Missed it by that much (click photo to enlarge). Bill Vandermeer's shot slips past Wayne Savage

Mavericks spoil the night at NYTEX

Brahmas lose 4-1

"We didn’t think that we put in the effort that was necessary to win the game – we had a few opportunities but our effort just wasn’t what it needed to be." - Jason Deitsch

It looked like it would be an evenly matched game and coming off the overtime win against Laredo last Friday and the win against the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs on Saturday, Brahmas fans expected a little more than what they got during last night's match against the Missouri Mavericks. In the end, what they got was a total of 17 shots on goal and four unanswered goals allowed which resulted in the fourth loss at the NYTEX Sports Centre this season.

Just 1:27 into the contest, Roger Maxwell and Mavericks winger Carlyle Lewis dropped the gloves after some words were exchanged during a face off. Lewis appeared to plead for leniency and Maxwell was quickly pulled to the ice and the two went to their respective bins to serve their five minutes.

The Mavericks had a power play opportunity at the 7:07 mark after Brahmas defenseman Jim Burichin was called for hooking but the league's best penalty killers did their job and shut down the advantage.

The Brahmas tallied their only goal on their second shot of the opening frame when Matt Pierce sent a deflection past Rob Nolan at the 11:40 mark. Jason Krischuk and Jason Deitsch assisted.

That was in fact, the only score in the first 20 minutes of the game during which a combined 10 shots on goal were made. Missouri had the 6-4 advantage but found themselves down a point heading into the first intermission. Their fortune would soon change.

Nick Sirota quickly tied the game for the Mavericks when he scored his team-leading sixth goal of the season at the 3:38 mark of the second period. Mike Wakita and Ryan Jardine were credited with the assists.

and Ryan Bill Vandermeer scored his first goal of the season to give Missouri the 2-1 lead with a little help from SirotaJardine at the 15:25 mark. Vandermeer’s goal, which was ultimately the game-winner, came in just his third game back from an off-season injury that sidelined him more than a month to start this season.

Missouri had an 11-8 shot advantage in the middle frame and remarkably, there were no penalties called.

The Mavericks added to their lead in the third period with a power play goal from defenseman Dominic D’Amour at the 7:38 mark. Toby Lafrance and Ray Dilauro were in on the assist.

DiLauro ended the scoring at the 9:02 mark on an assist from Derek Pallardy.

Missouri out shot Texas 8-5 in the final period and went 25-17 overall.

With the loss, the Brahmas record goes to 9-6-2 (20 points) but they remain in third place in the Berry Conference. Texas is now 5-3-1 on home ice.

Wayne Savage stopped 21 of 25 shots faced and takes the loss. His record goes to 3-4-1 with a 2.89 GAA and a .906 save percentage.

Rob Nolan turned away 16 of 17 shots faced to earn his fifth win of the season. His record goes to 5-2-2.

The Brahmas went 0 for 2 on the power play. The Mavericks went 1 for 6. The Brahmas were assessed 15 minutes on 6 infractions. The Mavericks received 11 minutes on 4 infractions.

The 3rd Star of the game went to Matt Pierce, who scored the Brahma's lone goal on the night. The 2nd Star was awarded to Ray DiLauro, who had a goal and an assist and the 1st Star went to Nick Sirota, who also had a goal and an assist.

Referee: Dan Dreger
Linesmen: Justin Bell, Bill McGoldrick

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

You can view the Brahmas' press release here

You can view my photos from the game here and here (Camera B not edited yet)

The Brahmas host the Colorado Eagles tonight, which is also ‘Teddy Bear Toss’ night. Fans are encouraged to bring stuffed animals to the game to toss onto the ice following the first Texas goal. The stuffed animals will be donated to the Community Enrichment Center of North Richland Hills.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

Brahmas add another NU player

Rookie Forward Chris Moran signs

With the departure of Tom Train comes the arrival of rookie forward Chris Moran, who signed a contract with the Texas Brahmas today. Moran, 23, played 12 games with the Wichita Thunder, tallying seven points (2 G, 5 A) before he was waived on November 26th.

A business major at Niagra University in Lewiston, New York, Moran played four seasons with the Purple Eagles. The 5' 11" play making forward averaged nearly a point a game during his career, finishing with 141 points (38 G, 103 A) and 103 penalty minutes in 146 games played.

