Texas' charged power play beats Arizona 5-3

NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, Texas (October 30)- On the eve of Halloween the Brahmas received a treat of their own in the form of a 5-3 victory over the Arizona Sundogs. Texas' special teams unit scored three power play goals Saturday to complete the two game sweep.

The opening frame was all about the Brahmas beginning when Calin Wild netted his second goal in as many nights five minutes into the game. The Brahmas power play cashed in with the man advantage when Dan Riedel posted his first goal of the season with the assist from Steven Later to put Texas up 2-0.

Karl Sellan put the ‘Dogs within one early in the second beating Kevin Beech at the 1:53 mark. A hooking call on Billy Bezeau of Arizona put Texas’ power play back on the job and an initial shot from the point by Ross Rouleau found Mick Lawrence’s blade that put the puck in the back of the net for the Brahmas 3-2 lead. Rouleau was called for a slashing call two minutes later, and as soon as he could make his way to the box it seemed, Arizona’s Tyler Butler converted on their fourth attempt with the man advantage.

Still, the Brahmas power play was on its game Saturday, and following an Arizona hooking call, Later made the ‘Dogs PK unit pay as he sent the puck top shelf over Bobby Jarosz for the Texas 4-2 lead heading into the second intermission. Arizona returned to the ice in the third ready for a comeback and put the ‘Dogs back within one with a goal from Maxime Renaud, but Alex Curran in his second professional game closed the doors when he sent the puck over Jarosz’ shoulder for the 5-3 victory.

The Brahmas went 3 for 4 on the power play and Kevin Beech stopped 33 of 36 shots for Texas’ sweep over Arizona.

Texas returns to the NYTEX Sports Centre on Saturday, November 6 for a 7:30 pm contest against the Arizona Sundogs.

Brahmas down 'dogs in 5-3 win

NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, Texas (October 29)- Five goals from the Brahmas offense defeated the Sundogs 5-3 in Texas’ fifth game of the season Friday night in Arizona.

Those in attendance for the game between the 2008 Champs (Arizona) and 2009 Champs (Texas) were able to witness arguably the hardest slap shot in the league when Texas forward Chad Woollard went top shelf on the glove side for his second goal of the season and the Brahmas 1-0 lead. It took Jason Williams and the Arizona power play to even things up at the 13:29 mark when he beat Kevin Beech for the 1-1 tie.

An odd turn of events occurred in the second when the ‘Dogs took the lead when a loose puck danced in Beech’s crease and was directed by Mark Kolanos to the back of the net; unbeknownst to the Sundogs crowd and bench. With just under a minute remaining in the second, Matt Pierce gave Texas their second goal when he went over the shoulder of Doug Groenstege.

A second powerplay goal from the stick of Williams at the 5:58 marker helped the Sundogs regain the lead in the third, but within :25 seconds, the shorthanded Brahmas broke up a play sending a breakaway for Greg Hogeboom who on his attempt Groenstege caused a penalty shot in which Hogeboom converted on. Texas forward Mick Lawrence recorded his first goal of the season late in the final period, which was ultimately the game winner. In last ditch efforts, the ‘Dogs pulled their net minder for the extra attacker on a powerplay, but the Texas PK unit proved to be too strong late in the game as Calin Wild took a pass from Jason Deitsch and buried it into the empty net for the 5-3 Brahmas victory.

Beech stopped 41 shots on goal for his first win of the season.

The Brahmas and Sundogs square off for another contest Saturday night for a 9:05 PM CST start.

Brian Foster stops Greg Hogeboom's shot early in the first period

Brahmas stymied by Bossier-Shreveport

Mudbugs take early lead, win 4-2

One can always expect an exciting contest when the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs (and their fans) come to town. Unfortunately, it was those very fans who benefited most from the excitement as the visitors took an early lead and held on to win the game, snapping a two-game losing streak at the end of a three-in-three weekend. With the win, the Mudbugs improve to 4-2-0 while the Brahmas fall to 1-2-1.

The game started poorly for the home team as Brett Smith scored on the Mudbugs’ first offensive rush of the game, burying a pass from Joe Blaznek past Wayne Savage just 27 seconds into the first frame to take a 1-0 lead.

