Fury winning streak at four

Published on November 13, 2006 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release


TOP TEAM TALES: It was yet another complete sweep of the week for the high-voltage, high-octane Eastern Division and league-leading Muskegon Fury of the United Hockey League. The UHL's all-time top winning team achieved the veritable "trifecta" in cashing-in three victories in three days as they broached an ambitious agenda which consists of 10-games in 16-days. Under the auspices of first-year head coach Bruce Ramsay, the men of the Fury persuasion have heightened their composite season record to a remarkable 13(12-1-0) totaling 24 of a possible 26-points with a mere single setback in Elmira back on November 4th the sole stain on their season's rich resume. The men of Muskegon hockey dominance and prominence have presently forged a sizeable 8-points advantage atop their Eastern Division alliance as well as the overall 10-teams' UHL standings. Defending league champion Kalamazoo 10(8-2-0)16-points and Elmira 12(8-4-0) 16-points currently share second place distinction in the Eastern corridor with the Wings having won 3-in succession while retaining a flawless 4(4-0-0) mark abroad. The Jackals, meanwhile, have captured 8 of their past 10-outings, including a strong 5(4-1-0) record in enemy territory. Fort Wayne has the top spot in the Western Division at 10(8-2-0) 16-points with the Komets an impeccable 5(5-0-0) at home. In the midst of playing 10 of 11-games within their own Eastern Division, the Fury squadron confronts another monumental, momentous week's action consisting of 4-games in 5-days, including an early season, crucial two-games' home-and-home series against those Kalamazooans. The Muskegonites launch the full week's work with a date in Kalamazoo on Wednesday night before the Wings reciprocate and furnish the Friday night foe for the Fury in Muskegon. Saturday night, another long-time archrivalry is rekindled when the Quad City Mallards come to town before Muskegon culminates the strenuous stretch Sunday with a matinee affair in Flint against the Generals.

HOME HOT SPOT: When the first place Fury play host to a pair of affairs this weekend on Fury rivalry week, there will be another entertaining and exciting weekend of Fury fun, frolic and special spotlights a-glare. Friday night, when Kalamazoo comes calling for the first time this season, the Fury will be giving away, in conjunction with the Mona Shores High School Pep Band, four luxury suite tickets to an NHL Detroit Red Wings game at Joe Louis Arena. Then on Saturday night with Quad City's Mallards here to attempt to roost, the Fury organization will recognize and honor our military on "Military Night." All military personnel will receive their tickets for only $6 with the Fury donning special military-themed jerseys which will be auctioned right after the game.

UNDISPUTED ROOTED: Collecting three more victory verdicts in three outings the past weekend, the "Furious Ones" have elevated their season record to a stunning 13(12-1-0) for 24-points. Their latest win streak has sprouted to 4-in a row; 4(4-0-0), outscoring the opposition, 19-7 during that special span. The Fury have captured 4-more wins than any other team in the UHL and have actually duplicated their record of one year ago after the first 13-games at 13(12-1-0)24-points. Their longest win skein this season has been the season-inaugurating 8-victories in a row. In their last 120-regular season games, Muskegon has compiled a brilliant record of 120(85-23-12) for a winning percentage mark of .759. The Fury have completed their last two Octobers unsullied at a combined 10(10-0-0). The monthly returns this year: October 7(7-0-0); November 6(5-1-0). Last November 2005, the Muskegon mark was a glowing 12(11-1-0).

HOME INSURANCE ASSURANCE: In earning home ice triumphs on consecutive nights of Friday and Saturday the past weekend, the high-flying Fury upgraded their home log to a league-best and undefeated, 6(6-0-0). Through their initial half dozen dates at home, the polished precision of the league-leaders has generated 35-GF in outscoring the visiting teams, by virtually a 3-1 margin of 35-12. Their season-opening 6-game home ice victory skein equals their best win streak of last season at Walker Arena. Western Division pace-setting Fort Wayne is the only other unblemished team in its home crib at 5(5-0-0). In their last 100-regular season home appearances, the Fury have assembled a majestic mark of 100(79-15-6) for a win percentile of an extraordinary .819.

ROAD TEST TONIC: In extracting a significantly satisfying come-from-behind 5-3 victory Sunday in Port Huron, the UHL's most championship decorated contingent swelled its foreign ice account book to a stellar record of 7(6-1-0). Their 6-road triumphs are foremost in the loop as the Fury men have out-goaled those home-standing operatives by a rather resounding result of 35-21. The longest win streak away from home thus far this season has been 4-in a row paralleling the first 4-road shows of the current campaign. The Fury have already spirited away road successes from each city that comprises their Eastern Division delegation. From a present tense sense, the Fury have prevailed in their last pair of hostile territory expeditions.

