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After Big Trade, Lumberjacks Tie for First

February 23, 2009 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release


LUMBERJACKS LINES: Having completed a major five player trade last Wednesday with the Flint Generals, the Muskegon Lumberjacks promptly proceeded to complete the sweep of the work week consisting of 3-games in 3-days with wins at Kalamazoo and two victories in two days against Flint. Under the direction of third year head coach Bruce Ramsay, the Lumberjacks have surged augustly and majestically into a tie for first place in the IHL standings with the Port Huron Icehawks. With 52-games down and 24 more still to go, the men from Muskegon actually have composed the league's best record at 52(31-15-6) totaling 68-points and a winning percentage of a league foremost .654. Muskegon still holds one game in hand on the Port Huron squadron which has compiled a mark of 53(31-16-6)68-points and .642 win percentile. The Turner Cup runners-up from last season are currently 3(2-0-1) in their last 3-games and 25(15-4-6) in their last 25-outings. The Icehawks are presently riding the crest of a 6-game home ice unsullied streak; 6(5-0-1). Meanwhile, the co-league-leading Lumberjacks have engineered a 5-points advantage over third place Kalamazoo 52(31-20-1) 63-points with the Wings being 9(6-2-1) in their last 9-games with both losses absorbed at home and both inflicted by the 'Jacks. Muskegon has increased its advantage over fourth place defending league champion Fort Wayne 52(26-16-10) 62-points, by 6-points. The Komets of Indiana are 16(8-2-6) in their last 16-episodes; 23(8-9-6) in their last 23-home appearances. Muskegon does enjoy a winning record in the season series to this point against their three most formidable, fractious foes. This week, the Lumberjacks culminate their ambitious 14-games in 25-days February schedule with three consecutive games in hostile territory before broaching the month of March this Sunday with their lone home date of the week. It all starts up, again, Wednesday night when the 'Jacks journey to Fort Wayne to rekindle rancor with the Komets. Then, it's on to Kalamazoo Friday night followed by a jaunt to Flint on Saturday before returning home for their lone home appearance of the week, Sunday, March 1st and an encore encounter with the Wings.

SUPER SUNDAY $5 SUNDAY: When the Lumberjacks lock antlers in a clenching, wrenching tango against archrival Kalamazoo Sunday on home ice at Walker Arena, it will be another $5 DOLLAR SUNDAY AT 5. All seats for this game will be specially priced for only $5. Every seat for everyone is only $5. Immediately following the game, for your listening enjoyment, Matt Gens will perform some of his own songs from his own songbook in the Walker Arena Annex which adjoins the main arena complex. Everyone is invited to attend the Matt Gens "Unplugged Concert."

THE FIRST PLACE TASTE: With their sweep of the week, consisting of 3-games in 3-days the past weekend, the Lumberjacks have soared to the top of the IHL alliance to share the swank penthouse suite with Port Huron. Through 52-games, the "men of Muskegon lumber" have compiled the league's best record at 52(31-15-6) for 68-points and .654 winning percentage. Currently, the Lumberjacks are riding the rising rapids of their longest win streak of the season at 5-in a row; 5(5-0-0), equaling the second longest such streak attained thus far this season in the IHL. Moreover, Muskegon is 8(7-1-0) in its last 8-starts; last 13(9-2-2); last 25(16-5-4); last 31(19-6-6). The 'Jacks last setback was back on February 13th when they were humbled on home ice by Bloomington, 7-1. Since the start of the second half of the season, the Muskegon record stands at a rather gaudy 14(9-3-2). Since the beginning of the new calendar of 2009, the 'Jacks mark stands at 25(16-5-4). Since the completion of their major 5-player deal last week with Flint, the 'Jacks are perfect personified at 3(3-0-0). Muskegon's longest unblemished skein of the season has been 8-straight; 8(6-0-2). Muskegon has also achieved one 4-game win streak and two 3-game win skeins thus far this season. Compared to last year, the home town team has shown dramatic improvement. One year ago, Muskegon's log read 52(27-22-3) 57-points. Fast forward to the current campaign and the 'Jacks find themselves with 4-more wins, 7-less losses and 11-more points in the standings. The monthly accounting: October 4(3-1-0); November 12(8-3-1); December 11(4-6-1); January 14(9-3-2); February 11(7-2-2).

THE WALKER WALLOP: Though recently being better abroad as compared to the home ice domain, the Lumberjacks were awesome and then-some in their lone home performance the past weekend. With their 9-3 carnage of Flint, the 'Jacks posted their 17th home triumph of the campaign. In so doing, they equaled Kalamazoo 24(17-6-1) for the most home wins in the league For the record, their record is 28(17-8-3) which represents the second best home mark in the loop. With still 10-home games remaining on the docket, the Lumberjacks need only one more win to match last year's home win output of 18. They are 5(2-2-1) in their last 5-bouts; last 14(8-3-3); last 16(9-4-3). The longest home win streak has been 7 in a row, achieved through the first 7-home games of the season.

JOURNEY JUGGERNAUT: On the impetus of two more impressive road triumphs the past weekend, the Lumberjacks win streak abroad has reached a season's best 5-in a row; last 5(5-0-0). Furthermore, their overall undefeated streak in enemy surroundings has advanced to a season's best 7-in succession; last 7(6-0-1). Muskegon's last setback away from home was back on January 27th in Port Huron where they were edged by the Icehawks, 2-1. In their last 13-away; 13(9-2-2); last 16(10-3-3). For the season, the Muskegon road log stands at an excellent 24(14-7-3)with the 14-wins just 3-shy of equaling last year's total of 17-road victories. The Lumberjacks have sustained back-to-back setbacks on the road a mere one time thus far this season.

FIX THE MIX: During their latest surge, the Lumberjacks have appeared to achieve a harmonic convergence and confluence. Offensively, they continue, as they have since opening night back in October, to lead the league in goal-cannoneering with 212-GF for a GFA of a healthy 4.08. In their Saturday night, 9-3 demolition of Flint, it marked the second time this season that the 'Jacks had equaled their best scoring night of the season. In that same game, they also matched their single best period of the season with a 5-goal unanswered opening period barrage. Defensively, much improvement has been realized. In their last 4-games, the 'Jacks have allotted only 8-GA for a GAA of a miserly, microscopic 2.00. In another amazing attainment of their high-scoring propensities, the 'Jacks have scored 4 or more goals in over 65% of their contests at this juncture of the season.

TOP SHELF SHINE: Todd Robinson 51(22-68-90) is beginning to run away with the IHL point-scoring crown as he enjoys a commanding 20-points advantage over Bloomington's Jon Booras 51(30-40-70). Concerning the other 'Jacks top guns, John DiPace 51(28-30-58) is 7th; Luke Stauffacher 46(25-25-50) is tied for 11th; Matt Gens 50(9-30-39) is 24th and Robin Bouchard 23(24-14-38) is 26th among the league's top scoring elite. DiPace's 28-goals rank 3rd; Stauffacher's 25-snipes rank 5th most. Robinson leads the IHL in assists with 68 and PP/Assists with 23; Darryl McArhur is 4th with 16-PP/Assists. Chad Woollard is tied for the league-lead in PPG with 12; Robin Bouchard is 3rd with 10-PPG. DiPace is 4th in the IHL in SOG with 191. Robinson's 4-GWG rank 4th most. Robinson is tied for the IHL lead in SHG with 2. Bouchard 24/105; .229 is #1 in shooting percentage; Stauffacher 25/131; .191 is ranked at #3. Steven Later leads the IHL in PIM with 232; John DiPace (173) is 4th in PIM. Later's 36-minors rank 2nd; his 14-majors tie him for 3rd. In the rookie department, Chad Costello 51(13-22-35) is 4th in scoring; Adam Bartholomay 42(8-16-24) is 9th and Alec Kirschner 45(3-20-23) is 11th. Costello's 22-assists rank 3rd; Alec Kirschner's 20-assists rank 5th. For the defense, Matt Gens 50(9-30-39) is 2nd; Darryl McArthur 52(7-30-37) is 4th; Dan Boeser 29(4-15-19) and Ryan Jorde 48(2-17-19) are tied for 14th. McArthur's 16-PP/Assists rank #2; Later's 36-minors rank 2nd most; McArthur's 127-SOG rank 5th; Gens (30), McArthur (30) are tied for 2nd most in assists. In the goaltending department, Clayton Pool is ranked 4th with a 3.15 GAA and 2nd in SPCT at .915. Pool's 23(15-4-4) record is the best in the league as is his win percentage at .740.

DEBUT DYNAMIC: Acquired last Wednesday in a major five player deal with Flint, left wing John DiPace enjoyed a dynamic debut in his new home colors. For his first 'Jacks week, in 3-games, he collected 7-points on 4-goals, 3-assists, 14-PIM, 16-SOG and excellent +4 rating. Included in his premiering output was the game's FG in the first period of his first game Friday night in his new team's 4-2 trumping of the Wings. In a 2-game home-and-home series against his former team, he spearheaded the sweep of both games, earning the game's #1 Star in each contest. Saturday night, in his home coming-out party, the suburban Detroit native engineered 4-points on 1-goal, 3-aasists. Then in his homecoming Sunday at Flint he fashioned some stylin' and profilin', connecting on a pair of TBG/PPG with the second one being the GWG with 5:47 remaining in the third period to fracture the 2-2 tie and catapult his new club into the victory circle, 3-2. DiPace is the Lumberjacks nomination for Pepsi / IHL Player of the Week.

PUCK PROFESSOR PROMINENT: Five year Muskegon pro goaltender Clayton Pool has remained at the top his game with puck-stopped stupendo. The past week, the IHL's top winning goalkeeper collected victories in each of his 2-starts; a 4-2 triumph Friday night at Kalamazoo and one night later, a 9-3 carnage of Flint. For the week, he was 2(2-0-0) with a 2.50 GAA and sparkling .933 SPCT in repelling 70 - 75-shots. Currently on a personal 4-game win streak, Pool is the Lumberjacks nomination for Southern Sports Supply / IHL Goaltender of the Week.

CHAD-CHING: Rookie right wing Chad Costello continues to grow and mature as he develops into another one of the highly-skilled and polished forwards presently adorning this Lumberjacks aggregation nation. The past week, the product of Northeastern U. delivered a 3-game goal streak and point streak for the 3-games'weekend with 3(3-2-5). He fired 10-SOG and earned a stellar +5 rating. Friday night in his team's 4-2 taming of the Wings in Kalamazoo, he streamlined the TBG which produced a lead the Jacks did not relinquish. Saturday night in the 9-3 trouncing of Flint, he delivered the primary assist on the GWG before connecting on the GTG Sunday, a scant :32 after Flint had achieved its first lead of the night and of the series. Costello is the Lumberjacks nomination for Aquafina / IHL Rookie of the Week.

THE "T. ROB" RUNAWAY: The league's leading scorer, the pre-eminent prince of points playmaking pivot Todd Robinson has now gained a cool 20-points lead over all other comers in his pursuit for his second league scoring crown. The past weekend, the Lumberjacks captain was brilliant as he maestroed in imperial fashion 8-points in 3-games on 2-goals, 6-assists with 7-SOG and sterling +6 rating. In the 2-game series with Flint, the 'Jacks famous #19 amassed an astronomical 7-points on 2-goals, 5-assists with both goals gathered in Saturday night's 9-3 rout. In his last 13-games, the man from "Robinsonia" is averaging over 2-points a game with 13(5-22-27). The franchise second all-time career scoring leader has engineered an extraordinary 26-multiple point games of the 51-games that he has played. He has also been the virtuoso of 6-multiple goal games.

THE BOUCHARDIAN PAPERS: The "Gun-Sling King," right wing Rockin' Robin Bouchard is in a zone of his own with goal-scoring majesty and point-producing proclivity. The past weekend, in 3-games, he cannonaded 3-goals, added 2-assists for 5-points while firing 19-SOG and earning an excellent +5 rating. His latest point-scoring scourge reached 12-games with 17-goals, 10-assists 27-points. His latest goal-scoring "Bouchardian Binge" was completed at 5-games with 6-goals, 4-assists, 10-points. Ranked #6 all-time with 627-minor pro career goals, "Bouch Almighty" has already boomed 24-goals in 23-games since his most recent return to his adopted homestead.

COOL HAND LUKE LITTLE: Right wing Luke Stauffacher has emerged at the focal point during this Lumber-jacks 5-game win streak. The Lumberjacks second leading point-meister, the irascible, irrepressible "Stoff" has stung the adversary with a 5-game points' streak consisting of 7-points on 3-goals, 4-assists. He tops the 'Jacks in 3-goal hat tricks with 3 and multi-goal games with 8.

GIANT GENS GEMS: Defenseman Matt Gens continues to take charge of the 'Jacks backline with his defensive might and offensive prowess. During this current Muskegon 5-game win streak, he has coincided it with a 5-games' point-scoring streak constructed on 1-goal, 5-assists, 6-points, 11-SOG and superb +7 rating. His one goal was the late, dramatic OT/GWG on February 15th when the 'Jacks ambushed the Icehawks in Port Huron, 2-1 (OT). In his last 13-games, Gens is 13(4-11-15).

"GRAB-A-GOAL" First year center / left wing Jon Grabarek is beginning to settle in his new surroundings in the professional ranks. The Wayne State U. product showed he belonged the past weekend when he scored 2-goals in 2-games with his first-ever pro goal being the ultimate GWG Friday night at Kalamazoo where the 'Jacks doused the Wings, 4-2. The following night, he came right back and orchestrated another one to culminate his team's 9-3 domination of Flint. For the week, he was 2(2-0-2) with 6-SOG and +1 rating.

