Fury off to best start ever

Published on November 20, 2006 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release


TOP TEAM TALES: Facing the rather unenviable assignment of four games in five days as part of an even more rigorous regimen consisting of 7-games in 10-days and 10-games over the stretch of 16-days, the United Hockey League's all-time top winning team, the Eastern Division and league-leading Muskegon Fury promptly proceeded to sweep all four outings, and in the process, establish yet another all-time franchise record for best start-ever at the beginning of the season. Through the initial 17-games of the current campaign, the torrid men of the Fury code of arms have compiled a majestic mark of 17(16-1-0) totaling 32 of a possible 34-points. Their current record represents the Fury's best start ever through the first 17-games of a regular season. It eclipses the previous standard set just last season, in the 2005-06 campaign when they assembled a 17(15-1-1) composite for the opening 17-games. With the Thanksgiving holiday week coming up this week, Muskegon has built a 14-points' advantage atop their own Eastern Division over both defending champion Kalamazoo 14(9-5-0)18-points and Elmira 14(9-5-0)18-points. The Wings recently halted a rare 3-game losing skid the past Sunday. The Fury have a combined record of 5(4-1-0) against their closest pursuers with 4 of those 5-games played abroad. As far as the overall league standings are concerned, the Fury have gained a 12-points' edge over Western Division front-running Fort Wayne 13(10-3-0)20-points with the two divisional kingpins set to do battle for the first time this season on Friday night in the Indiana megalopolis. The Komets are the lone team that Muskegon has not tangled with thus far this season. The league-leaders will actually launch the holiday week with their annual Thanksgiving night game, guesting Flint to cap a two game home-and-home series between the two long-time archenemies. Muskegon concludes three games in three nights this week with a journey to Quad City where they will rekindle rancor with the Mallards on Saturday night. That clash will complete a strenuous stretch of 10-games in 16-days for the weary warriors of the Lakeshore.

8 STRAIGHT STRUT: By sweeping four games in 5-days the past week, the "Furious Ones" ballooned and mush-roomed their latest winning streak to 8-in succession, matching their longest such skein of the season. The Fury actually inaugurated their 15th anniversary campaign with 8-straight triumphs; 8(8-0-0) before sustaining their sole setback of the season on November 4th in Elmira. During their latest 8-game win streak, the high-flying Fury have outscored the opposition, 35-17. Muskegon has collected 6-more victories than any other club in the league. In their last 124-regular season decisions, the Fury have composed a magnificent mark of 124(89-23-12) for a winning percentage of .766. Moreover, in their last 143-regular season games, the Fury record stands at 143(102-29-12) for a win percentile of .755. The Fury have completed the last two Octobers unsullied at a combined 10(10-0-0) while in November, incorporating the first 10-games of this year, the Fury have a combined November mark of 22(20-2-0); November 2005: 12(11-1-0); November 2006: 10(9-1-0).

HOMESTEAD STELLAR: In two home appearances in as many nights the past weekend, the Fury dispatched two of their most feared and revered archrivals, the Kalamazoo Wings Friday night, 4-2 and the Quad City Mallards Saturday night, 6-5. In the process, they swelled their season opening home win streak to 8-straight; 8(8-0-0), outscoring the visiting teams, 45-19. At this juncture of the season, the distinguished mighty men of Muskegon pro hockey boast the circuit's supreme home mark as well as exceeding the longest home win streak of last season of 6-in a row; 6(6-0-0). The Fury all-time club record for longest home win streak during the regular season is 12-in a row set 10-years ago in the 1996-97 season, matching the all-time UHL record. In their last 102-regular season home games, the Fury have compiled a brilliant record of 102(81-15-6) for a win percentile of a glowing and gleaming .824.

SCORE 4 MORE ABOARD: In extracting two more successes in hostile territory the past week, the first place Fury squad equaled its longest road win streak of the season at 4-consecutively; 4(4-0-0), outscoring the home-standing hosts in that span, 15-8. Muskegon commenced the campaign with a 4-game win streak abroad. Their overall road record of 9(8-1-0) is the best of the rest in the loop and represents 3-more foreign ice triumphs than any other team in the UHL. Head coach Bruce Ramsay's aggregation nation has spirited away victories on the road from each member city in its own Eastern Division including two each in Kalamazoo and Flint.

