Fury starts new season 2-0

Published on October 17, 2004 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release


TEAM TITLE TALES: After the inaugural weekend of the United Hockey League's 14th season and their 13th as league members, the defending Colonial Cup Champions, the Muskegon Fury, have, again, established and asserted their prominent, predominant presence with a perfect 2(2-0-0) record. Under the astute and argute auspices of second-year head coach Todd Nelson, the men of "Fury-dom" have gained an early two-points' advantage in the UHL's Central Division with their composite output of four points. Due to league expansion, divisional re-alignment has been effected with the Fury now operating in a Michigan only division. Muskegon has collected four points thus far while Port Huron 2(1-1-0)2 and Kalamazoo 2(1-1-0)2 are presently sharing second-place distinction with the Beacons and the Wings both playing their initial pair of games on alien terrain. Flint 2(0-1-1)1 and premiering Motor City 2(0-2-0)0 complete the divisional standings. Currently, Muskegon is one of four UHL operatives with impeccable 2(2-0-0) records in the overall, expanded 14-teams' UHL alliance. In the Eastern Division, Elmira, likewise, has compiled a 2(2-0-0)4 log while in the Western Division, Rockford 2(2-0-0)4 and fledgling Kansas City 2(2-0-0) are tied for the top spot perch. This weekend, the men of the Fury code will continue their extended four-games' home stand with a pair of Walker Arena appearances; one against a long-term acrimonious archrival and the latter clash against one of three newest entries in the circuit. Friday night, Muskegon rekindles hostilities with the always formidable Quad City Mallards before the newly-minted Kansas City Outlaws come calling for some "Saturday Nitro" and "Hockey Night," Saturday night downtown in our town.

PERFECTION EXPRESSION: By launching the new season with two consecutive intra-division conquests, the Fury have almost unimaginably prolonged their improbable, unstoppable perfection in recent vintage. Including their all-time club record 14-game winning streak in their final 14-games of last season, in the season of Colonial Cup III; 14(14-0-0); last 3-regular season games: 3(3-0-0) and all 11-playoffs games: 11(11-0-0); followed now with an undefeated 3(3-0-0) mark in the pre-season of this new year and a perfect 2(2-0-0) mark for the first two games of the regular season, Muskegon has currently won an amazing 19-games in a row; last 19(19-0-0). Having emerged prominently as minor pro hockey's best winning team through its initial 12-years of existence with a winning percent-age of .620, the Fury have soared to within 8-victories of the Fury franchise 500 as the best winning team in UHL history. This week, the "Knights of Nelson" will commence the action with 492-UHL victories and counting. In addition, with Colonial Cup crowns in two of the last three seasons and three over the past five calendar years, the Fury are the league's all-time winningest team in playoff competition with 68-triumphs. During the regular season in 2003-04, the Muskegonites longest win streak was 6- in a row with two 5-game win streaks and four 4-game win skeins. Longest unblemished skeins were 15(11-0-4); 10(9-0-1) and 7(6-0-1). One year ago, the Fury broached the campaign with a three-game win streak.

HAIL, HEARTY, HOME: Celebrating Colonial Cup III one more time Saturday night before a thunderous throng of 4,252, the Fury achieved a 5-3 victory verdict over expansionist Motor City. In the process, they advanced and otherwise enhanced their home ice win skein to 10-straight games; 10(10-0-0), outscoring the foreign ice invaders, 42-19. The constitution of the 10-successive home wins is accordingly: last 3-regular season home games last season; 3(3-0-0)21-9; all 5-playoffs home outings; 5(5-0-0)16-7; one pre-season game: 1(1-0-0)6-1 and home opening night: 1(1-0-0)5-3. Last home loss: April 3, 2004 to Fort Wayne by the result of 3-2. Last season, the Fury did establish an all-time club record for longest unbeaten streak at home at 20(14-0-6), spanning exactly three months from 12/19/03 to 3/19/04.

BUS BOUND SOUND: Inaugurating the new season with a 6-2 domination of the Generals in Flint the past Friday night, the Fury have swelled their latest road win streak to 9-consecutive games; 9(9-0-0)27-12. Last season, they posted their second best record ever abroad at 38(22-13-3)47 with the 13-setbacks matching the club record for least number in a single season. The 9-straight road wins have come in such fashion: last season's playoffs: 6(6-0-0)13-7, setting a new UHL record and tying their own league standard for most overall wins abroad in the post-season. In the pre-season: 2(2-0-0)8-3; and this regular season; 1(1-0-0)6-2. Longest road win streak last season was 5-in a row. There were also two 4-game win streaks in enemy territory.

DIVISION DISSECTION: Inserted as a member of the newly-conceived and created UHL Central Division, the Fury, following the opening weekend, are a flawless 2(2-0-0) within their own Michigan-division boundaries. The breakdown: Flint 1(1-0-0)6-2; road: 1(1-0-0); Motor City 1(1-0-0)5-3; home: 1(1-0-0). Kalamazoo and Port Huron are the remaining members of the Fury's division.

