'Bugs Get Their "Cheeze & Krackers" Back
 
BOSSIER CITY, LA – The Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs of the Central Hockey League today announced two more player signings for the 2010-11 season, returning defenseman Dave Pszenyczny and forward Jeff Kyrzakos to the club. Pszenyczny (who is called “Cheeze” by some) returns for his third season in purple and teal while Kyrzakos (nicknamed “Krackers”) will skate in his second.
 
The Mudbugs now have nine players (five forwards, three defensemen and one goaltender) under contract for the coming year.
 
“Both of these guys are going to play important roles for our hockey club this season,” said Head Coach Scott Muscutt. “‘Krackers’ proved last year that he is a dangerous goal scorer and a guy who will really contribute to our offensive attack. At the other end, ‘Cheeze’ is a gritty defenseman who is tough to play against, but also brings a real scoring threat from the blueline. I’m very happy to have them back.”
Pszenyczny, 25, enjoyed perhaps his best pro season in 2009-10. In his second year as a Mudbug, the fan favorite set new career highs in goals (11) and points (25) to rank second on the team in scoring among defensemen. Pszenyczny also led the team with 134 penalty minutes (another career high) while skating in all but one regular season game.
 
The Sterling Heights, Michigan native then stormed into the playoffs with a three-game goal-scoring streak, four points and a +4 rating during the ‘Bugs four-game sweep of Colorado in the Northern Conference Semifinals.
 
“I can’t wait to get down there and start the season,” Pszenyczny said. “Having a great team that made it so close to the Finals last year can only make us stronger this season. I’m extremely competitive, so I look forward to playing any role that’s needed for this team to succeed. I want to be a guy who is depended on in any situation that is asked of me.”
 
A 6-0, 190-pound blueliner, Pszenyczny enters 2010-11 with 123 games, 47 points, six game-winning goals, and 250 PIMs on his Mudbugs resume.
 
Kyrzakos, 25, was a difference-maker in his first year with the Mudbugs in 2009-10. The Mississauga, Ontario native finished second on the team in goal scoring last season, netting a career-high 22 tallies. Completing a dangerous line with Travis Clayton and Shawn Limpright, Kryzakos collected 24 assists to finish fourth on the team with 46 points. He also tied the franchise record with four assists in a 6-0 win over Arizona on December 1.
 
The 6-2, 195-pound winger then totaled eight points in 11 playoff games, finishing second on the team with seven postseason assists. Kyrzakos spent his first three pro seasons in the ECHL, where he posted a career-high 53 points in 2007-08 with Phoenix and Charlotte.
 
“Last year we had a great group of guys, good cohesiveness and we all had a strong desire to win,” said Kyrzakos. “We got a taste of it in the playoffs, and with the guys we’re bringing in this year, I think we will have a good chance to win it all. That’s what you play for, so hopefully this year we can take that next step.”
 
Mudbugs 2010-2011 season tickets and mini-plans are on sale now, so call 752-BUGS or stop by the team office inside the CenturyTel Center to get yours today! For all the latest Mudbugs offseason news, log on to www.mudbugshockey.com.