Fury Weekly Update

Published on January 23, 2006 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release


THE TWO-TIME REIGNING CHAMPIONS CAP FIRST-HALF WITH BEST PRO HOCKEY RECORD

38(31-5-2) .842 THE BEST OF REST; START AND END FIRST-HALF WITH 10-GAME WIN STREAKS

ALL-STAR GAME WED. NIGHT; THE FURY HOME FRI. & SAT. NIGHTS VS. QUAD CITY/ROANOKE

LAST WEEK'S RESULTS: 3(3-0-0) 11-6 THIS WEEK'S GAMES: (2) FRI. JAN. 20 MOTOR CITY 1 AT FURY 2. WED. JAN. 25 UHL ALL-STAR GAME 8:30 PM SAT. JAN. 21 FURY 4 AT KALAMAZOO 3 (SO). FRI. JAN. 27 VS. QUAD CITY 7:30 PM SUN. JAN. 22 FURY 5 AT FLINT 2. SAT. JAN. 28 VS. ROANOKE 7:30 PM ***UHL ALL-STAR CLASSIC WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25TH 8:30 PM AT ST. CHARLES, MISSOURI***

NEXT FURY HOME GAMES: FRI. JAN. 27 VS. QUAD CITY; SAT. JAN. 28 VS. ROANOKE 7:30 PM

TEAM TITLE TALES: Having reached the midway point of their 76-games' regular season schedule, the two-time defending Colonial Cup Champions of the United Hockey League, the Muskegon Fury, have achieved not only the best record in the Central Division and the UHL but also for all of pro hockey. Under the doctrine according to third-year head coach Todd Nelson the torrid top team in the league has assembled a brilliant record of 38(31-5-2) for 64-points and a winning percentage of a magnificent .842. There seems to have been ceded a certain symmetry to the Fury's extraordinary performance at the halfway mark; especially considering that Muskegon launched the first-half of their schedule with an all-time club record and best start-ever 10-game winning streak; 10(10-0-0) and culminated the same first-half with replica repeat and a record-equaling 10-game winning skein.; 10(10-0-0). In the process the "Knights of Nelson" have irrigated their grip atop the Central Division standings over second-place Kalamazoo 40(27-9-4)58-points by 6-points while still enjoying 2-games in hand on the Wings and claiming the season series edge over the Kalamazooans at this juncture of the campaign at 5(3-2-0). Meanwhile, continuing to fog the Fury's rearview mirror, coming up from behind is the Western-Division front-running Rockford Ice Hogs; 40(28-7-5)61-points with, again, the Fury enjoying the potential luxury of 2-games in hand on the Illinois entry. Rockford has been rampaging lately, having won 4-consecutively and posting a sparkling record of 17(12-1-4) through the last 17-games. The Fury have fortified their stranglehold on the top spot by 7-points over Eastern Division pace-setting Danbury 42(25-10-2) with 4-games in hand on the Trashers. This week, the Fury, as will the rest of the UHL will pause for the annual UHL All-Star Classic to be hosted by the Missouri River Otters at the Family Arena in St. Charles, Missouri on Wednesday night, January 25th at 8:30 pm. The Fury and all of the UHL will resume game competition action on Friday night with the Fury rekindling rancor against one of their more acrimonious archrivals, the Quad City Mallards. Then on Saturday night, the Roanoke Valley Vipers will make their first-ever stopover in Muskegon at Walker Arena.

THE RAMPAGE PAGE: To complete the sweep of the week and all 3-games; 3(3-0-0), the league-leading Fury raised their overall record to a superlative 38(31-5-2) for 64-points and an .842 winning percentage. Muskegon capped the first-half of its schedule in the same, exact fashion as it was launched through an all-time club record 10-game winning streak; 10(10-0-0). Dating back to last regular season, the Fury have composed a masterful composite record of 47(37-7-3) in their last 47-games. Furthermore in the last 69-games; 69(53-10-6); last 88-games: 88(66-15-7). In a comparative analysis from last year, the Fury record is even superior to 2004-05 at this time when they were 38(23-10-5). Presently, the Fury are 8-wins and 13-points ahead of last year's clip. The Fury's longest win streak of the current campaign has been an all-time club record 10-in succession which they have attained on two separate occasions. The Fury have also earned a 5-game win streak with their longest unbeaten skein at 7(6-0-1). In 2004-05, the year of Col-onial Cup IV, the Fury accrued a 9-game win streak and an all-time club record and league season-best 17-games undefeated streak; 17(14-0-3). Last season as well, the Fury club orchestrated two 10-game unsullied streaks; 10(9-0-1) for each one. For the monthly returns thus far this season: October 3(3-0-0); November 12(11-1-0); December 14(8-4-2); January 9(9-0-0). The Fury have yet to sustain a setback in the new calendar year of 2006. Their last taste of the bitter brine of defeat was back on December 30th in Missouri where they fell to the River Otters, 5-3.

