The start of the NAHL 2021-2022 season kicked off for the defending Robertson Cup Champion Mudbugs in Blaine Minnesota on Wednesday afternoon. The Minnesota Magicians took a third-period power-play goal to push past Shreveport 3-2 in the opener.
The Mudbugs outshot Minnesota 28-21 for the afternoon game. Mudbugs placed Devon Bobak as goalie and took 18 saves. Bobak stayed the whole game.
Shreveport didn’t take long as Billy Feczko made the shot off the rebound in the first period just a little over a minute into the game. Assists were credited to Austin Brimmer and John Hallard. Later in the period, Minnesota’s Lucas intercepted the pass to find Nicholas Babble to tie the game at 1-1. Late in the first, the Magicians conjures the late first goal by Cam Boche. The Magicians held a 2-1 lead after the first period.
The Magicians went on a penalty-ridden second period as three opportunities for the Mudbugs came for power plays. The first penalty of the game came with 15:17 remaining in the second against the Magicians for tripping. Just a minute and six seconds into the two-minute penalty, Minnesota was charged with a hooking penalty which gave Shreveport a two-man advantage for the next 54 seconds. It didn’t take long. Twenty-four seconds into the two-man advantage, Shreveport tied the game with Niklas Miller found the back of the net with an assist by Garrett Steele. Shreveport gave up two penalties in the second period, but so did Minnesota. The game headed into the final period tied at 2-2.
Shreveport penalty time came in the third period. Josh German was charged with a boarding call to give Minnesota a power-play almost four minutes into the third period. Shreveport returned the opportunity of a two-man advantage 33 seconds later with a roughing call by Davis Goukler. Mudbugs survived the two-man advantage, but with four seconds left on the second penalty Magician, Trevor Kukkonen snuck one past with the assist from Gavin Best to get the game-winning goal.
Shreveport will play game two in the Robertson Cup rematch against the Aberdeen Wings on Thursday evening at 7:15.
Other South Division Games
Odessa 6, Chippewa 3
Maryland 5, Corpus Christi 3
New Mexico 5, Kenai River 0
El Paso 4, Anchorage 3
Lone Star 2, Minot 0
Austin 6, Wichita Falls 1
Amarillo 5, New Jersey 2
Mudbugs Showcase Opponents
Aberdeen 4, Johnstown 3
St. Cloud 8, Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks 1
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