The Shreveport Mudbugs (10-9-4) got a big night from Simon Bucheler and timely tallies to complete a 3-0 shutout victory over the New Mexico Ice Wolves at a raucous crowd at George’s Pond in Hirsch Coliseum Friday night.
After a scoreless two periods of play, the Bugs broke the ice at 8:52 of the third period on the PP. A shot from Eric Vitale was initially stopped by their goalie, but it was Hayden Nichol who fired home a rebound in front to give Shreveport a 1-0 edge. Vitale and Logan Heroux earned the helpers on the game’s first tally. It took just 53 seconds for the Mudbugs to score another as Drake Morse took a big hit in the boards, but got back up and got in front of the night and tucked home his fifth goal of the season to push the lead to 2-0 at 9:45. Vitale picked up his second assist of the night on Morse’ goal. Shreveport would then put the icing on the cake at 19:06 as Brent Litchard smoked in an EN goal to close out a 3-0 victory over New Mexico. Vitale earned another assist and had three helpers on the night.
Simon Bucheler stopped all 29 shots against him to earn his first shutout of the season.
The Bugs and Wolves will conclude their two-game series tomorrow night. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:11 p.m. from George’s Pond at Hirsch Coliseum.