Fury finish second best regular season ever
April 16, 2006 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release
TEAM TITLE TALES: With a three games' work week for the final week of the 2005-06 regular season, the two-time defending Colonial Cup Champions of the United Hockey League, the Muskegon Fury, compiled a season-finishing record of 3(1-2-0); prevailing on home ice in their lone Walker Arena appearance before bowing in a pair of road offerings to cap the 76-games' regular season schedule. Under the astute auspices of third-year head coach Todd Nelson, the men of the Fury festooned in the Fury shield completed their 76-game slate with the franchise second best record ever in the 14-years of operations under the Fury banner. The men of Muskegon pro hockey increased the luster and swagger of Muskegon hockey mystique by composing a sterling record of 76(51-18-7) totaling 109-points. The Fury reached the marathon's finish line as the second place team in both the Central Division and the overall 14-team standings with a winning percentage of a glistening .717. Only nearby neighboring archrival Kalamazoo was slightly better as the Fury were two-points behind the Wings who registered a record of a league-best 76(52-17-7) for 111-points and the top seed as the Central Division and overall Tarry Cup regular season titlists. The Fury did finish two points superior to Eastern Division champion Danbury 76(48-17-11) for 107-points and four points better than West-ern Division kingpin Rockford 76(48-19-9) 105-points.
14 FOR THE MACHINE: The two-time reigning Champions have attained a coveted, hallowed berth in the UHL's Colonial Cup Playoffs for an unprecedented, unparalleled 14th consecutive campaign, mirroring their total and com-plete existence as a bona fide member of the UHL. Having attained the best, premiere winning record in UHL history, the Fury have completed their 14th consecutive winning season; another accomplishment unrivaled and unsurpassed in league annals.
THE PLAYOFFS BEGIN!!: Muskegon begins its quest with zest of a UHL league record third consecutive Colonial Cup crown and the Fury's league record fifth championship in the last seven calendar years as the #4 seed, having gained the home ice advantage. The best 4-of-7 opening round playoff series will feature the Fury opposite the Eastern Division second place resident and fifth seed Adirondack Frostbite. Games #1 and #2 are on the docket for this Friday night, April 21st and Saturday night, April 22nd at the Fury's home of Walker Arena with both games set for a 7:30 pm opening face-off. Muskegon captured the season series from the Frostbite, 2(2-0-0), outscoring the Glens Falls, NY based club, 7-2.
MAJESTICALLY MUSKEGON: The Fury of third-year head coach Todd Nelson completed the season with their second best record ever of a supreme 76(51-18-7) for 109-points. Their 51-victories equaled the all-time team record which was established just last season in 2004-05. Muskegon also equaled the club record for fewest defeats in one season with only 18. The standard was originally set in the 1998-99 season, the year of Tarry Cup I and Colonial Cup I. The grand total of 109-points was the second most in club annals, falling a mere two points shy of the team record 111 set just last year when the UHL employed an 80-game schedule. This season marked the second consecutive campaign and the third time in team history that the Fury had reached the prestigious 50-victory plateau. Previously this same season, the Fury had recorded their third consecutive 40-victory season, their fourth in the last 5-years; their seventh in the last nine seasons and their ninth in the last 12-years; all major, majestic achievements. Muskegon's longest win streaks for the season were two club record 10-game win streaks, along with two 5-game win skeins. In addition, the "Furious Ones" engineered the league's best overall undefeated streak of the season at 15(13-0-2). Moreover, they also assembled and 11-game unbeaten streak; 11(10-0-1) as well as a 7-game unblemished skein; 7(6-0-1). The Fury's record in the first-half of the season was an amazing 38(31-5-2); their second half mark was 38(20-13-5). The monthly record: October 3(3-0-0); November 12(11-1-0); December 14(8-4-2); January 11(10-0-1); February 13(6-3-4); March 15(10-5-0); April 8(3-5-0).