Smith was called for Slashing at the 2:16 mark, giving the Brahmas' special teams their first power play of the game but they were unable to convert on the man-advantage.

Smith later got into his first fight of the season, taking on Dan Riedel after the newest Brahma violently checked him into the boards in front of the visiting bench at the 11:56 mark. The fight was a draw and Riedel was assessed two minutes for Board Checking as well as a Fighting Major. Smith drew a Fighting Major as well, coupled with a two-minute Fighting (Instigator) and a 10-minute Fighting (Instigator) Misconduct and an early trip to the visiting locker room..

An Elbowing call on Brahmas defenseman Kevin Kraus put the Mudbugs on their first power play of the evening and with 56 seconds left in the period, Travis Clayton directed a centering feed from Shawn Limpright past Savage to take a 2-0 lead. Steven Crampton also received an assist on the play.

The Brahmas narrowly led the shot count 9-8 after the first 20 minutes of play.

Brian Foster looks on helplessly as the puck flies past him.

Texas drew back within one at the 10:26 mark of the middle frame when Jason Deitsch stole a puck outside the Mudbug line and beat Brian Foster just inside the post to the glove side to make it a 2-1 contest.

Bossier-Shreveport answered just 11 seconds later with David Rutherford’s blast from the high slot beat Savage to regain the two-goal edge at 3-1. Justin Aikins and Jeff Martens were credited with the assist.

The second fight of the game took place less than a minute later when Martens squared off with the Brahmas' Tyler Allen after being held by the rookie forward. Both received Fighting Majors and Allen was also given two minutes for the Holding call.

There would be no further scoring in the period. The Brahmas led the shot count again, this time 9-6 and 18-14 through 40 minutes.

The Brahmas came out on the attack to start the final frame, out shooting the Mudbugs 13-4.

They closed the gap to one on Jesse Dudas’ unassisted goal which capped an end-to-end rush at the 15:15 mark.

Matt Pierce introduces his right fist to David Pszenyczny's head

There were two more altercations in the third period - Steven Later and Mitch Love locked horns at the 12:33 mark and then Matt Pierce took on David Pszenyczny at the 17:14 mark of play.

With Wayne Savage pulled in favor of the extra attacker late in the frame, the Brahmas made a solid effort to score again to force the game into overtime, but a loose puck picked up by an unopposed Shawn Limpright’s whose empty net score at the 19:57 mark sealed the win for the Mudbugs.

Brian Foster is now 1-0 in his pro career after returning from Rochester of the AHL to start for the Mudbugs in goal, while Wayne Savage drops to 1-1-1 after making 14 saves on 18 shots faced. Texas out shot Bossier-Shreveport 31-18 in the contest.

The Brahmas went a dismal 0 for 7 on the power play. The Mudbugs went 1 for 6. Texas was assessed 34 minutes on 11 infractions. Bossier-Shreveport received 46 minutes on 13 infractions.

The 3rd Star of the game went to Matt Pierce, who was a -1 with two shots and five penalty minutes. The 2nd Star was earned by Jesse Dudas, who had a goal and was a +2 on three shots. The 1st Star was awarded to the Mudbugs' David Rutherford, who scored the game-winning goal and was a +1 on four shots on the evening.

Referee: Geoff Miller; Linesmen: Jean Minard, Bill McGoldrick.

You can view the box score here and the Game Live broadcast here

You can read the Brahmas press release here

You can view my photos from the game here

The Brahmas will take to the road next weekend for a two-game series against the Arizona Sundogs on Friday and Saturday; both games have a 9:05 pm CST start time and can be seen on CHL TV.

Photo Credits: Robert Keith

Jeff Hazelwood during Friday night's home opener

Hazelwood on IR; Riedel signs

Brahmas host Mudbugs for 1st game of 2010-11 I-20 Series

Brahmas forward Jeff Hazelwood was placed on 10-day injured reserve today after contributing four shots during Friday night's home opener against the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees.

As previously reported, right wing Dan Reidel has indeed officially signed with the Brahmas. He will be on the ice against the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs tonight.

Photo Credit Robert Keith

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

Rookie right wing Tyler Allen in action

Brahmas swat Killer Bees in home opener

Rio Grande Valley meltdown leads to 3-2 Brahmas win

Dejected after a 0-2 start on the road against the arch rival Allen Americans, 1,962 fans at the NYTEX Sports Centre witnessed a refreshing display of hometown hockey with a 3-2 win over the visiting Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees.

