BOSSIER CITY, La – While franchises in New Mexico (Scorpions), Colorado (Rage) and Oklahoma (Blazers) have seemingly pulled the plug, the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs were taken off life support and will survive in a global economy that is unfriendly to minor league hockey teams. The Mudbugs announced the official transfer of team ownership from John Madden to Tommy and Leslie Scott of Shreveport. The Scott’s were formally introduced to the media as the new owners of the franchise during a press conference at the CenturyTel Center. “This is an exciting day for our organization,” President & General Manager Ray Delia said. “Tommy and Leslie Scott are going to be fantastic owners who are committed to the success of this franchise. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank (former owner) John Madden for his hard work and dedication to the Mudbugs and the Bossier-Shreveport community over the past seven years.” With the sale of the team now complete, preparations for a 13th season of Mudbugs hockey in 2009-2010 have resumed. Delia announced today that the Mudbugs have come to terms on a new multi-year lease agreement with the CenturyTel Center. The club has begun re-staffing and will return to full operations on July 13. Delia announced today that the Mudbugs have come to terms on a new multi-year lease agreement with the CenturyTel Center. The club has begun re-staffing and will rturn to full operations on July 13. “We’re looking forward to getting back to the basics of the business – serving our customers and working with our parters – as soon as possible,” Delia said. The team also re-signed head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations Scott Muscutt to a multi-year contract that will keep him behind the Mudbugs’ bench for a tenth season in 2009-10. “This was my first order of business following the sale of the Mudbugs,” Delia said. “Scott Muscutt is synonymous with the Mudbugs brand and has bled purple for thirteen years. He’s the right guy to lead us to our fourth President’s Cup Championship.” Muscutt currently ranks third in CHL history with 357 career victories and has led the team to 8 playoff appearances, 5 division titles, 3 conference titles and 1 President’s Cup Championship while coaching the team. “I’m really excited to have a deal in place that will allow my family and me to return to this team and stay in this community,” Muscutt said. “I’m also thrilled at the opportunity to work for the Scott’s. I think they have a lot of energy and I like the direction they want to take this team.” With so much negativity surrounding the CHL these days (see related articles), it’s nice to be able to report a success by a historically successful team. Contact the writer at mitch.cooper@prohockeynews.com
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