The Shreveport Mudbugs (28-13) held off the Odessa Jackalopes, 3-1 on a shaky and feisty night for both teams Friday at Ector County Coliseum.
After struggling in most of the 1st, it was the Bugs who were able to score the game’s first goal in the last minute of the period. Garrett Steele was able to rifle in his fourth goal from the slot after a perfect pass from Brent Keefer at 19:12. Conor Witherspoon earned the secondary helper on the only tally of the opening period to give Shreveport the early 1-0. Odessa led in SOG, 15-12.
The Bugs capitalized on their first power play of the game early in the 2nd period as Ryan Dickinson fired home his third goal of the year at the point. Witherspoon and Ryan Waltman earned the assists at 2:55 which gave Shreveport a 2-0 edge.
Odessa had a goal disallowed early in the 3rd period, but were able to cash in on the PP goal at 12:09 when Adam Kolcon shot in his third period cutting the deficit, 2-1. Shreveport was on their heels after that goal allowed, but held off a late surge and put the icing on the cake as Ryan Waltman wired in an EN goal from the neutral zone which was his eighth goal of the season. The goal made it a 3-1 Bugs lead at 19:43.
Maiszon Balboa earns his 14th win in net making 24 saves on the night.
Shreveport wins for the eighth time in their past 10.
The Bugs and Jacks will conclude their two-game series tomorrow night at the Ector County Coliseum. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:15 p.m.