Mudbugs coach approaching milestone

SHREVEPORT , La. – Minor league hockey is a world of never-ending changes and the Central Hockey League is no exception. Changes have included the departure of teams like Oklahoma City, New Mexico and Rocky Mountain. Despite the many changes these past years, there has been one constant – Scott Muscutt.
 

In his tenth season behind the bench for the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs, Muscutt is the longest-tenured head coach in the league. He has proven himself year after year, creating a reputation known by officials and fans alike. He consistently fields a group of hard-working players and he consistently wins. Two more Mudbugs wins will move Muscutt up the all-time coaching win list in the CHL, placing him second behind Doug Sauter.
 
Muscutt began his coaching career in 2000 at the age of 28 after spending three seasons on the ice with the Mudbugs. He was described as a hard-nosed player who was a fan favorite. After his retirement, the franchise named its community excellence award in his honor. Muscutt also was the co-winner of the 2000 Western Professional Hockey League’s man of the year award.
 
He subsequently led the team to the 2001 WPHL President’s Cup Championship. Throughout his tenure his teams have won two Northern Conference championships (2004, 2006), five division titles, and have put together five 40-win seasons. He started the 2009-10 season with 357 wins, which ranked him third for coaching wins behind Doug Sauter (544) and Chris Stewart (375). The number has grown now to 374.
 
So what is his secret? Former Mudbug captain and current Texas Brahmas coach Dan Wildfong offered his insight.
“He’s the type of guy that does what it takes (to win),” Wildfong said. “When I was there, I feel he was the best coach in the league. He’s a competitor, and he made an impact in the community and with the team.”
Wildfong recounted a moment that speaks to Muscutt’s competitiveness and drive to win. It was after a game in which Muscutt apparently didn’t think his team put forth a good enough effort.
“After the game he skated us,” Wildfong said with a laugh. “I don’t think we lost again for another 23-24 games after that.”
 
Muscutt’s Mudbugs currently sit in third place in the Northern Conference with a 17-12-2 record behind Colorado and Rapid City. The team will begin a four-game road trip on Friday night in Rapid City. They will face the Rush in two games at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Arena before continuing their trip with two games at Colorado next weekend. The two wins Muscutt needs to overtake Stewart for second all-time could come on their current road trip, quite possibly when they play Colorado where Stewart currently serves as President/General Manager/Director of Hockey Operations.
 
“I believe a good coach wins hockey games and keeps his job, but a successful coach wins his last game and keeps his teams viable,” Stewart said. “When it comes to personal accolades, I am a firm believer it is strictly a team award, and reflects on everyone involved.’
“The team does not begin and end at the bench,” Stewart added. “There are a number of people that make these milestones possible, most importantly the fans, sponsors, and owners along with a dedicated staff and a great group of players.”
 
Muscutt certainly has seemed to surround himself with such a group of people during his ten seasons as coach. He’s coached Mudbugs greats like Wildfong, Ken Carroll, Chris Brassard, and Quade Lightbody. “It’s a huge accomplishment to have as many wins as he has, passing Chris Stewart, and to do it in one place, I’m happy for him,” Wildfong said.
Stewart added his praise as well. “Congratulations to Scott and the Mudbugs for reaching this milestone. I wish their organization continued success, and a long and prosperous future.” There seems to be little doubt that he and the Mudbugs will do just that. Contact the author at john.hall@prohockeynews.com
Contact the photographer at robert.keith@prohockeynews.com