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Mudbugs Bring Back Lucas and Ori

08/19/2009 3:29 PM

08/19/2009 3:29 PM -

BOSSIER CITY, LA – The Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs today announced the signings of returning forwards Tyrel Lucas and Joe Ori for the 2009-10 Central Hockey League season. Ori comes back for his fourth year in Bossier-Shreveport, while Lucas embarks on his third campaign with the club.

“These two guys definitely make us a better team, no question,” said Head Coach Scott Muscutt. “Joe and ‘Ty’ bring good size, good speed and good skills. They’ve both had enough pro experience to understand what it takes to succeed in the CHL.”

Ori, 27, has been a constant contributor for the Mudbugs over the past three seasons, totaling 55 goals and 132 points in 179 games since joining the team as a second-year pro in 06-07. The 6-0, 185-pound winger started last year with the ECHL’s Elmira Jackals before re-joining the ‘Bugs in November. In 52 games with Bossier-Shreveport, Ori recorded nine goals and 15 assists for 24 points in 08-09.

Ori enjoyed his finest season in purple and teal in 2007-08, playing a key role in the Mudbugs’ second straight Governor’s Cup Championship. The Niles, Illinois native scored 26 goals and finished with 57 points while playing all 64 games that year. He also tied a franchise record and led the CHL with 10 game-winning goals along the way.

One of Ori’s best attributes over the past two years has been his ability to shine in the postseason. He racked up seven points (3g, 4a) in only four games to lead the team in scoring in the 2008 playoffs, following up that effort with a point-per-game scoring average (2g, 5a) in seven playoff games last year.

“After a slow start last season, Joe was one of our better players in the second half and I really thought he was great for us in the playoffs,” Muscutt said. “I’m looking forward to seeing that same energy and tenacity make a real impact on our hockey team this year.”

Lucas, 25, has proven himself to be a dangerous offensive weapon while spending his first two professional seasons with the Mudbugs. The Williams Lake, British Columbia native netted 21 goals and bested his rookie totals with 27 assists and 48 points last year, tying him for fourth on the team in scoring. He also recorded the team’s longest scoring streak of the season with 14 points (6g, 8a) over a nine-game span early in the year.

The 6-1, 200-pound Lucas burst onto the CHL scene as a rookie in 2007-08, finishing third among first-year players with 25 goals and leading all rookies with seven game-winners. He also chipped in 17 assists to finish the year with 42 points on his way to being named a finalist for the league’s Most Outstanding Rookie award. Lucas then scored three goals in four playoff games for the ‘Bugs during the 2008 postseason.

“‘Ty’ is a big guy with a lot of strength and skill, and I anticipate this is going to be a breakthrough year for him,” Coach Muscutt commented. “We’re working on getting him a crack at the American Hockey League level to begin the season, and I look forward to seeing him compete at that level. Should he come back to us, we’ll have an opportunity to see him take his game to a new level.”

Lucas and Ori join forwards Joe Blaznek, Neil Clark, Travis Clayton and Brett Smith, defenseman Dale Lupul and goaltenders Ken Carroll and John DeCaro as the nine players signed by the Mudbugs so far this offseason.

The Mudbugs will begin their 13^th season in Bossier-Shreveport on Friday, October 16 against the Laredo Bucks at CenturyTel Center. Season ticket packages for 2009-2010 are available now, so call (318) 752-BUGS or visit our website at www.mudbugshockey.com for more information.

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