DIVISION DOMINANT PROMINENT: The Fury recently completed a span of seven consecutive contests within their own Eastern Division. Still, though, they will face divisional competition in 10 of 11-outings. At this hour of the season, Muskegon has been flourishing in both of the divisional alignments. Against their own Eastern Division, they are a stellar 8(7-1-0)38-23; home: 2(2-0-0)10-3; road: 6(5-1-0)28-20. The breakdown: Port Huron 3(3-0-0)14-8; home: 1(1-0-0)5-3; road: 2(2-0-0)9-5. Flint 2(2-0-0)12-3; home: 1(1-0-0)5-0; road: 1(1-0-0)7-3. Kalamazoo 1(1-0-0)4-3; road: 1(1-0-0)4-3. Elmira 2(1-1-0)8-9; road: 2(1-1-0)8-9. Western Division: 5(5-0-0)32-10; home: 4(4-0-0)25-9; 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. Chicago 1(1-0-0)4-2; home: 1(1-0-0)4-2. Quad City 1(1-0-0)9-2; home: 1(1-0-0)9-2. Rockford 1(1-0-0)5-2; home: 1(1-0-0)5-2. Fort Wayne is the lone team the Fury have not yet played thus far this season.

TOP TEAM TOWER OF POWER: With their three victories in three days the past weekend, the prolific-scoring men of the Fury colors connected on 15-more goals on the strength of exactly 5-GF in each game. In 13-games, Muskegon has percolated a snappy and snazzy 70-GF for a GFA of a bell-ringing, lamp-lighting 5.38 as the most powerful offensive team in the UHL. To illuminate, elucidate and otherwise enumerate the Fury's potent prowess, they have amassed 24-more goals than any other team in the league. Muskegon has generated a minimum of 4-goals in each of its first 13-games of the campaign. In 6-games at home, they have recorded 35-GF for a GFA of 5.38. Abroad, they have attacked the twine to the tune of 35-GF as well in 7-dates for a GFA of a prodigious 5.00. Certainly not to be overshadowed is the Fury's strong defensive effort and numbers. During their current 4-game win streak, they have grudgingly surrendered 7-GA for a GAA of a miserly 1.75. For the season, they rank a lofty third in the loop with a GAA of 2.54. The Fury squad has yielded more than 3-GA in just a single game this season and that represents their lone loss of the season.

MEN OF MAJESTY: The highest-scoring machine in the league continues to possess the top five scoring moguls in the UHL. 1- Todd Robinson 13(15-18-33); 2- Elias Godoy 13(9-16-25); 3- Mike Watt 13(10-10-20); 4- Rustyn Dolyny 12(5-14-19); Philippe Plante 13(2-17-19) Robinson's 15-goals lead the league with Watt ranked runner-up with 10 and Godoy listed 3rd with 9-strikes stoked. In the assists category, once again, it's Robinson in the lead with 18 while Plante is 2nd with 17, Godoy is 3rd with 16 and Dolyny 4th with 14. Robinson leads the UHL in PPG with 6 and Watt is tied for 2nd best with 4-PPG. The leader in UHL GWG is Robinson as well with 4-GWG. The top 5 premium positive plus players belong to the Fury as well; 1- Dave Van Drunen +18; 2- Robinson +14; 3- Plante +13; 4- Watt +12; 6- Godoy +10; Kotsopoulos +10. In UHL rookie scoring; 1- Godoy; 3- Evan Kotsopoulos 12(7-4-11); 11- Josh Chase 13(2-4-6). In UHL defense scoring: 1- Plante 13(2-17-19); 5- Jon Insana 10(4-7-11). Insana is 2nd in PPG with 3 and 1st in GWG with 2. Adam Smyth (65) is 3rd in the UHL in PIM with Bill Zalba (59) ranked 4th and Rustyn Dolyny (56) listed 5th. Zalba's 4-major penalties tie for circuit 2nd. In the goaltending department, Clayton Pool is dominating. He leads the UHL in victories with 8, GAA at 2.00 and SPCT .934. He is the lone remaining undefeated netminder at this juncture of the season. Ryan Cyr is 10th with a GAA of 3.41.

