Eric Schierhorn Stops 40 Shots, Dubuque Forces Game 5 Back at Home
May 2, 2015 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release
Muskegon Lumberjacks Game Recap
(Muskegon Lumberjacks)
MUSKEGON, Michigan (May 2nd) - The Muskegon Lumberjacks returned to the L.C. Walker Arena looking to close out the visiting Dubuque Fighting Saints tonight in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Final, but it was the Fighting Saints that had other plans in mind. From the start, Dubuque's offensive attack continued to press eventually leading to a six-goal outburst and 6-0 shutout victory over the host Lumberjacks to even the series at 2-2 while also forcing a winner-take-all Game 5 back at the Mystique Community Ice Center in Dubuque, Iowa for a spot in the Clark Cup Final.
The first period saw a clean frame with no penalties assessed and a blank score sheet for the majority until the Fighting Saints notched a late goal with just under 42 seconds left courtesy of Dylan Gambrell (2) burying a centering feed by Seamus Malone into the open net to the right of Eric Schierhorn (5-3) to give the visitors an early 1-0 lead that was also set up by Wyatt Ege.
The Fighting Saints nearly doubled up the Lumberjacks in shots on goal during the opening 20 minutes of regulation claiming the early shot battle, 15-8.
Dubuque added to their lead in the second period with two more goals to extend the advantage to 3-0 heading into the second intermission break. Beginning at the 6:36 mark, Jacob Benson (4) notched a breakaway tally to double the lead that was aided by Malone and Hayden Shaw.
Later in the middle stanza, the Lumberjacks ran into penalty trouble leading to the Fighting Saints notching a five-on-three power play marker with just over ten seconds remaining from Malone (4) that was helped by Gambrell.
Dubuque continued to heavily outshoot Muskegon in the game extending the margin to 36-15 overall after outshooting the hosts 21-7 during the middle frame.
In the third period, the Fighting Saints piled on three more to reach the six goals potted on the night as Willie Knerim (3, 4) record a pair at the 0:32 and 7:05 marks, respectively, to increase the spread to 5-0. Ege and Brett Boeing assisted on the first Knerim goal on the power play, while Evan Smith helped on the second tally.
Following the fifth Fighting Saints goal, Eric Schierhorn was pulled in favor of Michael Latorella after stopping 40 of 45 shots faced. To cap off the night, Mitchell Smith (3) laced the final goal of the evening with 4:33 left in regulation beating Latorella from the high slot that was helped by Knerim. Dubuque outshot Muskegon for the game by a substantial 51-26 margin.
Jacob Nehama (5-2) claimed the road shutout saving all 26 shots on goal that came his way for Dubuque, and Michael Latorella stopped five of six shots faced in relief work for Muskegon. Dubuque finished 2-for-8 on the power play, while Muskegon went 0-for-3. Willie Knerim (two goals, one assist) and Seamus Malone (one goal, two assists) both led the Fighting Saints' offensive attack with three points apiece followed by Dylan Gambrell contributing to the cause with a goal plus an assist. Christian Wolanin led the Lumberjacks in shots on goal with five. Combined between the regular season and playoffs this season, the series between Muskegon and Dubuque is now even at 4-4-0 with both sides winning twice at home and on the road.
The Lumberjacks and Fighting Saints return to the Mystique Community Ice Center in Dubuque, Iowa for a decisive Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final on Tuesday, May 5th beginning at 8:05 pm.
Individual tickets for the 2015 Clark Cup Playoffs are 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 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.
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 Muskegon Lumberjacks Game Recap |
United States Hockey League Stories from May 2, 2015
- Storm's Season Comes to An End with Game 4 Loss - Tri-City Storm
- Stampede Roll over Tri-City 7-3 to Capture Western Conference - Sioux Falls Stampede
- Fighting Saints Force Game 5 with 6-0 Win Saturday Night - Dubuque Fighting Saints
- Eric Schierhorn Stops 40 Shots, Dubuque Forces Game 5 Back at Home - Muskegon Lumberjacks
- U.S. Downs Norway at Men's Worlds - U.S. National Team
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