HOME MIGHT BITE: The Fury continued their traditional, historical hale and hearty health at home by compiling a masterful mark of 38(27-8-3) which was ranked as the third best home record in the UHL. "Todd's Team's" 27-home triumphs equaled divisional kings Kalamazoo and Rockford for the most such victories in the league. The Fury won their last 2-home starts overall; 2(2-0-0); they were 8(6-2-0) in their last 8-home dates and 14(10-3-1) in the last 14-home affairs. The longest home win streaks of the season were 6-in a row and 5-consecutively while they also fashioned a 9-game unbeaten home skein; 9(8-0-1). In their last 94-home games, the Fury have achieved a remarkable record of 94 (73-15-6) for a win percentage of a magnificent .809.
ROAD REALM RIVETING: Despite trembling in their last two regular season road games the last weekend of the regular season, the "Fury-men," nevertheless, registered their best road record ever in team history at 38(24-10-4). In the process, Muskegon's finest on ice set two new records; for most road wins (24) and fewest road defeats (10). The previous standards excised and exceeded were 23-wins, accomplished thrice, and 13-road losses with the latter hap-pening twice. The longest road win streaks of the season were two 7-game winning streaks which fall just one win shy of the club record 8-consecutive road victories. Also, the Fury authored a season-launching 11-game undefeated streak abroad; 11(10-0-1) as well as an 8-game stretch of (7-0-1). Muskegon did close its road schedule on a somewhat downbeat, downtrodden note, losing their last 4-games in a row.
DIVISION MISSION: The Fury truly excelled in all aspects of divisional competition in 2005-06. They were especially effective outside their own Central Division, posting a superlative record of 37(28-7-2). They were a near-perfect 11(9-1-1) against the Eastern Division and 26(19-6-1) against all comers from the Western Division. Within the Central Division, the record was 39(23-11-5). The breakdown against the Central Division: 39(23-11-5); home: 20(13-5-2); road: 19(10-6-3). Port Huron 10(7-0-3); home: 4(3-0-1); road: 6(4-0-2); Flint 9(6-2-1); home: 5(4-1-0); road: 4(2-1-1); Motor City 9(5-4-0); home: 5(3-2-0); road: 5(2-2-0); Kalamazoo 11(5-5-1); home: 6(3-3-0); road: 5(2-2-1). Western Division: 26(19-6-1); home: 13(10-2-1); road: 13(9-4-0). Quad City 6(5-0-1); home: 3(2-0-1); road: (3-0-0); Fort Wayne 6(5-1-0); home: 3(3-0-0); road: 3(2-1-0); Rockford 8(5-3-0); home: 5(4-1-0); road: 3(1-2-0); Missouri 6(4-2-0); home: 2(1-1-0); road: 4(3-1-0). Eastern Division: 11(9-1-1); home: 5(4-0-1); road: 6(5-1-0). The breakdown: Adirondack 2(2-0-0); home: 1(1-0-0); road: 1(1-0-0); Roanoke 2(2-0-0); home: 1(1-0-0); road: 1(1-0-0); Elmira 2(2-0-0); home: 1(1-0-0); road: 1(1-0-0); Richmond 3(2-0-1); home: 1(0-0-1); road: 2(2-0-0); Danbury 2(1-1-0); home: 1(1-0-0) road: 1(0-1-0).
THE SCORE MORE CORE: The second place finishing Fury were also ranked as the second highest scoring squad-ron in the UHL this season. In 76-games, their high-tech, high-octane offense generated 309-GF for a GFA of a sound and prolific 4.07. To amplify on the Fury's ammo arsenal artillery fire, 19-times they struck for 6 or more goals in a single game. Moreover three times they stoked 9-strikes; three more times they exploded for 8-goals. On the defensive side of the ledger, the Fury ranked circuit seventh with a GA of 245 for a GAA of 3.22. As a team, the Fury did post 3-shutouts for the campaign.
MARQUEE MAJESTY: The Fury high-voltage power plant featured five of the UHL's top 13 point-producing prodigies this season. Robin Bouchard 74(59-57-116) and Jeff Nelson 71(33-83-116) shared the league scoring crown with Bouchard actually capturing his second league scoring title in the last three years. Despite missing 20-games due to injuries, Todd Robinson 56(21-63-84) tied for 11th with David Wrigley 76(42-42-84) while Ryan Keller 65(41-40-81) was 13th ranked. Bouchard finished 2nd in the UHL with 59-goals; Wrigley was 6th with 42 and Keller was 7th with 41-strikes. Bouchard led the league in PPG with 34 with Wrigley 6th with 16-PPG and Nelson 7th with 15-PPG. Bouchard led the loop in MG with 14 and his 347-SOG were circuit second. Nelson captured the UHL playmakers' honors with a league-best 83-assists; Robinson was 6th with 63. Keller shared the UHL leadership in GWG with 11; Bouchard (9) and Wrigley (9) were tied for 3rd in GWG. Wrigley was 2nd and Keller ranked 3rd in UHL rookie scoring with Wrigley at the top in rookie goal-scoring prowess and Keller UHL rookie runner-up in that category. Wrigley was 2nd among rookies in PPG (16) while Keller (275) was 2nd and Wrigley (237) 4th in SOG. Wrigley (4) and Keller (4) were also tied for rookie #2 in SHG. Keller's +34 rating ranked UHL rookie 4th best. Among all UHL defensemen, Trevor Johnson 66(10-44-54) ranked 7th in scoring while Dave Van Drunen's +37 rating ranked 5th league-wide. Ken Fels ranked tied for 4th in the UHL in major penalties with 21. In the goaltending department, Nick Boucher ranked 4th in shutouts with 3.
ROLLS ROYCE ROOKIE: The Fury rookie sensation David Wrigley closed out his initial pro season with stellar style and prominent, proficient profile. The Fury's top draft pick from Mercyhurst College, for the final week of the regular season, was integral and instrumental on 6 of his team's 8-goals struck for the 3-games' week, going 3(3-3-6) with all 3 of his strikes stoked on the power play. His final goal of the regular season, Sunday at Rockford was his 42nd of the season, tying the all-time UHL record for most goals by a rookie in one season. In his last 10-games, he was 10(8-4-12). For the month of April, he was the Fury's premiere point-producer and goal cannoneer with 8(6-4-10) and a team-high 4-PPG. He fired goals in 6 of the 8-games in April and earned three #3 Star honors and one #1 Star award. For the season, he tied for the team leadership in SHG with 4 and stands alone as the Muskegon "Ironman" for this season, playing all 76-games. David Wrigley earns the "Trifecta" at regular season's conclusion as he is the Fury's nomination for Sher-wood / UHL Player of the Week and Player of the Month as well as Easton / UHL Rookie of the Month.
POOL'S PUCK POLISH: Muskegon goaltender Clayton Pool is going about his business for post-season playoff preparation. The past week, the former U. of Alberta standout fashioned #3 Star accolades Tuesday night when he brushed aside 16 of Adirondack's 17-shots in his team's 4-1 subduing of the always formidable Frostbite. For the week, he was 2(1-1-0) with a 3.00 GAA and .889 SPCT. Pool is the Fury's nomination for Southern Sports Supply / UHL Goaltender of the Week.
KICK QUICK NICK: Three-year pro Nick Boucher has earned his spurs and kudos since his Muskegon procurement from Elmira. In April, he essayed his second consecutive shutout in as many trips to Quad City; a 3-0 masterpiece on 4/2/06. For the month, he compiled a record of 5(2-3-0) with a 3.14 GAA and .894 SPCT. Four of his five April starts occurred on the lonesome road with his last three consecutive starts all coming against acerbic rival Rockford. The Fury's newest netminder, Boucher, is the Fury's nomination for Southern Sports Supply / UHL Goaltender of the Month.
PREMIERE CANNONEER YEAR: The "Gun-Sling King," right wing Rockin' Robin Bouchard enjoyed, perhaps, his most memorable, unforgettable season yet in 2005-06. Not only did he claim his second UHL scoring crown in the past three years, but he also became the all-time greatest goal-scorer in the UHL's vaunted and storied history. Included in his extraordinary attainments this year were personal bests and Fury club records of 59-goals and 34-PPG, along with 14-MG and a record-equaling 3- "hat-tricks." During his 12th pro season and his 10th donning the Fury's robes, he reached two major, majestic personal pro milestones of 500-goals and 1,000-points. This season, he also became the UHL's top marksman in career GWG with 70. Bouchard caps his latest campaign of cymbal-crashing crescendo needing only 4-points for pro career 1,100 and just 10-goals for UHL career 500.
THE SMOOTH-MOVE CENTER SILKS: Fourteen-year veteran center Jeff Nelson has climaxed his best regular season yet and he has done it as a true giant with the Fury. Sharing the UHL scoring title with linemate Robin Bouchard, "J. Nel" reached a major pro career milestone of his own during his masterful season when he climbed the summit to his 1,000th career game. He concludes this regular season with 1,028(313-650-963); only 37-points away from 1,000 points. For the second consecutive year he was named the Fury MVP.
T. ROB RISING: In his seventh pro season and his sixth with a Muskegon address, center Todd Robinson has achieved yet another extraordinary season as the Fury's pre-eminent prince of points playmaking pivot. Despite missing 20-games this season due to a sundry of maladies, the Fury's second all-time leading scorer "T. Rob" ranked third in the UHL in points per game average, amassing 84-points in 56-games for a PPA of 1.50. Only teammates Jeff Nelson (1.63) and Robin Bouchard (1.57) had better point per game averages in the entire UHL. Robinson caps the campaign as the Fury's all-time career leader in SHG with 16.
RYAN'S ROOKIE RIDE: The second Fury rookie wizard, left wing Ryan Keller also turned in an electrifying first pro season as he fired 41-goals and collected 81-points. Both he and David Wrigley shattered the Fury rookie records for goals (37) and points (74) in a single season. Keller's prodigious touch-in-the-clutch 11-GWG tied the all-time UHL record as he also dynamically delivered 11-PPG and 10-MG while his 4-SHG tied for the team leadership.
DO THE âVAN DRU": For his second consecutive season on the Fury defense, Dave Van Drunen assumed both the leadership and starring roles. Offensively, his contribution was even more considerable; 75(7-24-31) with 195-PIM and a brilliant +37 rating. It marked the second consecutive year that Van Drunen was named both the Fury Best Plus Player and winner of the Best Defenseman Award. Not an acolyte by any means and certainly not exactly an on-ice passive personality, he also collected 60-minor penalties, ranking third most in the UHL among defenseman in that latter category.
RED CARPET NIGHT: The 2005-06 Fury Annual Awards Night winners: ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: RYAN KELLER; MOST IMPROVED PLAYER: BILLY COLLINS; BEST DEFENSEMAN: DAVE VAN DRUNEN; MOST INSPIRATIONAL PLAYER: RUSTYN DOLYNY; MR. HUSTLE AWARD: JASON LAWMASTER; MOST GENTLEMANLY PLAYER: TYLER PALMER; THREE STARS AWARD: TODD ROBINSON; SCORING CHAMPION: ROBIN BOUCHARD, JEFF NELSON; BEST CHECKER: KEN FELS; GREAT SAVES AWARD: CLAYTON POOL; MOST POPULAR PLAYER: ROBIN BOUCHARD; BEST PLUS PLAYER: DAVE VAN DRUNEN; TEAM MVP: JEFF NELSON; COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD: DAVID WRIGLEY, BILL ZALBA.
TRINITY TRUMP: For the third season in succession, the Fury produced the UHL's most feared and prolific power play. Ranked #1 for three years and still counting, Muskegon's extra man band, for the season operated at 24.0% proficiency, 102-425 with the 102-PPG representing a new Fury club record. The Fury power play embodied consist-ency and continuity throughout the long and grueling season, being ranked both #1 at home., 58-216, 26.9% as well as on the road, 44-209, 21.1%. The penalty-killing outfit was ranked #4 in the league with the adversary 81-519 for an efficiency rating of 84.4%. The Fury were shorthanded the second most times in the UHL. The Fury were a lofty second in the league in SHG with 20.
FEW FUN FURY FAST FACTS FROM "FIC": The Fury were the second most penalized team in the UHL this season, averaging 30.5 minutes per game. When scoring the FG this season, the Fury were 41(34-3-4). The Fury were the second best third period team in the UHL, outscoring the opposition, 108-70. The Fury were 35(31-1-3) when gaining the lead after the first period. They were unblemished when entering the third period with the lead, 41(38-0-3). When Muskegon yielded 3-GA or less, they were undefeated at 42(40-0-2). When the Fury bowed in their regular season finale at Rockford, 4-2, it ruined their bid for a perfect Saturday night road record, 6(5-1-0).
CLAIM TO FURY FAME: David Wrigley also set a new Fury record for PPG by a rookie with 16, shattering the former mark of Andre Petrunin (12) in 1998-99. Ryan Keller was 1-PPG short with 11. With his 3-goals the final week of the season, Todd Robinson tied Brett Seguin for third place on the Fury's all-time goal-scoring list with 134. When he scored the Fury's final goal of the regular season, Rustyn Dolyny moved into 5th place on Muskegon's all-time goal list with 118. Dolyny caps the season tied for third all-time in GWG with 19 and second in SHG with 13. Fury coach Todd Nelson finished this season just one victory from becoming only the eighth coach in UHL history to attain 150-victories; 232(149-56-25).
THE WRAP ON THE WEEK: The Fury completed their regular season slate by posting a 3(1-2-0) mark; prevailing in their first game before bowing in the latter two with those two on the road. Tuesday night, in a make-up game against Adirondack, the Fury won their regular season home finale, 4-1, on the impetus of a 3-goal first uprising that featured 2-PPG to emanate and otherwise culminate the blitz. Todd Robinson ripped a launched a pair of rocketing missiles; (2-0-2)PPG, with David Wrigley (1-2-3) delivering the FG on a power play. Ryan Keller connected for the GWG. Clayton Pool stifled the Frostbite with 16-saves in goal. On the road for the last 2-games, the Fury were upended Friday at Fort Wayne, 5-2, succumbing to a Komets 3-goal opening period attack. Wrigley (PPG) and Robinson, again, furnished Fury firepower. Pool faced 37-shots in goal. Saturday night in Rockford, the Fury suffered more misery in the first frame as the âHogs struck for 4-unanswered goals and prevailed, 4-2. Rustyn Dolyny (1-1-2) and Wrigley (PPG) did connect for Muskegon. Nick Boucher was in goal and saw 41-SOG.
THE FURY PLAYOFF GAME CALENDAR THIS WEEK:
FRIDAY, APRIL 21ST ADIRONDACK AT THE FURY 7:30 PM
SATURDAY, APRIL 22ND ADIRONDACK AT THE FURY 7:30 PM
This will be the second time in Fury UHL history they will meet Adirondack in the post-season and each time it has occurred during the opening round of the playoffs. The first time was back in the 1999-00 season when the Fury, again, as defending Colonial Cup Champions, ousted the Adirondack club when they were known as the Ice Hawks, 2-games to none; outscoring them, 11-2. During this regular season, the Fury also captured the series, 2-0, outscoring the Frostbite, 7-2. Muskegon extracted a 3-1 verdict in Glens Falls, NY back on January 8th before prevailing here in Muskegon last Tuesday, April 11th, 4-1.
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