Moran earned College Hockey America Rookie of the Year honors and All-Rookie team accolades after the 2006-07 season. The Buffalo, New York native was a member of the 2008 CHA Championship team (he tied the game at two, before the eventual game-winning goal was scored by teammate Kyle Rogers).

The two-time CHA All-Academic Team member earned First Team All-CHA laurels as a senior and also participated in the 2010 NCAA Frozen Four Skills Challenge at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan.

Among his teammates were current Brahmas defenseman Jim Burichin and Rio Grande Valley goalie Juliano Pagliero.

Prior to attending NU, Moran played a season with the Omaha Lancers (USHL) where he registered 42 points (15 G, 27 A) and 28 PIM in 60 games played.

Moran played two seasons with the Buffalo Lightning (OPJHL) where, during the 2004-05 season, he contributed 100 points (38 G, 62 A) and 69 PIM (second in the OPJHL and first in the West Conference). He was named the Ontario Hockey Association's Junior “A” Player of the Year, becoming the first American to ever receive the honor.

Photo Credit: Niagra University

Train Departs

Rookie center placed on waivers

The Texas Brahmas placed rookie center and Hurst, Texas native Tom Train on waivers today according to Pointstreak. Train played just six games this season, abbreviated by two stints on the injured reserve. The 25-year-old spent four seasons with the Texas Tornado (NAHL) followed by four seasons at the University of Alabama - Huntsville (CHA) before joining the Brahmas.

Train saw limited action with few shifts during his time with the Brahmas. He averaged a shot on goal per game and a total of nine penalty minutes. Probably his most memorable action on the ice for the purple and black was his fight with Odessa defenseman Alex Dunn at NYTEX on November 12th.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

The Brahmas celebrate Matt Pierce's late goal, securing the 5-3 final score

'Bugs squashed at NYTEX

Brahmas end eight-game win streak for Bossier-Shreveport

The Texas Brahmas showed their own "Heart and Hustle" last night, defeating the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs in a 5-3 slug fest at the NYTEX Sports Centre. The victory ends an impressive eight-game win streak by the road-weary 'Bugs (this was their first loss since November 6th) and gives the Brahmas, at least for now, a four point lead over the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees for third place in the Berry Conference.

Prior to the game, the Brahmas organization and the City of North Richland Hills recognized former team captain Craig Minard in a special on-ice presentation. Minard, a member of both the Brahmas and Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs during his career, retired early in the season. The City, represented by Councilman Tim Welch, declared November 27, 2010 - Craig Minard Day. The Brahmas, represented by GM Mike Barack and Head Coach Dan Wildfong, presented Minard with gifts, including a mounted and framed #27 sweater. Following speeches, Minard was shown due respect by both teams who left their respective benches to line up and shake hands with the former player.

The first period of play was a bit of a yawner, especially compared to Friday night's action but the boys showed good form.

The ‘Bugs got on the board first when Steven Crampton and Justin Aikins combined to feed Brett Smith, who skated into the slot and beat Wayne Savage through the five-hole at the 8:36 mark. That proved to be the game’s only goal through the first 20 minutes.

Both teams sent six shots on net in a first period which saw very few scoring chances either way. A Holding penalty on Nathan Saunders was the only infraction and the resulting power play was shut down by the Brahmas penalty killers, now ranked second in the league.

The middle frame warmed up the fans on a particularly chilly night in the Shoebox. Mudbugs defenseman Jamie Milam was called for Hooking at the 2:38 mark and the the Brahmas special teams quickly took advantage of the opportunity. Chad Woollard, set up by Dan Riedel and Greg Hogeboom, lit the lamp after beating Brian Foster with a rocket at the 2:38 mark, making it a 1-1 contest.

A little over three minutes later, Todd Griffith scored his second goal as a Brahma and his second in as many nights with a little help from Matt Pierce and Tyler Allen to give the Brahmas a 2-1 lead at the 5:43 mark.

Fisticuffs ensued 34 seconds later between defensemen Nathan Saunders and Mitch Love. It was a pretty even match and both stayed on their feet. After being separated by linesmen, the two skated to the penalty boxes to serve their Fighting Majors. They wouldn't be alone for long.