The Brahmas out shot Rio 45-18 and went 2 for 8 on the power play while rookie goaltender Wayne Savage earned his first professional win.

A Tripping call on Chad Woollard just 32 seconds into the first frame put the Brahmas penalty kill to an early test but the Killer Bees managed to capitalize with an aggressive power play. Defenseman Jake Obermayer took a feed from Zak McClellan and ripped a slap shot from the point that was deflected into the net at the 2:05 mark by Sean Muncy, who was stationed in front of the crease.

The Brahmas sent a flurry of shots at second-year goalie Juliano Pagliero but the former Niagara University Purple Eagle kept his guard up and stopped all 16 shots faced in the first 20 minutes - just two shots shy of the total Wayne Savage would see in the game.

Rob Cowan takes a right to the jaw, courtesy of Roger "The Silver Hammer" Maxwell

Later in the period, Killer Bees defenseman Rob Cowan made the mistake of taking on Brahmas enforcer Roger Maxwell. While the two wrestled upright for a time, each landing some ineffective blows, Maxwell eventually got the upper hand - or should I say fist -square across Cowan's left jaw, dropping the 6' 4", 233 pound defender like a rag doll. Maxwell's smile couldn't be bigger as he skated off the ice for an early trip to the locker room. Matching Fighting Majors were of course assessed.

The Brahmas out shot the Killer Bees 16-5 in the first 20.

Opening the middle frame on the power play due to a slashing call on Jake Obermayer at the final tic of the first period, the Brahmas scored the equalizer at the 1:27 mark. Defenseman Jesse Dudas registered his first goal as a Brahma with a blast that hit the back of the net, beating a stunned Pagliero. Steven Later and Matt Pierce were in on the assist.

Less than 40 seconds later, Killer Bees bad guy Brett Clouthier lost his composure and like a scene from When Animals Attack, the disreputable forward tried to maul Steven Later and would find himself tossed with a Fighting Major and a 10 minute Fighting (Aggressor) Game Misconduct.

Clouthier's attacked earned the only penalty minutes of the period and there was no further scoring. The Brahmas led the shot count again at 12-8.

A High-Sticking Double Minor on Brett Wilson at the 1:03 mark and a Roughing call on Matt Smyth put the Brahmas on an early two-man advantage, resulting in Greg Hogeboom netting his third goal of the season from the doorstep of Pagliero’s crease to give the home team their first lead of the night at the 2:17 mark.

shot of the night, assisted by Kyle Aaron Lee put a damper on celebrations when he beat Wayne Savage with the Killer Bees' 14thRadke and Zac McClellan at the 14:06 mark. Less than a minute later, a feed from Matt Pierce led to the first professional goal for right wing Tyler Allen who sent the puck past Pagliero to seal the win for the Brahmas at the 15:33 mark.

Jesse Dudas celebrates Tyler Allen's game-winning goal in the third period

The Brahmas held a 17-5 shot advantage in the final frame and a 45-18 advantage in the game.

Wayne Savage stopped 16 of 18 shots faced to earn the win. Juliano Pagliero stopped 42 of 45 shots faced and takes the loss.

The Brahmas went 2 for 8 on the power play. The Killer Bees went 1 for 4. Texas was assessed 15 minutes on six infractions while Rio faced 36 minutes on 11 infractions.

The 3rd Star of the game went to Jesse Dudas, who had a goal and was a +1 on six shots. The 2nd Star was earned by Tyler Allen, who had the game-winner and was also a +1 on five shots. The 1st Star was awarded to Greg Hogeboom, who scored a power play goal and was a -1 on five shots on the evening.

Referee: Geoff Miller; Linesmen: John Grandt, Chris Petrin.

You can view the box score here

You can read the Brahmas press release here

You can view my photos from the game here

The Brahmas will host the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs for the first game of this season's I-20 Series on Saturday night. It's also Magnet Schedule Night - the first 1,000 fans in attendance for the contest will receive 2010-11 magnet schedules courtesy of ZuRoma Bar and Grill.

Photo Credits: Robert Keith