Sports stats

Fury closing in on second Tarry Cup crown

April 4, 2005 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release


TEAM TITLE TALES: At long last, culminating a strenuous stretch of three consecutive weeks consisting of 4-games in 5-days, the reigning Colonial Cup Champions of the United Hockey League, the torrid Muskegon Fury stand on the precipice of achieving their second UHL Tarry Cup Regular Season Championship and their first since the 1998-99 season. Under the direction of second-year head coach Todd Nelson, the Fury have assembled an extra-ordinary overall record of 77(50-18-9) totaling 109-points and first-place atop both the Central Division and overall UHL league standings. Muskegon's 50-victories equal the franchise record established in that previous season in which the Fury captured their first Tarry Cup crown in 1998-99 while their 109-points surpass the club standard of 106 set in that same season. Moreover, with their two consecutive home wins in as many days the past weekend, the men of the Fury colors have also attained a new team record for most home wins in a single season with 30. With just one more week remaining in the 80-games' regular season slate, the Fury will face three games for the upcom-ing week. Should they gain one more victory, they will clinch, outright, the regular season title and with it the home ice advantage throughout the approaching Colonial Cup Playoffs. Entering the final week of the regular phase, the Fury maintain a 5-points' advantage over red-hot Kalamazoo 77(49-22-6)104 with the Wings currently riding the crest of a 10-game win streak overall and an amazing 12-game winning streak on the road where they actually have a 21(19-2-0) mark in the last 21-sojourns into enemy territory. Meanwhile, Muskegon owns a 7-points lead over Eastern Division champion Adirondack 77(47-22-8)102 with the Frostbite no longer in a position to overtake the "Furious Ones." The only other team with a slight specter of an opportunity is two-time defending Tarry Cup kingpin Fort Wayne 76(48-23-5)101 with the Western Division leading club having one game in hand on the Fury. For the final week of the regular season, the rampaging Fury will travel to Fraser, MI to be guested by the molten-lava hot Motor City Mechanics on Wednesday night before wrapping-up the campaign with a weekend home combination on Friday and Saturday nights. Danbury comes calling followed by Port Huron in the home finale which traditionally features the annual Awards Night ceremonies.

SUPREME MACHINE RECORD: The past week, the Fury completed yet another undefeated week with a 4(3-0-1) mark, earning 7 of an available 8-points. In the process, "Todd's Team" advanced its latest unblemished skein to 6(5-0-1), outscoring the opposition, 32-10. For the season, the Fury are a supreme 77(50-18-9) 109-points. In their last 28-games, the Fury have composed a record of a majestic 28(21-3-4) for a winning percentage of a sizzling .822. In the last 46-games, the record stands at 46(33-8-5). Muskegon's longest undefeated streak of the season has been a league-best 17(14-0-3). They have also attained two 10-game unsullied streaks; both at 10(9-0-1). The Fury's longest win streaks of the season have been 9-in a row; three 5-game win streaks; two 4-game win streaks and three 3-game win streaks. The longest losing spell has been 3-in succession which has been incurred on two occasions. In the first-half of the season, the Fury record was 40(25-10-5)55-points. Thus far in the second-half, it is 37(25-8-4)54-points. Comparing the records from one year ago, the Fury, in a 76-game schedule, were 76(47-20-9)103. They are 3-wins, 2-fewer losses and 6-points superior to last year's final results.

HOME RECORD RATE: By posting two more home triumphs in as days the past weekend, the Fury established a new franchise record for most home wins in a single season with 30. For the season, the home record rate reads 38(30-5-3) with two more home games still on the docket. The 30-home successes represent two more than the club's previous record of 28 which was achieved in both the 1996-97 and the 1998-99 seasons. The 30-home wins also represent two more than the rest of the UHL. In addition, the "Muskegonites" 5-home setbacks are two less than any other team in the league and currently equal the club record for fewest, also occurring in 1998-99. The latest win streak at home has progressed to 3-in a row, out-goaling the visiting squads, 14-3. The Fury are a gaudy 14(13-1-0) in their last 14-home affairs. Incorporating the last 9-home games of last season, the coronated kingpins are 47(39-5-3) in their last 47-verdicts for a winning percentage of a magnificent .862. Thus far this season, the longest home win streak has been 10-conseutively which is the longest in the league this year. The Fury have also compiled two 4-game win streaks and unbeaten streaks on home ice of 9(7-02) and 7(6-0-1).

