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Fury flooboarding it into UHL All-Star break

January 15, 2007 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release


TOP TEAM TALES: The United Hockey League's all-time top winning team, the high-tech, high-voltage Muskegon Fury, have floorboarded their way to the league's All-Star break as if a speeding locomotive through their first 42-games of the current 2006-07 schedule. Under the astute auspices of first-year head coach Bruce Ramsay, the "Furious Ones" have compiled their best record ever in franchise history at the midway point of the campaign. After 42-games, this Muskegon marquee aggregation nation has assembled an extraordinary, exemplary record of 42(35-6-1) totaling 71-points and a commanding advantage atop of both the Eastern Division and overall UHL standings. At the 2007 UHL All-Star break, the marauding Muskegonites have achieved a remarkable 18-points' lead over second place Kalamazoo 39(25-11-3)53-points for the swank penthouse East suite and an enormous 34-points bulge over third place Flint 43(17-23-3)37-points. On the past Sunday, the Fury freight train derailed the Wings 8(7-0-1) 8-game unbeaten streak express with an 8-1 domination. As far as the overall league-leadership is concerned, the Fury have constructed a rather imposing 23-points' grip on Western Division front-running Fort Wayne 38(23-13-2)48-points. Thus far this season, the Fury have posted a 7(5-2-0) mark against the defending kingpins of Kalamazoo and a 2(1-1-0) story line against the Komets of Indiana. This past weekend, the Fury, at long last, completed an ambitious agenda consisting of 15-games in 24-days with the vast majority of those affairs of the foreign ice nature. With the All-Star game set for this Wednesday night in Fort Wayne, the rather weary Fury will be on the receiving end of a more controlled and structured schedule for the next six weeks. In fact, the Fury have recently launched a 4-game home stand and an overall span that will see the league-leaders perform in 8 of their next 9-engagements in the amiable climes and environs of their home of Walker Arena. Muskegon only has one road game between January 12th and February 9th; a period of nearly one month. The Fury will conclude this current 4-game home stand this weekend with a pair of outings, Friday night against resurgent Rockford and Saturday night when archenemy Flint comes to town, downtown.

ALL-STAR DATE FOR 8: The annual UHL All-Star Classic is set for this Wednesday night at Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne where the East meets West in the league's mid-season extravaganza. The Fury will be proudly represented by 8 of their own star-studded studs, along with Eastern Division All-Stars Head Coach Bruce Ramsay. Representing the Fury delegation will be distinguished luminaries the constellation of goaltender Clayton Pool, defensemen Dave Van Drunen and Philippe Plante; centers Todd Robinson and Elias Godoy, left wings Mike Watt and Evan Kotsopoulos and right wing Rustyn Dolyny. Robinson has been named the East All-Star Team captain with Plante receiving the nod as alternate captain. More representation comes from the Fury in the form of trainer Kyle Tigner, ATC and Equipment Manager Russ Bremner. In addition, the Fury will broadcast the UHL All-Star Classic live on their exclusive flagship radio station, WLAW-FM, 92.5 "The Outlaw" beginning with the pre-game show at 7:00 pm with the "Voice of the Fury," Terry Ficorelli radio rink side for the play-by-play call.

THE PROMOS PROSE: The Fury will present more exciting promotional activities for their two home appearances coming up this weekend. Friday night, will be special "Dollar Days Night" with all youngsters 12 and under getting their tickets for only $1. On this special night, all small popcorn, small Pepsi and pizza slices will be just $1. That's not all!! Many Fury novelty items will have the $1 price tag and the Fury official Game Night Programs will also be available for only $1. Then on Saturday night, the Fury, in conjunction with the Tradewind Car Company and Pro Travel will present the annual ever-popular "Great Airplane Toss" for fun and lots of great prizes.

WATCH THE FURY ON TV: Three times each week, the greater Muskegon area community can watch Fury hockey on cable-TV. The Fury game replays are shown in their entirety every Monday night at 9:00 pm; every Wednesday evening at 6:00 pm, and, again, Saturday mornings at 11:00 am. Watch the Fury on TV on Comcast Cable Channel 97.

FURY FANS FLOCKING/ROCKING: In the three home games in which the Fury played this past week, they attracted crowds totaling 11,300 for a per game average of nearly 3,800. This was the best week thus far for the Fury this season with still some 18-home games remaining on the schedule for the balance of this current regular season.

A RECORD TO REMEMBER: For the past week, the league-leading Fury compiled a masterful mark of 4(3-1-0), outscoring their addled and agog adversaries by a mammoth margin of 18-8. In the process, the Ramsay rampaging rendition elevated its record to a sterling 42(35-6-1) for 71-points and a sparkling .845 winning percentage. Currently, the Fury are flourishing, again, with a 8(6-1-1) mark over the past 8-games; last 12(9-2-1); last 20(16-3-1); last 24(19-4-1). The longest win streaks of the season have been two 8-game win streaks; one 7-game win streak and two 3-game win skeins. The "Furymen" have also engineered a 5-game unsullied streak; 5(4-0-1). The Fury's 35-victories are 10-more than the rest of the UHL. In their last 149-regular season games, the Fury have a majestic mark of 149(108-28-13) for a win percentage of .770. Furthermore, in their last 168-regular season decisions, their record is a fabulous 168(121-34-13) and .759 mark. The monthly records thus far this season: October 7(7-0-0); November 13(11-2-0); December 14(11-3-0); January 8(6-1-1).

FOURTH STREET SWEET: The "Hockey Barn of Bedlam" located at the downtown historical landmark corner of Fourth Street and W. Western Avenue has been the bane of many an interloper who fears to tread. The Fury's Walker Arena voodoo is vexing all league comers at this hour of the season. Muskegon has attained the circuit's supreme home mark at a gaudy 20(17-3-0) for an .850 win percentage. The Fury are currently riding the rising rapids of their second longest home win streak of the season at 5-in a row; actually posting a glistening 9(8-1-0) in their last 9-home haunts. Their longest win streak this season has been their season opening 8-game win streak; 8(8-0-0). All 3 of the Fury's home setbacks have been inflicted by their fractious foes of the Eastern Division with each of those decided by minuscule 1-goal margins. Their 17-home wins are 4-more than the rest of the league. In their last 114-home games, the Fury have essayed a record of 114(90-18-6) for a win percentile of .816.

FIRST IN FOREIGN AFFAIRS: The men of the Fury fraternity have been the consummate road warriors on the UHL warfare front thus far this season. Having already played 22-road games, the Fury have composed the league's premiere foreign ice composite at a gleaming and glowing 22(18-3-1) with their 18- road wins being 5-more than the rest of the loop. The Fury have already set a club record with an 11-game road win skein. They have also compiled a 4-game victory string abroad and a 4-game unblemished skein away from home bay; 4(3-0-1). Muskegon's 3-road setbacks are 3-fewer than all of the UHL.

DOMINATION BY DIVISION: The Fury have been utterly dominating in both forms of division competition at this stage of the season. Within their own Eastern Division, the Fury have authored a royal, regal record of 23(18-4-1); at home: 11(8-3-0); on the road: 12(10-1-1). The breakdown: Flint 7(6-1-0)29-12; home: 4(3-1-0)14-7; road: 3(3-0-0)15-5. Kalamazoo 7(5-2-0)29-18; home: 4(2-2-0)17-10; road: 3(3-0-0)12-8. Port Huron 5(4-0-1)22-16; home: 2(2-0-0)10-7; road: 3(2-0-1)12-9. Elmira 4(3-1-0)18-15; home: 1(1-0-0)3-2; road: 3(2-1-0)15-13. The Western Conference overall record stands at 19(17-2-0); at home: 9(9-0-0); road: 10(8-2-0). The breakdown: Chicago 6(6-0-0)21-12; home: 3(3-0-0)10-4; road: 3(3-0-0)11-8. Bloomington 4(4-0-0)21-6; home: 2(2-0-0)10-5; road: 2(2-0-0)11-1. Quad City 5(4-1-0)29-15; home: 3(3-0-0)20-9; road: 2(1-1-0)9-6. Rockford 2(2-0-0)8-4; home: 1(1-0-0)5-2; road: 1(1-0-0)3-2. Fort Wayne 2(1-1-0)4-4; road: 2(1-1-0)4-4.

