RiverKings Win Home Opener

Last night at the DeSoto Civic Center marked the beginning of the 2007-2008 hockey season for the Mississippi RiverKings.  There were so many changes made during the off-season, that there were several of us there last night speculating about how that would affect the performance on the ice.  Last year we were the Memphis RiverKings, despite the fact that they haven't been housed in Memphis in years.  During the summer the administration, along with some input from the fans, decided to change the name to the Mississippi RiverKings.  This change may seem small to some, but it caused quite a stir with some diehard fans.  I believe the name change was long overdue, thinking the team should embrace their new home, even though the name change made my jersey collection very retro.  We also have a new GM this year with Ab Mattice moving into that position.  The RiverKings have added a new radio personality in Nikolai Busko, who took over after Jim Erickson left to cover the Iowa Stars.  Lots of folks around here really enjoyed listening to Jim's unique coverage during away games, so Nik definitely has some big shoes to fill. 

While we do see some new faces on the ice, several of the local's favorites are back.  We have Derek Landmesser returning to take the lead as the team captain.  Coach McClelland also brought back other popular players like Louis Dumont, Sheldon Wenzel, and Larry Sterling.  There are definitely some mixed feelings about Sterling's return.  There are some fans that think he can win the Cup by himself, and others who pray our defense is strong enough to play goalie for him.  Personally, I think the kid is talented as hell, I just hate to see him get frazzled so easily.  Last season he made some incredible plays, and I'm hoping he's back to make some more.  I think if he can keep his head in the game, he'll make for an amazing goalie. 

Of all the returning stars, and new faces, one of the most talked about, and welcomed players is Rick Kozak.  The 22 year-old right wing actually comes to us from the New York Rangers by way of the Charlotte Checkers.  He was here last year for 18 games, earning 20 points and 61 PIMS.  He's young, tough and fast, and there are many fans here, including this one, that hope he's here to stay. 

Last night fans came to the DCC eager to get this new season underway after two loses in the preseason to the Florida Everblades from the ECHL in Florida.  Both old and new hockey fans were curious to see how this new RiverKings team would play together at home against long-time rivals, the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs.  The new Mississippi RiverKings came out strong, with Ryan Campbell scoring the first goal at 6:08 in the first period.  Unfortunately the Mudbugs came right back with a goal from Miller at 6:30.  The first period ended with the score 1 - 1, with only 5 shots on goal from the RiverKings. 

The second period didn't see much more action, except in the penalty box.  While the RiverKings only had 6 shots on goal, with none of them finding the back of the net, there were 11 penalties including two at 11:08 where Campbell was stung with an interference call and Kozak drawing an unsportsmanlike conduct call, giving the Mudbugs another power play opportunity.  Thankfully the Mudbugs were unable to capitalize on any of the 9 power plays they had last night. 

The third period began with the score still tied at 1 - 1.  The RiverKings came out looking charged up and hitting harder.  They were taking more shots and at 9:27 newcomer Jason Lawmaster scored the game winning goal.  Sterling was able to hold the Mudbugs off, clinching the win for the RiverKings with a final score of 2 - 1. 

The RiverKings finished strong last night, and hopefully that energy will carry into tonight's game against the Youngstown Steelhounds at the DeSoto Civic Center.  The Steelhounds are coming from Oklahoma City with a 4 - 2 win there last night.  If last night was any indication about how this season will play out for the RiverKings, the Steelhounds will have their hands full tonight.