THE GF / GA RESUME: For the first two games of the embryonic campaign, the "Furious Ones" have engineered a prolific 11-GF for a GFA of a potent 5.50. Last season, they were the highest-voltage scoring machine in the loop with a kilowatt-shot-like 298-GF for a GFA of 3.92. Currently, Muskegon is ranked #2 in the UHL in firepower precision. During the 19-game win streak, they have fired 75-GF for a GFA of 3.95. In the 10-game home win skein, the Fury have connected on 42-GF for a GFA of 4.20. On the road, the goal output stands at 33-GF in the 9-game win streak for a GFA of 3.67. Meanwhile, on the back end, frugality has been the defensive personality, grudgingly surrendering a menial 32-GA in the 19-games for a GAA of a brilliant 1.68. At home in the last 10, GA of 19 for a GAA of 1.90. It's even superior abroad at 12-GA in 9-games for a GAA of a miserly, microscopic 1.33.

TEAM TITLE TOPPING: Last season, the crowned kingpins featured 4 of the top 10-scoring artisans in the UHL. After the opening weekend, Muskegon matters remain the same with "Team Title" topping the tune-dex with 4 of the top 10 one more time. Left wing Brant Blackned 2(3-3-6) currently leads the league with centers Todd Robinson 2(2-2-4) and Billy Collins 2(2-2-4) tied for 8th and defending league scoring titlist laureate Robin Bouchard 2(0-4-4) listed 10th. Blackned (2) and Collins (2) share the UHL leadership in PPG while Blackned's 3-total goals tie him for 4th most and Bouchard's 4-assists tie him for circuit second. Blackned also paces the league in PP/Points with 4 with Bouch-ard's 3-PP/Assists tying him for #1 in the league. Collins (2/3) and Jeff Nelson (2/3) rank #2 in goal-scoring shooting percentage at .667. Jason Lawmaster is tied for the league-lead in minor penalties with 5 while his 40-PIM rank as third most in the loop. Lawmaster's PIM lead all league defensemen with teammates Nolan Brown (17-PIM) and Tyler Palmer (17-PIM) tied for 4th most among the UHL's back line. In the goaltending department, Brent Belecki's 2-wins tie him for the league-leadership with his 2.50 GAA ranked as 6th best.

BRANT-AMP-LAMP: Ten-year veteran standout Brant Blackned has launched his fourth campaign with the home town titletown team toting telescopic scoring touch. Opening night Friday night in Flint, he fired the 3-goal "hat-trick" and collected a prodigious 5-points' masterpiece in his team's 6-2 dismissal of the Generals. Included in his prolific performance were 2-PPG, 1-GWG and 1-TBG, earning the season's first game's first star. With the 2-PPG, he became Muskegon's second best all-time PP artist with 46 while the 3-goals' caper catapulted him into a tie for 5th place with Mark Turner for career Fury goals with 110. Having finished 10th in league-wide scoring each of the last two years, Blackned is the Fury's first nomination this season for Sher-wood / UHL Player of the Week.

PRE-EMINENT PREMIERE: The heir to the Fury championship goaltending throne has begun his rule with cool and composure. Seven-year pro Brent Belecki was superb in back-stopping his new employer to a pair of opening weekend successes. Posting a perfect 2(2-0-0) record for the weekend, he authored a solid 2.50 GAA and splendid .904 SPCT in rejecting 47 of 52-SOG. Incorporating the pre-season activity, he has elevated his personal mark to 3(3-0-0) in 4-appearances with a 2.10 GAA and .930 SPCT. Belecki is the Fury nomination for UHL Goaltender of the Week.

THE "T. ROB" 100: Entering his 6th pro season and his 5th in the coat of arms that are the Fury, center Todd Robinson is in a prosperous proficient frame of mind, as always. Last season's #3 leading point-meister in the UHL overall and the league's scoring titlist on the road, he commenced the new campaign with 2(2-2-4), notching a goal in each game. His season's 2nd goal was his 100th for Muskegon, becoming only the 9th player in franchise annals to attain the century plateau.

MUSKEGON MAJESTY: In his 11th pro season and 9th with Muskegon, the UHL's reigning scoring champion and pro hockey's all-time record-holder for most consecutive games scoring a goal, "Rockin" Robin Bouchard has capped the season's initial weekend, uncharacteristically, as an ace playmaker extraordinaire. The Fury's all-time premiere career cannoneer essayed 4-assists in two games including a trio of arrangements Friday night in Flint, all on the power play. In capturing his and the Fury's first-ever scoring crown last season, his 65-assists actually did rank him a lofty 5th best in the UHL.

BILLYGOAL: First-year center Billy Collins has been firing lightning-bolt shots since the pre-season schedule for the team with the "Cup." The Collins' cannons ignited twice more on opening night in Flint to the tune of a pair of PPGs in a 3-points' dynamic debut. Muskegon's 4th round choice in the March 2004 UHL North American Amateur Draft is 2(2-2-4) in 2-games after composing 3(2-1-3) in 3-pre-season starts. The former Wayne State star's total compendium reads: 5(4-3-7) with 3-PPG.

