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Jacks Complete Busy Stretch with Stellar Record

March 2, 2009 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release


LUMBERJACKS LINES: Having just completed an ambitious schedule's agenda consisting of 15-games in 26-days with 7 of those coming over the past 10-days, the high-tech, high-voltage Muskegon Lumberjacks have ascended, once again, into a share of the International Hockey League's premiere pinnacle position with the Port Huron Icehawks. Under the stewardship of third-year head coach Bruce Ramsay, the Muskegon squadron capped that rigorous regimen with a glowing record of 15(10-3-2) as they earned 22 of a possible 30-points in the standings. To compound the grueling nature of the Lumberjacks most daunting and demanding stretch this season, 9 of those 15-games were played on the road where the 'Jacks really shined with a superlative mark of 9(7-1-1). As they begin the business of tackling the final 20-games of the regular season schedule, the Lumberjacks, in their first 56-outings, have compiled a sterling record of 56(34-16-6) totaling 74-points. Their record is the replica of rival Port Huron 56(34-16-6) 74-points with the torrid Icehawks flying-high through an 8-game unbeaten streak overall and a mounting 9-game unsullied skein at home; 9(8-0-1). Both Muskegon and Port Huron have opened up some space in the league-wide alliance as reigning champion Fort Wayne 55(28-16-11) 67-points is 7-points back and fourth place Kalamazoo 56(32-23-1) 65-points is a somewhat distant 9-points in arrears. The coronated kingpins, the Komets are 11(6-1-4) in their last 11-decisions and 19(10-2-7) in their last 19-dates. They are also undefeated in their last 9-games away; 9(6-0-3). As for the Wings, they are 6(2-4-0) in their last half-dozen dates and only 5(1-3-1) in their last 5-offerings at home. Kalamazoo is 25(11-13-1) in the last 25-games. Muskegon, which owns a winning record against all other member clubs at this stage of the season, will continue its current, extended 3-game homestand on the upcoming weekend when they prepare to host a pair of monumental, momentous games against their two top formidable opponents. This Friday night, Fort Wayne pays a call before the potential showdown for sole control of the league's swank penthouse suite this Saturday night when those Port Huron Icehawks come to town with first place implications attached.

'JACKS GAME DATE CHANGE: As was previously announced last week, the Lumberjacks road game originally scheduled for March 12th at Flint against the Generals has been moved back one more day. The new, re-scheduled date for this game is set for Friday, March 13th, the Lumberjacks at Flint at 7:30 pm.

ALL EYES ON THE PRIZE: The past week, facing another demanding, daunting assignment of 4-games in 5-nights with the initial three away from home bay, the men of Muskegon lumber responded masterfully with a 4(3-1-0) record. Having actually concluded a tortuous time of 7-games in 10-days, Muskegon, unfazed and untrammeled, actually elevated its record to an outstanding 56(34-16-6) for 74-points and win percentage of .661. Presently, the 'Jacks have won 2-consecutively; 2(2-0-0); they are 9(8-1-0) in their last 9-starts and 12(10-2-0) in their last 12-decisions. Moreover, Muskegon is flourishing with a majestic mark of 17(12-3-2) in the last 17-games; last 29(20-5-4); last 35(22-7-6). Since the beginning of the new calendar year of 2009, the 'Jacks are excelling with a mark of 29(19-6-4). Since the inception of the second half of this season, the Lumberjacks have seen action in 18-games, posting a mark of 18(12-3-3). Since the completion of the major 5-player deal February 18th with Flint, the 'Jacks have been rejuvenated and resuscitated with a sterling record of 7(6-1-0). Their longest win streak of the season is 6-in a row with two other 4-game win streaks and two 3-game win skeins. The longest undefeated streak has been 8-straight; 8(6-0-2). Muske-gon has made major inroads from last year's record at this time after 56-games. One year ago, the mark was 56(28-24-4) for 60-points. Currently, under the Lumberjacks Muskegon moniker, they have 6-more wins, 8-less losses and 14-more points than '07-08. Furthermore, the Lumberjacks total of 34-victories leaves them a mere one victory away from equaling last year's victory output of 35. As far as the monthly returns are concerned, the 'Jacks duplicated their January record in February at 14(9-3-2). For the rest of the months thus far; October 4(3-1-0); November 12(8-3-1); December 11(4-6-1); March 1(1-0-0).

HOME TEAM BEAM: Since immersed in a span of playing 7 of 8-games on the road, the local Muskegon team has not been seen at their home of Walker Arena. Dispatching Kalamazoo Sunday evening on home ice, 5-3, lifted the home team to its second straight victory in their lair. In the process, the men of Muskegon lumber upgraded their home mark to 29(18-8-3) to stand alongside Kalamazoo for the best home record in the IHL. With still 9-home dates remaining, the Lumberjacks have already equaled their total number of victories at home from last year with those 18-triumphs. At home, last 8(5-2-1); last 15(8-3-3); last 17(10-4-3). The longest home win streak of the season has been 7-in succession mirroring the club's first 7-home games of the current campaign.

