The Shreveport Mudbugs (15-12-5) received great goaltending and timely scoring to top the Odessa Jackalopes, 3-1 Saturday night to head into the Christmas break with a victory.
The Mudbugs struck first blood in the first period when Joel Frazee buried home his third goal of the year from the slot – top shelf at 8:05 to give Shreveport the early 1-0 lead. C.J. McGee and C.J. Regula earned the assists on the goal. A few minutes later, it was McGee on the right wing who was able to fire home his seventh tally of the season assisted by Regula and Jay Feiwell at 11:55 extending the Bugs’ lead to 2-0. Odessa out-shot Shreveport, 14-9 after one period of play, but Maiszon Balboa was strong in net to keep the Jacks off the board.
The Bugs and Jacks traded scoring chances in the 2nd period, but both netminders made nice saves including a few show-stoppers from Balboa. Odessa led in SOG, 29-26 after two periods of play.
Balboa who had held a shutout bid making one great save after another couldn’t stop a quick pass and shot at 12:31 breaking the goose egg for the Jacks and pulling Odessa within one at 2-1. Captain Jay Feiwell came right back though just 38 seconds later at 13:09 and rifled home his ninth goal of the year in the slot in front to give Shreveport a two-goal lead again at 3-1.
Balboa was marvelous in net making 44 saves to pick up his fifth personal win.
The Mudbugs will be back in action after the Christmas break to host the Corpus Christi Ice Rays at Georges Pond in Hirsch Coliseum next Friday and Saturday night. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:11 p.m. for both contests.