USHL Muskegon Lumberjacks

Cedar Rapids Squeezes Past Jacks at Home

Published on November 5, 2011 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release


MUSKEGON, Mich. - Two goals were enough for the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, as they ended the Muskegon Lumberjacks' three-game winning streak in a tight 2-1 decision at L.C. Walker Arena Saturday night.

After the visiting Riders grabbed a 2-0 lead midway through the second, Travis Belohrad scored for the second straight night for the Jacks, who nonetheless finished a four-game homestand with a record of 3-1-0.

Jordan Masters and Dakota Klecha earned assists for Muskegon (4-6-0, 8 points), who couldn't draw even despite numerous close calls late in the second and third periods. Goaltender Paul Berrafato, making his fourth consecutive start, fought hard to keep his team in it, turning aside 29 of 31 Cedar Rapids shots.

Only Austin Ortega and Thomas Forgione managed to beat the Jacks' netminder. Ortega and defenseman Blake Butzow each put together two-point nights in support of goalie Jake Hildebrand, who earned his second win of the season against Muskegon.

In dramatic contrast against Friday night's game between Youngstown and Muskegon, which featured two fights, 26 penalties and 16 combined power plays, the Jacks and RoughRiders played a contest of constant motion Saturday, with few stoppages and little special teams play.

Ironic, then, that the visitors got on the board first during their first power play, when Ortega slid the rebound of Butzow's slapshot past a sprawling Berrafato 8:25 into the game. The man-advantage tally was the first the Lumberjacks had allowed at home in 22 opportunities against.

The RoughRiders extended their lead to two courtesy of Forgione's backhand one-timer that found enough space along the ice to scoot into the net. The even-strength goal was set up by Ortega's centering pass from the left boards.

Five minutes later, the Jacks had their first power play chance, and Belohrad made Cedar Rapids pay for one of only two penalties they took. Muskegon only went to the box three times, a season-best in the discipline category.

Klecha found Masters behind the net as the advantage began, and Masters quickly snapped an accurate pass to Belohrad inside the left circle, who punched it into the open right side of the goal for his fourth red light. Belohrad now has a three-game point streak; Masters and Klecha have at least a point in four of their last five.

The third period was scoreless despite the Jacks turning up the heat in the Riders' zone. In the end, the puck didn't bounce their way in a couple late desperate scrambles, preserving the win for Cedar Rapids.

Muskegon takes to the road for a pair next weekend, starting in Youngstown Friday night for a 7:15 p.m. matchup with the Phantoms. The Meijer Pregame Show engages 30 minutes prior to every game on the radio home of your Lumberjacks, 92.5 FM The Outlaw.

Call 231.724.JACK(5225), visit startickets.com or go to your local Meijer for Lumberjacks tickets and information.

Check out the Muskegon Lumberjacks Statistics

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United States Hockey League Stories from November 5, 2011


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