The Shreveport Mudbugs (33-15-7) got a big lift from Logan Heroux to claw past the NAHL-best Oklahoma Warriors, 4-3 in OT and clinch a Robertson Cup playoff berth for a seventh consecutive season at Blazers Ice Centre Friday night.
Oklahoma got on the board early at 6:43 of the opening period as Will Ahlrik was able to pound home a rebound in front for his 17th goal of the year to make it 1-0. The home team led in SOG, 9-4 after one.
The Bugs evened the score at 7:51 of the second period as Ryan Burke wrapped in his 11th goal of the year along the near side to make it a 1-1 ballgame. Kason Muscutt earned the only assist. SHV would then take their first lead of the night at 12:32 as Muscutt roofed in his seventh tally of the year with a blistering shot to give the Bugs a 2-1 edge. Logan Heroux earned the assist on the play. The two-time Robby Cups then struck again during 4 on 4 scenario when Drake Morse fed a perfect pass across to Heroux who hammered home his ninth tally of the year from just on top of the far circle to push the Bugs’ lead to 3-1. Morse and Jaden Goldie picked up the assists. OKC came right back at 17:27 as Hunter Jones slipped in his 19th goal in front through the pads of Simon Bucheler to make it a 3-2 contest.
OKC got even at 5:40 of the third period on a 5 on 3 PP as Garrett Horsager shot in his ninth tally from the point to make it a 3-3 contest.
The game stayed tied going into OT and it was Heroux who struck again just 35 seconds in as he rifled in his second goal of the night from at the top of the near circle to lift the Shreveport Mudbugs to a 4-3 victory over the NAHL’s top team in the Oklahoma Warriors.
Simon Bucheler battled in the cage and made 22 stops to earn his league leading 26th win in net.
The Bugs and Warriors will conclude their two-game series tomorrow night. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. from the Blazers Ice Centre.