HAIL ROAD TRAIL: The Fury whistle-stopping road show campaign continues to build-up a head of steam of momentum. The latest road undefeated skein is now at 4-in a row and still counting; 4(3-0-1), outscoring the home standing team, 22-9. The last 14-away; 14(8-3-3); last 24(15-5-4). For the season, the Fury are a strong 39(20-13-6) in hostile territory. The longest road win streak has been 6-consecutively, along with three 3-game win streaks. Muskegon's longest overall unbeaten streak abroad has been 8(5-0-3). The longest losing streaks away have been 4-in a row and 3-in succession.

THE DIVISION DYNAMICS: The league-leading "Fury-men" have been absolutely outstanding against all three league divisions this campaign. Within their own Michigan-only, Central Division, they are a sterling 30(24-4-2) for a winning percentage of .833. They are a virtually invincible 14(13-1-0) at home and 16(11-3-2) on the road. In the Western Division, the Fury are presently enjoying an 11-games unsullied skein; 11(9-0-2). In the process, they have elevated their composite record to 34(16-11-7); at home: 17(11-3-3); on the road: 17(5-8-4). In the Eastern Division, the Fury also have thrived with a mark of 14(11-3-0); at home: 7(6-1-0); on the road: 7(5-2-0). The Central Division breakdown: Kalamazoo 9(7-1-1)32-21; home: 4(3-1-0)14-9; road: 5(4-0-1)18-11; Motor City 6(6-0-0)29-11; home: 3(3-0-0)16-5; road: 3(3-0-0)13-6; Flint 9(7-2-0)24-23; home: 4(4-0-0)9-5; road: 5(3-2-0)15-18; Port Huron 6(4-1-1)23-15; home: 3(3-0-0)14-6; road: 3(1-1-1)9-9. Western Division: Quad City 7(5-2-0)24-14; home: 4(4-0-0)18-7; road: 3(1-2-0)6-7; Missouri 6(3-1-2)20-17; home: 3(2-0-1)13-9; road: 3(1-1-1)7-8; Rockford 7(4-3-0)22-16; home: 3(3-0-0)12-4; road: 4(1-3-0)10-12; Kansas City 7(3-2-2)23-20; home: 3(2-1-0)12-7; road: 4(1-1-2)11-13; Fort Wayne 6(0-3-3); home: 4(0-2-2); road: 2(0-1-1)4-7. Eastern Division: Richmond 5(4-1-0)26-12; home: 2(2-0-0)9-3; road: 3(2-1-0)17-9; Elmira 3(3-0-0)20-2; home: 2(2-0-0)15-2; road: 1(1-0-0)5-0; Danbury 2(2-0-0)9-2; home: 1(1-0-0)4-0; road: 1(1-0-0)5-2; Adirondack 4(2-2-0)9-10; home: 2(1-1-0)6-4; road: 2(1-1-0)3-6.

FOREMOST UTMOST: The Fury are now the #1 ranked UHL team in both offensive firepower and defensive prowess. They lead the league with 274-GF for a GFA of 3.56. Muskegon is on the verge of being the UHL's most potent offensive machine for the second consecutive season. On the back end, the Fury have been especially stellar and stingy, surrendering a league-low of 185-GA for a GAA of 2.40. During the Fury's current 6-games' unbeaten streak; 6(5-0-1), they have outscored the opponents, 32-10 for a GFA of 5.33 and a GAA of a minuscule 1.67. In posting a remarkable mark of 14(13-1-0) in their last 14-home outings, the Fury have outscored the invading parties by a mammoth margin of 61-22 for a GFA of 4.36 and a GAA of a microscopic 1.57. When they permit 3-GA or less this season, their record is a brilliant 64(47-10-7). Muskegon has allotted 3-GA or less in 64 of 77-games this season.

