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'Jacks Cap Road Trip with Sterling Mark

January 4, 2010 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release


`JACKS TRACKS: At long last completing a rather arduous, strenuous stretch consisting of 8 of 9-games through the holiday season on foreign ice, the road weary warriors wearing "Muskegon" on their sweaters have come home with a roster depleted and decimated with injuries, illness and player recalls. Nevertheless, undaunted, untrammeled and playing with an abundance of fabric, fiber and fortitude, this Lumberjacks team has remained harmonious and in rhythm as they some how, some way have remained in a share of the first place stock atop the IHL league-wide standings. Under the doctrine according to head coach Rich Kromm, the Lumberjacks have shown to be a special team of resiliency and gallantry in not only endur-ing adversity but surviving and thriving. Operating the past demanding week comprised of 4-road games in 6-days with as many as 9-principals absent from their lineup, Coach Kromm's kinetic contingent fought combatively and brilliantly to earn a 4(2-2-0) record, and with it, elevate its season record to a lustrous 32(21-8-3) totaling 45-points in a dead heat with Port Huron 31(22-8-1)45. The combination of the Lumberjacks emotionally-charged 6-5 OTSO comeback win Sunday at Flint and Port Huron's first defeat in 7-meetings this season against upstart Dayton, 4-2, have brought the two clashing worlds together, again. Though, the `Jacks lead the season series over the Icehawks to the tune of 7(4-2-1), they are without a win in the last 3-chapters written between the the league's top two teams at this hour of the season. Finally returning home this weekend, the reinvigorated Muskegonites will lock antlers in a pair of collisions with the Flint club. The Generals come to town Friday night and make a second curtain call Sunday against the `Jacks at Walker Arena. In between, the local squadron has a date with the Komets in Fort Wayne on Saturday night.

PROMOTION PROMENADE: It's another top-drawer promotional weekend for the Lumberjacks at Walker Arena coming up this weekend. Friday night has, again, been designated as "$1 Beer Night" while Sunday's encore presentation against the archrivals Flint Generals will be another "$5 Sunday at 5" with every seat for everyone priced at only $5. Also, on Sunday, it's "Flintstones Day."

EXULT EXCEPTIONAL: In recording a 4(2-2-0) through 4-road games in 6-days the past week, the Lumberjacks upgraded their season mark to a glistening 32(21-8-3)45-points. Their 8-setbacks match the least in the league with Port Huron. Muskegon's winning percentage stands at a gaudy.703 as the team has compiled a sterling record of 9(6-3-0) in the last 9-games; last 15(9-4-2); last 26(18-5-3); last 29(20-6-3). Their longest win streak has been a league season-high of 9-in a row with their 10-game unsullied skein; 10(9-0-1) also the best in the loop this season. Recently, the `Jacks experienced their first set of back-to-back defeats this season. They concluded December with a stellar mark of 12(8-3-1). Combining November 12(9-1-2) and December together, Muskegon, remarkably, sustained a mere total of 4-defeats for two full months, spanning some 24-total games.

ARE WE HOME YET? Having seen home ice for only one game since December 13th, the Lumberjacks will be looking forward with much anticipation to a Walker Arena return that will spawn more continuity. With a masterful home mark of 16(12-4-0), the `Jacks are second in the IHL in home successes behind Port Huron's 14. However, uncharacteristically, the `Jacks have trembled in 2-in a row at the friendly climes and environs. Their last home triumph was back on December 5th when they marooned the Mallards of Quad City, 6-2. Longest win streak at home has been 8-straight; second longest in the league.

ROAD WORN WINS: Despite the rigorous regimen of foreign ice warfare and considerable travel, the roster expurgated Lumberjacks composed a superlative record of 8(6-2-0) facing 8 of their last 9-games in the hostile environment of the inimical enemy. Included in the exorbitant expedition was a league-best 5-game road win skein and extraordinary 11-games' unblemished skein; which spanned exactly 2-months from 10/31 - 12.31; 11(8-0-3), also the league's longest for 2009-10. Muskegon's overall road log of 16(9-4-3) represents the premiere mark for the IHL. Their 4-road setbacks are 2-less than the rest of the league.

DECIMATED DEFENSE: The Lumberjacks once deep defensive corps has diminished in numbers inordinately. Presently, there are 6-rearguardsmen on the shelf with a myriad of maladies or on AHL recall; Matt Gens, Todd Spencer, Iain McPhee, Jason Lawmaster and Travis Granbois are incapacitated while another blue line ace, Tom Galvin is with AHL Grand Rapids. With the rash of defensive absences, the Lumberjacks have suddenly become rather munificent in the GA department, having surrendered 28-GA in the last 5-games for a GAA of a bloated 5.60. Their last trio of setbacks incurred have been by such humbling outcomes of 7-2 twice and 6-1.

LUMBERJACKS LAUREATES: Robin Bouchard continues to lead the IHL in scoring with 32(26-25-51); 2-Todd Robinson 31(13-33-46); 6- John DiPace 2010-22-32); 22- Matt Krug 32(7-14-21). In Goals: 1-Bouchard (26); In Assists: 1-Robinson (33); 2- Bouchard (25); 4- DiPace (22). In PPG: 1- Bouchard (7); In PP/Assists: 1- (tied) Robinson (11); 2- (tied) DiPace (9). In GWG: 1- Bouchard (6); In MG: 1- Bouchard (8); In SOG: 1- Bouchard (134). In Plus/Minus: 1- DiPace (+26); 2- Bouchard (+24); 3- Robinson (+23); 6- (tied) Jason Lawmaster (+11). In PIM: 3- Russ Smith (118); 5- Krug (112). In Minors: 1- Smith (29); 4- Krug (21). In Rookie Scoring; 3- (tied) Krug 32(7-14-21); 13- (tied) Matt Robertson 32 (4-8-12); 16- J.T. Dahlinger 31(5-6-11). In Defense Scoring; 2- (tied) Krug 32(7-14-21); 7- (tied) Smith 31(4-9-13); 10- (tied) Tom Galvin 20 (4-8-12); 14- (tied) Lawmaster 24(2-9-11). In Goals: 1- Krug (7). In Assists: 3- Krug (14). In Goaltending; 4- Sebastien Centomo (2.59); 1- WINS: 13; 1- MIN: 1,297:12; 1- GPI: 24; 1- Starts: 23; 9- Lundin (2.95).

SHOOT TO THRILL THEATER: Right wing Rockin' Robin Bouchard continues as the most feared, revered, premiere cannoneer in minor pro hockey. The 36-year old, 16-year pro fashioned another high-tech, high-octane month of December. In 12-games, he was 12(9-8-17) as his club's top point-maker for the month. He topped Muskegon in goals (9); points (17); PPG (2); GWG (2) and SOG (51). His +5 rating was team runner-up. "The Gun-Sling King" authored 3-multiple goal games and 6-multiple point games. Always having that flamboyant francophone flair for the dramatics and histrionics, "Bouch Almighty" cannonaded 3-GWG for the month with 2 of those blazed in either OT or the OTSO. "Rockin' Robin in the treetops" launched the new year with the same goal-gushing gusto as he rifled 4-goals and 5-points in 4-games including 2-GWG, accounting for both of his team's thrilling theater extra sessions successes for the week gone by; 4(4-1-5) +2 with 19-SOG. Bouchard is the Lumberjacks nomination for Meijer / IHL Player of the Month and Player of the Week.

GOAL-GATING RATING: Nine-year pro goaltender Sebastien Centomo enjoyed an exemplary month of December. Appearing in 10 of his club's 12-games, and starting 9 of those, the Lumberjacks goal-gate guardian posted a superb mark of 9(6-2-1) with a miserly, microscopic GAA of 2.21 and SPCT of.916. Included in his month's pay envelope was 1-shutout and 4-game road win skein. For the past week, he saw service in all 4-`Jacks outings, posting a 4(1-1-0) mark. Centomo is the Lumberjacks nomination for Meijer / IHL Goaltender of the Month and of the Week.

RANKING THE ROOKIES: First year right wing J.T. Dahlinger is coming off the best month of his still-young pro career. The Ferris State U. product was Muskegon's third leading point producer for December with 7-points in 12-games on 4-goals, 3-assists and stellar +4 rating. Included in his monthly returns was a 3-games' goal streak ; 3(3-0-3) with his 4-total goals for the month tying him for second Muskegon-most. In addition, his +4 rating was equal to #3 best on his club. For the season, his +9 rating ranks third best among all of this season's IHL rookies. Dahlinger is the Lumberjacks nomination for Meijer / IHL Rookie of the Month.

MATT "K"HAY: First year defenseman Matt Krug continues to impress with his prominent, pre-eminent, precocious performance. The Detroit suburban native was stylin' and profilin' the past week with his intense physical play and point-producing prowess. In his team's 6-5 OTSO triumph Sunday at Flint, he engineered the second 4-points' game of his first year career on 2-PPG and 2-assists. It was the initial 2-goal game of his pro apprenticeship, earning him the game's #3 Star. For the week; 4(2-3-5). Krug is the Lumberjacks nomination for Meijer / IHL Rookie of the Week.

DAMIAN URANIUM: Smooth-skating center Damian Surma seems to be finding his stride at the right time of the season; especially with his team so wracked with injuries. The veteran pro composed back-to-back 2-point jewels the past weekend as he maestroed 2-assists on both `Jacks strikes stoked Saturday night in Port Huron before orchestrating (1-1-2) in Sunday's stirring, electro-charged come back victory in the OTSO at Flint. He crowned his Sunday masterpiece with the Muskegon's momentous, monumental FG in the toast of victory from the OTSO; last 2-games; 2 (1-3-4).

WHO'S LEFT ON THE TEAM?: It was an all-time high in the wrong category for the Lumberjacks Sunday at Flint where 9-principals from Muskegon's roster were unavailable for duty. On the shelf with injuries: Matt Gens, Todd Spencer, Iain McPhee, Jason Lawmaster, Travis Granbois, John DiPace; felled with the flu; Todd Robinson. Tom Galvin remains on recall to AHL Grand Rapids. However, David Rohlfs has been reassigned back to Muskegon following a 5-games' stint with the AHL club.

POWER PLAY PLUNDER: The Muskegon power play is becoming a package of prolific percolating. In their 6-5 OTSO triumph Sunday at Flint, the Lumberjacks fructified at a marauding 3-4 clip. It marked the second time this season that the `Jacks have propelled 3-PPG in a single game with their standard for this current campaign at 4-PPG. The `Jacks are 4 for the last 6; 66.7 proficiency level and 7 for the last 22 for a conversion rating of 31.6%. The penalty-killing is another matter whatsoever, as the opposition is 4 for the last 7; 57.1% and 8 for the last 14; 57.1% conversion ratio.

HALLMARK FAME: Center Todd Robinson played in his 700th pro career game Saturday night in Port Huron. "T.Rob" has amassed nearly an assist a game on his pro playground; 700-games; 698-assists. Robinson (970) is 30-points hence from 1,000 points. When the Lumberjacks captured their 4-3 OT conquest in their Tuesday contest at Bloomington, head coach Rich Kromm became the winningest coach in Muskegon modern day history with his 150th victory.

FEW FUN FAST FACTS FROM "FIC": When they defeated the Prairie Thunder in Bloomington, 4-3 in OT on 12/29, it represented the `Jacks 8th consecutive victory in the extra session, dating back to last season, including a 4(4-0-0) mark for this campaign. Overall, Muskegon has prevailed in its last 6-OT affairs on foreign ice. The Lumberjacks have achieved a winning record against all IHL member clubs thus far this season. Rookie Goaltender Matt Lundin has been in goal for 3 of the Lumberjacks 4-OT victories this season and now, one OTSO win. The `Jacks are 17(13-3-1) when outshooting the opponents this season.

THE LUMBERJACKS GAME CALENDAR THIS WEEK:

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8TH FLINT AT THE LUMBERJACKS 7:00 PM

SUNDAY, JANUARY 10TH FLINT AT THE LUMBERJACKS 5:00 PM

The fifth and sixth confrontations of the season for the two long-time archrivals and the second and third with Muskegon acting as the backdrop for both contests. The Lumberjacks lead the series, 4(2-1-1), winning their lone game so far over Flint, back on November 13th, 6-3.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9TH THE LUMBERJACKS AT FORT WAYNE 7:30 PM

The Lumberjacks lead this series; 5(3-2-0), having their 3-game win streak this season against the Komets abruptly halted in the last meeting back on December 26th when Fort Wayne humbled the home team right here in Muskegon, 7-2. Muskegon is 3(2-1-0) on home ice this season against the league's two-time defending champions.

LEGENDS, YOUNG GUNS AND LUMBERJACKS: All the Lumberjacks game broadcasts in the 50th Anniversary Season as well as the Monday Night "Jacks Jam" can be heard on exclusive flagship radio station WLAW 92.5 FM, "THE OUTLAW." The Monday night "Jacks Jam" is every Monday night from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm, live from FRICANO'S MUSKEGON LAKE. The "Voice" of the Lumberjacks, Terry Ficorelli has all of the Jacks on radio action. The `Jacks game broadcasts can also be found on the world wide web at www.muskegonlumberjacks.com.

THE LUMBERJACKS DAILY UPDATE REPORTS: Tune in every day even when there is not a game, as Terry Ficorelli brings you up to date with the Lumberjacks Hockey Update, Monday through Friday at 5:57 pm on WEFG-FM 97.5, "THE CHAMP." There are also Lumberjacks daily reports throughout the day in Grand Haven on WGHN Radio, "Sports Radio 1370 ESPN."

LUMBERJACKS TICKET INFORMATION: Tickets for all Lumberjacks j=home games for the 2009-10 season are on sale at the Walker Arena Box Office, all Ticketmaster Centers or by phone at (231)726-2400; VISA / MASTERCARD accepted. For great group rates and birthday parties with the Lumberjacks, phone the Lumberjacks office at (231) 726-3879 or visit our website at www.muskegonlumberjacks.com. Once again, all this season at every home game, all youth tickets (17-under) are only $5 as presented by Muskegon Community College.



International Hockey League 2 Stories from January 4, 2010


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