Mick Lawrence and Todd Griffith got into it briefly near the Brahmas' net before the linesmen broke it up.

Shortly after that, Todd Griffith and Shane Hart dropped gloves and another even fight ended with Hart managing to pull Griffith down to the ice where the two were separated. Griffith and Saunders exchanged high-fives as the two met in the sin bin.

17 seconds before Saunders and Love were released, Roger Maxwell collided with David Pszenyczny (pronounced Zen-a-chez-nee) collided near the half-boards and Pszenyczny made the mistake of disrespectfully jacking his jaws at a man much larger and tougher than himself. Maxwell went after the defenseman who was trying to retreat, having realized the error of his ways when Steven Crampton hit Maxwell with a cross-check from behind, knocking the unsuspecting forward to his knees. Crampton followed with a slash to the big man's buttocks while he was trying to get up - so disrespectful. Maxwell rang Crampton's helmet a few times before Crampton sent a left to Maxwell's chin and the two tumbled to the ice before being separated by officials. Maxwell, a man you just have to like (if you're a Brahmas fan), gave his customary salute and million-dollar smile to the opposing bench as he skated his way to the crowded house of brawlers.

Crampton was called for Slashing to serve with his Fighting Major but avoided an unsportsmanlike conduct call for his initial check.

With the fight card exhausted, the game resumed and power plays for both sides were killed efficiently.

The Mudbugs' Shane Hart scored the equalizer with 1:54 remaining in the period thanks to a set up by Justin Aikins and Jamie Milam.

The wild and woolly frame ended with the score tied and the Brahmas with the ever-so-narrow 10-9 shot count (16-15) through 40 minutes).

The Mudbugs went back on top early in the third frame as chickenshit Steven Crampton sent a screamer into the top corner of the net from the right circle to make it 3-2 for the visitors. Brett Smith and Jamie Milam were in on the assist.

The lead lasted just 29 seconds however, as Dan Reidel’s shot was then deflected in by Roger Maxwell to knot the game at three at the 4:28 mark. Todd Griffith picked up his second point of the night on the assist.

With 4:55 left to play, Tyler Allen scored on a delayed penalty with the assistance of Dan Riedel and Steven Later.

Matt Pierce followed with a score on a screened Foster just 24 seconds later to nail the coffin shut, securing the final score at 5-3 and providing every fan in attendance with a burger, courtesy of the folks at Whataburger.

The Mudbugs made a concerted effort in the final frame, out shooting the Brahmas 16-9, but a stellar effort by Wayne Savage and the defense stymied them at all but one turn. They lost, despite a 36-24 shot advantage through the game.

With the win, the Brahmas record goes to 9-5-2 (20 points) and they are now four points ahead of both Rio Grande Valley and the surging Mississippi RiverKings in the Berry Conference. Texas is now 5-2-1 on home ice.

Wayne Savage stopped 29 of 32 shots faced to earn the win. His record goes to 3-3-1 with a 2.75 GAA (13th in the league) and a .913 save percentage (14th in the league).

Brian Foster turned away 19 of 24 shots faced and takes the loss. His four-game win streak is over and his record goes to 7-2-0.

The Brahmas went 1 for 4 on the power play. The 'Bugs went 0 for 2. The Brahmas were assessed 25 minutes on 8 infractions. The 'Bugs received 29 minutes on 10 infractions.

The 3rd Star of the game went to Roger Maxwell, who had a goal and a fight on the night. The 2nd Star was awarded to Dan Riedel, who had three helpers and the 1st Star went to Tyler Allen, who had the game-winning goal as well as an assist on the night.

Referee: Geoff Miller
Linesmen: Chris Petrin, Brian Bull

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

You can view the Brahmas' press release here

You can view my photos from the game here and here (not edited yet)

The Brahmas will conclude their home stand next weekend when they host the Missouri Mavericks Friday night on ‘Puck Night’; the first 1000 fans will receive a puck courtesy of Cabela's.

On Saturday night the Brahmas host the Colorado Eagles on ‘Teddy Bear Toss’ night. Fans are encouraged to bring stuffed animals to the game to toss onto the ice following the first Texas goal. The stuffed animals will be donated to the Community Enrichment Center of North Richland Hills.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

Special thanks to Applestreudel and Fast Cars over at the 'Bugs Forum for pointing out some big-time factual errors that have been corrected - to my satisfaction at least!

