Fury's first place lead still intact
Published on February 1, 2004 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release
FURY FINDINGS: Although they had a rather abridged slate of a single game for the entire week, the Western Conference and overall UHL league-leading Muskegon Fury were utterly masterful in a magnificent effort and performance on Saturday night in a key, clutch, crucial 5-1 conquest over long-time in-conference rival Quad City. In the process, head coach Todd Nelson's high-powered aggregation maintained a slight one-point advantage over torrid, defending league titlist Fort Wayne for both the Western Conference and overall league leadership in the United Hockey League. Through the month of January, the formidable Fury have accrued a season record of 44(29-11-4) totaling 62-points while the Komets own one game in hand on the present tense league leaders with an overall mark of 43(29-11-3) for 61-points. Both teams have been excelling in recent action. While Muskegon has won 3-consecutively and is a sterling 17(12-2-3) in the last 17-games and a dynamic 21(14-3-4) in its last 21-offerings, Fort Wayne is currently riding the rising tidal wave of an 8-game win streak, which equals the longest in the league thus far this season, as well as an impressive 12-game undefeated skein at 12(11-0-1). The Komets are 28(22-4-2) in their last 28-games and have also won a league-best 7-games in a row on the road. In 5-collisions between the league's top two timber teams this year, the Fury have gained the season series edge at 5(3-1-1), though, they are winless in the latter two bouts. Meanwhile, lurking in the dangerous dark shadows are third place Quad City 44(26-15-3)55 and fourth place Kalamazoo 40(21-13-6)48. "The Furious Ones" do hold a 7-points' advantage over the Mallards who are 12(8-3-1) in their past dozen dates and 18(12-5-1) in the last 18-exercises. The Muskegonites advantage over the K-Wings is 14-points with the Wings enjoying the luxury of 4-games in hand. Kalamazoo is also flourishing at this juncture of the season having posted a 7(6-1-0) mark in the last 7-games and 23(13-5-5) for their last 23-outings. The "K-Town" crew is also unbeaten in the last 13-dates at home; 13(8-0-5). Concerning the overall UHL leadership, the Fury have gained an 8-points' grip over Eastern Conference front-running Richmond 43(25-14-4)54 with the River Dogs 10(7-1-2) in their last 10-episodes. It is yet another momentous, monumental Muskegon week of Western Conference activity for the famous first-place Fury as they confront 3-games in 3-days with the first two on home ice to conclude an extended 4-game home stand. The showdown is Friday night at home when molten-lava hot Fort Wayne comes calling in a titanic tussle for the league's top spot. The Missouri River Otters touch down downtown in our town Saturday for some "hockey night in Muskegon, Saturday Nitro." Sunday, it will be a 4:00 pm matinee in Kalamazoo against the Wings.
STAUNCH STELLAR STANDING: Through the first 44-games of the 76-game schedule, the Fury have compiled a superlative record of 44(29-11-4)62-points and a sparkling .705 winning percentage. Their 29-victories tie them with Fort Wayne for foremost in the league and are just 9-victories away from last year's entire season's output of 38; 76(38-29-9)85. Their mere 11-setbacks also equal Fort Wayne for the fewest in the UHL. The Lakeshore Icers latest win streak has progressed to 3-in succession. Overall, the Muskegon mighty ones have generated a brilliant record of 17(12-2-3) in the last 17-encounters and 21(14-3-4) in the last 21-decisions. In the last 29-games; 29(20-5-4). The longest win streak of the current campaign has been 5-in a row which has been attained twice. The longest losing spell has been only 2- in a row, which has happened merely twice as well. The Fury were 38(26-10-2)54 through the first-half of the schedule and are presently 6(3-1-2) in the first 6-dates of the second-half of the season. After 44-games last year, the men of the Fury's record was 44(23-17-4)50-points. Thus far this season, the "Fury by Nelson" are 6-wins and 12-points superior to last year's clip. The monthly marks: January 13(8-2-3); December 13(9-3-1); November 14(9-5-0); October 4(3-1-0). Since Christmas, the Fury record is 18(12-3-3).
THE BARN OF BEDLAM BOP: With their emphatic 5-1 conquest of always menacing Quad City on Saturday night, the league-leading men in Muskegon colors have advanced and otherwise enhanced their most recent home unsullied streak to a star-studded 10-in a row at 10(7-0-3). The last home undoing was over 6-weeks ago on December 19th when the home team was edged by the "Greenheads," 2-1. Furthermore, the Fury have achieved the circuit's supreme home mark at 20(14-3-3)31-points with the 3-defeats being the 2nd least in the league. Muskegon's finest on ice has earned an extraordinary home mark of 15(11-1-3) in the last 15-Walker Arena assignments. The longest home win streak has been 4-consecutively. "The Knights of Nelson" are currently 2(2-0-0)9-4, through the initial two games of an extended 4-game home stand. One year ago, following 20-home affairs, the Fury had assembled a record of 20(13-5-2)28. The Fury are 1-win and 3-points ahead of last year's home pace.
UHL ATLAS PRACTICE: Traveling the hamlets and hinterlands of the UHL atlas, the Fury have been the consum-mate road warriors, having laid claim to the circuit's supreme foreign ice composite at 24(15-8-1)31-points. The first place ace team's 15-foreign ice successes match Quad City 27(15-11-1) for the most in the loop. Moreover, Muske-gon's 15-road wins have already exceeded all of last season's output of 14; 38(14-20-4)32. They are a resplendent 15(10-4-1) in their last 15-alien ice escapades. Longest road win streak has been 5-in a row; there has also been a 4-game win skein away. One year ago, the Fury foreign ice ledger read 24(10-12-2)22. Currently, the Fury are 5-wins and 9-points better than last year's UHL travelogue.
CONFERENCE CRUSADE MADE: The Fury have been an awe-inspiring aggregation nation within their own Western Conference thus far this season. After 31 in-conference encounters, the Fury contingent has registered a masterful mark of 31(22-7-2)46. They are 16(11-3-2) on home ice and a glistening 15(11-4-0) abroad. In fact, the Fury have achieved a winning record against all conference comers so far this campaign. Muskegon has already gathered 4-more victories in the West than they had all of last year; 42(18-19-5)41. The breakdown: Rockford 7(5-1-1); Missouri 7(5-2-0); Quad City 7(5-2-0); Kalamazoo 5(4-1-0); Fort Wayne 5(3-1-1). In the Eastern Conference conclave, the mark is 13(7-4-2)16. At home 4(3-0-1); on the road: 9(4-4-1). The breakdown: Columbus 3(3-0-0); Flint 3(2-0-1); Adirondack 3(2-0-1); Port Huron 1(0-1-0); Elmira 1(0-1-0); Richmond 2(0-2-0).
GOAL GUSHING GEYSER: The ammunition condition of the first-place Fury remains one of a picture of prolific and proficient health. As the top-scoring scheme team in the league, Muskegon has orchestrated a circuit supreme 175-goals in 44-games for a GFA of a mighty 3.98. Muskegon's polished prolific prodigious pinpoint precision has produced 11-more goals than any other team in the league. The shooting and scoring "Fury-men" have, remarkably, generated 3 or more goals in 38 of their first 44-games. On home ice, they have cannon-fired 82-strikes in 20-games for a GFA of 4.10 while in unfriendly territory terrain, they have engineered 93-incursions in 24-excursions for a GFA of a strong 3.88. In the meantime, on the defensive front, the Fury, inexorably, are continuing their steady climb, having risen to 5th best in the UHL with 140-GA for a GAA of an eroding 3.18.
TOP CROP CRAFTSMEN: As the most potent offensive force in the UHL, the Fury are prominently featured among the league's elite street stars. At this hour of the long campaign, the Fury have the distinction of the top three scoring artisans in the league and 4 of the top 9 scoring standouts. Robin Bouchard 44(38-34-72) continues as the league's premiere point-virtuoso with linemates Todd Robinson 44(10-53-63) and Brant Blackned 44(23-40-63) tied for circuit 2nd. Ranked 9th is Scott Hollis 44(26-23-49). Bouchard's 38-goals lead the league and are 8-more than all others while Hollis' 26-strikes tie him for 5th most. Robinson's 53-assists in 44-games lead the loop and are 10-more than all others. Blackned's 40-arrangements rank 4th best. Bouchard (15) and Blackned (13) rank 1-2 in UHL PPG prowess with Bouchard (5) and Hollis (5) tied for 2nd in GWG. Bouchard (30) and Blackned (29) are also 1-2 in UHL PP/Points while Robinson's 24-PP/Assists lead the league. Bouchard leads the league in SOG with 226. Blackned ranks 5th in the league in shooting percentage; 23/119; 19.3%. Scott Feasby's +19 rating ranks #3 among all UHL defensemen and 5th in the league overall. Dave Noel-Bernier 41(13-19-32) is still the UHL's leading scoring rookie with his 13-goals and 19-assists both ranked rookie 3rd best; his 94-SOG rank rookie 4th and his 2-SHG tie him for the rookie leadership. Trevor Johnson's 29-minor penalties are 2nd most among the freshmen and his 7-PP/Assists list him 3rd among the first-year pros. In the UHL defensemen department, Garry Toor has ascended to 10th in scoring with 28(7-15-22). Toor's 4-PPG rank 5th and his 7/54, 13.0% shooting percentage is #1 in the UHL among all defensemen. In the seal of good goalkeeping category, Sylvain Daigle continues to lead the UHL in WINS: 25; GPI: 38 (tied); MIN: 2167; SAVES: 1107; his 5-SOW rank 2nd, his .833 SO/SPCT ranks 3rd; his .915 SPCT lists him 3rd and his 2.85 GAA ranks as 5th best in the UHL.
"THE BIG BEAR TEAR:" Veteran left wing Brant Blackned is on a veritable scoring scourge, again, for his league-leading team. In his club's lone game for the week, for the second straight game he was heralded as the game's #1 Star, authoring an adept and adroit 4-points performance on 1-PPG and 3-helpers and a +3 rating in the Fury's 5-1 triumph over Quad City Saturday night. In his last 3-games the "Big Bear Barrage" has been all of that and then some, collecting 10-points; 3(4-6-10) with a +5 rating. In his last 17-games, the 9-year pro has been brilliant with 17(10-22-32) for a points per game average of a blistering 1.88. Blackned is the Fury's nomination for Sher-wood / UHL Player of the Week.
RECORD BOOK BY "BOUCH:" The Fury's all-time premiere career cannoneer, 10-year veteran right wing Rockin' Robin Bouchard has, remarkably, continued his incomparable goal-scoring scourge of excellence. Though his all-time pro hockey record-breaking, history-making goal-scoring streak did end at an amazing 17-consecutive games, the Fury's all-time "Gun-Sling King" has actually started another goal-gold touch. He has now scored goals in 20 of the Fury's last 21-games; 21(25-17-42) for an average of 2-points per game during this extraordinary stretch. For the month of January, alone, he was 13(14-8-22) to tie for the team leadership in scoring with linemate Brant Blackned 13(7-15-22). For Bouchard, for the month, he led his team in PPG with 6, GWG with 3, FG with 3 and SOG with 62. His +6 rating was Fury 3rd best. He stoked strikes in 12 of the month's 13-games, essaying 7-multiple point games with 5 of those coming in the last 7-games of the month. In his last 3-games; 3(4-4-8) with a +6 rating. On 4-occasions, he was hailed the game's #1 Star. He also attained one #2 Star and one #3 Star for January. The victor of the Player of the Month Award for December, Bouchard, once again, this month, is the Fury's nomination for Sher-wood / UHL Player of the Month for January.
SLY-GUY GOAL EYE: Goaltender divine Sylvain Daigle continues to be a prominent, pre-eminent presence in the Fury lineup and around the UHL. Saturday night, he was named the game's #2 Star, making 36-saves in his club's 5-1 verdict over Quad City. For January, the 2-time UHL All-Star was on the top of his goalie game as he posted an excellent 10(7-2-1) record with a 2.70 GAA and .925 SPCT. He launched the month with a 4-game win streak and climaxed it with a present tense 3-game victory skein. The league's busiest net-minder saw action in 10 of the 13 games on the month's schedule and was in goal for 7 of his team's 8-triumphs. At home for January, he was unblemished at 6(5-0-1) with a stingy 2.00 GAA. In his last 3-starts; 3(3-0-0) with a 2.67 GAA. Daigle, the winner of the Goaltender of the Month in December, is once again, the Fury's nomination for both UHL Goaltender of the Week and Goaltender of the Month.
THE TODD-ROD: The Fury's pre-eminent playmaking prince of points pivot Todd Robinson really stepped on the gas Saturday night to pace his club's lapping of archrival Quad City. "T. Rob" was electrifying as he fashioned a 3-points' masterpiece on 1-goal, 2-assists and a stellar +3 rating. The remarkable Robinsonian effort earned him the plaudits of the game's #3 Star. During the Fury's current 3-game win streak, he is 3(1-5-6) with a solid +4 rating. For the month of January, he was the Fury's 3rd top point-meister with 13(4-16-20) and +5 rating.
"THE GARRY âT' SPREE:" Defenseman Garry Toor has emerged as a top-drawer defender for the Muskegon squadron. His injection of much-needed offensive production from the backline has also been tantamount to the Fury's first-place success and standing. Saturday night, the Vancouver, B.C. native contributed (1-1-2) with his goal becoming the ultimate GWG for the home town team. He also earned a strong +3 rating for his night's work. He is the Fury's leading scoring member of its blue line legion with 28(7-15-22) with 4-PPG and +5 rating.
LAWMAN MUSCLE: Defenseman Jason Lawmaster is playing his finest Fury hockey of the campaign. In fact, Saturday night for a second consecutive contest conquest of archenemy Quad City, the Westland, MI., native delivered a key, touch-in-the-clutch goal that sparked his squad and catapulted them into victory celebration and jubilation. His goal at 5:03 of the third stanza Saturday, sparked a 3-goal unanswered uprising that doused the "Quad Squad" and any come-from-behind aspirations that they were entertaining in the Fury's 5-1 decision. For the night, Lawmaster was a brilliant +4 to raise his season's mark to a lofty +13, second best on the Muskegon club. During the Fury's 3-game win streak, he has posted an exceptional +8 rating with 3(2-1-3) in that span. Of his 5-goals this season, 3 have been struck against Quad City.
SPECIAL TEAMS ACADEMY ANATOMY: Those special teams for the home team have been dialed-in at the highest and most clarion frequency at an apropos time of the season. The penalty-killing team has been spirited with their sparkling play. Once ranked 12th and last in the league, the shorthand band has surged to the status of 5th best at 186-247, 81.9% efficiency rating. On the road, the PK patrol is ranked even better at #3 in the UHL; 111-135; 82.2%. In recent action, the Fury PK is 22-23; 95.7%; they are 32 for the last 34; 94.1% and 58-62; 93.6%. Meanwhile, the power play continues to maintain its rightful spot atop the UHL with 24.8% proficiency on 52-210 with their 52-PPG pacing the league.
FURY FACTS BOOK: Center Todd Robinson 235(83-231-314) is 1-assist away from tying Brett Seguin (232) for third place on the Fury's all-time assists' list. Robin Bouchard 464(309-277-586) is 14-points henceforth from the Fury 600. Bouchard (553) is 1-game away from tying Bobby McKillop (554) for 5th on the UHL's all-time games played list. Bouchard (701) has climbed to 5th on the UHL's all-time points list while his 371-UHL career goals have vaulted him over Flint's Jim Duhart (369) for #2 all-time in UHL career goals. Bouchard's UHL career 56-GWG have lifted him to within 4-GWG of tying Kevin Kerr (60) for the most GWG in UHL annals. Scott Feasby's +262 rating is 2nd all-time in UHL history. Sylvain Daigle (208) has climbed to 5th all-time in career UHL games by a goaltender. Daigle's 117-wins are also 5th on the UHL list.
FEW FUN FURY FAST FACTS FROM "FIC": The Fury have scored 3 or more goals in 38 of their first 44-games this season. They are 22(19-2-1) when scoring the FG; they are 16(15-1-0) when leading after the first period and 19(18-0-1) when leading after the second period. The Fury are the best third period team in the UHL, outscoring the opposition, 61-44. In 7-meetings against Quad City this season, the Fury have outscored the Mallards in the third period, 15-5. When Muskegon defeated Quad City Saturday night, 5-1, it marked only the second time in the 9-year history of the season series that the Fury had captured it, 7(5-2-0). The lone previous time came in the season of Colonial Cup I in 1998-99 when the Fury claimed the series 10(6-3-1). The Fury have been masterful in 1-goal games this year, carding a record of 20(13-3-4); going unbeaten in the last 10(7-0-3).
CAP-UP WRAP-UP: In their lone outing for the week, the Fury made it 2(2-0-0) through the initial two games of a 4-game home stand by besting Quad City, 5-1. The victors struck with 2-unanswered opening period goals before delivering the fatal blow with a 3-goal third period explosion in 5:24. Brant Blackned (1-3-4)PPG, Todd Robinson (1-2-3), Robin Bouchard (1-1-2)FG, Garry Toor (1-1-2)GWG and Jason Lawmaster (IG) all made connection for the Fury. Goaltender Sylvain Daigle was golden in goal with 36-saves.
THE FURY GAME CALENDAR THIS WEEK:
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6TH FORT WAYNE AT THE FURY 7:30 PM
The showdown with first-place and the overall league-leadership the ultimate grand prize. The top two teams will lock antlers for their 6th of 9-sessions this season and the third of five in Muskegon. The Fury lead the series 5(3-1-1) and are 2(1-0-1) at home. However, after prevailing in the first three clashes, the Fury are 2(0-1-1) in the latter two bouts. The Komets have won 7-in a row on the road; the longest win streak abroad in the UHL thus far this season.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7TH MISSOURI AT THE FURY 7:30 PM
The eighth of 12-collisions this year and the 4th of six in Walker Arena. Muskegon has claimed a 7(5-2-0) lead in the series on the strength of 3-straight victories at home; 3(3-0-0). Dating back to last season, the Fury have captured 7-consecutively at home against the River Otters and are a healthy 12(10-2-0) in the last 12-decisions overall.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8TH THE FURY AT KALAMAZOO 4:00 PM
The sixth clash of the season between two nearby West Michigan rivals and the fourth trip to Kalamazoo's Wings' Stadium. Muskegon leads the series, 5(4-1-0); going 3(2-1-0) at home and 2(2-0-0) in Kalamazoo where the Fury have actually extracted 10-triumphs in their last 11-appearances; 11(10-1-0). Kalamazoo embarks on the new week with an outstanding 13-game undefeated streak at home; 13(8-0-5).
FURY HOTLINE PRESENTED BY PEPSI: Now in an unprecedented ninth consecutive year, FURY HOTLINE PRESENTED BY PEPSI is live every Monday night from 7:00 pm â 9:00 pm with many Fury special guests. The popular program is hosted by the "Voice of the Fury," Terry Ficorelli on the radio home of the Fury for eight straight years, "KICKIN' COUNTRY 97.5."
"THE FURY ARE KICKIN' ICE ON KICKIN' COUNTRY 97.5:" For an eighth straight year, all Fury games, home and away, in their entirety, all season long are on the Fury's exclusive radio flagship home of "KICKIN' COUNTRY 97.5." In addition, "THE FURY HOCKEY UPDATE" can be heard Monday through Friday at 5:25 pm, also on "KICKIN' COUNTRY 97.5." THE FURY TICKET INFORMATION: Tickets for all Fury home games are available at the Walker Arena Box Office and all Ticketmaster Centers or by phone at (231) 726-2400. VISA / MASTERCARD are accepted. For great group rates and festive birthday parties with the Fury, phone (231) 726-FURY (3879.
International Hockey League 2 Stories from February 1, 2004
- Fury's first place lead still intact - Muskegon Lumberjacks
- Mukegon Fury notes - Muskegon Lumberjacks
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