Shreveport Native Arsenii Sergeev Becomes First Mudbugs Player to Debut in NHL

Rookie goaltender earns first career win for Calgary Flames against Los Angeles Kings

Apr. 17, 2026 at 1:23pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting depicting the intense, dynamic movements of a hockey goaltender making a save, with vibrant neon colors and loose, energetic brushstrokes capturing the raw athleticism of the moment.The electric debut of Shreveport native Arsenii Sergeev in the NHL showcases the rising talent pipeline of the Mudbugs hockey program.Shreveport Today

Arsenii Sergeev, a former standout goaltender for the Shreveport Mudbugs in the North American Hockey League (NAHL), made history last night by becoming the first Mudbugs player to debut in the NHL. Sergeev suited up for the Calgary Flames and earned a crucial victory against the Los Angeles Kings, making several key saves to help secure the win.

Why it matters

Sergeev's NHL debut is a major milestone for hockey in the Shreveport-Bossier area, as it represents the first time a local player has reached the highest level of professional hockey. His success could inspire more young talent to come through the Mudbugs' pipeline and potentially follow in his footsteps to the national stage.

The details

Sergeev, who was the key goaltender for the Mudbugs' 2021 Robertson Cup championship team, made an impressive NHL debut, facing down the Kings and making critical saves throughout the night to help the Flames secure the victory. The Flames, who are in a rebuilding phase, will likely give Sergeev more opportunities to showcase his skills as they focus on developing their young talent.

  • Sergeev made his NHL debut on April 16, 2026.
  • In the 2020-21 season, Sergeev played 20 games for the Shreveport Mudbugs, posting a 14-4-2 record and a .936 save percentage.

The players

Arsenii Sergeev

A former standout goaltender for the Shreveport Mudbugs in the NAHL, who made history by becoming the first Mudbugs player to debut in the NHL with the Calgary Flames.

Kason Muscutt

A former Mudbugs player who recently finished a stellar freshman season with the Michigan Wolverines, scoring 3 goals and adding 5 penalties.

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What they’re saying

“Seeing a local favorite reach the highest level of the sport is a massive win for the city.”

— Greg Atoms, Author

What’s next

The Flames franchise is expected to continue focusing on developing their young talent, including Sergeev, over the next few seasons as part of their ongoing rebuild.

The takeaway

Sergeev's NHL debut represents an inspiring milestone for hockey in the Shreveport-Bossier area, showcasing the talent pipeline that the Mudbugs organization has developed and the potential for more local players to reach the national stage in the future.