THE ROAD MOTHERLODE: Wearing the badges of the consummate road warriors, the Lumberjacks, in capping their hectic 14-games in 25-days month of February did so with 9 of those games in that grueling grind abroad. Nevertheless, the Jacks responded brilliantly by compiling a record of 9(7-1-1); actually winning a season's best 6-in a row at one juncture; 6(6-0-0) and expanding their overall unblemished skein on foreign ice to 8-straight 8(7-0-1) before faltering in Kalamazoo the past Friday night, 4-3. That setback was the 'Jacks first on the road in exactly one month since January 27th when they were nipped at Port Huron, 2-1. For the record on the road; last 8(7-1-0); last 10(8-1-1); last 16(11-3-2); last 19(12-4-3). For the season overall, 27(16-8-3) with the 16-wins one shy of matching the Muskegon number of triumphs in alien ice invasions of a year ago, 17. Remarkably, the 'Jacks have sustained back-to-back defeats on the road only one time this season.

FUELED FIREPOWER: Since back on opening night, October 18th, the Lumberjacks have held the crown as the league's most potent power plant offensively. Through 56-games, they have produced a prolific 229-GF for a GFA of 4.10. An index to the team's high-octane, high-tech pyrotechnics is the accomplishment of having scored 4 or more goals in a game in nearly 70% of their games this season; an extraordinary attainment. Muskegon has scored fewer than 3-GF in only 9 of its first 56-games this season.

POLISHED PROFICIENCY: Center Todd Robinson 55(23-74-97) has sprouted a commanding 25-points lead for his second league scoring title. John DiPace 55(29-32-61) is 7th; Luke Stauffacher 50(29-28-57) is 9th and Robin Bouchard 27(29-15-44) is already listed 22nd. DiPace (29), Stauffacher (29), Bouchard (29) are all tied for #3 in the IHL for goal cannoneering while Robinson's 74-assists and 26-PP/Assists both are foremost in the loop. Chad Woollard (12) is tied for the league's top spot in PPG with R. Bouchard coming on strong with 11-PPG. Bouchard is #1 in the IHL in shooting percentage, 29/124; .234; Stauffacher is ranked runner-up 29/144; .201. Steven Later leads the IHL in PIM with 238; DiPace is 4th with 175-PIM. Later's 39-minors tie him for circuit 2nd most while DiPace's 199-SOG rank 4th best. Sam Miller (15), Later (14) rank 3rd and 4th in majors. With the rookies; Chad Costello 55(15-25-40) has risen to 3rd in scoring; Adam Bartholomay 46(8-18-26) is 9th; Alec Kirschner 45(3-20-23) is 11th. Costello's 6-PP/Assists rank rookie 2nd while his 3-GWG tie him for the rookie league-wide leadership. Costello's 25-total assists also rank #2 and Kirschner's 20-assists list him 5th. Costello's shooting percentage has him ranked 3rd; 15/102; .149. For the defense, Matt Gens 54(9-32-41) is 2nd; Darryl McArthur 56(7-32-39) is 3rd; Adam Bartholomay 46(8-18-26) is 10th; Dan Boeser is 12th; 33(4-16-20); Ryan Jorde is 13th; 52(2-18-20). McArthur's 16-PP/Assists rank #2 among league defensemen; Matt Gens (14) is tied for 3rd in this category. Gens (32), McArthur (32) are tied #2 in the league in total assists. In the goaltending department, Clayton Pool is ranked 4th in the IHL with a 3.20 GAA. His .913 SPCT is ranked as 2nd best and his 18-wins rate as 3rd most in the IHL. Pool has attained the IHL's best record among goaltenders with a mark of 27(18-5-4) for win percentage .741.

32 YOB-A-DOB-A DO: The "Gun-Sling King," right wing Rockin' Robin Bouchard has been on a "Bouchardian" binge for the ages around the enemy cages. In February, "Bouch Almighty" was awesome and then-some, ripping rifling Robin rockets to the tune of 19-goals, 29-points in 14-games for February. He collected points in 13 of the 14-games for the month and cannonaded goals in 12 of the last month's 14-games. In the same month, he assembled one 10-game point streak; one 5-game goal streak and one 4-game goal streak. He engineered 5-multiple goal games, including two 3-goal "hat tricks." There were 9-multi-point games, including two 4-point outings and three 3-point masterpieces. He fired 7-PPG to lead the team as well as both of his GWG for February being Bouchardian brewed in overtime. In his last 17-games; 17(22-11-33). His brilliant +14 rating for February was by far the best for the 'Jacks. Bouchard is the Lumberjacks nomination for Pepsi / IHL Player of the Month for February.

THE PUCK RULE BY POOL: With Lumberjacks goaltender John Ceci suddenly summoned to AHL Grand Rapids for the past weekend, goalkeeper Clayton Pool showed some real mettle and fortitude, playing every minute of every game the past week consisting of 4-games in 5-days. For the month, the 'Jacks puck professor posted a stellar record of 11(7-3-1) as he saw service in 11 of the 14-games, posting a 3.69 GAA; .901 SPCT; Included in his monthly numbers was a 5-game win streak and a 9(7-2-0) record in the last 9-games. He also won all three of his extra time (OT/OTSO) games for February; 3(3-0-0). For the recently-concluded past week, Pool was extraordinary with a 4(3-1-0) record in all 4-games, registering a 3.45 GAA and .900 SPCT. Pool is the Lumberjacks nomination for Southern Sports Supply / IHL Goaltender of the Week.

THE CHADLEY SPREE: Maturing rookie left wing Chad Costello seems to have found a home here in Muskegon under the employ of the Lumberjacks. For the month of February, the former USHL scoring king collected 12-points in 14-games on 5-goals, 7-assists with 34-SOG. During February, he recorded a 3-game goal streak; 3(3-2-5) and collected points in 5 of the last 6-games in February; 6(5-4-9) and connected on goals in 5 of the last 6-games as well. All three of Costello's GWG thus far this season have been essayed on the road as have 13 of his season's total of 15-goals. In his team's 4-games in 5-nights week which just concluded, Costello was 4(2-3-5) with 8-SOG and +1 rating. He climaxed another stellar week by delivering the key touch-in-the-clutch TBG/GWG with only 2:06 remaining in regulation time in Flint to vault the 'Jacks into the victory circle, 4-3 Saturday night. Costello is the Lumberjacks nomination for both Aquafina / IHL Rookie of the Month and IHL Rookie of the Week.

COOL HAND LUKE LITTLE: Personality plus personified right wing Luke Stauffacher enjoyed another monstrous week of goal-scoring cannoneering with the Lumberjacks. The past week, the former Minnesota-Duluth star was pivotal at the point of attack in igniting his team's 3-victories in 4-starts. With 7-points in the last 3-games and a prodigious 6-points in the 2-games over the weekend, Stauffacher is making a name for himself for his offensive acumen. Assembling two consecutive 3-point nights, he authored 3-points on 1-goal (TBG/PPG) and added 2-assists in the 'Jacks Saturday night come back victory, 4-3 at Flint. Then on Sunday, he earned "Star of the Game" honors when he propelled his league and team-high fourth 3-goal "hat trick" of the season and IHL best 9th multiple goal game of the campaign in spearheading his team's 5-3 dismissal of the Wings. In his last 2-games; 2(4-2-6); in his last 9-games; 9 (7-7-14). The Lumberjacks are undefeated when he scores the 'hat trick" this season at 4(4-0-0). Stauffacher is the Lumberjacks nomination for Pepsi / IHL Player of the Week.

"THE T. ROB 100": The IHL's leading scorer, Todd Robinson continues to produce a profusion of point productivity in another banner year for the 10-year veteran. Percolating and generating scoring points in all 4-games, "T. Rob" pushed his latest personal point scoring streak to 7-games with 16-points on 3-goals and 13-assists. For the week, he was 4(1-6-7) with 11-SOG and +1 rating. In his last 17-games, he is averaging exactly 2-points a game with 17(6-28-34). His 29-multi-point games lead the league and have been brewed in just 55-games, an amazing accomplishment. He begins the new week with 97-points in 55-games for an average of a prolific terrific 1.77 points per game. Robinson is just 3-points away from another season with 100-points.

THE UNSUNG RUNG: Veteran center Billy Collins is saving his best for the best time of the year. The 6-year Muskegon center registered scoring points in each if his team's 4-games for the past week with 4(2-3-5) and +2 rating. Both of his goals for the week were vital as each one forged tie games which led ultimately to 'Jacks victories. For the season, he is 53(16-21-37) with 5-PPG and 2-GWG. In his last 12-games; 12(6-6-12).

POWER PLAY PUNCH: The Lumberjacks power play continues to manifest itself as the ultimate weapon in accentuating their high-powered offense. Ranked #1 in the IHL at 60-268, the 'Jacks power play has produced a league-high 60-goals while going 42 for the last 143 for a proficiency rating of a scintillating 30%. The penalty-killing cast has kept pace with its improving prowess. The opposition is only 7 for the last 47 and 13 for the last 88. Muskegon has notched 5-SHG this season while surrendering a league low of only 4-SHGA.

HALLMARK HARK: Robin Bouchard is ranked 6th all-time minor pro hockey goal-cannonading with 632-goals. Having now reached 100-assists and 200-points in his Muskegon 6-year career, Billy Collins (98) stands on the precipice of another personal milestone of the Muskegon 100 in goals. This past week, Matt Gens crossed the 100-assists plateau in his pro career. The Lumberjacks head coach Bruce Ramsay (118) is 12-victories from tying 1998-99 Muskegon Colonial Cup I champion head coach Rich Kromm (130) for second place on the Muskegon all-time coaches victories list.

FEW FUN FAST FACTS FROM "FIC": In their last 8 one-goal games, the 'Jacks are 8(7-1-0). With their 5-3 triumph on home ice Sunday against Kalamazoo, the 'Jacks raised their Sunday record this season to 8(7-1-0) overall; on the road Sundays, they are perfect at 5(5-0-0). The 'Jacks are undefeated in 5-trips to Flint this season at 5(4-0-1). Dating back to last season, Muskegon is unbeaten in its last 9-home games against Kalamazoo at 9(8-0-1). In his first 7-games since the trade with Flint, John DiPace is 7(5-5-10) with a strong +4 rating. In his last 17-games, Matt Gens is 17(4-13-17). The 'Jacks are undefeated this season entering the third period with the lead at 21(20-0-1). The Lumberjacks players have combined for 10-total hat tricks with the team undefeated in that category at 10(9-0-1).

THE WEEK'S WRAP: Confronted with the daunting, demanding task of 4-games in 5-nights for yet another weary week, the 'Jacks responded in most impressive fashion by posting a 4(3-1-0) record; including 3(2-1-0) on the road. Last Wednesday night in Fort Wayne, the 'Jacks surmounted a 3-0 deficit and on the impetus of a Robin Bouchard 3-goal "hat trick" overcame the K's, 5-4 in OT. Bouchard's 3rd goal of the night captured the conquest in that contest in OT in a 4-points enormous performance for the famed, fabled and flamboyant one. Steven Later (PPG/GTG) and Jon Grabarek (TBG) also connected for the'Jacks with Todd Robinson, Darryl McArthur and Adam Bartholomay each engineering a pair of assists. Clayton Pool was sharp in goal with 32-saves. The Jacks are now 6(5-1-0) in Fort Wayne this season, winning the last 3-in a row there and they are 4(4-0-0) against the defending champions in extra time (OT/OTSO). Friday night, the 'Jacks best overall win streak as well as their best road win streak, both at 6 in a row, came to an abrupt halt in Kalamazoo were they were profligate of a 3-2 third period lead, trembling 4-3 to the Wings. Chad Costello (1-1-2)TBG, Billy Collins (GTG) and Robin Bouchard (GTG/PPG) were the vanquished Muskegonites sharpshooters. Pool repelled 38-shots. Saturday night in Flint, the 'Jacks rebounded to the tune of a late dramatic, 4-3 victory. Chad Costello's goal with only 2:06 remaining in the third period won it for the Jacks. Costello (1-1-2)TBG/GWG, Luke Stauffacher (1-2-3)TBG/PPG, Robin Bouchard (FG) and Billy Collins (1-1-2)GTG/PPG all made connection for the victors. Pool was on goal patrol with the crease police, again, making 31-saves. Finally returning home Sunday, the 'Jacks defeated Kalamazoo, 5-3. Stauffacher 3-goal "hat trick" (PPG/ENG) spurred the "Jack Attack." Robinson (1-2-3)FG, John DiPace (TBG) delivered the Muskegon mail. Pool stayed steady and sturdy in goal with 22-saves.

THE LUMBERJACKS GAME CALENDAR THIS WEEK:

FRIDAY, MARCH 6TH FORT WAYNE AT THE LUMBERJACKS 7:00 PM

The 13th time two long-time rivals from yesteryear and this year clash with this one being the seventh here in Muskegon. On the strength of winning the last 3-games in Fort Wayne and 5 of their 6-ventures there this season, the Lumberjacks have taken control of the series at 12(8-4-0). They are 6(5-1-0) in Fort Wayne while dividing their 6-games on home ice; 6(3-3-0).

SATURDAY, MARCH 7TH PORT HURON AT THE LUMBERJACKS 7:00 PM

Entering this first full week of March, the Lumberjacks and Port Huron are the co-league leaders of the IHL with identical records. Muskegon is 10(5-3-2) against last season's Turner Cup runners-up. On home ice, this season, the 'Jacks are 5(3-1-1) against the Icehawks who have been brilliant abroad this season with a mark of 18(12-2-4) in their last 18-endeavors into enemy territory.



International Hockey League 2 Stories from March 2, 2009


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