LOFTY PURSUITS: The UHL's defending scoring titlist, Robin Bouchard 71(41-52-93) is currently in a 3-way tie with teammates Brant Blackned 71(33-60-93) and Jeff Nelson 76(23-70-93) for 4th place in the league's point-producing elite. Bouchard's 41-goals tie him for 2nd most in the loop while Nelson's 70-assists also tie him for 2nd most. Bouchard's 21-PPG are foremost in the UHL as are his 47-PP/Points with Blackned runner-up in the latter category with 43. Blackned (29) ranks tied for 3rd in the league in PP/Assists. Blackned (7), Nelson (7) and Scott Hollis (7) are all tied for circuit 2nd in GWG. Rustyn Dolyny's 5-SHG tie him for 2nd most in the league. Meanwhile, B.J. Gaustad ranks 2nd in goal-scoring shooting percentage with 28/127 for a rating of .220. Gaustad has also surged to second in the league with his lofty +35 rating while Dave Van Drunen has climbed to 4th in the same department at +33. In UHL rookie scoring, Billy Collins 62(16-10-26) and Bill Zalba 66(11-15-26) are ranked 19th. Among UHL defensemen, Jordon Flodell (13) is 3rd and Nolan Brown (12) is 4th in major penalties with Van Drunen's +33 rating ranked runner-up. In the goaltending department, Sylvain Daigle (2.01) leads the league with Clayton Pool (2.31) ranked 4th best. At 26(20-5-1), Daigle owns the best winning percentage in the UHL at .789 with Pool ranked right behind at .732 through a record of 28(18-5-5). Daigle also leads the league in SPCT; .932.

A "T. ROB" RISING: Super-deluxe in-the-clutch center Todd Robinson has his engine tuned, revved and ready to race in the chase for the circuit's crown jewel. Muskegon's second all-time leading scoring magician orchestrated another sweet, neat week of point-proficiency majesty. Registering points in all 4-games, he was 4(2-5-7) with 13-SOG and an excellent +8 rating. The major highlight of his terrific prolific week was his 3-points' performance in Wednesday night's 5-2 triumph in Port Huron. Included in his 2-goal output was his 400th point as a member of Muskegon. In his last 5-games, he is 5(3-8-11). His next Fury goal will tie him with Paul Kelly for 5th place on the club's all-time list with 113. Robinson is the Fury's nomination for Sher-wood / UHL Player of the Week.

PUCK BLOCKADE BY DAIGLE: The league's #1 rated goaltender, Sylvain Daigle has been the utter master of his eminent domain and divine province. In 3-games the past week, the Fury's legendary detour posted another undefeated mark of 3(2-0-1), yielding a stingy 5-GA for a 1.67 GAA and a SPCT of a healthy .944. He earned #1 Star status in the Wednesday night triumph at Port Huron and #2 Star acclaim in Sunday's 4-1 verdict over Rock-ford. His latest unbeaten streak has reached 5(4-0-1) with a 2.00 GAA in that span. In his last 19-decisions, "The Sly-Guy" has authored a scintillating record of 19(17-1-1), allowing only 34-GA for a GAA of 1.79 and SPCT of .942. Daigle is the Fury's nomination for Southern Sports Supply / UHL Goaltender of the Week.

"J-NELL"-IN JELLIN': Smooth-move center Jeff Nelson is saving his best for last with his superlative play in every zone every night. In 4-games the past week, the 13-year veteran engineered 6-points on 4(1-5-6), including a 4-points masterpiece and #1 Star honors in Saturday night's 6-1 domination of Elmira. For the week, the Fury's consummate pro recorded a sharp +6 rating with 11-SOG. During his team's current 6-game unbeaten streak, he has averaged exactly 2-points a game; 6(1-11-12). In his last 13-games; 13(6-16-22). His +28 rating ranks as tied for 3rd best for the home town team.