HOME RINK READY: On the impetus of their hard-earned and impressive 2-1 triumph Friday night against division foe Motor City, the Fury have elevated and upgraded their Walker Arena log to a stylin' and profilin' 18(14-3-1); the second best home mark in the circuit. The Fury's latest winning streak on the home base stands at 5-in a row and still counting, having outscored the beleaguered opponents, 25-10. To further accentuate the Fury's domineering persona at home, they are now 34(28-5-1) in their last 34-home offerings and 76(61-11-4) through the past 76 home dates for the Fury. The longest win streak at home this season has been 6-in a row accomplished through the Fury's initial 6-home games of the year. Currently, the Fury are enjoying a 5-game home ice winning streak. Muskegon's last loss at the home domain was well over a month ago, back on December 16th when visiting Motor City ambushed them, 5-2.

AMAZING AWAY: By virtue of two more consecutive victories in as many nights this weekend against their own Central Division foes, the "Furious Ones" have capped their first-half road schedule as they launched it with a stellar 7-game win streak; 7(7-0-0). Their two 7-game road win streaks are just one shy of the club record 8-straight abroad set at the inception of the 2001-02 season and the year of Colonial Cup I. For the entire season, the Fury road record is the best in the league at a brilliant 20(17-2-1). The longest unblemished skein for the home town team has been 11(10-0-1) reflecting Muskegon's first 11-games abroad this season of 2005-06.

COLLISION BY DIVISION: The past weekend, the Fury swept all three games in three days against, exclusively Central Division competition. In the process, the men of the Fury hiked their in-division mark to a masterful 20(14-4-2). The Fury are a perfect 6(6-0-0) against the Eastern Division and a near perfect 12(11-1-0) when clashing with Western Division, leaving them 18(17-1-0) in games which they play combined outside their own division. The breakdown for the Central Division: Port Huron 6(4-0-2); home: 2(1-0-1); road 4(3-0-1); Flint 3(3-0-0); home: 2(2-0-0); road: 1(1-0-0); Motor City 6(4-2-0); home: 5(3-2-0); road: 1(1-0-0); Kalamazoo 5(3-2-0); home:2(1-1-0); road: 3(2-1-0). Western Division breakdown: Fort Wayne 4(4-0-0); home: 2(2-0-0) road: 2(2-0-0); Missouri 4(3-1-0); home: 1(1-0-0); road: 3(2-1-0); Quad City 2(2-0-0); home: 1(1-0-0); road: 1(1-0-0); Rockford 2(2-0-0); home: 1(1-0-0); road 1(1-0-0). In the Eastern Division: Richmond 2(2-0-0); road: 2(2-0-0); Danbury 1 (1-0-0); home: 1(1-0-0); Elmira 1(1-0-0); home: 1(1-0-0); Adirondack 1(1-0-0); road: 1(1-0-0); Roanoke 1(1-0-0); road: 1(1-0-0).

TOP GUN GLORY: The Fury have closed the first-half of the season as the top scoring machine in the UHL for a third-year running. In 38-games, they have produced a prodigious 173-GF for a GFA of a healthy 4.55. During their current second 10-game win skein, they have generated 48-GF for a GFA of a prolific 4.80. Already in 14 of their first 38-games, the Fury have collected 6 or more goals in a single game, an absolutely extraordinary attainment. Muskegon has been even better abroad with their high-voltage scoring power, amassing 99-GF in 20-road games for a GFA of virtually 5-GFA per game.

LEAGUE-LEADING MEN: The Fury continue to dominate among the league-leaders in the UHL. In the overall scoring race, center Jeff Nelson 36(23-45-68) and Robin Bouchard 38(34-34-68) are now tied for #1. Rookie phenom David Wrigley 38(23-25-48) is #6 and Ryan Keller 30(20-23-43) is 12th. Bouchard (34) leads the UHL in goals with Nelson (23) and Wrigley (23) rank 5th. Nelson's 45-assists are foremost in the loop while Bouchard's 18-PPG are #1 and Nelson's 11-PPG rank him 5th in the UHL. Wrigley (7), Keller (6) are running 1-2 in the league in GWG; Bouchard's 195-SOG lead the league. Nelson is also on top in the UHL goal-scoring marksmanship accuracy at 23/92 for a rating of .250. Dave Van Drunen (+30) is now ranked circuit 2nd with Jeff Nelson (+27) ranked a lofty third for the Fury. In the rookie scoring category, David Wrigley is in the top spot with Ryan Keller rated at #3. Wrigley's 23-goals are 2nd best among this year's newest class and Keller's 20-snipes rank as 4th most. Wrigley (25) is 1st and Keller (23) is third rated in rookie assists and Wrigley and Keller also have achieved the best rookie plus ratings at +27 and + 25 respectively. Among UHL defensemen, Trevor Johnson 38(7-30-37) ranks third in scoring among the blue line brigade with Dave Van Drunen 38(7-16-23) ranked 12th. Johnson's 30-assists rank him 3rd among league defensemen. In the goalkeeping category, rookie Kevin LaPointe is 4th at 2.43 while Clayton Pool has posted a brilliant record of 22(19-3-0).

"THE KELL SPELL": The Fury's high-flying first-year left wing Ryan Keller enjoyed yet another masterful week of puck sense, savvy and sizzle. In 3-games, he was 3(3-0-3) with 15-SOG, 1-FG, 1-PPG, 1-MG and a bedazzling +5 rating. He was named the game's #1 Star in the Sunday verdict at Flint, propelling a pair of goals including the key FG. In his last 5-games, he is 5(5-4-9) and in his last 9-games; 9(8-8-16). Keller has 4-multiple goal games thus far this season. For a second consecutive week, Keller is the Fury's nomination for Sherwood / UHL Player of the Week.

POOL POWER: Second-year goalkeeper Clayton Pool seems to be totally enjoying his position as the Fury' #1 puckstopper. The past weekend, he was superlative in spearheading two vital victories for "Team Title." Friday night, in his team's 2-1 decision over Motor City, he was acclaimed the game's #1 Star with 31-saves before leading his Fury squadron to an impressive come-from behind, 4-3 OTSO victory the following night in Kalamazoo against the Wings. In the latter contest, he rebuked 36-shots, including 3 of 5 in the OTSO. Pool has now pushed his personal winning streak to 7- in a row; 7(7-0-0) with a thrifty 2.14 GAA. Five of his seven straight wins have been attained on foreign ice where he is 5(5-0-0) with a 2.20 GAA. For a second consecutive week, Pool is the Fury's nomination for Southern Sports Supply / Goaltender of the Week.

"BOUCH ALMIGHTY:" The Fury's "Gun-Sling" King, right wing Rockin' Robin Bouchard crafted another stellar week of point productivity activity. In the Fury's sweep of all 3-games, he was 3(1-3-4) with 10-SOG and an excellent +4 rating. His second assist in the Sunday 5-2 dispatching of the Generals represented his 800th Fury career point as Muskegon's all-time career scoring leader. In his last 6-games; he is 6(5-6-11) and just 4-assists from reaching 400 Fury career assists.

PRESTO RUSTO: The Fury captain, Rustyn Dolyny was somewhat of an unsung and unheralded hero the past week for the Fury. In 3-games, the former Michigan State standout was 3(0-3-3). On Sunday, in Flint, he saved his best for last, authoring two impeccable arrangements in the form of assists and a brilliant +4 rating in his club's 5-2 throttling of the Generals. For the full week, he was a strong +6. In his last 13-games, he is 13(8-10-18) as he has improved his plus/minus to an excellent +16.

T. J. JAMMIN': Muskegon defenseman Trevor Johnson is really coming of age as the season progresses fashioning some real all-star caliber play. In fact, the past week, "T. J. The Great Johnsoni" collected 5-assists in 3-games; 3(0-5-5) with 9-SOG and a sound and solid +3 rating. For the season, the Trail, B.C. native has surged rather augustly to the top three in UHL defenseman scoring with 38(7-30-37), an average of virtually one point in each game. In Friday night's 2-1 home conquest of Motor City, Johnson assisted twice and was hailed the game's #2 Star.

"JOEPOM" PUCKIN'" One of the Fury's truly unsung heroes through the first half of the season has been their steady rookie defenseman / forward Joe Pomaranski. The first-year pro from U. of Miami, O., has evolved into another one of the stellar rookies adorning this Muskegon community. In his team's exciting come-from-behind 4-3 OTSO victory in Kalamazoo the past Saturday night, he fired his first ever pro goal and could not have found a better, more opportunistic time to perform the feat. His goal at 10:03 of the final period forged the deadlock at 3-3 and set the stage for another harrowing climax for the two-time reigning kingpins as the Fury ultimately prevailed over the Wings in the OTSO.

FISTS & FIREPOWER: The Fury's designated enforcer, right wing Ken Fels fits the framework with his fists and his firepower. Always with the reputation for ruffian, roughhouse hard-nosed hockey, Fels has suddenly become a master maestro for his goal-scoring ability. Over the past couple of weeks, he has connected on all 3 of his Fury goals for the season with the last one Sunday at Flint representing the ultimate GWG for the victors. With the touch in the clutch, Fels has fired all 3-strikes on the road in hostile territory.

