'Jacks Get to 40 Wins Again
March 7, 2010 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release
`JACKS TRACKS: As the first place, league-leading Lumberjacks launched their 13-games' schedule for the month of March, the rich-winning, tradition-steeped franchise attained yet another remarkable milestone in its story glory history. When they opened the new month with an emphatic 7-1 conquest of the Quad City Mallards the past Wednesday night on the road in Moline, IL, the second coming of the Lumberjacks under the Muskegon franchise banner achieved the prestigious 40-victories' plateau for the 12th time over the past 16-seasons; a truly extraordinary accomplishment. In his second tour of duty behind the Muskegon bench, head coach Rich Kromm has guided the fame and fortunes of this proud franchise to three of those 40-plus victories' seasons in his combined four years at the helm of the hometown team. For the season, the Lumber-jacks have steadfastly stayed on top of the IHL standings with a superlative record of 58(40-15-3) totaling 83-points and a winning percentage of a magnificent.716. With six weeks and 18-games remaining on their regular season schedule before the advent of the Turner Cup Playoffs, the `Jacks maintain a 7-points' advantage over second place Port Huron 58(36-18-4) 76-points while the two-time reigning league kings, the Fort Wayne Komets are also in the surging mode with games in hand on both Muskegon and Port Huron. This week, the Lumberjacks, again, confront an arduous, ambitious slate of dates consisting of 4-games in 5-days with a considerable travelogue. The Lumberjacks make their first of two home appearances this week when they tangle with playoff-aspiring, fifth place Quad City Wednesday night on another "Muskegon Community College Student Night." Following a weekend expedition to Fort Wayne Friday night and back to the Quad Cities Saturday night, the league-leaders hurry home to renew animosities and antipathies with Port Huron on "$5 Sunday at 5."
PROMO-MOTION: There are more premium promos on the Walker Arena scene this week for both of the Lumberjacks home performances. Wednesday is another "Muskegon Community College Student Night" with all MCC students showing their IDs receiving seats for only $5. Then on Sunday, the Lumberjacks present another popular "$5 Sunday at 5" with every seat for everyone specially priced for only $5.
FIRST PLACE PALACE: Embarking on a rigorous road regimen comprised of 3-games in 4-nights the past week, the Lumberjacks responded with a 3(1-2-0) as they prevailed in the initial venture before faltering in the latter two. For the season, the Lumberjacks record stands at a masterful 58(40-15-3) for 83-points and.716 win percentile. For only the third time this season, the `Jacks have sustained back-to-back defeats after they trembled twice in Port Huron the past weekend. Overall, they are 8(5-3-0) in their last 8- starts; last 17(12-5-0); last 24(18-6-0); last 27(20-7-0). The Lumberjacks second half record presently stands at 20(14-6-0). Muskegon owns the three longest win streaks in the IHL thus far this season; 9-game win streak; 7-wins in a row and a 6-game win skein. They also hold the best unblemished skein of the season at 10(9-0-1). Through the first 5-months of the season, the Lumberjacks have yet to sustain more than 3-defeats in any month. October 6(3-3-0); November 12(9-1-2); December 12(8-3-1); January 13(10-3-0); February 12(9-3-0); March 3(1-2-0).
HOME LANDING LUSTER: The Lumberjacks continue to retain the IHL's premiere home mark at a gleaming and glowing 31(25-6-0) with those 25-wins at Walker being 5-more than all of the IHL. Their 25-home wins surpass last year's output of 24-triumphs when Muskegon also boasted the circuit's supreme home mark hallmark. The last 15-games at home: 15(13-2-0). The Lumberjacks have also achieved the league's two best home win streaks at 11-in a row which matches the IHL league high and 8-straight.
FOREIGN AFFAIRS FRONT: Embarking on a 3-games foreign ice excursion the past week, the Lumberjacks registered a 3(1-2-0) record, bowing in the latter 2-contests with both being played in Port Huron. Nevertheless, Muskegon continues to maintain the league's best road record at 27(15-9-3). Their back-to-back setbacks the past weekend marked merely the second time all season long that the `Jacks have incurred back-to-back setbacks abroad. Muskegon has accrued the league's second longest road win skein at 5-in a row and has also attained the league's longest unbeaten streak away from home bay this season at 11(8-0-3).
THE GF/GA DOSSIER: For the preponderance of the season, the Lumberjacks have been the highest-scoring machine in the league. In fact, since being extinguished in the Quad Cities back on February 19th, 3-0, the `Jacks, in their last 9-games have pumped home a prodigious 48-GF for a GFA of a mighty 5.33. However, on the other side of the coin, the home team has been somewhat suspect defensively as in that same 9-games interval, Muskegon has surrendered an uncharacteristically inordinate and exorbitant 38-GA for a GAA of a somewhat bloated 4.22.
