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Muskegon Lumberjacks

Michael Latorella Stops 26 Shots, Under-17 Team Slips Past Lumberjacks

April 3, 2015 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release


Muskegon Lumberjacks vs. USNTDP Under-17 Team
Muskegon Lumberjacks vs. USNTDP Under-17 Team
(Muskegon Lumberjacks, Credit: Jason Goorman, Local Sports Journal)

MUSKEGON, Michigan (April 3rd) - The Muskegon Lumberjacks looked to build off an impressive month of March with a fast start to April in the 2014-15 regular season home finale against the USNTDP Under-17 Team. The first two periods saw a 1-0 decision in favor of the visitors when the Under-17's used a three-goal third period to steer further ahead and eventually come away with a 4-0 shutout victory on the road that included four players tallying two-point nights. The loss put a halt to the Lumberjacks' winning streaks overall and at home of five and three, respectively.

The first period featured a scoreless draw with only one penalty assessed and the Under-17 Team outshooting the Lumberjacks through the opening 20 minutes by a narrow 9-8 margin. Muskegon had the lone power play opportunity of the first period and did not convert.

Early in the second period at the 1:51 mark, the USTNDP Under-17 Team (25-29-3, 53 points) grabbed the only marker of the middle frame to take a 1-0 lead heading into the third and final frame of regulation as a wrist shot from Patrick Khodorenko in the high slot redirected off a Lumberjacks stick and found its way inside the far side right post into the back of the net past a sliding Michael Latorella (9-6-0).

The goal was Khodorenko's fourth of the season against USHL competition and eighth overall. Joey Anderson and Ryan Lindgren assisted on the tally.

The Under-17's outshot Muskegon during the second period by a 12-10 margin and extended the advantage overall to 21-18. The Lumberjacks were 0-for-2 on the man advantage after two periods of play.

Just 53 seconds into the third, William Lockwood doubled the visiting team's lead to 2-0 firing a loose puck in the right faceoff circle through traffic and past Latorella for his seventh USHL marker and 13th on the season. Max Jones and Nick Pastujov aided on the goal.

The Under-17 Team continued to add on to the offense making it a 3-0 spread at the 5:19 mark with a one-timer by Khodorenko, who was found open in the low slot, for his second of the night that was set up by Anderson and Keeghan Howdeshell. The goal was Khodorenko's fifth USHL tally and ninth overall on the year.

With time ticking away, the Lumberjacks (34-19-4, 72 points) pulled Latorella for the extra attacker with around 1:30 remaining only to have the Under-17 squad net one final tally with 1:07 left courtesy of an empty-netter from Lockwood for his second of the evening that was assisted by Pastujov and Howdeshell. The goal was Lockwood's eighth USHL goal and 14th on the year.

Muskegon was unable to muster any offense on the night as Jake Oettinger (5-10-1) earned his first career USHL shutout following a 28-save effort. Latorella stopped 26 of 29 shots in the home loss. The Under-17 Team slightly outshot Muskegon for the game, 30-28.

Patrick Khodorenko (two goals), William Lockwood (two goals), Nick Pastujov (two assists), and Joey Anderson (two assists) all led the visitor's offensive attack with two points each. Griffen Molino, Mark Petaccio, and Matej Paulovic led the Lumberjacks in shots on goal with three apiece. Tonight signaled the first game of the 2014-15 season in which the Lumberjacks were not credited with at least one penalty during regulation. Muskegon finishes the regular season with a 3-1-0 record against the Under-17 Team and a 5-3-0 mark against the U.S. National Development Program overall.

Muskegon hits the road to Youngstown, Ohio to battle against the rival Youngstown Phantoms tomorrow night beginning at 7:05 from the Covelli Centre to wrap up the weekend.

The Lumberjacks have qualified for the 2015 Clark Cup Playoffs, and tickets for the postseason are now on sale. Fans that place a $60 deposit on their 2015-16 season ticket by the end of the business day on Tuesday, April 14th receive two tickets to the first round of the playoffs and only pay $40 for the remaining two rounds. For fans that are unable to place a $60 deposit down, they can still purchase playoff ticket packages for $60 that includes all three rounds while being eligible to receive a credit on their season ticket balance for next season on tickets for games not played throughout this year's playoffs.

Individual playoff tickets are also on sale for $14 (Gold Sections), $12 (Crimson Sections), $10 (Black Sections), $7 (Youth ages 3-13), and $10 (Seniors/Military/Students). Pricing remains the same on or before the day of the scheduled game.

To purchase tickets for the Clark Cup Playoffs, fans can stop by the L.C. Walker Arena Box Office during the normal business hours of 10:00 am - 6:00 pm on Monday - Friday or call (231) 724-5225.

The Lumberjacks are on the radio waves as Nash Icon 92.5 FM is the team's flagship provider for the 2014-15 season. Tune in as the "Voice of the Lumberjacks" Bryan Fongers delivers the call beginning 15 minutes prior to the opening puck drop. All games can also be listened and watched live online at www.fasthockey.com.

Check out the Muskegon Lumberjacks Statistics




Images from this story

Muskegon Lumberjacks Game Recap
Muskegon Lumberjacks Game Recap
 Muskegon Lumberjacks Goaltender Michael Latorella
Muskegon Lumberjacks Goaltender Michael Latorella
(Jason Goorman, Local Sports Journal)		 Muskegon Lumberjacks vs. USNTDP Under-17 Team
Muskegon Lumberjacks vs. USNTDP Under-17 Team
(Jason Goorman, Local Sports Journal)
Muskegon Lumberjacks vs. USNTDP Under-17 Team
Muskegon Lumberjacks vs. USNTDP Under-17 Team
(Jason Goorman, Local Sports Journal)		   

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United States Hockey League Stories from April 3, 2015


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