Mudbugs New Owner: John Madden
October 2, 2002 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs News Release
BOSSIER CITY, LA -- The Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs announced, at a press conference today, that John Madden of Madden Contracting Company has purchased the team and is now the Mudbugs' primary owner. Madden takes over ownership of the team from Dr. Michael Plaman, who was responsible for bringing the team to Shreveport in 1997 and maintaining it for the past five seasons.
John Madden, 39, was born and raised Minden, Louisiana. He is currently the Vice President of Madden Contracting Company, Inc. and has been a supporter of the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs hockey team for the past five years.
"It's a great honor for me to be the owner of this team," said Madden. "I definitely think we can continue to make the Mudbugs one of the top teams in all of minor-pro hockey. I want to thank everyone involved in this whole process who has made this possible."
After graduating from Louisiana Tech in 1985 with a degree in business management, Madden took charge of Longview Asphalt, which was previously operated by his uncle. Madden's company works throughout the Ark-La-Tex doing highway construction work. His interests outside of hockey include hunting and fishing. He also cites the 1980 "Miracle on Ice" as the event which began his love for the game of hockey.
"The U.S. Olympic victory over the Russians was one event that really got me interested in hockey and when the Mudbugs came to Shreveport, my interest became even greater," said Madden. "I think with a lot of hard work and the proper business decisions, we can continue with the success that the Mudbugs have had in the past."
He and his wife Andrea have three children, Levi (13), Jake (11), and Bailee (10). Andrea has been closely involved with the Mudbugs through their "Shoot to Score" youth hockey clinic and the new youth hockey league B.A.S.A.H.A (Bossier and Shreveport Amateur Hockey Association).
"I want to wish John the very best of luck this season and for many more to come," said Dr. Michael Plaman. "I've had an incredible time as the owner of this team and I would just like to thank our wonderful fans for all of their support over the past five years. I've been so lucky to be a part of this here in Bossier-Shreveport and I am confident that the team is in good hands for the future."
Mudbugs' Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Scott Muscutt also expressed his positive outlook for the team's future and thanked Dr. Plaman for his work with the Mudbugs.
"This is such an exciting day for our team," said Muscutt. "It's already been a pleasure to know and work with John and I would also like to thank Dr. Plaman for bringing hockey to this area and giving me the opportunity as a player and coach to be a part of this great organization."
Season tickets for the 2002-03 Mudbugs season are currently on sale, as well as individual tickets for the Mudbugs' preseason game at the CenturyTel Center versus the Fort Worth Brahmas on Thursday October 10th. For more information, please call 318-752-BUGS.
• Discuss this story on the Central Hockey League message board...
Central Hockey League Stories from October 2, 2002
- Mudbugs New Owner: John Madden - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- Mudbugs Announce Affiliation with AHL's Rochester Americans - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- Bats Schedule Preseason Game; Bring Training Camp Roster to 16 - Austin Ice Bats
- ''The Day of the Jacka'' 'Kings sign Formal Jackals Captain James Sheehan - Lubbock Cotton Kings
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
