Beacons Rewind

Published on February 2, 2004 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Port Huron Flags News Release


This week was the battle of 69. All three games were against the Flint Generals, the I-69 rivals of the Beacons. First match up was in Flint on Wednesday, January 28th. The first period remained scoreless with the Generals out shooting the Beacons 16 to 9. Martin Woods started the scoring for the Generals on a power play only 1:30 into the period, his 12th of the season. Port Huron responded at 5:50 with Wade Winkler's third goal of the season. Flint fired another goal past net minder Stu Dunn before the end of the period at 16:13 by Sylvain Dufresne, his 10th of the season giving the Generals a one goal advantage going into the third period. Shots were tied 11 apiece for the second period. Port Huron's captain John Vary started the final period scoring on a power play at 2:53, his fourth of the season. Flint's Brent Sullivan gave the Generals their third lead of the night on his eighth goal of the season at 5:48. Late in the period the Beacons pulled goaltender Stu Dunn to give the Port Huron the extra man. This time it paid off for the Beacons and Josh Tataryn fired one past Dan McIntyre to force the shoot out at 19:37 of the third period. Port Huron out shot the Generals 13 to 4 in the final period and 33 to 31 overall. The Beacons were unsuccessful on their four power play attempts while Flint converts on one of four. The shoot out continued into the 10th round of shooters, with only Flint's Sylvain Dufresne and Port Huron's Josh Tataryn making past the goaltenders. The 11th round, sudden death and the two players that made their shots were back again. Tataryn up first and fires one past McIntyre, goaltender Stu Dunn can capture the win by stopping Dufresne shot, which he did. Dunn captures the win and the league game high for most shoot out saves with 10. Port Huron takes the first of three games moving closer to pushing the Generals out of second place.

Friday, January 30th marked the first game of a back-to-back series to finish off the week for the Beacons. Friday's game started the way most fans were expecting with a lot of physical play. Port Huron's Mat Goody and Flint's Corey Laniuk dropped the gloves only 2:17 into the opening period. This set the mood for the remainder of the game. The first and second period remained scoreless with the Generals out shooting the Beacon 14 to 7 in the first period, then flipping and having the Beacons out shooting the Generals 16 to 9 in the second period. First period the two teams tallied up 42 minutes in penalties. Second period that numbered increased to 48. The crowd was fired up ready for the third period to start. The Beacons came out of the locker in similar fashion as the fans, fired up and ready to play hockey. Port Huron's Joe Sewell started the scoring for the night at 2:09 of the third period with his second goal of the season. Brent Gretzky followed up at 10:57 of the period with his 28th goal of the season. A minute and half later Ben Genesse increased the Beacons score by two with his 11th goal of the season at 11:33. Goaltender Stu Dunn, outstanding in net holding on for possible first shut out of the season. The Generals had other plans and Sylvan Dufresne stole the shut out with his 11th goal of the season at 11:57 of the third. Port Huron continued to play strong hockey and widen the lead by three with Josh Tataryn's 6th goal of the season at 15:41. Minutes later the rivalry that was expected broke out. Starting at the 16:04 mark of the third period there were four fights and a total of 88 penalty minutes given out through the remaining four minutes of play. Third period shots were close with the Generals out shooting the Beacons only by one, 14 to 13 and the same for the game only by one with 37 to 36. Stu Dunn receives his second win of the week bring the Beacons within one point of tying the Generals for second place in the Eastern Conference.