HOT-SHOT-SCOTT-A LOT: Veteran right wing Scott Hollis has his trigger-finger on the ready for the annual rites of the Colonial Cup post-season. In 3-games, the past week, he was at the top of his game, collecting 5-points on 2-goals, 3-assists with 17-SOG and a sparkling +6 rating. In Saturday night's 6-1 demolition of Elmira, he unholstered a pair of humming Hollis howitzers, essaying a total of 3-points with a +3 rating and 10-SOG to equal the Fury's individual game-high for this season. In his last 17-games; 17(13-10-23).

THE B.J. FORAY: Becoming a major marquee Muskegon mainstay marksman, center/left wing B.J. Gaustad seems to be scaling the heights of grandeur with his sound and solid play. The past week, in 4-games, he was 4(1-4-5) with a stellar +4 rating. The latter he earned as the game's #1 Star Sunday against Rockford as he generated 3-assists and that masterful +4 rating. His +35 rating leads the Fury and now ranks as the second best in the entire UHL. His 28-goals rank as 3rd most for Muskegon.

RUSTO BRAVISSIMO: The Fury captain Rustyn Dolyny has his scoring lights on high-beam brights for the stretch drive. The past week, the former Michigan State star registered scoring points in all 4-games with 4(2-3-5), 10-SOG and a solid +3 rating. Included in his week's numbers was his team-high 5th SHG. In his last 8-games, he is 8(6-5-11) Dolyny is currently ranked fourth on the Fury season scoring list for this season.

"WILLYWHIZZ": The Fury's newcomer on defense, first-year pro Clay Wilson is making a lasting, indelible impression with his on-ice presence and persona. Signed right off the campus of Michigan Tech, he is playing with more confidence in every game, displaying dash, flash, panache and a strong hint of bash. The past week, Wilson stoked his first 2-goals as a pro and collected 3-total points for the week while generating a supreme +5 rating with 11-SOG. Thus far, in his first 11-pro games, he is 11(2-2-4) with an outstanding +9 rating.

THE DRAFT PICKS CLICK: It was a memorable weekend for a trio of Fury rookies who joined the league-leading men for their respective pro debuts. The initial report cards produced some stunning results as top pick, left wing David Wrigley and 4th choice, center Rich Hansen, both college teammates at Mercyhurst, fired their first-ever pro goals a mere 1:32 apart early in the third period in Saturday night's convincing conquest of Elmira. In addition, free agent signee, defenseman Thomas Welsh of Ohio State, earned his initial pro point by way of an assist on the Wrigley snipe. Wrigley was 2(1-1-2) in his first 2-games with a +3 rating.

PREMIUM PLUS FOR US: The Fury's top premium, positive plus players are climbing league-wide as well. 1- B.J. Gaustad +35; 2- Dave Van Drunen +33; 3- Jeff Nelson +28; Jordon Flodell +28; 5- Brant Blackned +23; 6- Robin Bouchard +18; 7- Todd Robinson +15; 8- Scott Hollis +14; Jason Lawmaster +14; Nolan Brown +14; 11- Kevin Haupt +10.

SPECIAL TEAMS TOUCH: Those Fury special teams just keep staying at the top of the class in both power play prowess and penalty-killing expertise. First, the power play, which is 79-338 for a proficiency rating of 23.4% with the 79-PPG six more than the rest of the league. The shorthand band has been brilliant, operating at 89.3% rating at 349-391. Muskegon has surrendered only 42-PPGA all season long; 9-fewer than any other team in the loop. Opponents are only 13 for the last 153 on their power play, giving the Fury an efficiency rating in that span of an amazing 91.5%. The Fury have scored 9-SHG and allotted 7-SHGA.

HONOR ROLL CALL: Scott Hollis (104) has tied Sergei Kharin for 9th place on the Fury's all-time goal-scoring list. Rustyn Dolyny (92) is just 8-goals shy of becoming the 11th player in franchise history to reach 100. He is currently just 5-goals away (95) from career 100 overall. Dolyny (9) is now 5th all-time in Fury career SHG. Robin Bouchard (1258) has passed Scott Feasby and become the second most penalized player in Fury history. Jordon Flodell's (199) next game will be his 200th as a pro. Colin Embley (198) is 2-games away from pro 200. Jason Lawmaster (196) is 4-points from pro career 200. Jeff Nelson 954(284-564-948) is just 2-points away from pro career 950.

