again for game 6 of the series back in South Dakota.

The Mudbugs hoped they were to be the team that breaks the pattern. Neither team has won two games in a row. Will the theme stay the same with a Mudbugs victory to stay in contention in game six?

A large part of game five for the Mudbugs was spent trying to penetrate Rapid City’s solid defensive scheme. The Rush shut down the passing lanes as well as the shooting lanes with precision. For the most part, whenever the Mudbugs did get any kind of forecheck going, the Rush where right there to outman and overpower the Mudbugs. They rarely got off a second shot. Let’s face it, the Rush played an almost flawless playoff game. Continue Reading »

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The Bossier Shreveport Mudbugs ran all over the Rapid City Rush scoring 6 unanswered goals, including 3 of them on the powerplay on thier way to a 6-1 crucial win. Already down 2-1 in the series coming into game 4, the Mudbugs new what had to be done. And got the job done.

The arena was rocking, playoff fever was at its peak, and the Mudbugs were rattling off goal after goal demoralizing the Rush. Rapid City became more and more frustrated with not only every goal against, but with the magnificence of Mudbugs netminder Parker Van Buskirk. When they would get a scoring chance, he was there to make the save. He finished the night with 30 saves off 31 shots.

You would think a goal scorer would earn the 1st star in such a lopsided game, but this time it clearly belonged to the rookie sensation Van Buskirk. What a great find in such short notice by Head Coach Scott Muscutt. And what great character and talent this 22 yr. old has. All he has done is take what was a disastrous situation, turned into just the opposite. He is doing such an amazing job living up to the huge challenge put before him. Continue Reading »

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The Mudbugs fell behind the NCF series with the Rapid City Rush 2 games to 1 after they were defeated 3-2 in overtime Thursday night in front of a sparse crowd inside the CenturyTel Center.

It was a messy game to say the least. There were plenty of forced errors, un-forced errors and just plain bonehead plays by the Mudbugs defense.

The Mudbugs played hard, they just didn’t play smart playoff hockey. Problem was that they were just too hesitant, too afraid to make the wrong play. When in essence that frame of mind is exactly what plagued them all night.

Both teams had plenty of chances to run up the score, due to turnovers by each team, in all zones. Problem was neither team could bury the puck. The Mudbugs must have missed at least 5 great scoring chances by either shooting too high over the net, or missing the net altogether.

In fact the game was so sloppy, the darn thing found its way to overtime. It was a night for the rookies of both teams. I think Parker Van Buskirk did as well as either of our injured starters would have done in the game. Continue Reading »

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The Bossier Shreveport Mudbugs had set out to earn at the very least a split decision out of the first 2 games of the NCF that took place at the home of the Rapid City Rush. They got their wish. The how, or any other explanation for why they got it, is moot. They got the split and that’s all that matters.

However, what they did lose was a game in OT, and the services of their second goalie in as many series.  The Mudbugs had to rely on their third netminder of these playoffs. Parker Van Buskirk was rushed onto the scene to backup Kenny Carroll when starting netminder John DeCaro went down in the previous playoff round. I suspect Carroll will be back, or hope is a better word. And if so, will he be well enough? Only one person can answer that question.

The Mudbugs chased the hottest goalie in the playoffs to the bench with 4 unanswered goals after falling behind by a 1-0 score. Danny Battochio was a perfect 5-0 heading into this contest and got the hook at the 15:03 mark of the 2nd period in favor of Miguel Beaudry. The Rush tried to rally back with a pair of 3rd period goals, but fell short through the last 3 minutes of the game. Continue Reading »

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After pulling off Semi-Final sweeps, both teams were chomping at the bit to get the Northern Conference Finals started. After all, the Rapid City Rush and the Bossier Shreveport Mudbugs had over a week to get ready to go to war. That’s the downside to winning early, now it’s time to shake off any rust that may have accumulated over that stretch.

Despite being grossly outshot throughout this contest (44-24), the Mudbugs made their 24 shots count on the scoreboard. They proved that the shot clock tonight meant nothing. Either team could have won the game, and conversely, either team could have lost. There can only be one winner.  And it took overtime to settle it.

Rush’s leading scorer, Les Reaney, scored the OT Game One winner at 5:06 of the extra stanza, giving the Rush the 1-0 series lead in the NC Finals. But it wasn’t without a fight as the Mudbugs rattled off three 3rd period goals to take a 4-3 lead. Continue Reading »

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Who knew the tagline of “Heart and Hustle” put out at the beginning of the season was actually meant for the playoffs? At any point of this series, did you not see a player in a Mudbugs sweater give up everything he had for his team?

Of course the sweetest part is that the Bugs were clearly the underdog in this series. And in turn, ended as the top dog when the dust settled from so many sweeping brooms. One of the amazing parts of the series was the excitement brought forth from the fan’s unprompted cheers pumping energy and faith into every player.

Enough can’t be said about how proud the fans are of this team, despite their success not being in our vision when the series began. Realistic expectations that were a bit clouded, are now crystal clear after this team made all those who doubted look bad. Including myself, who had picked the Eagles in 5 games. I have never been so happy to chew on a bit of crow. Continue Reading »

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