Fury re-focused on first place

Published on February 18, 2007 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release


TOP TEAM TALES: With 23-games remaining on their 2006-07 United Hockey League regular season schedule, the UHL's all-time top winning team, the Eastern Division and overall league-leading Muskegon Fury appear to have become re-focused and fixated with their eyes on the collective grand prize. Completing a weekend sweep of a two games' home stand series against fellow Eastern Division rival Elmira, the men of the Fury code of colors have attained the coveted, prestigious 40-victories stratum for the fourth consecutive year; the fifth time over the past six years; the eighth time in the last 10-seasons and, for that matter, the 10th time in the last 13-years of UHL operations. Under the tutelage of first year head coach Bruce Ramsay, the men of Muskegon pro hockey power have built their overall season composite to an extraordinary 53(41-11-1) totaling 83-points producing, in the process, a rather considerable advantage atop both the Eastern Division and overall UHL standings. With seven more full weeks remaining on the season's slate before the advent of the Colonial Cup Playoffs, the "Ramsay rendition" will play 10-more games at home and another 13-more abroad the UHL roadways. The league-leaders will embark on the final week of February having garnered a 16-points advantage over second place, defending league titlist Kalamazoo 53(31-17-5) 67-points with the Wings intensifying their defensive forte with three consecutive shutout victories and four of their last five successes by way of the zero GA tolerance policy. The Fury still have five more bouts on the docket with the Kalamazoo squadron including four games consecutively to launch the month of March in a rather intriguing fashion. For now, though, the Fury sextet will address the final three games in three nights coming up this weekend to cap their nine games' February schedule. They will be in Flint to be hosted by the third place Generals on Friday night before returning home to the amiable climes and environs of Walker Arena to throw down with Port Huron on "Beach Night" Saturday night before the Western Division pace-setting Fort Wayne Komets invade the hallowed halls of the "Hockey Barn of Bedlam" for a Sunday 2:00 pm "Meijer matinee."

FURY MUST SEE TV: The first place, league-leading Fury game replays can now be seen weekly on both Muskegon Comcast Cable Channel 97 as well as Charter Mainstreet Channel 20 throughout the Grand Haven area and beyond. In the greater Muskegon area, the Fury game replays are scheduled three times weekly; Monday nights at 9:00 pm; Wednesday evenings at 6:00 pm and Saturday mornings at 11:00 am. In the Grand Haven / Spring Lake areas, the Fury are on the air Friday evenings at 7:00 pm and Sundays at 1:00 pm.

BEACH NIGHT: This Saturday night when the Fury guest host Eastern Divisional in-state rival Port Huron, it will be the annual, ever-popular "Beach Night" at center ice at Walker Arena. Winning prizes will be presented by Pro Travel, Omni Fitness Club and Midnight Sun & Cruise. This Sunday, the Fury will feature another "Meijer Matinee" as all of the Fury fond, faithful following of fans are encouraged to bring two Meijer canned goods products and receive a buy one get one free ticket voucher to watch the league-leaders in action at Walker Arena.

FASTEST 40 FOR FURY: With their two consecutive conquests in as many contests the past week at the expense of Elmira, the Fury have elevated their victory total for their 15th anniversary season to a grand total of 41. With their current output of 41-victories having been produced in just 53-games, this 2006-07 season marks the fastest ever that the Fury have reached the coveted, prestigious 40-victories' stratum. Moreover, this is the fourth year in a row in which Muskegon has achieved such hallowed heights; the 5th time the last 6-years; the 8th time in 10-years and the 10th time over the past 13-years that they have accomplished this remarkable feat. For this season, the record is 53(41-11-1) 83-points. The Fury have won 2-in a row; 2(2-0-0) and are 4(3-1-0) in their last 4-starts. Their 41-wins are 6-more than all of the UHL while their 11-defeats are 4-less than the rest. Through the first-half of the season, the Fury record was a brilliant 38(32-5-1). Thus far in the second half, the Muskegon mark is at 15(9-6-0). One year ago after 53-games, the Fury had posted a season's mark of 56(38-8-7) 83-points. The Fury have gained 3-more wins but have the same number of points than one year ago. Longest win streaks of the current campaign have been two 8-game win streaks representing the second longest in the UHL. They have also generated one 7-game win skein and three 3-game win streaks. Also to be included in the Fury's collection of winning achievements for '06-07 is a 5-game unsullied skein; 5(4-0-1). The monthly composites for this season: October 7(7-0-0); November 13(11-2-0); December 14(11-3-0); January 13(9-3-1); February 6(3-3-0).