Saturday, January 31st completes the week for the Beacons and the Battle of 69 against the Generals. With the stands full of fans expecting or wishing for a repeat of Friday night, the two teams take the ice. Flint's Kahlil Thomas started the scoring at 6:35 of the opening period with his 4th goal of the season. Jim Duhart added to the lead with a power play goal at 15:44, his 29th goal of the season. The Beacons remained scoreless in the first period and were out shot 7 to 15 in the opening period. Simon Poirier got the Beacons on the board at 7:07 of the second period, his second goal of the season and the only goal of the second period. Port Huron out shot the Generals 12 to 11 in that period. The Generals cam out strong in the third and Bobby Reynolds up the Generals lead with an even strength goal only a 1:58 into the final period, his 18th goal of the season. Port Huron struggled in their zone, by Ben Genesse was able to bring the score back with in one with his 12th goal of the season at 2:54 of the period. However, the Generals dominated in on the power play and Kahlil Thomas earned his second of the night and fifth of the season at 6:11. Continuing with the pattern of the third period, Port Huron responded with Joe Sewell's third goal of the season at 7:10 bring the game back within one. The turning point of the game was Bobby Reynolds' second goal of the night and 19th goal of the season, unassisted on a turn over made in front of Beacons goaltender Stu Dunn at 11:52. Hoping to strike luck again with the sixth attacker, Stu Dunn skates to the bench and the Beacons add the extra skater. However, this time does not pay off and Jim Duhart seals the game with an empty net goal at 19:50 of the final period, his 30th goal of the season. The Generals out shot the Beacons 35 to 27 and Flint converted on two of the seven power play opportunities with Port Huron unsuccessful on all four attempts. Record against moves to 3-3-1 for the season.

The Beacons end the week 02-01-00, third place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 21-16-03 and 45 points.

Beacons Fast Forward - The Beacons start at home on Thursday, February 5th, their only home game this week against the Colonial Cup Champions the Fort Wayne Komets. The Beacons have been unsuccessful in both meeting with the Komets with a 0-2-0 record against. The Komets are in second place of the Western Conference with a record of 29-11-3 and 61 points. They are 14-7-1 on the road and are currently on an impressive eight game winning streak. The Beacons have a home record of 14-8-0 and are currently on a one game losing streak. Last season the Beacons were 6-3-0 against the Komets.

Beacons first stop on the three game road trip is in Glen Falls, NY to face off against the IceHawks. Adirondack is in fifth place of the Eastern Conference with a record of 17-22-6 and 40 points. They have a home record of 8-14-5 and are currently on a five game winless streak (0-4-1). Port Huron has a 7-8-3-road record so far this season. The Beacons have gone 4-2-1 against the IceHawks this season and were 6-7-1 when matched up last season.

Elmira Jackals are the next match up for the Beacons on Saturday, February 7th. The Jackals are 18-20-5 with 41 and are in fourth place of the Eastern Conference. They have a home record of 11-7-5 and are currently on a one game winning streak. So far this season the Beacons are 4-2-0 when playing the Jackals. Last season the Inaugural Beacons went 5-6-2 against the Jackals.

Final stop of the week is in Richmond, VA. The RiverDogs have been the team to beat this season and the Beacons have been unsuccessful in both meetings. The RiverDogs are in first place of the Eastern Conference with a record of 25-14-4 and 54 points. They have a 13-8-3 home record and are currently on a one game winless streak.

Out of Action –
· Ian Jacobs was placed on 7 day IR.
· Trevor Karasiewicz remains on 21 day IR.

Top Ten –
· Brent Gretzky is ranked 6th among the league in points with 52.
· Jason Firth is ranked 7th among the league in points with 49.
· Michel Beausoleil is ranked 8th among the league in points with 47.
· Brent Gretzky is ranked 3rd among the league in goals with 28.
· Stu Dunn is ranked 9th among goaltenders with a GAA of 2.97.
· Stu Dunn is ranked 2nd among the goaltenders with a save percentage of 0.920.
· Stu Dunn is ranked 2nd among the goaltenders with a shootout save percentage of 0.875 (24 shots / 21 saves).
· Ben Genesse is ranked 2nd among the rookies in points with 31.
· Mike Corneau is ranked 10th among the rookies in points with 16.
· Ben Genesse is ranked 4th among the rookies in goals with 12.
· Ben Genesse is ranked 4th among the rookies in assists with 19.
· Mike Corneau is ranked 10th among the rookies in points with 15.
· Mat Goody is ranked 4th among the rookies in PIM's with 102.
· Barry McKinlay is ranked 10th among the defensemen in points with 22.
· David Bell is ranked 4th among the defensemen in PIM's with 108.