SCORE MORE / STINGY STYLE: Since the opening night of the season, back on October 13th, the Fury have maintained their high-tech, high-octane offensive force and weaponry. The past week, their full frontal assault launched scoring missiles to the tune of 18-GF in 4-games for a GFA of a hefty 4.50. For the season, they have amassed 182-GF in 42-games for a GFA of a prolific 4.33, by far the most potent on the planet of the UHL. Muskegon has scored 47-more goals than any other team in the league. Sunday's 8-1 domination of Kalamazoo marked the seventh game already this season that Muskegon has connected on 7 or more goals in a single game. In the meantime, defensively, the Fury certainly returned to their miserly manner as they grudgingly surrendered just 8-GA in 4-games for a GAA of 2.00. Moreover, in their last 2-starts, they allotted a meager 2-GA for a GAA of a microscopic 1.00.

TOP TIMBER TALENT: The league-leaders certainly have their fair share of league-leading men in the major departments of UHL stardom. The Fury possess the top 3 point-architects, 4 of the top 6 and 6 of the top 17-virtuosos in the loop. 1- Todd Robinson 42(28-56-84); 2- Rustyn Dolyny 39(16-40-56); 3- Mike Watt 37(25-26-51); 6- Philippe Plante 42(12-30-42); 13- Elias Godoy 24(11-25-36); 17- Evan Kotsopoulos 41(13-20-33). In UHL goal scoring: 1- Robinson 28; 3- Watt 25. In UHL Assists: 1- Robinson 56; 2- Dolyny 40; 3- Plante 30; 5- Watt 26. In PPG: 3- Robin-son 9; Watt 9. In PPA: 1- Robinson 21; 2- Plante 20. In SOG: 2- Robinson 194; 4- Watt 176. In GWG: 1- Robinson 8; 5- Watt 4-GWG. In SHG; 1- (tied) Robinson 5. The Fury have the top 10 plus players in the UHL; 1- Dave Van Drunen +43; 2- Robinson +40; 3- Plante +37; 4- Dolyny +29; 5- Kotsopoulos +26; 6- Dave Noel-Bernier +20; Justin Coutu +20; 8- Watt +19; 9- Godoy +16; 10- Joe Pomaranski +15. In UHL Rookie Scoring: 2- Godoy; 4- Kotsopoulos. Kotsopoulos 13-goals tie him for 3rd among rookies while his 120-PIM top all rookies. On the defense, Plante leads the league in points (42), goals (12) and assists (30). Jon Insana 18(6-11-17) is ranked 14th. In the goaltending department, Clayton Pool is still rated #1 with a 2.17 GAA, .929 SPCT and a league-best 26-wins. Pool's 3-shutouts tie him for the league leadership.

CAREER YEAR NEAR: The Fury's pre-eminent prince of points playmaking pivot Todd Robinson may be standing on the precipice of a career year for the 8-year veteran. It was yet another banner week for "T. Rob" as he recorded scoring points in 3 of his team's 4-games culminated by back-to-back electrifying performances on Saturday and Sunday at home. In those latter 2-games, the Fury's second all-time leading scoring laureate struck for a monumental 8-points on 3-goals, 5-assists with two of those goals representing the key, clutch GWG in each victory. He achieved brilliant back-to-back +4 masterpieces while earning #3 and #2 Stars respectively in those two games. For the week, he was 4(3-6-9) with 17-SOG, 2-GWG and +5 rating. Averaging 2-points per game as the UHL's top, leading scoring kingpin; 42-games/84-points, Robinson has collected an amazing 25-multiple point games and 7-multi-goal outings in building an enormous 28-points lead over linemate Rustyn Dolyny for the league's scoring crown. Capturing his second UHL Player of the Week honors last week, Robinson, once again, this week, is the Fury's nomination for Sher-wood / UHL Player of the Week.

PROFESSOR POOL OF PUCKS: It was yet another stellar week of goal patrol sole from the Fury's goal gate guardian Clayton :Pool. The UHL's top-rated netminder performed masterfully in 3 of his team's 4-games, posting a 3(2-1-0) record with a 2.35 GAA and .909 SPCT. To review, Wednesday he repulsed all 7-Flint shots in the OTSO to spearhead his squadron's 4-3 OTSO triumph in that one. Sunday, he sparkled against defending champion Kalamazoo in earning #3 Star status through the 8-1 victory. With a lustrous 8(7-1-0) in his last 8-starts, Pool is the Fury's nomination, once again, for Southern Sports Supply / UHL Goaltender of the Week.

