Darryl Smith gets the 2nd shootout goal against Brett Jaeger

Texas Brahmas lose in shootout with Laredo

Bucks prevail in first meeting between Southeast Division rivals

The Texas Brahmas put up a good fight but lost the first of eight matches to their new divisional rivals, the Laredo Bucks, in a 2-1 shootout at the NYTEX Sports Centre. The Bucks now lead the Brahmas by four points (30-26) in the division. Tonight's game gave a good indication of what is to be expected in the series, with both teams evenly matched at this point in the season.

Bucks head coach Terry Ruskowski commented on the rivalry prior to the game.

"I wish they weren't in our division because they are a very strong team and we don't want strong teams in our division (laughing). But it makes for better hockey. We have to prepare ourselves as best we can to play against one of the best teams in the league."

The game opened with aggressive play on both sides. The Bucks scored first at the 3:06 mark when forward Darryl Smith took a pass from Bobby Russell in the slot and slapped the puck past Brett Jaeger. It was Smith's 16th goal of the season (second in the league) and Russell's 10th assist. The Bucks outshot the Brahmas 11-8 in the first period.

Darryl Smith gives the Bucks a 1-0 lead in the first period

The Brahmas began the second period with a two man disadvantage but Jaeger held off the Bucks' attackers and got lucky with two shots that hit the post. The physical play continued for half of the period before an unassisted Jordan Cameron was able to tie it up at the 10:01 mark. Cameron took the puck from the near corner, and wrapped all the way around the Laredo net before getting down low and stuffing in a back hander past Sebastien Centomo. It was Cameron's fifth goal of the season. Shots were even at nine apiece in the second.

The third period was a defensive battle for both teams with the Brahmas outshooting the Bucks 12-11. The Brahmas came up short on two powerplay opportunities, unable to overcome Centomo. After a scoreless overtime period, the game was sent to a shootout.

Laredo rookie forward Jason Dixon picked up the winning goal as he skated up close and beat Brett Jaeger with a poke in from the left side of the crease. Darryl Smith scored right after Dixon to put the Bucks up 2-0 in the shootout. Jaeger was able to stop Joey Olsen's shot but Kevin McLeod lost control of the puck before shooting and the game was over, quietly. Sebastien Centomo was able to stop all four Brahmas shooters (Belanger, Sheppard, Cameron, McLeod) to seal the win for the Bucks.

Centomo stopped 29 shots to improve to 9-4-0 on the season. His propensity to lift the net off of its moorings (five times by my count angered the crowd) but all in all he had a solid night. Brett Jaeger made 33 saves and received the third star tonight. With his second loss in a row, his record is now 8-2-2.

Neither team was able to convert on the powerplay with the Brahmas going 0 for 8 and the Bucks going 0 for 5.

Jordan Cameron received the second star for his performance, including the game-tying goal in the second period. The Bucks' Jason Dixon received the first star for his game winning goal.

Laredo improves to 15-5-0 with 30 points. The Brahmas record is now 12-6-2 with 26 points. Their record at NYTEX is now 8-2-1. The two teams will meet again on January 3rd at the Laredo Entertainment Center.

You can view the box score here

You can view the pictures here

The Brahmas will host another Southeast division rival, the 9-7-2 Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees, on Tuesday night.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith