DOWNS RETURNS, MACIVER ADDED TO ROSTER

BOSSIER CITY, LA - The Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs of the Central Hockey League announced today the signing of two players to the 2006-2007 roster. Jeremy Downs will return for his second season in a Mudbugs jersey, while defenseman Doug MacIver will join the the team after spending the last three seasons in the ECHL. Downs, 24, played 51 games in Bossier-Shreveport after starting the season with the Johnstown Chiefs of the ECHL. The defenseman from Newfield, New York, produced 18 points and 33 penalty minutes last year. He won a U.S. Junior National Championship during his time with the Omaha Lancers in 2001. Downs then moved on to Cornell University where he helped lead the team to the NCAA Semifinals in 2002-2003. He scored in eight of the final ten games last year and will look to continue the momentum into this season. "Last year was a maturing year where Jeremy made great strides," said Head Coach Scott Muscutt. "He has outstanding foot speed. He`s hungry to have the opportunity to step up in a significant role defensively for this team." The Mudbugs also add size to the roster with the signing of Doug MacIver. The 6` 5`` defenseman played 29 games last season split between the San Diego Gulls and the Pensacola Ice Pilots. The 25-year-old hails from King City, Ontario. He adds an element of toughness, totaling 161 penalty minutes last season alone. "MacIver is the type of steady defenseman you love to have on your roster. He wins battles down low and in the corners." said Muscutt. Downs and MacIver are the latest names added to a roster that continues to grow with training camp approaching on October 1st. They`re part of a defense that will skate in front of marquee goaltender Ken Carroll, who re-signed with Mudbugs on July 12th. The 10th anniversary of Mudbugs hockey is rapidly approaching the the home opener against the Laredo Bucks schedule for a 7:05 PM face-off at the CenturyTel Center. Bossier-Shreveport is proud to host the 2007 Central Hockey League All-Star game on January 17th. Season ticket packages and group packages are on sale at 318-752-BUGS or by visiting www.mudbugshockey.com.