When Bucks cry....

Down 3-1, Brahmas rally to defeat Laredo 4-3 in OT

"We're gonna win this one tonight boys!"
- Roger Maxwell, 42 seconds before the end of the third period

Roger believed it. I believed it. More importantly, the players believed it and after a difficult battle, they found the heart and the hustle to do what it took to win tonight's game at the NYTEX Sports Centre 4-3 in overtime.

It was definitely one of, if not the most exciting win of the Texas Brahmas' young season. When former Buck Todd Griffith scored with just 9.2 seconds left in overtime, the Brahmas' bench cleared as players made their way to the left circle to congratulate Griffith as well as goalie Wayne Savage who stopped 18 of 18 shots faced to earn the win in relief of Kevin Beech.

More to come...

With the win, the Brahmas record goes to 8-5-2 (18 points) and they are now two points ahead of the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees (who suffered a 5-4 road loss tonight) in the Berry Conference with a .600 win percentage. They are now 4-2-1 on home ice.

Kevin Beech stopped 6 of 9 shots faced before being pulled after 25:46 in net. Wayne Savage stopped 18 of 18 shots faced and earned the win in relief. His record goes to 2-3-1 with a 2.71 GAA (14th in the league) and a .927 save percentage (13th in the league).

Pier Pelletier turned away 36 of 40 shots faced and takes the loss. His record goes to 2-4-2.

The Brahmas went 3 for 6 on the power play. The Bucks went 0 for 4. The Brahmas were assessed 8 minutes on 4 infractions. The Bucks received 14 minutes on 7 infractions.

The 3rd Star of the game went to Laredo goalie Pier Pelletier, who stopped 36 of 40 shots faced, earning a loss. Yeah, that deserves the 3rd Star, especially after he earned an unsportsmanlike conduct call at the end of the game. Your Texas Brahmas Insider substitute 3rd Star goes to Dan Riedel, who showed tremendous hustle throughout the game and had an assist on the night. The 2nd Star was awarded to Jason Krischuk, whose unassisted power play goal tied the game at three, forcing the overtime period and the 1st Star went to Todd Griffith, who had the game-winning goal as well as an assist on the night.

Referee: Jon McIssac
Linesmen: Kai Magnussen, Brian Bull

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

You can view the Brahmas' press release here

Tomorrow night, the Brahmas will host the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs who extended their win streak to eight games with a 6-2 victory at Tulsa tonight. The first puck drops at 7:30 pm. Prior to the game, the Brahmas and City of North Richland Hills will honor former captain Craig Minard with an on-ice presentation. “Military Appreciation Nights” will conclude with a post game jersey auction immediately following the game.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith

Frustration...

Brahmas fall to Mudbugs 3-1

NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, Texas (November 24)- Wednesday kicked off the Brahmas “Military Appreciation Nights”, and decorated in their specialty camouflage jerseys, it seemed as if the offense disappeared as they took a 3-1 loss headed into Thanksgiving.

It only took 90 seconds for the Mudbugs to get their offense going when Travis Clayton put the night’s first shot of the game on goal into the back of the net for the 1-0 lead.

In spirit of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, Brahmas fans expressed their ‘thanks’ to their captain Jason Deitsch when he went one-on-one with goaltender Brian Foster and almost effortlessly shelved the puck for the tied game. Jason Krischuk and Greg Hogeboom were credited with the assists.

A Bossier goal from Jeff Martens in the second period was the lone tally in the frame despite three power
play opportunities for Texas. The second ranked Mudbug power play unit went to work in the third a shot from the point from Clay Plume beat Kevin Beech for the two goal lead.

In the winding minutes of regulation Texas went with the extra attacker but were unable to come back, dropping the contest 3-1.

The Brahmas will continue with their “Military Appreciation Nights” Friday night when they host the Laredo Bucks for a 7:30 pm start.

The military night promotion will conclude Saturday with a post game jersey auction, but prior to the game against the Mudbugs, the Brahmas and City of North Richland Hills will honor former captain Craig Minard with an on-ice presentation.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith