Champs still perfect
Published on October 24, 2004 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release
TEAM TITLE TALES: The high-tech, high-powered Muskegon Fury have launched their title-defending season of 2004-05 in absolutely impeccable fashion with a perfect 4(4-0-0) record. Under the direction of second-year head coach Todd Nelson, the reigning United Hockey League Colonial Cup Champions have completed the initial two weeks of the embryonic campaign still perfect since the latter part of last regular season. In fact, the men of the Fury now stand alone as the lone and last undefeated squadron in a circuit that is comprised of some 14-teams. Muskegon presently is residing at the top perch in the UHL Central Division, having garnered a 4-points' advantage over nearby archrival Kalamazoo 4(2-2-0)4. The past weekend, the prime-time team swept a pair of home encounters at the friendly climes and environs of Walker Arena, decisioning long-time acerbic archenemy Quad City on Friday night, 4-1 before derailing upstart, expansionist Kansas City's early season unbeaten express with a sound and solid 5-2 conquest on Saturday evening. In the process, they raised their record on the present 4-game home stand to a flawless 3(3-0-0). This weekend, it's another two-games' docket for the home town team as they conclude the home stand with a Friday night assignment against two-time defending Tarry Cup regular season kingpin Fort Wayne 5(3-1-1)7 before traveling to Kalamazoo Saturday night for their first road appearance since an opening night 6-2 verdict over the Generals in Flint, back on October 15th. Those two outings, will cap Muskegon's October 6-games' slate.
PRECISION PERFECTION: With another sweep of both home games the past weekend, the record-breaking, history-making Fury have sustained their extraordinary on-ice perfection. Including the latter part of last season, the season of Colonial Cup III, the "Knights of Nelson" have assembled an utterly magnificent 21-games' winning streak; 21(21-0-0). The total breakdown on the Fury's current 21-games' win streak comes this way: the last 3-games of last regular season; 3(3-0-0)21-9; the Colonial Cup Playoffs: 11(11-0-0)29-14; the 2004-05 UHL Pre-Season: 3(3-0-0)14-4; and now the current regular season: 4(4-0-0)20-8. The last Fury setback was 4/3/04 last season at home where Fort Wayne nipped them, 3-2. Having emerged prominently, predominantly and pre-eminently as minor pro hockey's best winning enterprise through the first 12-years of their existence under the Fury moniker, Muskegon has posted a gleaming and glowing .620 winning percentage. With two more triumphs the past week, the Fury have climbed to within 6-victories of the Fury franchise 500 as the best winning team in UHL history. This week, the Muskegon team by Nelson will commence the game action with 494-UHL victories and counting. With two Colonial Cup crowns in the past three seasons and three such jewels in the last five calendar years, the Fury, this season, are currently riding the crest of a 4-game win streak. Last regular season, the "Furious Ones" longest win skein was 6-consecutively with two 5-game win streaks and four 4-game win skeins. Longest unbeaten streaks last season were 15(11-04); 10(9-0-1) and 7(6-0-1). At this hour of this new season, the Fury are one win and two-points superior to last year's clip. In 2003-04, the defenders of the league's top prize broached the campaign with an opening 3-game win streak before bowing for the first time in game four which was abroad in Richmond. Thus far this young season, the Fury have exceeded that start with their masterful 4(4-0-0) composite.
THE WIZARDS OF WALKER: Having achieved two more impressive successes at their home of Walker Arena the past weekend, "Team Title" has pushed its opening season home record to a faultless 3(3-0-0)14-7. Including the latter portion of last season, as part of this extraordinary 21-game winning streak, the "Muskegonites" have compiled a brilliant 12-game winning streak at the homestead; 12(12-0-0)51-22. The constitution of the dozen successive home victory verdicts is accordingly: last 3-regular season home games last season; 3(3-0-0)21-9; all 5-playoffs home outings; 5(5-0-0)16-7; one pre-season game this season: 1(1-0-0)6-1 and the first 3-home encounters thus far in this new season; 3(3-0-0)14-7. Last home setback was April 3, 2004 to Fort Wayne by the result of 3-2. Also, last season, the Fury did establish an all-time club record for longest unbeaten streak at home at 20(14-0-6); spanning exactly three months from 12/19/03 to 3/19/04.
JUGGERNAUT JOURNEYS: Although they have not seen action abroad since the UHL's opening night, October 15th and a 6-2 decision at Flint, the men of "Fury-dom" have been equally successful away. Thus far this season, the road log reads 1(1-0-0)6-2. During the amazing 21-game win streak, the Fury have heightened their foreign ice win streak to a mighty 9-in a row; 9(9-0-0)27-12. The 9-straight road triumphs have been attained in the following fashion: last season's playoffs: 6(6-0-0)13-7. This set an all-time UHL post-season standard for most consecutive playoffs' wins away from home while at the same time, matched Muskegon's own league mark for most overall playoff road wins in one post-season, originally set in the year of Colonial Cup I in 1998-99. The remaining consecutive road wins: 2004-05 UHL Pre-Season: 2(2-0-0)8-3; the current regular season: 1(1-0-0)6-2. Last season, the longest road win streak was 5-in a row. There were also two 4-game win streaks in enemy territory.
THE DIVISION MISSION: Through the initial two weeks of the 2004-05 campaign, the Fury have prevailed to the tune of a league-best undefeated record of 4(4-0-0)20-8. Within their own Michigan-only Central Division, the mark is 2(2-0-0)11-5. Muskegon also has earned a 2(2-0-0)9-3 accounting against Western Division entries. The Central Division breakdown: Flint 1(1-0-0)6-2; road: 1(1-0-0)6-2. Motor City 1(1-0-0)5-3; home 1(1-0-0)5-3. In the Western Division: Kansas City 1(1-0-0)5-2; home: 1(1-0-0)5-2; Quad City 1(1-0-0)4-1; home: 1(1-0-0)4-1.
THE GF / GA RESUME: For the initial four games of the early season, the high-octane, high-voltage Fury firing line has ripped the chords to the tune of a prolific 20-GF for a GFA a lusty 5.00, ranking them #2 in the league and a mere single goal behind Rockford 4(3-1-0)21-13. Last season, the sharp-shooting Fury forces were rated #1 overall with a proficient 298-GF in 76-games for a GFA of a gaudy 3.92. During the majestic 21-game win streak, they have essayed 84-GF for a GFA of 4.00. In the 12-game win skein on home ice, they have cannon-fired 51-GF for a GFA of 4.25. On the road, the goal output reads 33-GF in the 9-games' win streak for a GFA of 3.67. In the meantime, in the defensive zone, the opposition loiterers are not being allowed to linger as the GA during the 21-game win streak is a measly 35 for a GAA of an avarice 1.67. At home in the last 12, GA of 22 for a GAA of 1.82. It's even better abroad at 12-GA in 9-games for a GAA of a scintillating 1.33.
MARQUEE MASTERS: For the second consecutive week, left wing Brant Blackned is tied for the UHL scoring leadership with 4(3-6-9). Defending scoring king Robin Bouchard 4(3-5-8) is tied for 4th overall in the circuit while Todd Robinson 4(3-4-7) is 11th. Rustyn Dolyny 4(3-3-6) is ranked 14th. Blackned (6) is #1 in the loop in PP/Points with Bouchard (5) running a close runner-up. Blackned's 4-PP/Assists tie him for the league-lead in that category and his 6-overall assists rank him 3rd in the UHL. Jason Lawmaster (47) is #2 in the UHL overall and #1 in the league among defensemen in PIM while his 6-minors tie him for 3rd most overall and, again #1 among the league-wide defense. In addition Lawmaster's 3-majors tie him for the league-lead among the UHL blue line brigade. Nolan Brown's 26-PIM tie him for 4th in the league among the defense. Center Billy Collins 3(2-2-4) ranks 3rd in the UHL in scoring among rookies. In the goaltending department Brent Belecki is tied for the league-lead with a thrifty and nifty 2.00 GAA. Belecki is also tied for 2nd in wins (3) and ranks 5th in SPCT at .922.
RUSTO GUSTO: The Fury's recently named captain Rustyn Dolyny has already gained a semblance of mid-season form with his auspicious start. Through the first 4-games of the campaign, he is 4(3-3-6) with a +3 rating. The latter ties him for the best plus rating among the Fury forwards. The past weekend, "Rusto Bravissimo" connected on key, clutch goals in both home victories. Friday night's 4-1 triumph over Quad City found the former Michigan State star producing the ultimate GWG before he drilled his club's first SHG of the season in Saturday night's 5-2 dismissal of upstart Kansas City. For the weekend, Dolyny was 2(2-1-3) with a +2 rating, 4-SOG and the game's #3 Star honors Friday night. His current overall 3-games' goal-scoring streak 3(3-2-5) is the second best in the UHL and the best in the league on home ice. Dolyny is the Fury's nomination for Sher-wood / UHL Player of the Week.
BRENT-BREW: Muskegon's newest net-minder Brent Belecki is enjoying an excellent beginning to his Fury tenure. In his lone appearance on the weekend, he backstopped his team to a 4-1 triumph over Quad City with a stellar 24-saves performance and the game's #2 Star. The Fury's resident human puck blockade also contributed some offensive flair as well in registering his second assist in only 3-starts thus far this year. Incorporating the pre-season activity, Belecki has elevated his personal mark to 4(4-0-0) with a 1.89 GAA and .936 SPCT. For a second consecutive week, Belecki is the Fury's nomination for Southern Sports Supply / UHL Goaltender of the Week. GUN-SLING KING COLUSSUS: The Fury's all-time premiere career cannoneer, right wing Rockin' Robin Bouchard reaped a bountiful harvest this past week to celebrate even more milestones in his already legendary Fury career. In Friday night's victory over Quad City, he celebrated his 31st birthday with 3-points including 2-goals (FG/PPG) and 1-assist, delivering his 2-goals on an economy-like 2-SOG. The three-time First Team All-Star was hailed the "Star of the Game." Then, on Saturday night, "Bouch Almighty" became only the third player in the franchise' history to attain 500-games as he stoked yet another PPG which was the game's tie-breaking goal, in the win over Kansas City.
PLUS ARE US: With the best GA in the UHL (8) for a GAA of a stellar and stingy 2.00, the Fury, on the defense, have been exemplary. As a matter of fact the top four rated plus players for the UHL's lone and last undefeated squad are all from the "crease police." Apprehending and otherwise reprehending all trespassers and loiterers who fear to tread in the Fury's eminent domain are Dave Van Drunen +4, Nolan Brown +4, Jordon Flodell +3 and Kevin Haupt +3.
PRINCE OF POINTS: Center Todd Robinson continues to pile-up the points in his fifth campaign with the home team. The past weekend, he was 2(1-2-3) with a +2 rating and 4-SOG. His single goal was an electrifying unassisted strike in the 5-2 decision over Kansas City. With three points, "T. Rob" has surged to within 2-points of tying Brett Seguin for second place on the Fury's all-time career scoring list; 267(101-263-364).
THE "GUS" BUS: Second-year center/left wing B. J. Gaustad has been absolutely flying at this early juncture of the season. The past weekend, the victor of the Fury's Most Improved Player Award sizzled goals in each contest, including the GWG Saturday night against Kansas City. For the week, he was 2(2-0-2) with 1-GWG, 1-IG and 3-SOG. For the season thus far, he is 4(2-1-3) with a +2 rating and 28.6% goal-scoring shooting accuracy.
TOP SPOT SPECIAL: The Fury's special teams have soared to the top of the UHL in both important departments. The power play, which was ranked #1 all of last season, has re-assumed such ascension, again, this new season with a proficiency rating of a strong 33.3% on 7 for 21 with those 7-PPG tying them for the league-lead. Muskegon is, in recent action, 7 for the last 15 for a conversion mark of a sparkling 46.7%. Meanwhile on the penalty-killing side of the ledger, the Fury have been virtually impregnable, defusing 26 of 27 for an efficiency rating of 96.3. Moreover, the Fury have actually extinguished the last 25-consecutive enemy man advantages; 25-25, 100.0%.
MILESTONES MONUMENTS: Captain Rustyn Dolyny played his 200th game for the Fury in Friday night's triumph over Quad City. He celebrated #200 with the GWG. Dolyny has now climbed to 11th on the Fury's all-time goal-scoring list with 72. Robin Bouchard's three first period minor penalties Friday night vaulted him over 1100 PIM for third place on Muskegon's all-time list. Brant Blackned (110) is just 3-goals shy of tying Paul Kelly (113) for 4th place on the Fury's all-time list. Scott Hollis (694) is just 6-games from pro career 700 while Bouchard (691) is only 9-away.
FEW FUN FURY FAST FACTS FROM "FIC": With their 4-1 trumping of Quad City Friday night, the Fury have now won 5-in a row, 7 of the last 8 and 12 of the last 16-meetings between the two rivals, including last spring's playoffs. The Fury's best period thus far this season has been the second period where they have out-scored the adversary, 11-2. When the Fury score the FG, their record is 3(3-0-0) and when they lead entering the third period, they are 4(4-0-0). The Fury have out-shot their opponents in each of their first 4-games this season. Muskegon has produced at least 4-GF in each of the first 4-games; scoring 6 once and 5-times on two occasions.
POST WEEK-WRAP: The second weekend of the early season saw the champions of the crown remain remarkably unsullied with the long win streak still intact. Friday night at home, they subdued Quad City, 4-1, on the strength of a 2-goal 3rd period geyser in :29. Robin Bouchard (2-1-3)FG/PPG, B. J. Gaustad and Rustyn Dolyny (GWG) were the marksmen for the victors with Brant Blackned assisting twice. Brent Belecki repelled 24-shots in goal. Staying at home Saturday night, the Fury topped Kansas City, 5-2. A 3-goal second period uprising triggered by Gaustad's second goal (GWG) of the weekend told the tale of the tape in this one. Scott Hollis (1-1-2)FG, Todd Robinson (1-1-2)UG, Dolyny (1-1-2)SHG and Bouchard (PPG) also delivered and Clayton Pool, in his pro debut in goal, earned the game's #2 Star with 19-saves.
THE FURY GAME DATES THIS WEEK:
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29 FORT WAYNE AT THE FURY 7:30 PM
This will be the first of six sessions staged between two long-time foes and the first of a quartet to be hosted by the Fury. In 2003-04, the Fury captured the season series for a fifth straight year, mirroring the Komets existence in the UHL. It was a narrow 9(4-3-2) edge for the host team; including a 5(2-1-2) statement at home. Despite the fact that Muskegon was winless in the last three regular season endeavors against the K's at 3(0-2-1), they, nevertheless, deposed the Fort Wayners as defending Colonial Cup Champions by ousting them in the Western Conference Finals in a 4-game sweep; 4(4-0-0), limiting the Indiana City's attack to a mere 4-goals. Fort Wayne is the two-time defending Tarry Cup regular season titlists. The Komets were the last team to conquer the Fury, accomplishing the feat back on April 3, 2004 in their last regular season sojourn to Walker Arena.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30 THE FURY AT KALAMAZOO 7:30 PM
The first of nine clashes between two nearby rivals and the first of five Fury appearances at Wings Stadium. During the pre-season, the Fury extracted a 2-0 shutout triumph at Kalamazoo. Like Fort Wayne, the Fury have claimed the season series each year since the Wings joined the UHL for a total of four. Last season, the Fury prevailed 11(7-3-1) and were unblemished in Kalamazoo where they were 5(4-0-1). Muskegon has flourished at Wings Stadium, posting a 14(12-1-1) mark in its last 14-decisions.
International Hockey League 2 Stories from October 24, 2004
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