HOME BARN BETTER: In capturing two consecutive exciting, exhilarating victories in as many nights the past weekend, the Fury scotched and scuttled the stigma of their second 2-game home ice losing streak of this season. In fact, Muskegon's blue funk had found a sub-standard 5(1-4-0) mark in the last 5-Walker Arena performances. For the season, the Fury have upgraded their home log to a superb 28(21-7-0) with their 21-triumphs representing the most in the UHL while their overall home mark ranks as #2 best in the loop. The longest home win streak of the season has been 8-in succession mirroring their initial 8-home dates of the season. Muskegon has also essayed one 6-game home win streak and one 3-game victory skein.

ROAD ROBUSTO: The foreign ice prowess of the first place Fury has been utterly extraordinary thus far in this season. Through 25-games, they have engineered a magnificent mark of 25(20-4-1) with the 20-triumphs being 4-more than the rest of the UHL and the minuscule 4-setbacks also being 4-less than the rest. Muskegon has yet to absorb back-to-back defeats in the hostile territory environment at this juncture of the season and have actually extracted a minimum of one road win success from each UHL hamlet. In fact, at this stage of the season, the Fury have impressively achieved unbeaten records in five of the different UHL exotic burgs; Bloomington 3(3-0-0); Chicago 3(3-0-0); Flint 3(3-0-0); Kalamazoo 3(3-0-0); Port Huron 4(3-0-1). In their last 8-dates on the expedition trail, the tale of the tape reads 8(5-2-1). Earlier in this season, the Fury established an all-time club record with an 11-game road win streak which fell just one win shy of equaling the all-time league standard of 12-straight road wins. The Fury have also earned one 4-game road win streak. The club is only 4-wins shy of tying the all-time club record for most road wins established just last season of 2005-06 when they claimed 24-road wins through a stellar mark of 38(24-10-4). The Fury have been especially effective abroad against their own Eastern Division as their 13(11-1-1) record testifies.

DECISION BY DIVISION: The Fury have been both prominent and dominant against both of the UHL's divisions at this hour of the campaign. Against their own Eastern Division, their record has fructified to the tune of 29(22-6-1); at home: 16(11-5-0); road: 13(11-1-1). The breakdown: Elmira 7(6-1-0)32-25; home: 4(4-0-0)17-12; road: 3(2-1-0)15-13. Port Huron 7(5-1-1)27-21; home: 3(2-1-0)12-10; road: 4(3-0-1)15-11. Flint 8(6-2-0)30-16; home: 5(3-2-0)15-11; 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. Western Division: 24(19-5-0); home: 12(10-2-0); road: 12(9-3-0). The breakdown: Chicago 6(6-0-0)21-12; home: 3(3-0-0)10-4; road: 3(3-0-0)11-8. Bloomington 5(5-0-0)26-7; home: 2(2-0-0)10-5; road: 3(3-0-0)16-2. Quad City 5(4-1-0)29-15; home: 3(3-0-0)20-9; road: 2(1-1-0)9-6. Rockford 5(3-2-0)15-20; home: 3(2-1-0)11-13; road: 2(1-1-0)4-7. Fort Wayne 3(1-2-0); home: 1(0-1-0)3-5; road: 2(1-1-0)4-4.

THE GF / GA RESUME: Through 53-games, the Fury have continued as the highest powered scoring machine in the league, having amassed 217-goals which are 32-goals more than the rest of the circuit. Muskegon is #1 in the league with a prolific 4.09 GFA while averaging 33.3 shots on goal, ranking 4th in the latter category. Defensively, the Muskegonites rank third in the UHL with 144-GA in 53-games for a GAA of 2.72. They are also 4th in the league in shots on goal against with a per game yield of 30.6.

