LOVELAND, Col – The end of the Central Hockey League season found two teams battling for the last say in the Ray Miron Championship.  The Colorado Eagles hosted the Bossier-Shreveport MudBugs in a classic seven-game series. 

The exceptional part of the series was the much rumored move of the Eagles to the ECHL for the 2011-12 season and the suspension of the MudBugs’ franchise following the conclusion of the CHL season.

The Eagles in fact left for the ECHL and the MudBugs indeed folded up the franchise and placed in suspension. 

But not before an exciting championship series was concluded in Colorado where the visiting MudBugs skated off with the Ray Miron hardware.

And Pro Hockey News’ Terry Sanford was there to capture the highlights presented here in her photo-essay.

Former Eagle, Les Boesheim drops the puck for Eagles Captain Riley Nelson and Mudbugs veteran Travis Clayton.

Eagles forward, Daymen Rycroft, exits the penalty box seconds before the Mudbugs score their first goal.

Kyle Jones stretches to no avail as the first Mudbugs goal is scored.

Eagles goalie, Kyle Jones, reaches to corral the puck.

Kyle Jones is forced into the goal along with the puck for goal number 2 for the Mudbugs.

John DeCaro protects his crease from Dan Sullivan of the Eagles.

Kevin Ulanski of the Eagles works against David Rutherford of the Mudbugs in front of Eagles goalie, Kyle Jones

Mudbugs Goalie John DeCaro and Captain Brett Smith watch a play develop.

Matt Glasser attempts to set up behind John DeCaro.

Eagle Riley Nelson and Mudbug Travis Clayton fight for control on the face-off.

Mudbugs Goalie, John DeCaro swats away a shot on goal.

Tempers flair late in the game between Steve Haddon of the Eagles and Shawn Limpright of the Mudbugs.

Kyle Jones makes a glove save.

Colorado Eagles defenseman Aaron Scneekloth battles against Mudbugs defenseman Clay Plume in front of Bossier Shreveport Mudbug Goalie John DeCaro.

Eagles defenseman Joe Grimaldi celebrates his goal that was subsequently called off for a high stick.

The greatest tradition in hockey - after a hard fought series the two teams shake hands at center ice.

Mudbugs Jeff Kyrzakos accepts his playoff MVP trophy from CHL Director of Hockey Operations, Jim Wiley.

A disappointed Colorado Eagles team stays on the ice to show respect for the Champion Mudbugs.

Mudbugs captain, Brett Smith, is presented with the Championship trophy by CHL Commissioner Duane Lewis.

Captain Brett Smith motions for Travis Clayton to hoist the Cup first.

Captain Brett Smith gives the puck to long time CHL veteran, Travis Clayton

Mudbugs players pass the Cup around.

Bossier-Shreveport Mudbug Goalie, John DeCaro celebrates.

The Bossier Shreveport Mudbugs the CHL Ray Miron President's Cup Champions.

The greatest tradition in hockey - after a hard fought series the two teams shake hands at center ice.

Contact Terry.Sanford@prohockeynews.com