THE "BIG 'E' SPREE: Slick center Elias Godoy is having fun with the Fury in his freshman pro season. The past weekend, he maintained his magical might on the scoring flight, authoring three straight multiple point games and masterful +5 rating with 9-SOG. Named the #2 Star Friday night, the product of U. Mass-Lowell essayed 3-points on 2-goals, 1-assist in his team's 5-0 disposal of Flint before claiming #1 Star status Saturday when his team conquered Rockford, 5-2. That night he engineered 3-assists and achieved a stellar +3 rating. On Sunday in Port Huron, he was (1-1-2)FG in a 5-3 come back verdict. For the week, he was 3(3-5-8). Godoy is currently on a 7-game point streak with 16-points in that spellbinding span. Godoy is the Fury nomination for Sher-wood / UHL Player of the Week.

PROFESSOR POOL OF PUCKS: Third-year goalkeeper Clayton Pool has been Muskegon marquee magical thus far this season. The former U. of Alberta star fashioned another perfect personified, exemplified week with a 2(2-0-0) record. Friday night against Flint, he posted his first shutout of the season and his career Fury fourth in repulsing all 26-shots in the 5-0 verdict, gathering #1 Star of the Game status. The very next night, he brushed aside 21 of 23 Rockford shots in his team's 5-2 triumph. In the latter contest, he was accorded #2 Star honors. For the week, he composed a stingy 1.00 GAA and .959 SPCT. In his last 3-starts, he has grudgingly surrendered 4-GA for a GAA of 1.33. Pool is the Fury's nomination for Southern Sports Supply / UHL Goaltender of the Week.

"T. ROB ROLLS": The pre-eminent prince of points playmaking pivot Todd Robinson has stayed blazing hot. In three games over the weekend, the UHL's runaway scoring kingpin collected 7-points on 4-goals, 3-assists with +1 rating and 17-SOG. He delivered the GWG in both the opening and closing games of the weekend while also uncorking his 3rd SHG of the season and his second 3-goal "hat trick" on consecutive Sunday performances in Port Huron against the divisional rivals, Flags. Robinson has already delivered 10-multiple point games in 13-total games and 4-multi-goals masterpieces. He has been held pointless in just one game thus far this season.

"BARN-BURNER": One of the Fury newcomers, left wing Scott Barnes has become a most pleasant surprise for his newly-adopted hometown team. The Central Hockey League emigrant enjoyed his best week yet under the Muskegon employ the past weekend. He snapped a key, clutch strike in each of the three games; 3(3-0-3), including the IG in both Friday night and Saturday home ice wins before coming through with an electrifying GTG early in the third period Sunday in Port Huron in the Fury's come-from-behind 5-3 decision over the Flags. He also carded a strong +3 rating. For the season, Barnes is 11(5-1-6) with a promising +7 rating.

DIMINUTIVE DYNAMIC DEFENSE: Speedy young rookie defenseman Josh Chase continues to turn plenty of hockey heads with his fearless Fury play for the league's top timber team. The nearby Big Rapids native by way of Bentley College connected on his second career goal Saturday night at home against Rockford. This last one was also pivotal and critical as it severed a 1-1 tie late in the second period and catapulted his Fury into their first lead of the night and a lead they steadfastly never relinquished at 2-1. For the season, he ranks UHL 11th in rookie scoring 13(2-4-6) +7 and 13th among all defensemen.

COUTU CAN DO: Recently acquired defenseman Justin Coutu has made his mark an indelible one through his initial 10-games on his new team's blue line. Having contributed almost instantaneously on the Muskegon defense, Coutu has gradually started to find his offensive rhythm. In fact, in the Fury's first 2-games the past weekend, he fired key strikes in each one. Friday against Flint, he propelled a PPG before connecting on the GWG in Saturday night's 5-2 win over Rockford. For the season, Coutu is 10(2-3-5) with an excellent +7 rating along with 1-PPG and 1-GWG.

ADAM'S ANATOMY: Right wing Adam Smyth has emerged, as expected, as the Fury's tormenting, intimidating physical presence in the lineup. The ECHL refugee has surged to 3rd in UHL PIM with 65. However, don't be fooled by his menacing Muskegon manner as he has already produced 4-goals with 3 of those being brewed abroad. Smyth has also attained a +3 rating. His 4th goal of the season Saturday found the empty net to solidify the success over Rockford.

SPECIAL SPARK: The Fury specialty teams are in step and in-tune at this stage of the season. The power play ranks a lofty second in the circuit, operating at 20.7% proficiency at 23-111 with their 23-PPG just 1-PPG back of first Fort Wayne. Muskegon has maintained an amazing streak in that they have delivered at least 1-PPG in all 13 of the games this season. On the penalty-killing side of the ledger, the Fury have been utterly masterful, having precluded 35 of the last 36 advantages afforded the adversary for a rating of a scintillating 97.2%. For the season, the Fury rank 4th in PK at 99-114 for an efficiency rating of 86.8%. The Fury have netted 4-SHG, however, they have uncharacteristically surrendered 6-SHG in 13-games. Only Flint (7) has permitted more SHGA.

FURY FORTUNE AND FAME: With his two points Saturday night against Rockford, Rustyn Dolyny has become only the sixth Fury player to attain the prestigious 300-points' plateau; 341(124-177-301). Todd Robinson's next Fury goal will be the 150th of his career here. Robinson (37) is just 4-PPG away from tying Paul Kelly (41) for 4th place all-time. Clayton Pool has advanced his career Fury record to a sterling 55-16-8 with a winning percentage of a franchise all-time best .757.

FEW FUN FURY FAST FACTS FROM "FIC": With their Friday night 5-0 dismissal of Flint, the Fury improved their home mark over the Generals to 11(10-1-0) in the last 11-episodes and 25(20-2-3) in the last 25-home chapters written. With their 5-2 triumph Saturday night over Rockford, the Fury have advanced their home record against the Ice Hogs to 19(15-1-3) in the last 19-dates and 28(23-2-3) in the last 28- home exercises. Todd Robinson has accounted for 3 of the Fury's 4-SHG this season. In 3-games against Port Huron this season, Todd Robinson is 3(8-2-10) with 3-consecutive multiple goal and multiple point games. The Fury have now extended their overall undefeated streak over Port Huron to 13(10-0-3) overall and 8(6-0-2) on the road.

RECAP WRAP: Facing the daunting task of three games in three days, the Fury responded royally and regally with a trio of triumphs. Friday night on home ice, they dismissed Flint, 5-0. It was a 3-goal third period powder keg fused by the Fury that cemented the victory. Elias Godoy (2-1-3)PPG, Todd Robinson (1-2-3)FG/GWG, Scott Barnes and Justin Coutu connected for the Fury with Mike Watt recording 3-assists. Pool was blade sharp with 26-saves. Saturday night, the Fury rallied with 2-second period strikes before adding three more goals in the third period in their 5-2 conquest over Rockford. Rustyn Dolyny (1-1-2)GTG/.PPG, Josh Chase (TBG), Justin Coutu (IG), Scott Barnes and Adam Smyth (ENG) were the Muskegon marksmen with Godoy dishing 3-assists. Pool was on top of his game, again with 21-saves. Sunday in Port Huron, the Fury surmounted a late second period 3-1 deficit and on the impetus of a 4-goal unanswered salvo, thunderstruck the Flags, 5-3. Robinson 3-goal "hat trick (1-PPG/1 TBG/SHG/1-ENG) spurred the come back. Godoy (1-1-2)FG and Barnes (GTG) struck gold goal for the victors. Ryan Cyr was credited with the win, making 20-saves in goal.

THE FURY GAME CALENDAR THIS WEEK:

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 15TH THE FURY AT KALAMAZOO 7:00 PM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17TH KALAMAZOO AT THE FURY 7:30 PM

This two games' home-and-home series commences Wednesday night at Wings Stadium where the Fury extracted a hard-earned 4-3 come back victory back on October 28. Earlier, on October 4th in the pre-season, the Fury also traveled to Kalamazoo where they prevailed, 5-4 (OTSO). Muskegon is 16(11-2-3) in the last 16-decisions in Kalamazoo.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18TH QUAD CITY AT THE FURY 7:30 PM

The second clash of the season between two tried true archrivals with the Fury leading series set 1(1-0-0). Back on the UHL's opening weekend on October 14th, the Fury staggered the "Greenheads," 9-2 as they erupted volcanically for five unanswered first period goals. The Mallards are currently residing in fifth place in the Western Division, beginning the week with a record of 10(2-7-1) and a league low of 5-points.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19TH THE FURY AT FLINT 4:00 PM

The Fury and the Generals have a date for their third collision of the season and the second at Flint. In the last clash there, back on October 22nd, the Fury ultimately prevailed, 7-3. In the most recent activity between the two teams, this past Friday night, the Fury, again, defeated Flint, this time, 5-0. In going 2(2-0-0) against Flint this season, the Fury have outscored the Generals, 12-3

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International Hockey League 2 Stories from November 13, 2006


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