Mudbugger07
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| Sat Jul 08, 2006 3:47 am Who will stay and who will go? |
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Mudbugs offseason offers hope, intrigue
ShreveportTimes.com - Roy Lang - Scott Muscutt still arrives at the office before the sun peeks over the eastern sky. Two months after the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs' 2005-06 season ended, and more than three months until the next one begins, the head coach is as busy as ever.
"You never stop recruiting," Muscutt said. "You never stop looking to get quality players."
Muscutt doesn't take advantage of the summer heat to hit the lake, the beach or the golf course. There's no such thing as a summer vacation --- not when the reputation of an organization sporting three championships and eight playoff appearances in nine years is on the line.
Campaign No. 10 is expected, not hoped, to be just as special. The celebration of a "Decade of Excellence," including the 2007 Central Hockey League All-Star Game, is plenty of reason for the warriors wearing teal and purple -- and their faithful -- to get excited.
Muscutt appears ready to return for his seven season as coach. For the third straight year, the 36-year-old Appin, Ontario, native faces an offseason full of high expectations, tons of uncertainty and excruciating decisions.
The most glaring question when pondering 2006-07's home opener Oct. 26 concerns what the roster will look like. It appears there will be seven established Mudbugs (plus any newcomers) vying for the maximum four veteran spots (players who have played more than 280 professional regular-season games).
"Scotty has a lot of decision making to do," said Chris Brassard, a veteran and alternate captain for the Mudbugs last season.
Brassard, an eight-year pro (four with the Mudbugs), wants to return to the team next season, but understands there are no guarantees.
"This is pretty much where I want to play," Brassard said. "I have a family and I have to do what I have to do to support my family. My first choice is to play here. I want to play. I still think I have a good couple of years left. I want them to be here. That's up to Scotty."
The veteran battle may very well be a six-player race for three positions. It would be impossible to imagine captain Dan Wildfong (the only returning Mudbug signed for 06-07) not garnering a roster position.
"At this stage we have one veteran that isn't going anywhere," Muscutt said. "Basically we're looking at six other veterans that are competing for three jobs. That is not a fun situation for anyone."
In addition to Wildfong and Brassard, it appears veterans Chad Spurr, Craig Minard, Blair Manning, Quade Lightbody and Jason Campbell will face off as training camp begins in early October.
Only Wildfong and newcomer, defenseman Konrad Brand, have signed for 2006-07. But this isn't the first time Muscutt and the Mudbugs have been in this situation. Muscutt has a tendency to be extremely patient about filling his roster. And since the CHL has clamped down on its veteran limit, the Mudbugs have battled controversial decisions.
"(Young) guys we show a lot of interest in have legitimate American League opportunities," Muscutt said. "Until we know for sure this is the place they want to be, we'll play it by ear, keep assuring them that this is the place that is going to give them what it is that they hope to achieve both career-wise and aspiration wise. A lot of guys are in it to win it."
In the end, Muscutt believes his training camp will feature an overload of talented hockey players.
"If we end up having 26 or 27 guys trying out for 18 spots, that's better than having 20 guys and us not having the guys needed to put the best product on the ice," Muscutt said.
Wildfong believes in Muscutt's recruiting process, saying recent years have proven it to be successful.
"We have to get guys really wanting to win -- getting the right guys in here that have the right attitude," Wildfong said. "They have to be on the same page and abide by what Muscutt is going by."
The final 2006 playoff roster included less than half of the players the Mudbugs boasted in the 2004 President's Cup Finals. Many players have come and gone in two season, but one name "" one very important figure -- has remained the same.
Goaltender Ken Carroll.
Carroll is usually the first player Muscutt inks in the offseason, but No. 34 remains without a contract.
"I wouldn't expect to see too many changes in that regard," Muscutt said.
Carroll had a tumultuous 2005-06 campaign. His season included his normal stellar play in net, but featured significant time off with immigration issues and a leg injury.
"My intent is to come back. As long as everything works out for the best, we'll spend at least one more season in Shreveport," Carroll said Friday.
The Mudbugs have some young, extremely talented players not affected by veteran limits. However, that doesn't mean they are locks to return to the ice at the CenturyTel Center next season.
Forward Scott Sheppard spent some time in the American Hockey League last season. Brett Smith plans to return to the Mudbugs, but just purchased a condo in Guelph, Ontario and is looking for a chance to play in the "A," too. Defenseman Dale Lupul deserves strong consideration at a higher level after a spectacular rookie season and fellow newbie David Cacciola is almost certainly moving on.
"I'm hoping to get a shot in the American League. If that doesn't happen I have to look in the (East) Coast," said Cacciola, who hasn't spoken to Muscutt since his exit interview following the Finals loss to Laredo. "I'd love to come back to Shreveport. It was a great time, but I'm hoping to get a shot in the American League. I'm hoping to get 80 percent of the playing time wherever I'm at next year."
Muscutt understands the chances of Cacciola returning are minimal. And just like his handling of the veteran situation, Muscutt's job is to field the best team.
"I would expect him to pursue those opportunities to the fullest extent. We might be on the backburner," Muscutt said. "I have to be responsible to put the best team on the ice. We have made sure we have a backup plan in mind. I'm extremely excited about the opportunity for the young goaltender we have penciled in if things don't work out with David and I think we're close to reaching a good point in his contract negotiations."
A pair of goaltenders would make four roster spots. That leaves 14. And those may be the most intense battles the franchise has seen.
"We're dealing with guys who have families and I'm trying to respect their professionalism as well," Muscutt said. "It's a hard time of year. There real is no right way to do it. In the end we all have to stick the best philosophy. That philosophy is we have to do what is best for the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs. Some guys, some very good, quality hockey players and some great character people are going to be out of a job." |
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