THE SPECIAL TEAMS TOME: The Lumberjacks power plant power play continues to operate at full, maximum and optimum strength. Ranked #1 in the IHL at 55-248; 22.2% proficiency, the 'Jacks are 37 for the last 123 for a conversion rating of a prolific and terrific 30.1%. Not to be superseded has been the vast improvement of the team's shorthand band. Still ranked 5th in the loop, the Lumberjacks are operating at 79.6% efficiency on 207-260. However, the opposition is only 10 for the last 72 for a rating of 86.1% and 16 for the last 108 for a rating of 85.2%.

THE BOOK OF MILESTONES: Robin Bouchard is 6th all-time in minor pro hockey history with 627-goals. With his 8-points the past weekend, Todd Robinson has eclipsed the 900-points barrier with 903 for his illustrious 10-year pro career. Billy Collins (99) next assist will the 100th of his Muskegon pro career. He is just 5-goals shy (95) for the Muskegon 100 and 6-points away from the Muskegon 200. Matt Gens (98) is 2-assists shy of pro career 100.

FEW FUN FAST FACTS FROM "FIC": With their 3-2 triumph at Flint Sunday, the 'Jacks remained undefeated on the road on Sunday at 5(5-0-0). They are 7(6-1-0) overall on Sunday. The 'Jacks 5-goal first period blitz and 9-goal total output in Saturday night's 9-3 dismissal of Flint equaled season highs for each category. Sunday in the return clash at Flint, the 'Jacks 22-SOG in the first period and 49-SOG for the game also equaled season bests in those two specific departments as well. Muskegon remains undefeated in Flint this year at 4(3-0-1). Steven Later's 232-PIM lead the IHL with 122 of those PIM accrued in 6-games during the course of the current season. Muskegon's 31-wins are only 4-shy of last season's total of 35.

RECAP WRAP: Faced with 3-games in 3-days the past weekend, the Lumberjacks responded masterfully with a perfect personified 3(3-0-0) record. Friday night at Kalamazoo, for a second straight trip to Wings Stadium, the 'Jacks prevailed over the Wings; this time, 4-2. John DiPace (FG), Chad Costello (TBG), Jon Grabarek (GWG) and Robin Bouchard (PPG) were Muskegon's major marquee marksmen with Luke Stauffacher assisting twice. Clayton Pool was stellar in goal with 38-saves. Returning home Saturday night for the first installment of a 2-game home-and-home series against Flint, the 'Jacks responded resoundingly with a 9-3 domination of the Generals. The 'Jacks erupted for 5-unanswered first period goals and triggered another trio in period three. Todd Robinson (2-2-4)PPG, Robin Bouchard (2-2-4), John DiPace (1-3-4) spurred the assault with Chad Costello going (1-2-3), Billy Collins (GWG), Jon Grabarek and Adam Bartholomay also striking. Pool rebuked 32-Flint shots. Then on Sunday, in an encore duel at Flint, the 'Jacks prevailed, 3-2. DiPace (2-0-2) 2-PPG, 1-GTG, 1-GWG was the victors' sparkplug. Chad Costello scored the GTG :32 after Flint had gained its lone lead of the game. Todd Robinson authored 3-assists and John Ceci gained his second victory in goal.

THE LUMBERJACKS GAME CALENDAR THIS WEEK:

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25TH THE LUMBERJACKS AT FORT WAYNE 7:30 PM

The 12th session staged for the Lumberjacks and the Komets and the sixth in Fort Wayne where the Muskegonites have derived some significant success in posting a 5(4-1-0) mark. Overall, Muskegon is 11(7-4-0) against the defending league champions who have been somewhat inconsistent at home thus far this season as their recent home mark of 23(8-9-6) would indicate.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27TH THE LUMBERJACKS AT KALAMAZOO 7:30 PM

SUNDAY, MARCH 1ST KALAMAZOO AT THE LUMBERJACKS 5:00 PM

For the second consecutive Friday night, the 'Jacks journey to Kalamazoo to be hosted by the Wings. Muskegon has extracted victories in each of its last 2-trips to Wings Stadium; a 5-0 shutout triumph January 30th and most recently, a 4-2 verdict last Friday night. Muskegon leads the season series at 9(6-2-1). They are 4(2-2-0) in Kalamazoo and 5(4-0-1) at home against the Wings.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28TH THE LUMBERJACKS AT FLINT 4:00 PM

The fourth straight Saturday night in February the two teams have a date together. The Lumberjacks lead the season series at 10(7-2-1). They have won the last 3-meetings consecutively and are 5(4-1-0) in the last 5-games between the two teams. Muskegon is unblemished at Flint this year with a record of 4(3-0-1).

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