SPECIAL TEAMS TOPS: The Muskegon special teams are staying the steady course in spurring this club to the heights of grandeur. For a third consecutive year running the power play is rated #1. This season, they are 56-220 for a proficiency rating of 25.1%. Their 56-PPG also lead the UHL. The Fury power play is 2 for the last 8 and 5 for the last 23-endeavors. Meanwhile the penalty-killing cast of characters has really shined in recent vintage. Ranked a lofty 3rd in the league overall at 86.7% efficiency on 221-255. The Fury have been extremely effective on the PK recently, defusing and disarming 40 of the last 44 enemy man advantages for an outstanding rating of 90.9%. The Fury lead the UHL in SHG with 11, representing one more SHG than all of last season when they collected 10.

MILESTONES STEPPING: Robin Bouchard played his 800th pro career game and Dave Van Drunen had his 600th, the same night, the past Friday night in the 2-1 trumping of Motor City. Head Coach Todd Nelson 194(129-45-20) is just one win away from tying Rich Kromm (130) as the all-time winningest coach in Fury annals. Bouchard (465) is just 5-goals away from becoming the all-time greatest goal-scorer in UHL history (470). Jeff Nelson (994) is 6-games away from pro career 1,000. Bouchard (398) is 2-assists away from the Fury 400. Rustyn Dolyny (296) is only 4-games away from becoming only the 6th player in Fury history to play 300 games.

FEW FUN FURY FAST FACTS FROM "FIC": When the Fury score the game's FG, they remain perfect at 19(19-0-0). When leading after the first period, they are 22(21-1-0). When leading entering the third period, they are also undefeated at 23(23-0-0). In games following a defeat this season, the Fury are undefeated at 5(5-0-0) as they have reached the midway point of the season having not sustained back-to-back defeats yet this season. The Fury are the best third period team in the league, outscoring the opposition, overall, 63-29 and on the road 37-14. At the halfway point, the Fury already boast four 20-goal sharp-shooters; Bouchard (34); Nelson (23), Wrigley (23) Keller (20) The Fury are perfect on Sundays this season at 7(7-0-0); 6(6-0-0) on the road in that same span. With their 5-2 win in Flint Sunday, the Fury have now defeated the Generals 8-straight times dating back to last season. UHL ALL-STAR GAME WEDNESDAY: There will be seven Fury representatives in their delegation at the UHL's annual All-Star Classic Wednesday night in St. Charles, Missouri. From the Fury will come coach Todd Nelson, defenseman Dave Van Drunen, center Jeff Nelson, right wing Robin Bouchard, left wing David Wrigley, injured center Todd Robinson and replacement left wing Ryan Keller. The latter has been added to the team to replace Robinson. The Fury will broadcast the UHL All-Star Game from the Family Arena, beginning with the Pre-Game Show at 8:00 EST on the exclusive flagship WKLQ-FM 92.5 and on the Internet at www.furyhockey.com.

THE WRAP ON THE WEEK: Facing a daunting task of 3-games in 3-days within their own Central Division with the latter 2 on the road and still injury-riddled roster-wise, the Fury undaunted and untrammeled responded with 3-straight victories. Friday night on home ice, the Fury edged Motor City, 2-1. Billy Collins (FG) and Jeff Nelson (PPG/GWG) connected for the victors while Clayton Pool brushed aside 31-SOG. Saturday night in Kalamazoo, the Fury were gallant as they rallied twice in regulation to tie it before prevailing in the OTSO, 4-3. Ryan Keller (PG). Robin Bouchard (GTG), Joe Pomaranski (GTG) furnished Fury firepower. Nelson assisted twice. In the OTSO, again, the Fury were forced to overcome two deficits before cementing the success, outscoring Flint 3-2. David Wrigley had the GWG in the OTSO after Bouchard had made it 4/4 marksmanship, overall in the OTSO. Pool made 36-saves in regulation and 3-more in the OTSO. Sunday in Flint, the Fury fused a 3-goal first period uprising in the 5-2 verdict over the Generals. Keller (2-0-2)FG, Dave Van Drunen (1-2-3), Wrigley and Ken Fels (GWG) struck for the Fury with Trevor Johnson, Rustyn Dolyny and Bouchard each assisting twice. Kevin LaPointe posted 27-saves.

THE FURY GAME CALENDAR THIS WEEK:

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27TH QUAD CITY AT THE FURY 7:30 PM

The third meeting of the season between two long-time archenemies and the second one in Muskegon where the Fury prevailed the first time, 4-1, back on December 17th. For the season thus far, the Fury are 2(2-0-0) against the Mallards, extracting the triumph in the Quad Cities on their lone trip thus far this season back on November 23rd.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28TH ROANOKE AT THE FURY 7:30 PM

The second and final clash of the season for two newly-created rivals as the Vipers make their lone and last appearance at Walker Arena for their UHL debuting season. Muskegon prevailed over Roanoke in the first-ever clash back on January 4th, 8-4. The Fury lead the series, 1(1-0-0).

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International Hockey League 2 Stories from January 23, 2006


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