'Jacks Competitive in Early Going
November 1, 2009 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release
'JACKS TRACKS: For the third consecutive week, comprising the length of the embryonic stages of the 2009-10 International Hockey League season, the Muskegon Lumberjacks compiled an identical record of 2(1-1-0). In the process, Head Coach Rich Kromm's aggregation nation remained transfixed at the .500 plateau through the opening month of the season and the month of October. For the inchoate campaign, the Lumberjacks have assembled a mark of 6(3-3-0) totaling 6-points and a tie for 4th place in the IHL's overall 7-team standings. Only 2-points distinguish first to fifth place positioning bridging into November's schedule. Muskegon trails Port Huron 5(4-1-0)8; Fort Wayne 6(4-2-0)8 and Bloomington 6(4-2-0)8 by a mere pair of points while sharing fourth place distinction with fledgling Dayton 7(2-3-2)6. Flint 7(2-5-0)4 is listed sixth and Quad City 3(1-2-0)2 is in seventh place. This week, as the 'Jacks embark on their November docket, they will confront the daunting task of their first 3-games in 3-nights weekend with the first 2 abroad to conclude 3-consecutive invasions into enemy territory and the latter on home ice. For a third successive Friday night, the Lumberjacks will bear arms against Dayton with this assignment in the Ohio hamlet. Saturday night, an old acerbic, acrimonious arch-rivalry will be resurrected when the 'Jacks journey to Quad City to lock horns with the Mallards. Muskegon is back on home ice for its lone Walker Arena appearance this week in a Sunday date against surging Bloomington.
"$5 SUNDAY AT 5" ALIVE: When the Lumberjacks return home this Sunday to tangle with the Bloomington Prairie Thunder, it will be another ever-popular "$5 Sunday at 5" at Walker Arena. When purchased in advance, every seat for everyone is specially priced for only $5. It's an every Sunday home game special discount presentation from the Lumberjacks in celebrating 50-years of pro hockey in Muskegon.
1 AND 1-1 MORE TIME!: This past week, for the third consecutive week, the Lumberjacks assembled a 2(1-1-0) record. For the season, they are 6(3-3-0) for 6-points. Their longest win streak has been 2-in succession which they achieved during a recently completed 4-game homestand by capturing conquests in games 3 and 4 of the home stay. Muskegon capped October with that 6(3-3-0) mark. Last October's composite was 4(3-1-0).
HOMEFRONT FRIENDLY: The past weekend, the Lumberjacks prevailed in their lone home outing by disposing of Dayton in OT, 3-2. In the process, Muskegon capped its 4-game home stand with a 4(3-1-0) record, winning the latter 2-consecutively; last 2(2-0-0). The Lumberjacks are tied with Port Huron for most home wins in the IHL with 3. Dating back to last season, the Lumberjacks are 13(11-2-0) in the last 13-home episodes and 15(12-3-0) in the last 15 such results.
ROAD WEARY & EERIE: By falling at Fort Wayne Saturday night, 3-1, the Lumberjacks have become the lone team in the league without the benefit of a foreign ice success through the first month of the campaign. They are 2(0-2-0) with both setbacks coming by identical results of 3-1. Harkening back to last season, uncharacteristically, Muskegon is in the woes and throes of a 7-game losing skein in hostile territory; last 7(0-7-0). In fact, in the last 13-road escapades, its record is a rather solemn and sobering 13(1-12-0). The last celebration of victory away from home bay came back on April 16, 2009 in Game #1 of the Turner Cup Playoffs Semi-Finals at Port Huron where the 'Jacks humbled the Icehawks, 5-4.
GF / GA PLAY: For the incipient season, Coach Kromm's kinetic contingent continues to lead the league in goal-scoring marksmanship. Through 6-games, the 'Jacks have streamlined a healthy 23-GF for a GFA of a proficient 3.83. However, 21 of their 23-total strikes have been stoked at home for a GFA of a prodigious 5.25. In sharp, stark contrast, foreign ice warfare has a much different ring to it with only 2-GF to show for 2-excursions into the land of the enemy. Defensively, much improvement is being realized and recognized as the club has grudgingly surrendered only 6-GA in the last trio of exercises for a GAA of a thrifty and nifty 2.00.
SUMMIT SUPREME: Right wing Robin Bouchard 6(4-5-9) is tied for the IHL lead in scoring; John DiPace 6(2-6-8) is tied for 3rd; Todd Robinson 6(2-5-7) is tied for 5th; rookie defenseman Matt Krug 6(1-5-6) is tied for #8 league-wide. Bouchard's 4-goals tie him for 2nd most in the loop along with teammate David Rohlfs 6(4-1-5). DiPace's 6-assists rank league runner-up. The Lumberjacks have the top 4 elite in the league in premium positive play as Matt Krug +7 is #1; DiPace +6 is second; Todd Robinson +5 and Jason Lawmaster +5 are tied for third best plus in the league. Bouchard's 8-minor penalties equal the league lead while his 2-GWG are also at the top of the heap. Rumun Ndur (39) and Robin Big Snake (30) rank 4th and 5th respectively in PIM. In rookie scoring league-wide, Matt Krug is #1 with 6(1-5-6) Matt Robertson 6(2-1-3) is rookie rated 6th. Krug tops all rookies with 5-assists. In scoring among IHL defensemen, Krug 6(1-5-6) is tied for the league's premiere pinnacle with Tom Galvin 4(3-1-4) ranked 4th. Galvin's 3-goals lead the league blue line brigade. In the goaltending department, Sebastien Centomo is 8th with a GAA of 3.02. He is 2nd in MIN: 298:17 and 3rd in SAVES: 139.
RECORDS BY ROBIN: Completing the opening month of the current campaign with a 5-game point streak; 5(4-5-9), right wing "Rockin" Robin Bouchard enjoyed another exceptional, extraordinary month of precision puck-peppering, pillaging and plundering of those fractious foes. For the month, "The Gun-Sling King" accounted for 2 of his team's 3-victories with the ultimate GWG in each contest. He has only been held pointless in one game so far and that was opening night back on October 16th in Flint. The past Friday night, he uncorked a cannonading shot in OT that seemed to split the night's air and was heard reverberating around the Lakeshore at 1:18 of the extra session to fuel his team to a 3-2 OT triumph against Dayton. For the week, he was 2(1-2-3)+2 rating and 7-SOG. Bouchard is the Lumberjacks nomination for IHL Player of the Month and IHL Player of the Week.
"SE-BASS" CLASS: Veteran netminder Sebastien Centomo continues to show the way in performing the lion's share of the duties in the Muskegon cage. The human puck barricade aide has played in 5 of his team's first 6-games, sculpting a 5(2-3-0) mark and 3(2-1-0) at the friendly climes and environs of the "Hockey Barn of Bedlam" located at the corner of Fourth Street and W. Western Avenue. For the young season, he has posted a GAA of 3.02 and SPCT of .903. Centomo is the Lumberjacks nomination for IHL Goaltender of the Month.
KRUG CROWIN': Rookie find on defense, Matt Krug, has been a pleasant surprise and discovery for the Muskegon fame and fortunes thus far this season. The first-year pro from both Wayne State U. and Robert Morris U., attained a masterful month in his pro debut. In 6-games, he was 6(1-5-6) with the league's best plus rating at +7. He has yet to experience a "minus" game in his short pro career, actually compiling 5-straight plus premium, positive performances. Krug is the Lumberjacks nomination for both IHL Rookie of the Month and Rookie of the Week.
DYNAMIC DEBUT: Another first-year standout for the home team is rookie goaltender Matt Lundin. The former U. of Maine and Mercyhurst College studded star seems to have that magic touch about his persona. In his professional coming-out-party this past Friday night, Lundin was magnificent as he earned the game's #3 Star in his team's spine-tingling, spellbinding and riveting 3-2 OT triumph over Dayton. The pride and joy of Apple Valley, MN rebuked 32-shots in gaining his first ever victory , posting a 1.96 GAA and .941 SPCT. Lundin is the Lumberjacks nomination for IHL Goaltender of the Week.
TOMMY GUN: Seven-year veteran defenseman Tom Galvin has been brilliant since his second coming to Muskegon. Through his initial 4-games, he is averaging one point per game on 4(3-1-4). His 3-goals have been crammed into a pair of bouts against upstart Dayton on back-to-back Friday night dates against the Gems. The product of Notre Dame has also carded an excellent +2 rating with 1-PPG, 1-FG and 1-electrifying breakaway goal. Moreover, he has also engineered one 2-goal contest.
SPECIAL TEAMS TEPID: The past weekend saw the Lumberjacks special teams troubled. On the power play, the 'Jacks were an anemic 1-17, going a desolate 0-9 in Saturday night's setback at Fort Wayne. For the season, thus far, Muskegon's man advantage operation has fallen to circuit sixth at 15% proficiency; 6-40. They have been stifled and stymied in 13-consecutive opportunities; 0-13. Meanwhile, the penalty-killing cast continues to languish as the Lumberjacks rank 7th and last in the league at 71.8% efficiency with the opposition 11-39. The 11-PPGA are the most allotted in the loop.
MOUNTAIN OF MILESTONES: Robin Bouchard (995) is 5-points away from 1,000 points with Muskegon. Jason Lawmaster's next point will be the 300th of his illustrious pro career. Travis Banga (297) is 3-points henceforth from 300. Sebastien Centomo (297) is 3-games shy of career 300. John DiPace (194) is 6-assists from pro career 200. Bouchard (491) is 9-assists away from the Muskegon 500. Todd Robinson has amassed 529-assists in 502 career games with Muskegon.
FEW FUN FAST FACTS FROM "FIC": The Lumberjacks are the best first period team in the IHL, outscoring the adversary, 7-5. In turn, they are the second best, second period in the loop, outgoaling the opponents, 11-6. Right wing David Rohlfs 6(4-1-5) has crammed his 4-goals into his club's last 5-games. After not gaining an OT triumph on home ice all of last season, 1(0-1-0) in that department, the Lumberjacks scotched and scuttled that stigma in their very first OT affair of the young season, Friday night, when they dispensed with Dayton, 3-2. All 5 of Muskegon OT victories of last season were orchestrated on the road.
THE LUMBERJACKS GAME CALENDAR THIS WEEK:
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6TH THE LUMBERJACKS AT DAYTON 7:30 PM
This will be the third consecutive Friday night that the two teams will tangle and the first time in Hara Arena where the teams made much history in earlier eras of the venerable IHL. The series is even-steven from the 'Jacks perspective at 2(1-1-0). The Gems have composed a home record of 3(1-1-1) through a trio of home offerings since their return to the IHL with the dawning of this new season.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7TH THE LUMBERJACKS AT QUAD CITY 8:00 PM
After a three-year hiatus, these two long-time acerbic and acrimonious archenemies will rekindle their animosities and hostilities with their first clash of this campaign. This rivalry dates back to the nativity of the Quad City franchise back in 1995-96 through the end of the 2006-07 season when the Mallards became the Flames and moved into the AHL as the top affiliate of the NHL Calgary Flames.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8TH BLOOMINGTON AT THE LUMBERJACKS 7:00 PM
The Lumberjacks and the Prairie Thunder meet-up for the second time this season and for the second time in Muskegon. In the previous collision back in Muskegon on the Lumberjacks home opening night, back on October 17th, the home team toppled the Illinois-base entry, 9-3.
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 November 1, 2009
- 'Jacks Competitive in Early Going - Muskegon Lumberjacks
- 'Jacks Weekly Notes - Muskegon Lumberjacks
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