Parker Van Buskirk's Shutout forces Game 7 in Rapid City

A strong 27 save performance by Mudbugs starter Parker Van Buskirk has put a 2nd Game 7 on the schedule for tonight to determine who will be playing for the Ray Miron Presidents Cup Championship this season.

In addition to the shutout, 2nd period goals by Tyrel Lucas and Brett Smith were more then enough as the Mudbugs defense was able to keep the Rush's explosive offense off the board and keeping them 27 shots in the Game as the Rush slightly out-shot the Mudbugs 27-24 in the game.

Now it comes down to the Game 7's tonight with the winners playing for the League Championship which should be starting up sometime this weekend.

Here's a look at where the Championship Matchups would start pending on the outcomes tonight.

Odessa VS. Rapid City: Series Starts in Odessa

Odessa VS. Bossier-Shreveport: Series Starts in Odessa

Allen VS. Rapid City: Series Starts in Rapid City

Allen VS. Bossier-Shreveport: Series Starts in Allen


From the Central Hockey League Website: www.centralhockeyleague.com

From Rapid City, South Dakota: Parker Van Buskirk's first pro shutout helped the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs to a 2-0 victory over the Rapid City Rush in Game 6 of the Northern Conference Finals Tuesday Night at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. The wins ties the best-of-7 series at three for Bossier-Shreveport, forcing a deciding a Game 7 tomorrow night here in Rapid City.

Van Buskirk stopped all 27 shots he saw to improve to 3-2 and earned his first pro shutout, regular season or playoffs. Tyrel Lucas and Brett Smith both scored on odd-man rushes in the 2nd period and the Bugs killed off all six Rapid City Power-Play on their way to the win.

Both teams looked sharp during a spirited first period in which the Mudbugs out-shot the Rush 10-7. Neither team found the back of the net though as both goaltenders came up with big saves. The Bugs opened the the scoring on a 2-on-1 break at 5:07 of the 2nd period when Tyrel Lucas sent a pass across Adam Basford, who gave the puck right back to Lucas for a tap in goal and a 1-0 lead.

Bossier-Shreveport added to the advantage midway through the 2nd period on another 2-on-1 break. Brett Smith and David Rutherford executed a nice give and go play that ended with Smith beating Danny Battochio high to the glove side at 9:45 of the 2nd period to make it 2-0 after 40 minutes.

The Rush out-shot the Bugs 9-3 in the third period and had three power play chances, but couldn't solve the Mudbugs Defense on their young goaltender to get on the scoreboard. Van Buskirk stopped numerous screened shots and rebounds in front to preserve the goose-egg as Rapid City failed to mount a late comeback.

With the 27 save effort, Van Buskirk earned the tenth shutout in Mudbugs playoff history and first since David Cacciola had one in the 2006 Conference Semifinals. Danny Battochio stopped 22 shots in goal for the Rush, who out-shot the Bugs 27-24. Neither team converted on the power play with Bossier-Shreveport finishing 0/3 and Rapid City finishing 0/6.

The Mudbugs will now play a Game 7 for the 4th time in team history tomorrow night in Rapid City as they try to advance to the Presidents Cup Finals for the 6th Time. The winner of tomorrow night's game will face the winner of Game 7 in the Southern Conference Final between Allen & Odessa, which is also being played Wednesday Night.


Series Tied 3-3


Game Boxscore

Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs 2 Rapid City Rush 0 (0-0, 2-0, 0-0)

1-0 BOS: Tyrel Lucas (Basford) 5:07 1st

2-0 BOS: Brett Smith (Rutherford, Ori) 9:54 2nd


Game Stats

SOG: BOS 24 RPC 27

PP: BOS 0/3 RPC 0/6

PIM: BOS 14 Minutes on 7 Penalties RPC Danny Battochio 22 SVS on 24 Shots

Goalies: BOS Parker Van Buskirk 27 SVS on 27 Shots RPC Danny Battochio 22 SVS on 24 Shots

ATT: 4520

3rd Star: Brett Smith (BOS)

2nd Star: Tyrel Lucas (BOS)

1st Star: Parker Van Buskirk (BOS)