The Shreveport Mudbugs (1-0) shutout the New Mexico Ice Wolves, 2-0 to win their home opener for the 2019-2020 season in front of a packed house at George’s Pond in Hirsch Coliseum.
The Bugs got on the board first when Alexis Girard ripped home the first goal of the season from the near circle on the powerplay to give Shreveport a 1-0 lead at 19:57 of the 1st period. Conor Witherspoon earned the assist on the tally. It was the only goal in a penalty-filled physical period for both teams.
After a scoreless 2nd period, it was Warren Natyshak nailing in his first goal of the season off the faceoff win from Carson Nichols at 6:20 of the 3rd giving Shreveport a 2-0 lead. That lead was more than enough for Maiszon Balboa who made 15 stops to earn his first shutout of the season.
The Bugs win their home opener for the third time in four seasons in the NAHL.
The Mudbugs and Ice Wolves will conclude their two-game series tomorrow night at George’s Pond in Hirsch Coliseum. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:11 p.m.