PINNACLE PEDESTAL: The UHL's top listed team continues with considerable representation among the league's most elite echelon. The architects of adept and adroit artistry include 4 Fury all-stars among the top 8 in the league. 1- Todd Robinson 53(33-66-99) with a monstrous 29-points' lead for his first-ever UHL scoring crown. 3- Rustyn Dolyny 50(20-46-66); 5- Mike Watt 47(31-30-61); 8- Philippe Plante 53(15-40-55). In UHL Goals; 1- Robinson (33); 4- (tied) Watt (31). In UHL Assists: 1- Robinson (66); 2- Dolyny (46); 4- Plante (40). In PPG: 5- Watt (11); 6- Robin-son (10). In PPA: 2- Robinson (25); 3- Plante (24). In SOG: 3- Watt (237); 4- Robinson (235). In GWG: 1- Robinson (10). In SHG: 2- Robinson (6). In PIM: 5- Adam Smyth (189). In Majors: 5- (tied) Kelly Thomson (13). The Fury feature the top 5 plus players in the UHL: 1- Dave Van Drunen (+42); 2- Robinson (+39); Plante (+39); 4- Dolyny (+29); 5- Evan Kotsopoulos (+28). In UHL Rookie Scoring: 4- Kotsopoulos 52(16-23-39); 5- (tied) Elias Godoy 24(11-25-36). In Minors: 3- Kotsopoulos (32). In Goals: 4- Kotsopoulos (16). In Assists: 3- Godoy (25); 4- Kotsopou-los (23). PIM: 1- Kotsopoulos (149). In Majors: 1- (tied) Thomson (13). Best Plus: 1- Kotsopoulos (+28); 3- Justin Coutu (+20); 4- (tied) Joe Pomaranski (+18). In UHL Defense scoring: 1- Plante; 15- Smyth 50(11-11-22). GWG: 1- (tied) Jon Insana (3); Coutu (3). OTSO/Goals: 1- Plante (3); Smyth (3). Goals: 2- Plante (15); 5- Smyth (11); Assists: 2- Plante (40); SHG: 1- Plante (2). In the goaltending department, Clayton Pool ranks 4th with a 2.46 GAA while his 29-wins rank circuit 2nd and his .919 SPCT is 3rd best in the loop. Pool ranks tied for 2nd in OTSO/Wins with 4 and in SHOPCT at .947; 18/19. His 3-shutouts are tied for 3rd most in the UHL.

RUSTO MAGNIFICO: Six-year Fury veteran right wing Rustyn Dolyny is having a pro career year this year. The Fury third year captain was principally paramount in his team's two-game home series sweep the past weekend against Elmira. Of the Fury's 8-goals, he was integral and instrumental on 5 of them with 2-goals, 3-assists, +3 rating and a prodigious 14-SOG. Named the #1 Star in Friday night's first 4-3 verdict over the Jackals, the all-star forward equaled the Fury club record by ripping 2 second period goals in a lightning-like sequence of :12 to fracture a 1-1 tie and vaulting the Fury into the lead which they did not abdicate. In that same game, he also distributed a masterful arrangement on linemate Todd Robinson's electrifying SHG/FG. Then the following night, Dolyny orchestrated 2-more assists including the key helper on Robinson's TBG/GWG with only 4:52 remaining in regulation time, garnering the #3 Star in the latter affair. Dolyny is the Fury's nomination for Sher-wood / UHL Player of the Week.

THE CHIEF OF RELIEF: Goaltender Ryan Cyr seems to be coming of age in his first full season clad in the Fury coat of arms. The past weekend he was the winning backstop of record in both 4-3 successes over Elmira. In the starting role Friday night, he rebuffed 39 of 42-shots before being summoned the next night in the unenviable role of relief at the 15:33 mark of the first period with his team trailing by the daunting deficit of 3-0. Cyr responded with a prominent performance of polish and precision, extinguishing the Jackals by brushing aside all 21-offerings while his teammates offensively supported him with a spine-tingling, spellbinding 4-goal resurgence to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Cyr was hailed the #1 Star. For the week, he was 2(2-0-0) with a 1.73 GAA and .952 SPCT while hiking his home record to a sterling 10(9-1-0). He has been the winning goaltender in each of the Fury's last 3-victories which have come over the last 4-games, posting a 1.83 GAA and .940 SPCT in that span. For the second consecutive week, Cyr is the Fury's nomination for Southern Sports Supply / UHL Goaltender of the Week.

THE PLAYMAKER PRINCE: The pre-eminent prince of points playmaking pivot, Todd Robinson enjoyed another week of point-proficiency prowess in spurring his team to two more victory verdicts. In Friday night's first 4-3 triumph over Elmira, he sizzled the shot which generated the game's FG/SHG before assisting on 2-more successful full frontal assaults to earn the game's #2 Star. With those helpers, he became the #1 assist maker in Fury club history with 422 in just 406- Fury career games. Saturday night, with the Fury flair for the dramatic, he uncorked the late third period TBG/GWG at 15:08 to cap the improbable come back from the 3-0 shortfall for the second 4-3 win of the weekend. For the weekend; 2(2-2-4), +3 rating and 11-SOG. "T. Rob" is at 99-points and counting for his 4th career 100-points season and his third in his illustrious 7-year Fury career.

THIRD STANZA STELLAR: First year left wing Evan Kotsopoulos had some victory voodoo packed in his arsenal of winning weaponry the past weekend. The high-stepping sparkplug spurred his team with key, clutch goals in the fateful final frame of each game with both strikes tantamount to the ultimate triumph. Friday night, he delivered the GWG at the 5:16 mark of the third period before he stashed the GTG at 2:22 of the same stanza Saturday to equalize matters at 3-3 in the Fury's 4-3 come-from-behind victory. For the week, he was 2(2-1-3) with a +2 rating and 6-SOG.

HERALD THE UNHERALDED: The Fury defenseman Joe Pomaranski continues to do the job with his stout, steady play which much of the time goes unnoticed and unheralded. The past weekend, though, was one of "Joe-Pom's" best yet. In the two game series against Elmira, the former Miami of Ohio U. standout registered 2(0-1-1) and posted superb +2 ratings in each game for a masterful +4 rating for two games for the week.

VERSATILITY FACILITY: Another key component to the Fury's weekend of success was the performance of yet another transplanted defenseman Adam Smyth. Normally on right wing, "Smytty" was returned to the backline due to the Fury's depleting defense. Smyth promptly proceeded to respond with one assist in each game; on the TBG to break a 1-1 tie Friday night, on the GTG the next night; 2(0-2-2) with +1 rating.

TOWER TORMENT BENT: This weekend marked the second coming of 6-6, 240lb leviathan defenseman Brett Angel to the lineup. Incapacitated since the inception of AHL Grand Rapids training due to injury, Angel stepped in and provided an imposing, intimidating presence in the Muskegon lineup. His involvement was assertive as he authored the key assist on the GTG in Saturday night's come back win over Elmira as well as carding a +2 rating, 2-SOG and 6-PIM.

UNEVEN STRENGTH: Though displaying some marked improvement in appearance and execution, the Fury man advantage outfit is still searching much for its scoring touch. The past weekend, they were 0-8 leaving them 0 for the last 13; 2 for the last 31 and 6 for the last 74 with the extra man band. For the season, the Fury are rated circuit 6th at 50-331 and a conversion mark of 15.1%. However, the penalty-killing cast has been kinetic. The Fury have immobilized 13-consecutive enemy "man-ups" They rank a lofty third in the league at 85.9% with the opposition 53-377. Muskegon ranks second in the league in SHG with 15 while surrendering the third fewest SHGA at 10.

MILESTONES ZONE: Center Todd Robinson has passed Robin Bouchard (420) as the Fury's all-time #1 assists leader with 422 in 406-games. Rustyn Dolyny (139) is now just 2-goals away from tying Brant Blackned (141) for third place on the Fury's all-time goal cannonneering list. With his 2-assists Saturday night, Rustyn Dolyny (210) has tied Scott Feasby (210) for 5th place on the Fury's all-time assists list. Dolyny (347) has climbed within 2-points of Sergei Kharin (349) for 4th place in Fury career points. Todd Robinson (22) has tied Dolyny (22) for #2 all-time in Fury career GWG. Dave Van Drunen (691) is 9-games from pro career 700. Van Drunen (1192) is 8-PIM from pro career 1,200-PIM. Todd Robinson's (10) next GWG will equal the UHL record for most GWG in one season which is shared by several players including his former Fury teammates Robin Bouchard (11) 1998-99 and Ryan Keller (11) 2005-06.

FEW FUN FURY FAST FACTS FROM "FIC": With their come back win Saturday night vs. Elmira, the Fury halted a 4-game losing skid on Saturdays with a trio of shortfalls occurring at home. The last 3-Muskegon wins have been by 1-goal differentials as the Fury lead the UHL in 1-goal victories with 18. The Fury are 19(17-2-0) on Friday, including 10(9-1-0) abroad. The Fury have defeated Elmira 12-consecutive times at home; 12(12-0-0) and are 19(18-1-0) in their last 19-overall outings against the Jackals. In the Fury's last 3-home games against Elmira, they have outscored the Jackals, 8-1, in the third period. When the Fury score 4 or more, their record is 31(29-2-0). The Fury have outscored the visitors on home ice in the second period, 40-18. The Fury are the first team this season with two 30-goal marksmen; Todd Robinson (33); Mike Watt (31).

RECAP WRAP: The Fury on home ice the past weekend swept a pair of 4-3 decisions from Elmira. Friday night, Rustyn Dolyny's record-equaling 2-second period goals in :12 severed a 1-1 tie and vaulted the Fury into victory lane, 4-3. Dolyny (2-1-3)GTG, Todd Robinson (1-2-3)FG/SHG and Evan Kotsopoulos (1-1-2)GWG were the sharpshooters and Ryan Cyr in goal repelled 39 of 42 shots. Saturday night. The Fury overcame a daunting 3-0 second period deficit by unleashing a 4-goal rally to ultimately prevail. Robinson delivered the TBG/GWG with 4:52 left in the third period after Mike Watt, Bill Zalba and Kotsopoulos (GTG) had previously made connection. Dolyny added 2-assists and Cyr in a relief role earned the win by shutting out the visitors with 21 saves over the game's final 44:27.

THE FURY GAME CALENDAR FOR THIS WEEK:

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23RD THE FURY AT FLINT 7:30 PM

Muskegon and Flint resume the Fury's longest-ever rivalry through the latter's 15-years of UHL membership. The Fury lead the 11-game season series, 8(6-2-0) with a 5(3-2-0) mark at home and an undefeated 3(3-0-0) standing away where they have outgoaled the Generals, 15-5. Flint has been flourishing with a strong 14(8-3-3) mark the past 14-games. The Generals are 5(4-1-0) in their last 5-home appearances.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24TH PORT HURON AT THE FURY 7:30 PM

The Flags and the Fury will contest for the eighth of 11-times this season and the fourth of five duels in Muskegon. The Fury are on top in the series, 7(5-1-1) with a 3(2-1-0) edge at home and a better mark of 4(3-0-1) on the road. The last time Port Huron engaged in combat at Walker Arena, back on February 2nd, the Flags stunned the Fury, spiriting away a 3-2 decision.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 25TH FORT WAYNE AT THE FURY 2:00 PM

Fort Wayne represents the lone team that the Fury have not carved-out a winning record thus far this season. On the impetus of two consecutive victories, the Komets have seized the season series lead 3(2-1-0). The Fury have dropped the last two collisions including a 5-3 disappointing defeat to digest back on January 24th when they frittered away a 3-0 lead on home ice and succumbed to the K's, 5-3.

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International Hockey League 2 Stories from February 18, 2007


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