The Shreveport Mudbugs (1-0) overcame a slow start and got a memorable goaltending performance to help grind out a 2-1 victory over the St. Cloud Norsemen in the 2023-2024 season opener.
The Bugs struggled most of the opening period and got out-shot 11-5 after one period of play. Carson Dorfman started his stellar night w/ terrific stops to keep the opening frame scoreless.
St. Cloud would break through at 2:42 into the 2nd period when Wes Berg found a loose puck in front and slipped in his first tally through the pads of Dorfman to make it a 1-0 contest. Shreveport rallied back on the penalty kill when Hayden Nichol got on a breakaway and flipped in his first goal of the season to even the score, 1-1 at 14:39.
The Bugs would have their strongest effort in the third period which produced the go-ahead just 3:26 in as Breyden Cook set up the play and pushed a puck in front which was tipped home from Logan Heroux to give SHV their first lead of the night at 2-1. Nichol added the secondary helper on Heroux’s goal. That slim lead would be all the Bugs would need as Dorfman was electric as he made big stop after big stop including a marvelous glove save w/ 1:25 remaining in the game.
Carson would end the game w/ 29 saves to help the Bugs win the opener.
The Shreveport Mudbugs continue their 2023-2024 showcase tomorrow afternoon as they’ll take on the Rochester Americans. Puck drop is scheduled for 2:15 p.m. from the Super Rink in Blaine, MN.