FEW FUN FURY FAST FACTS FROM "FIC": Currently, the Fury's 18-defeats are the fewest in the UHL and are 4-less than any other team in the league. In less than 2-seasons as the Fury coach, Todd Nelson (97) needs only 3-more wins to reach 100. With a 15(6-9-0) record in the OTSO this year, the Fury have yet to win on the road in such affairs. They are 6(0-6-0) on the road in the OTSO. With their Sunday victory over Rockford, the Fury capped their Sunday schedule with a 10-game win streak; 10(10-0-0) and a perfect 6(6-0-0) home mark for Sunday matinees. Muskegon now has a 10-game win streak over Elmira, outscoring them, 48-18. In the 14-games in March, the Fury outscored the opposition in the third period, 23-6.

POST WEEK WRAP-UP: The past week, the Fury posted an unbeaten record of 4(3-0-1). They launched the week's activities in Port Huron Wednesday night, besting the Beacons, 5-2. Todd Robinson (2-1-3), Brant Blackned, Clay Wilson (FG) and Rustyn Dolyny (SHG/ENG) spurred the offense with Jeff Nelson collecting 2-assists along with Scott Hollis and Jordon Flodell. Sylvain Daigle rebuked 34-shots. Friday night in Fort Wayne, the Fury's long 7-game road trip finally came to a close in a 3-2 OTSO outcome at Fort Wayne. The Fury actually surmounted a 2-0 deficit on goals by Billy Collins and Dave Van Drunen (GTG) with the latter strike stoked with just 6:52 remaining in regulation time. Daigle made 31-saves as Muskegon completed the excursion with a superb record of 7(4-2-1), going unbeaten in the last 4(3-0-1). Returning home Saturday night and Sunday afternoon following a 2-weeks' absence, the Fury responded resoundingly with a 6-1 drubbing of Elmira and a 4-1 subduing of Rockford. Against the Jackals, Scott Hollis (2-1-3)FG/GWG, Nelson (1-3-4)PPG, B.J. Gaustad, David Wrigley and Rich Hansen all made connection with Robinson assisting twice. Clayton Pool repelled 25-shots and had his shutout bid ruined with only 1:19 remaining in the game. In their triumph over Rockford, Colin Embley (1-1-2)FG, Clay Wilson (1-1-2)IG, Dolyny (1-1-2) and Robin Bouchard (GWG) were the sharp-shooters with Gaustad dishing 3-helpers. Daigle was divine with 20-saves.

THE FURY GAME CALENDAR THIS WEEK:

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6TH THE FURY AT MOTOR CITY 7:30 PM

The seventh and last clash of the season for these two Michigan rivals and the fourth one at "The Garage" in Fraser. Thus far, the Fury have been impeccable with a flawless 6(6-0-0) record and 3(3-0-0) in the Mechanics home den. Since former Fury Colonial Cup II 2002 and Grand Rapids head coach Danton Cole took control, the Motor City club has been totally torrid with a 16(14-2-0) record. In fact, they have not suffered a loss since the Fury conquered them, 5-2, in the last meeting, back on March 20th. Since then, Motor City has won 8-straight.

FRIDAY, APRIL 8TH DANBURY AT THE FURY 7:30 PM

For two new rivals this season, it will be the third and final time they lock horns and the second time in Muskegon with the Fury 2(2-0-0) at this juncture. Muskegon extinguished the Trashers in the last meeting, 5-2, in Connecticut. In the first actual collision, back on February 11th, Sylvain Daigle fashioned a 4-0 shutout on home ice at Walker Arena.

SATURDAY, APRIL 9TH PORT HURON AT THE FURY 7:30 PM

The regular season finale for the Fury and game #80. Muskegon has a 6(4-1-1) edge over the Beacons who are destined for Roanoke, VA at the conclusion of the season to be replaced with a new expansion team in Port Huron for next season. The Fury are a perfect 3(3-0-0) at home this season against their Central Division rivals.



International Hockey League 2 Stories from April 4, 2005


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Muskegon Lumberjacks Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central