IN TUNE AND OPPORTUNE: The Fury fleet left wing Dave Noel-Bernier is letting his splashy speed and knack on the scoring attack bring some rich-looking dividends to the Fury table. In 4-games the past week, the Fury's elder statesman collected 5-points on 2-goals, 3-assists and a strong +6 rating. Included in his weekly output was a sharp 3-points with 2-second period goals in his club's 4-1 Saturday night triumph over visiting Chicago. Named the #1 Star, Noel-Bernier was +3 for that night. Earlier in that same week, he delivered the lone goal, the GWG on the 14th shot of the OTSO in the Fury's spine-tingling, thrilling theater 4-3 OTSO verdict over Flint.

THE TRIO TRIFECTA: The Fury's rugged, ruffian, rock-ribbed right wing Adam Smyth enjoyed the best day and game of his pro career the past Sunday. The chattel of the NHL Atlanta Thrashers uncorked his first-ever professional 3-goal "hat trick" in a 4-points production that spurred his team to victory over Kalamazoo. Hailed as the game's #1 Star, Smyth has now scored a pro career-high of 9-goals as he registered a total of 6-points in 4-games for his week's work on 4(3-3-6) with a sound and solid +3 rating.

"GALVIN-IZED": Marking his return to the Muskegon lineup for the first time this season after spending all of the season in AHL Grand Rapids, defenseman Tom Galvin has stepped-in and fortified and energized the Fury's blue line brigade immensely and immeasurably. This past week alone, he achieved a stellar +6 rating in 4-games and through his initial 8-games with the home team thus far, he is 8(1-4-5) with 8-PIM and a mean, supreme +8 rating.

KINNUNEN KINETIC: Fourth-year pro Justin Kinnunen has been another of the more pleasant discoveries unearthed by the Ramsay camp this season. Obtained in a waiver deal from Flint, the Northern Michigan U. product has been versatile and vital to the Fury's ongoing success. This past week, he accrued 4-points in 4-games on 4(1-3-4) with a +4 rating and the #1 Star Wednesday earned when he victimized his former team with a late, dramatic TBG in the third period that helped spark the Fury to the come-from-behind, 4-3 OTSO victory over his former employers, the Generals.

RUSTYN ROYALTY: The Fury captain, 6-year pro standout Rustyn Dolyny is working on his best-ever season as the pro's ultimate, quintessential pro. In the last 2-games for the week which opened his team's extended 4-game home stand, "Rusto Bravissimo" crafted 5-points on 2(2-3-5) with a brilliant +7 rating, 8-SOG and a 2-goal game in his team's 8-1 domination of Kalamazoo. Dolyny is averaging better than one assist per game this year with 40-helpers in 39-games.

THE "JONNY I GUY" GUN: MSU product, Jon Insana made his presence prominent and punctuated as he was re-assigned to the Fury from AHL Grand Rapids. In his 2-games back with the team he started the season with, Insana accumulated 3-points on 2(1-2-3) with 4-SOG. He was an impressive +3 Sunday, scoring one goal and one assist in the Fury's 8-1 success over Kalamazoo.

MITIGATE BY EXPURGATE: The Fury's on-ice prowess this season has been even more astounding, if not confounding due to the inordinate number of injuries that this team has incurred beginning back on opening night. Just 4-games past the midway point of the season, the Fury have already logged 140 manpower missed games due to injuries, 24-more games due to summons from AHL squads and 4-more to be placed under the heading of miscel-laneous. That brings the total to 168-manpower games missed. The current litany consists of Scott Barnes, Ryan Barnes, Elias Godoy, Mike Watt, Kelly Thomson, Justin Coutu and Dave Noel-Bernier.

SPECIAL TEAMS TOPICS: The Fury power play has been formidable in appearance but inconsistent in total productivity. Nevertheless, they are still ranked a lofty 4th in the league at 45-274 for a proficiency rating of 16.4%. The extra man band is 1 for the last 19; 5.3% and 3 for the last 36; 8.3%. However, the penalty-killing ensemble cast of characters has been especially effective. Ranked a solid 3rd in the UHL, the Fury are operating at an efficiency level of 87.2% as their opponents are 41-320. Muskegon has been shorthanded 18-more times than any other team in the league. The Fury have extinguished 18 of the last 19 man advantages afforded the adversary; 94.7%. The league-leaders have defused 36 of the last 38 for a mark of 94.8%. The Fury rank 2nd in the UHL with 12-SHG while they have allowed 8-SHGA.

MULTITUDINOUS MILESTONES: Rustyn Dolyny (135) has climbed over Brett Seguin (134) into 4th place on the Fury's all-time goal list. He now sets his sights on #3 all-time and Brant Blackned (141). Dolyny (204) needs 6-more assists to tie Scott Feasby (210) for 5th place on the Fury career list. Dolyny (338) is 11-points shy of tying Sergei Kharin (349) for 4th place on the Fury'a all-time point-scoring honor roll. Todd Robinson (20) has tied Brant Blackned for 3rd place on the club's all-time GWG list, just 2-back of #2 Rustyn Dolyny (22). Robinson's next goal (40) will tie him with Paul Kelly (41) for 4th place on the Fury's all-time PPG list. Robinson (395) is just 5-games away from becoming only the 5th player in team history to play 400-games for Muskegon. Robinson (412) is also only 8-assists away from tying Robin Bouchard (420) for #1 all-time on the Fury career assists list. Robinson's GWG in Saturday night's 4-1 verdict over Chicago was the 200th goal for his entire pro career.

FEW FUN FURY FAST FACTS FROM "FIC": In their back-to-back home victories over Chicago, 4-1 Saturday night and 8-1 Sunday against Kalamazoo, the Fury outscored their two opponents in the second period by a combined 8-0. When the Fury defeated Kalamazoo Sunday, it was only the second time in 7-games that the home team had prevailed with both of those verdicts belonging to Muskegon. When the Fury score 3-goals or more, they are 36(33-2-1). When they score 4 or more, 26(25-1-0). When the Fury bowed in Fort Wayne Friday night, 3-2, two long streaks came to a close; the Fury's 13-game win streak on Friday; 13(13-0-0) and Clayton Pool's 16-game win streak on the road; 16(16-0-0).

RECAP WRAP: Facing yet another daunting task of 4-games in 5-days, the Fury responded redoubtably with a 4(3-1-0) record. Wednesday, they dispatched Flint in the OTSO, 4-3 with Dave Noel-Bernier scoring the lone goal of extra time on the 14th shot of the marathon. During regulation, after two scoreless periods, the 2-teams crammed 6-total goals into that fateful final frame. Ryan Barnes, Dean Melanson (GTG) and Justin Kinnunen (TBG) connected for the locals and Clayton Pool repelled all 7-Flint attempts in the OTSO. Friday night, the Fury surmounted an early 2-0 deficit and were 1:13 away from sending their created 2-2 tie into another OTSO when Fort Wayne sabotaged their supreme efforts to the tune of a 3-2 triumph. Bill Zalba and Chase Trull (GTG) were the Fury goal-getters with Pool turning aside 26-shots. Returning home for the balance of the weekend, the Fury played an aroused, vivified and inspired brand of hockey as they dispensed with Chicago Saturday night, 4-1 on the impetus of a 4-goal unanswered 2nd period assault that featured 2-goals from Dave Noel-Bernier (FG&SHG) to emanate and culminate the uprising and singletons from Todd Robinson (1-2-3)GWG and Philippe Plante (1-1-2)SHG. Rustyn Dolyny assisted twice and Ryan Cyr was superb in goal with 27-saves. Sunday, the Fury exploded for 7-goals by the halfway mark of the second period and defeated Kalamazoo, 8-1. Again, it was a 4-goal unanswered 2nd period juggernaut for the victors which followed a 3-goal opening period thunderbolt that thunderstruck the defending champions. Adam Smyth (3-1-4)PPG; Robinson (2-3-5)GWG, Dolyny (2-1-3)FG and Jon Insana (1-1-2) all stoked strikes for the Fury with Zalba assisting thrice and Kinnunen twice. Pool was on the beam with 22-saves.

THE FURY GAME CALENDAR FOR THIS WEEK:

FRIDAY, JANUARY 19TH ROCKFORD AT THE FURY 7:30 PM The third time for this seven game season series this year and the second match-up to be waged in Muskegon. The Fury have claimed a 2(2-0-0) lead thus far on the strength of a 5-2 home win on November 11th and a stirring third period come back 3-2 victory verdict in the Illinois city in the last actual session staged on December 30th.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 20TH FLINT AT THE FURY 7:30 PM

The eighth of 11-battles this season for the Fury against their longest term rival in UHL annals. Muskegon tops the series, 7(6-1-0) following a thrilling 4-3 OTSO victory in Muskegon on January 10th. The Fury are 4(3-1-0) in 4-starts on the home front against the Generals and a perfect 3(3-0-0) in the Generals lair of the Perani Arena.

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