THE DIARY DIVISIONALLY: Having recently culminated a rather intense span of 10 of 11-games within their own Eastern Division, the Fury flourished as they incurred a scant single setback. For the record, the Fury are 11(10-1-0)48-28 against the East; home: 3(3-0-0)14-5; road: 8(7-1-0)34-23. The breakdown: Flint 3(3-0-0)15-5; home: 1(1-0-0)5-0; road: 2(2-0-0)10-5. Kalamazoo 3(3-0-0)11-6; home: 1(1-0-0)4-2; road: 2(2-0-0)7-4. Port Huron 3(3-0-0)14-8; home: 1(1-0-0)5-3; road: 2(2-0-0)9-5. Elmira 2(1-1-0)8-9; road: 2(1-1-0)8-9. Western Division: 6(6-0-0)38-15; home:5(5-0-0)31-14; road: 1(1-0-0)7-1. The breakdown: Bloomington 2(2-0-0)14-4; home: 1(1-0-0)7-3; road: 1(1-0-0)7-1. Quad City 2(2-0-0)15-7; home: 2(2-0-0)15-7; Chicago 1(1-0-0)4-2; home: 1(1-0-0)4-2; Rockford 1(1-0-0)5-2; home: 1(1-0-0)5-2.

FIREPOWER FUEL: Under the doctrine according to Coach Ramsay, the Fury continue to lead the league in offensive firepower weaponry, having cannonaded 86-GF in 17-games for a GFA of a potent 5.06. They have connected on 26-more GF than any other team in the league. The Fury have scored 4 or more goals in 15 of their first 17-games of the season and in the two games they did not repeat the feat, they still stoked 3-strikes and emerged triumphant in each of those games. In 8-games at home, they have collected 45-GF for a GFA of 5.63 while on the road the output is 41-GF in 9-offerings for a GFA of 4.56. Certainly not to be superseded is the Fury's strong defensive measures as they rank a lofty third in the UHL, allotting 43-GA for a GAA of a thrifty 2.53. At home, the GA is 19 for a GAA of 2.37; on the road the GA is 24 for a GAA of 2.67. The Fury have yielded more than 3-GA in just two games thus far this season and they still managed to prevail in one of the pair.

ALL FURY ALL THE TIME: The major marquee men of Muskegon majesty still are dominating all of the UHL's key categories. The Fury still maintain the top 5-scoring magnates in the league; 1- Todd Robinson 17(17-24-41); 2- Elias Godoy 17(11-21-32); 3- Philippe Plante 17(4-20-24); 4- Mike Watt 16(12-11-23); Rustyn Dolyny 16(7-16-23). In addition, Evan Kotsopoulos ranks 13th 16(8-6-14). The Fury also sport the top 3-goal-scoring cannoneers: 1- Robinson 17; 2- Watt 12; 3- Godoy 11. The Fury have the top 4-in assists; 1- Robinson 24; 2- Godoy 21; 3- Plante 20; 4- Dolyny 16. Robinson is tied for the UHL in PPG with 6; Watt is 3rd with 5-PPG. Robinson leads the loop in PPA with 13, Plante is 2nd with 12 and Godoy is 4th with 9. Robinson leads in SOG with 84 with Watt 2nd with 65. Robinson's 5-GWG lead the league with Dolyny 3rd with 3-GWG. In SHG, again, Robinson has the UHL leadership with 5. Scott Barnes leads the UHL in goal-scoring shooting percentage at 8/16 for a mark of .500. The Fury boast the top 10 plus players in the UHL; 1- Dave Van Drunen +22; 2- Robinson +18; 3- Plante +17; 4- Godoy +15, Evan Kotsopoulos +15; 6- Watt +13; 7- Dolyny +11, Barnes +11; 9- Joe Pomaranski +10; Justin Coutu +10. Van Drunen is 2nd in minor penalties with 19 while Adam Smyth is 3rd in PIM with 74 and Bill Zalba is tied for 3rd with 5-majors. In UHL rookie scoring; 1-Godoy; 2-Kotsopoulos; 11-Josh Chase 17(2-5-7). On defense, Plante is #1 in scoring with Jon Insana 5th 14(4-8-12) and Chase 11th. In the goaltending department, Clayton Pool continues to dominate. He leads the league in victories (11); GAA: 1.91; SPCT: .936. He is the lone undefeated goalkeeper at this hour of the season.

"T.ROB" ROCKIN': The league's top point-meister, Todd Robinson may be in the midst of a pro career year in his 7th Fury season. In his team sweep of all 4-games the past week, the pre-eminent prince of points playmaking pivot plundered and pillaged the opposition with 8-more points on 2-SHG and 6-assists. In Wednesday night's 3-1 triumph at Kalamazoo, the 8-year veteran magically maestroed the GWG/SHG for a second straight road win. He added 4-assists Saturday night in the 6-5 victory verdict over Quad City. For the week; 4(2-6-8) with 19-SOG and +4 rating. Muskegon's second all-time leading scorer's latest point-scoring streak has advanced to 9-games with 20-points, having been held pointless in only one single game this season. With 12-muliple point games and 4-multi-goal efforts, Robinson, once again, is the Fury's nomination for Sher-wood / UHL Player of the Week.

THE SOUL OF GOAL PATROL: Third year goalkeeper Clayton Pool has raised the bar this season with his goal patrol polish. The UHL's top-rated backstop enjoyed yet another fruitful week of goal gate guardianship. In 3-games, he permitted a minuscule 5-GA in posting a perfect 3(3-0-0) record with a 1.67 GAA and .943 SPCT. He was hailed the #1 Star Friday night when his club completed a sweep of an early season, crucial two game home-and-home series against defending champion Kalamazoo. On that same night, he set a new Fury record for most consecutive regular season victories by a netminder with his 10th straight triumph. On the road, his record is also flawless at 7(7-0-0), accounting for 7 of the Fury's 8-road wins, posting a sparkling 2.00 GAA. In his last 6-starts, Pool has allowed only 9-GA for a GAA of a miserly 1.50. Having captured the honors last week, once again, this week, Pool is the Fury's nomination for Southern Sports Supply / UHL Goaltender of the Week.

SHOT-A-LOT SCOTT: Third year left wing Scott Barnes continues to make a lasting impression with his uncanny knack on the goal-scoring attack. In 4-games the past week, the older cousin of teammate Ryan Barnes was at his best when it was needed most. For the week, he was 4(3-1-4) with a +4 rating, exercising economy as he delivered the trio of strikes on just 5-SOG. The CHL emigrant cashed-in the game's key, clutch FG in the opening minute Saturday night to set the tone and the tempo in the Fury's 6-5 conquest of Quad City. On Sunday in Flint, he donned the hero's robes by delivering the GTG late in the second stanza before sizzling the TBG/GWG early in the third period on an unassisted flight to earn the game's #1 Star. Barnes tops the UHL in shooting percentage at 8/16, .500.

THE "MOJO" OF RUSTO: The Fury captain, Rustyn Dolyny is coming off of another highly-productive week of wins and points. In 4-games, he authored 5-points on 2-goals, 3-assists with 10-SOG and strong +4 rating. In Satur-day night's second win of the week over the Wings of Kalamazoo, he connected on a pair of goals, including his 3rd GWG of the season on the power play before he reached the empty net on a SHG to cinch and clinch the triumph. He was named the #3 Star for that game. Dolyny's 3-GWG rank as second most for the Fury this season.

"JOEPOM" THE BOMB: In his second Fury season, unheralded, unsung but very much appreciated effective defenseman Joe Pomaranski continues to be the complete and total embodiment of consistency. Seeing more and more ice time in each passing game, in particularly in key, important situations, the former Miami of Ohio standout has relished his growing role. Though he may be pointless thus far on the season, his premium, positive plus rating continues to build to where it has reached an impressive +10 to make it in the top 10 in the UHL.

SMOOTH GROOVE GODOY: Smooth rookie center Elias Godoy makes it his one and only business to do business on the Fury's growth statement ledger. The U. Mass-Lowell product did just that the past week, engineering scoring points in all 4-games with a total output of 7 on 2-goals, 5-assists with 7-SOG and +5 rating. The UHL's top point-producing rookie essayed the all-important FG Wednesday night in Kalamazoo in his team's 3-1 triumph before connecting on the GWG/PPG Saturday night in the home ice success over Quad City. Godoy has now pushed his personal point-scoring scourge and streak to a UHL season-best 11-games with 23-points in that span.

THE ST. LAWRENCE CHASE: Muskegon first year left wing Chase Trull is starting to get the feel of Fury first place grace and grandeur. The 6-3, 220 St. Lawrence U. product enjoyed his best week as a pro in helping spark his team to 4-consecutive victories. In fact, in Wednesday night's momentous victory in Kalamazoo, he sniped his first Fury goal and he could not have picked a more opportune moment to turn the trick. It was the third period and the third Muskegon goal which he delivered came shortly after the Wings had climbed back into contention to dissipate the Fury's lead to 2-1. For his sound and solid efforts, Trull was named the game's #1 Star.

UNEVEN TEAMS: The Fury power play is rated second best in the league, operating at a proficiency rating of 19.9%; 27-136 with their 27-PPG equaling Fort Wayne for the top total in the league. The power play is 4 for the last 15; 26.7% and 8 for the last 40; 20%. Meanwhile, the penalty-killing operatives rank 5th at 123-144 for an efficiency rating of 85.4%. Muskegon has skated shorthanded more frequently than any other team in the league. At the same time, the Fury rank second in the league with 7-SHG though they have allowed 7-SHGA, the second most in the circuit.

IN THE BOOK LOOK: Rustyn Dolyny, 6th on the Fury's all-time games played list is 5-games away from Fury 350. Jon Insana's next point 257(25-74-99) will be the 100th in his pro career. Todd Robinson (498) is just 2-games away from pro career 500. Adam Smyth (594) is 6 away from 600-PIM. Goaltender Clayton Pool's continues to grow his new Fury club record for most consecutive victories as it stands at 11-in a row and still counting!! Pool (93) is 7-games from 100-career Fury games.

FEW FUN FURY FAST FACTS FROM "FIC": Todd Robinson tied the most SOG in one game this season when he stoked 10-SOG in last Wednesday night's 3-1 victory at Kalamazoo. Robinson has notched 5 of the Fury's 7-SHG this season. The Fury have outscored the opposition through the first two periods combined on home ice, 29-8. The Fury are a perfect 4(4-0-0) on Sunday this season with all 4-wins earned on the road. Dating back to last season, when Muskegon allows 3-GA or less, its record is an undefeated one at 57(55-0-2); 15(15-0-0) this season. With their win Saturday over Quad City, the Fury have extended their unbeaten streak over the Mallards to 11(10-0-1) overall and 10 at home; 10(9-0-1).

RECAP WRAP: Facing the daunting task of 4-games in 5-days, the Fury responded with 4-consecutive wins beginning with a monumental sweep of their 2-game home-and-home series against defending kingpin Kalamazoo. Wednesday night, it was a 3-1 decision with Elias Godoy (FG), Todd Robinson (SHG/GWG) and Chase Trull (IG) making the connections with Dave Van Drunen earning a +3 rating and assisting twice. Clayton Pool brushed aside 27-shots. In the encore engagement Friday night in Muskegon, the Fury waylaid the Wings, 4-2 as Rustyn Dolyny scored twice (PPG/GWG & SHG/ENG). Evan Kotsopoulos (FG) and Robinson (1-1-2)SHG were the victors' sharpshooters with Godoy and Philippe Plante each authoring a pair of assists. Pool, again, was superb in goal with 32-saves. Saturday night, the Fury erupted for 4-first period goals but had to stave-off Quad City in the end despite 5-Mallards PPG in a 6-5 triumph. Plante fired a pair of strikes including 1-PPG as the Fury essayed 3 of their own extra man scores. Godoy (1-2-3)PPG/GWG, Scott Barnes (FG), Mike Watt (PPG) and Adam Smyth found the bulls eye with Robinson offering 4-assists. Ryan Cyr garnered the victory in goal with 24-saves. Sunday in Flint, the Fury rallied from 1-0 and 2-1 deficits to overcome the Generals, 3-2. Barnes had the second GTG before firing the ultimate GWG while Watt also connected. Pool was on the beam with 23-saves for the victory.

THE FURY GAME CALENDAR THIS WEEK:

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23RD FLINT AT THE FURY 7:30 PM

The concluding game of the two game home-and-home series, following the Fury's 3-2 comeback win Sunday in Flint. Muskegon leads the season series 3(3-0-0), outscoring the Generals, 15-5, including a 5-0 shutout triumph in Flint's first visit of the season back on November 10th. The Fury are 11(10-1-0) in their last 11-home encounters against the Generals who have been a strong road team, claiming 3 of their 4-wins in enemy surroundings.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24TH THE FURY AT FORT WAYNE 8:00 PM

The Fury will finally have the opportunity to meet the lone team they have not yet seen thus far this season. It's a battle of the divisional leaders with the Komets, much like the Fury, unsullied at home with an impeccable 7(7-0-0) mark. After the Fury, Fort Wayne is the second highest scoring team and just ahead of the Fury, they are the second best defensive squadron in the circuit.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25TH THE FURY AT QUAD CITY 8:00 PM

The long-time archrivalry will be continued as the two teams lock antlers for the first time this season in Moline, IL. The Fury lead the season series, 2(2-0-0) on the strength of two consecutive victories in Muskegon. Last season, in three sojourns to the Quad Cities, Muskegon was masterful with a 3(3-0-0) record, limiting the "Greenheads" to a meager one goal while blanking the local team in its last two appearances there.

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International Hockey League 2 Stories from November 20, 2006


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