RUSTO BRAVISSIMO CAPITANO: Fourth year pro Rustyn Dolyny has added an all-new accessory to his Fury game wardrobe. The former Michigan State scoring king and team captain is now the captain of the Champions. Donning the "C" for the first time the past weekend, he seemed to be stylin' and profilin' as he registered 3-points in2-games; 2(1-2-3), sizzling his first goal of the year a mere moments after being introduced as the new captain in special Fury home opening night celebratory ceremonies Saturday night.

DANDY "VANDY" DEFENSE: Eight-year veteran Dave Van Drunen saw his first-ever action for the local icers the past weekend and certainly made a "Vandy" dandy debut. Stable, steady, rough and ready, the Fury's newest defenseman was 2(0-1-1) with 15-PIM and an outstanding +2 rating. More importantly, his presence and ice-time cataloging were a much needed elixir for the Fury's re-tooled back line.

ASTONISHING POLISHING: As they climaxed last campaign with the UHL's most potent power play, so it goes, again, at this early juncture of the new season. Flashing a club record 5-PPG in Friday night's 6-2 decision over Flint, the Fury lead the league at 5-12 on the PP with a conversion rating of a superlative 41.7%. In fact, they are actually 5 for the last 6 for a mark of torrid 83.3%. In the shorthand band synopsis, the Fury are 13-14 for an efficiency ratio of a glowing 92.8%, having precluded the last 12-in succession. Muskegon's league-ranking in this department is an impressive #2.

MOMENTOUS MILESTONES: Robin Bouchard (498) is 2-games away from becoming only the third player in Fury history to play 500-games. Rustyn Dolyny (199) will play Fury game #200 this Friday night against Quad City. Todd Robinson 265(100-261-361) is just 5-points shy of tying Brett Seguin (366) for 2nd place on the Fury's all-time scoring list. Brant Blackned's third goal Friday in Flint was the 350th of his pro career. He is only the 7th player in UHL history to score over 300-goals (303). Scott Hollis (692) is 8-games away from pro career 700. Robin Bouchard (689) is 11-games from pro career 700.

FEW FUN FURY FAST FACTS FROM "FIC": The Fury triumph in Flint Friday night, halted a 3-game losing spell against the Generals and a 2-game hiatus in Flint. Including the pre-season, the Fury are 3(3-0-0) against expansionist Motor City, outscoring the Mechanics, 17-7. The best period over the first weekend for the Fury was the second where they out-goaled the adversary, 7-1. The first and third periods combined were even at 4-4. The Fury have scored at least 5-goals in each of their last 4-games, including the pre-season; a total of 23. Last season, the UHL's highest scoring machine recorded 3 or more goals in 59 of their 76-regular season games. The Fury currently rank 2nd in the league for SOGA with a per-game yield of only 26.

POST-WEEK WRAP: The inaugural weekend of season 2004-05 was an auspicious one for the defending champs. Friday night in Flint, in a fight-filled, infested affair, the Fury sabotaged the Generals opening night act, 6-2. Five PPG's, 3 in the second period told the tale of the tape for Team Titletown. Brant Blackned (3-2-5), 2-PPG/GWG/TBG, along with Billy Collins (2-1-3), 2-PPG/GTG, Todd Robinson (1-2-3)PPG all connected for the Fury with Robin Bouchard collecting 3-assists. Brent Belecki claimed victory in his Fury coming-out party with 23-saves as the Fury out-shot Flint, 33-25. Saturday night, the Fury raised their latest championship banner, presented the Colonial Cup rings and then proceeded to defeat Motor City, 5-3. Again, the second period was the Fury forte, trumping the Mechanics with a 4-goal outburst which was climaxed by a late 3-goal blitz in :54 with under 3-minutes remaining in the stanza. Jeff Nelson fused the explosion with 2-goals including the GWG, Rustyn Dolyny (1-1-2)FG, Robinson (TBG) and David Ambler caged singletons. Scott Hollis earned 2-assists. Belecki brushed aside 24-shots. The Fury out-shot Motor City, 31-27.

THE FURY GAME DATES THIS WEEK:

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22ND QUAD CITY AT THE FURY 7:30 PM

This will be the first of seven collisions between two long-time archenemies and the first of a four-pack in Muskegon. Last season, the Fury captured the season series, 9(6-3-0), going 4(2-2-0) at the homestead. It marked merely the second time in 9-years that the Fury had claimed the series. Clashing in the opening round of the playoffs last April, Muskegon completed an improbable sweep of the Mallards, 3(3-0-0), out-scoring them, 8-4.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23RD KANSAS CITY AT THE FURY 7:30 PM

Also, the first of seven meetings between two new rivals as the Fury lock horns with the fledgling Outlaws for the very first time. This will be the first of a trio of games to be played in Muskegon. Kansas City has introduced its maiden voyage team to the UHL in a formidable fashion, having captured a pair of victories in its first two games.

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International Hockey League 2 Stories from October 17, 2004


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