Cash is back...temporarily

Former Brahmas goalie signs 5-game contract with the Mudbugs

Imagine this. You're having a couple of beers with your brother in Cambridge, Massachusetts and your phone rings. It's the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs calling and they want to know if you'd like to play tomorrow. Now, you haven't skated for over 16 months and you haven't worn a sweater since the Texas Brahmas won the Ray Miron President's Cup on May 6, 2009...what do you do?

Here's what David Cacciola did - he got on a plane to Louisiana and signed with the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs and indeed, made his first start in net since March 21st, 2009.

The Mudbugs were in need (understatement) - Jeff Harvey was placed on goaltender injured reserve after some rough play in the previous game against Allen. Shane Foster had been called up to the Rochester Americans (AHL) and John DeCaro was still out on IR, where he started the season due to a serious injury at the end of last season. Ken Carroll wasn't an option due to paperwork issues. So, who to get in short notice? Cacciola was considered a viable option and given the quandary the Mudbugs were in, he was glad to help.

Playing 59:10 against the rival Allen Americans last night, Cash had a rough night, to say the least. In shape, but not in playing shape, the 28-year-old net minder must have felt like he was running a marathon. He allowed four goals in the 5-3 loss, but made some great saves during the contest. He is expected to serve as backup to Brian Foster during tonight's visit to the NYTEX Sports Centre.

Cacciola played 28 regular season games with the Mudbugs during his rookie season in 2005-06 and went 18-5-4 with a 2.54 GAA and a .926 save percentage. During the post-season, Cash contributed to the 'Bugs wins over the Wichita Thunder (four games to one) in the quarterfinals and the Colorado Eagles in the semi-finals (four games to one) before beings squashed by the Laredo Bucks (four games to in) in the Ray Miron President's Cup Finals.

Despite the heartbreak of losing in the Finals, Cash led all CHL goalies in the post-season with minutes played (717:33), wins (8), GAA (1.76), saves (405) and save percentage (.951).

Cash went on to play for the New Mexico Scorpions in 2006-07 and then became the first player signed to the new Texas Brahmas in 2007-08, teaming up with Brett Jaeger to help the Brahmas make it to within a game of the Finals that season and to a President's Cup Championship in 2008-09.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith