Brahmas netminder David Cacciola stops a shot by the Mudbug's Quade Lightbody

Catch as Cash can!

Texas Brahmas, David Cacciola shutout the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs 4-0

Mudbugs center Brett Smith skated up to Scott Sheppard in the pre-game warm-ups and asked, "Are your boys ready to fight?" Sheppard replied "Yeah, we'll fight," as he stared down Smith's smiling face. That smile didn't last long and no fighting was necessary as the Brahmas quickly re-established their season-long dominance over the 'Bugs which ended in the first shutout victory for the team this year. David Cacciola was magnificent in the net, stopping all 36 shots sent his way.

It was the Brahmas' fifth win in a row over the Mudbugs; fifth of six games played this season, ninth of the last 10 meetings and 13th of the last 15 overall. The 'Bugs are 10-3-0 against all other competitors this season but are 1-5 against the bulls. Suffice it to say, the Brahmas own the Mudbugs this year.

Grant Jacobsen sends one past Ryan Mior to send the teddy bears onto the ice

The Brahmas jumped out to a 2-0 first period lead with a pair of powerplay goals. First it was Grant Jacobsen, who redirected a shot from Craig Minard to beat a screened Ryan Mior for the first goal at the 8:17 mark. Craig Minard and Justin Kinnunen were credited with the assist. It was Jacobsen's eighth goal of the season.

Less than two minutes later, Jordan Cameron, assisted by Jacobsen and Scott Sheppard scored on a 5-on-3 powerplay to give the Brahmas a two-goal cushion at the 9:50 mark. The Mudbugs outshot the Brahmas 11-10 in the period but could not find their way past David Cacciola.

The frustrated Mudbugs were shorthanded for much of the second period, putting the Brahmas on the powerplay five times. At the 14:43 mark, Scott Sheppard fed a pass across the slot to Topher Scott who drilled it past Ryan Mior give the Brahmas a 3-0 lead. Grant Jacobsen was also credited with the assist. The Brahmas defense was on fire in the second holding the 'Bugs to three shots and giving the Brahmas a 12-3 shot advantage.

The Mudbugs couldn’t capitalize on two powerplay chances early in the third period, and then the Brahmas expanded the lead with Marc Belanger’s breakaway goal that made it 4-0. Matt Quinn and Mike Vellinga were credited with the assist. The Mudbugs fired 22 shots at Cacciola in the period, but couldn’t solve the former Mudbug and were shutout for the second time this season.

Cacciola improved his record to 4-4-0 this year. He rises to number five in the league with a .919 save percentage. Mior, who was making his first start in nearly a month, stopped 21 shots while falling to 4-3-0. The Mudbugs ended the game with a 36-25 edge in the shots on goal.

The Brahmas were 3 for 11 on the powerplay. The Mudbugs were held at 0 for 7. The Brahmas remain second in the league with a 21.29 powerplay percentage.

Topher Scott received the second star for his goal in the second period. Grant Jacobsen received the second star for his goal and two assists and David Cacciola received the first star for his shutout win.

You can view the box score here

You can view photos from the game here

The Brahmas host the Laredo Bucks tonight at the NYTEX Sports Centre for a 7:05 PM faceoff. The first 2,000 fans in attendance will receive a game puck courtesy of Capital One Bank.

Following the game the Brahmas players will gather at Bronco's Sports Bar and Grill (900 Airport Freeway) in Hurst. All fans are invited to attend the event at Bronco's to enjoy great food and live entertainment from the Zach Edwards Band at 10 PM.

Photo Credits: Robert Keith