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Muskegon Lumberjacks

Griffen Molino Records a Pair as Muskegon Falls in Omaha

January 17, 2015 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release


RALSTON, Nebraska - The Muskegon Lumberjacks and Omaha Lancers locked horns in the backend of a two-game weekend series at Ralston Arena in the final matchup between the two squads for the 2014-15 regular season as the visitors looked for the weekend sweep of the hosts. Ultimately, a four-goal second period from the host Lancers determined the outcome as Griffen Molino totaled the Lumberjacks' lone pair of markers in a 5-2 decision in favor of Omaha as both teams earned a victory aside on the weekend.

In a physical first period that saw no penalties assessed on either side, the Lumberjacks (20-11-3, 43 points) made a loud statement just 32 seconds into the game as Molino redirected a shot from the right point by Matej Paulovic past Zach Driscoll (4-0-1) for his ninth of the season to give the visitors an early 1-0 lead. Trevor Hamilton also helped on the even strength marker.

As the opening frame passed its halfway point, the Lancers (19-9-5, 43 points) got even on the scoreboard at 1-1 by the 13:39 mark as a two-on-one led to Michael Bigelbach feeding Niklas Folin to the left of Eric Schierhorn (14-7-3), who wristed his second of the season under Schierhorn's right pad.

The even score stayed the same going into the first intermission with the Lancers heavily outshooting the Lumberjacks by a 14-3 spread.

Early in the second period, Omaha came out swinging offensively as Anthony Angello one-timed a centering feed to the left of Schierhorn and into the back of the net for his ninth of the season to give the home team a 2-1 lead that was set up by Josh French and Jake Henderson.

Shortly after at the 3:05 mark, the Lancers doubled its lead to 3-1 with a power play goal from French lacing a wrist shot from the left faceoff circle past Schierhorn for his fourth of the season that was aided by Matt Joyaux and Louie Rowe.

The hosts continued their big offensive second period by increasing its lead to 4-1 at the 11:43 mark with Folin muscling one through traffic and past the goal line for his second of the night and third of the season that was assisted by Hank Crone and Brendan Smith. With time ticking away in the middle stanza, Steven Spinner potted a power play goal from the left faceoff circle with 2:38 left for his 10th of the year to make it a 5-1 game that was helped by Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson and Matthew Meier.

Before the wild second period ended, Muskegon got one back to cut the deficit to 5-2 with 1:14 to go as Molino redirected a centering feed from Tommy Marchin in the slot over the left shoulder of Driscoll top shelf for his second of the game and 10th on the season for a power play goal that was also aided by Christian Wolanin.

Omaha took their three-goal lead into the second and final intermission while still leading the shot battle on Muskegon by a wide 25-11 margin.

The third period saw no scoring as the Lancers' defense eliminated any attempt of a Lumberjacks comeback while outshooting the visitors for the game, 37-16. Neither team recorded a goal during the final 20 minutes of regulation.

Zach Dirscoll picked up the home victory for Omaha with a 14-save effort, while Eric Schierhorn took the road loss stopping 32 of 37 shots faced. Two Lancers in Niklas Folin (two goals) and Josh French (one goal, one assist) led the offensive attack with a pair of points each followed by ten other players chipping in with a point apiece. The Lumberjacks were led offensively by Griffen Molino with his pair of goals along with four others contributing with an assist each. Muskegon falls to 3-5-0 all-time against Omaha since joining the USHL.

The Lumberjacks return home on Monday afternoon for a special 12:15 pm puck drop against the expansion Bloomington Thunder for the Kids "Dream" Game in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Children ages 3-12 will receive a free ticket to the game upon entry into the L.C. Walker Arena.

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