Milestones
· Casey Harris is 3 goals from his 50th career goal.
· Barry McKinlay is 9 points from his 800th career point.
· Michel Beausoleil is 2 point from his 100th UHL point.
· Jason Firth is 11 points from being the number one career point scorer for the UHL.

Player Streaks –
· Aaron Brand is on a 4 game point streak with 5 points (1 goal and 4 assists).
· Michel Beausoleil is on a 4 game point streak with 4 points (4 assists).
· Ben Genesse is on a 4 game streak with 7 points (4 goals and 3 assists).

Weekly Honors – The Beacons nominated Center Ben Genesse and Goaltender Stu Dunn for the UHL's Sher Wood Player of the Week and Goaltender of the Week. Genesse earned 4 points (2 goals & 2 assists) during the three Beacons games this week. Genesse also registered a +4 for the week. Dunn went 2-1-0 for the week. He faced 102 shots total and completes the week with a 0.959 save percentage and 2.03 goals against average. Dunn also set a league game high for most shootout saves with 10 on 1-28-04 in the Beacons 4-3 win in Flint.

Monthly Honors – The Beacons nominated Center Aaron Brand and Goaltender Stu Dunn for the UHL's Sher Wood Player of the Week and Goaltender of the Week. Brand earned 14 points (7 goals & 7 assists) during the month of January. Brand also registered two game winning goals and a +5 for the month. Dunn went 8-5-0 for the month of January. He faced 500 shots total and completes the month with a 0.932 save percentage and 2.63 goals against average. Along with Dunn's league game high for most shootout saves, he also holds the game high for most saves with 52 in the Beacons 6-3 victory over the K-Wings.

Community Corner – Check out the website where you can find your Beacons in the community. The Beacons are visiting:
· Wednesday, February 4th – St. Edwards on the Lake – 1:00 PM
· Saturday, February 7th – Jail & Bail – Captain Breaker
· Tuesday, February 10th – Pepsi Signing at IGA in Algonac – 3:30 – 4:30 PM.

If you are interested in getting the Beacons involved with your organization please contact Stephanie Vickery at (810) 989-9701.

CN Railroad Community Corner - The Beacons have partnered with CN Railroad to award individuals and or group in the community that have strived to make this area a better place to live, by inviting them to enjoy an exciting night at a Beacons hockey game. If you know someone or a group of individuals that have done an outstanding task and are worthy of praise, Contact Stephanie at: 989-9701 or email svickery1@comcast.net

Beacons On The Road – Catch all the Beacons road action with Dennis Stuckey on WHLS 1450 or WHLX 1590 AM. The Beacons are on the road all weekend with stops in Adirondack on Friday, February 6th, Elmira on Saturday, Saturday 7th and Richmond on Sunday, February 8th.

Return Of The Coach's Show – The Coach's Show has returned to Port Huron. Come down to the Brass Rail or tune into WHLS 1450 or WHLX 1590 AM on Monday nights from 6 – 7 PM and find out what is new with your Beacons. Come visit with the coach and players every Monday and enter to win some Beacons merchandise.

Party Zone – Exciting Beacons hockey is the best place to have a company outing or birthday party. The Beacons offer great group discounts on the Bridge Level and Blue Water seating. Have a private party in the Party Zone located on ice level next to the player's bench. Call the Beacons office for more information or to reserve your spot today!

Kids Club Excitement – Don't miss out on the coolest club around. Join the McDonalds Kids Club and receive:
· Action Team Membership
· Kid's Club Passport
· Kid's Club T-Shirt
· Beacons Puck
· Coupon for a FREE happy meal from McDonalds
· Beacons Pencil
· Beacons Temporary Tattoo
· Horn
· Monthly Newsletter
· A Birthday Card from Captain Breaker
· And Much More

Also, on selected game nights take a tour of the locker room and sit on the bench during warm up. Selected Kid's Club Nights are January 2nd and March 7th.

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International Hockey League 2 Stories from February 2, 2004


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