ADROIT ARTISANS: The high-powered, high-voltage league-leaders continue to front the IHL's top scoring elite in occupying the top two scoring positions as they have done all season long. 1- Todd Robinson 57(18-68-86); 2- Robin Bouchard 55(47-36-83); 11- John DiPace 40(19-32-51); 15- Brain Bicek 58(17-28-45); 25- Matt Krug 57(12-26-38). In Goals: 1- Bouchard (47); In Assists: 1- Robinson (68); In PPG: 1- Bouchard (12); In PP/Assists: 1- Robinson (25); In GWG: 2- Bouchard (8); 3- Bicek (5); In GWG/OT/SO: 1- Bouchard (3); 2- Damian Surma (2); Robinson (2). In MG: 1- Bouchard (12); In SOG: 1- Bouchard (259). In Plus/Minus: 1- DiPace (+30); 3- Bouchard (+26); 4- Robinson (+24). In OTSO Goals: 3- Robinson 4/7; Surma 3/5. Rookie Scoring: 4- Krug 57(12-26-38); 6- Matt Robertson 58(16-19-35); 15- J.T. Dahlinger 57(9-17-26). In PPG: 3- Krug (7); In Plus/Minus: 2- Dahlinger (+19); 5- Krug (+15). In Defense Scoring: 2- Krug 57(12-26-38); 10- Welch 50(6-15-21). In Goals: 1 Krug (+12); In Assists: 3- Krug (26). In PPG: 1- Krug (7). In Plus/Minus: 1- (tied) Adam Welch (+18); 4- Krug +14. In the Goaltending category: 2- Sebastien Centomo GAA: 2.41; 7-Matt Lundin 2.96. WINS: 1- (tied) Centomo (21); 4- Lundin (17). SHUTOUTS: 1 (tied) Centomo (3); OTSO/SPCT: 1- Lundin 12/15;.800.
NINE NEARER: The "Gun-Sling King," right wing Rockin' Robin Bouchard is continuing is full frontal assault on one of pro hockey's greatest ever records; the most goals ever scored in such a majestic career. The past week, the "Jackeroos" famous #32 engineered 3-consecutive 2-point performances on 3(4-2-6) with 1-GTG, 1-PPG and 1-PG while cannonading 13-SOG and earning a +2 rating. In the process, "Bouch Almighty" extended his latest goal-scoring streak to 4-games with 4(5-1-6) in that favorable span. In his team's 7-1 demolition of the Mallards in the Quad Cities, he was named the game's #1 Star "bazooka" blasting a pair of snipes. In his last 16-games; 16(15-8-23); last 25-games; 25(23-13-36). His 47-goals for the season are 15-more than all of the IHL. He is only 9-goals away from becoming the greatest ever as the most feared, revered, premiere cannonneer. The magic number is 683 with Bouchard at 674 and counting. Bouchard is the Lumberjacks nomination for Meijer / IHL Player of the Week.
GOAL-SOUL PURPOSE: First year goaltender Matt Lundin is seeing more work than anticipated in his maiden voyage pro season. With Sebastien Centomo on the shelf for the past 3-weeks, the Mercyhurst College product has shouldered the heavy workload with rave reviews as the critics' choice. The past week, playing every minute of all 3-games, he posted a 3(1-2-0) with a 4.07 GAA and.888 SPCT. He earned the game's #3 Star last Wednesday when he backstopped his first place team to a 7-1 dismissal of Quad City, making 40-saves on 41-shots. Lundin is the Lumberjacks nomination for Meijer / IHL Goaltender of the Week.
THE "BERT" BODY OF WORK: High-flying left wing Matt Robertson has really come into his own and of age in his initial pro campaign. In the past 3-games' work week, the Prince Albert, Saskatchewan product uncorked cannons to the tune of two more 2-goal games, giving him three 2-goal efforts through the `Jacks last 4-games overall; last 4(6-0-6). Robertson in his last 4-games; 4(6-0-6); last 6-games; 6(7-3-10) and in his last 21-games, he is averaging over a point a game with 21(10-13-23). In his club's 7-1 clubbing of the Mallards in the Quad Cities last Wednesday night, he was acclaimed the game's #2 Star with another two-goal performance. Having essayed 4-multiple goal games for the year and ranked 6th in team scoring for the `Jacks, Robertson is the Lumberjacks nomination for Meijer / IHL Rookie of the Week.
"ROHLY" ROLLING: The Lumberjacks MVP ( Most Versatile Player) this season just might be third year pro David Rohlfs. The erstwhile U. of Michigan standout has fashioned his wares on right wing, left wing, center, and now, as a key cog on coach Rich Kromm's defense. At the same time, he is gaining much confidence in every zone on the ice. The past week, in 3-games, he collected 3-points on 1-goal, 2-assists. For the season he is 54(12-12-24) with a growing +10 rating. He has also delivered 3-PPG, 2-GWG and one of the `Jacks 3-SHG this season.
INSISTING ON ASSISTING: Seeking a second consecutive league-wide scoring crown and third in the past 4-seasons, center Todd Robinson continues to pile-up the positive points in his quest with zest for yet another 100-points season. His latest point-scoring scourge has progressed to 4-games; last 4(1-5-6). The Muskegon captain's 68-assists are 24-more than the rest of the league. In his last 9-games; 9(2-12-14); last 26-games; 26(6-34-40).
ADAM ADDS ADEPT: Second year pro defenseman Adam Welch is enjoying a superb season on the Lumberjacks' back line. The former Ferris State U. star has emerged as the IHL's best plus defenseman with a rating of a sparkling +18. In fact, this past week, Welch staked a claim to offensive might as he fashioned 3-points, all on assists; 3(0-3-3). For the week, Welch also garnered a positive +3 rating.
SPECIALTY SUMS: The Lumberjacks power play is staying the steady course as a genuine model of consistency and continuity. In recent action, it is 8 for the last 26 for a proficiency rating of a very productive 30.8%. Furthermore, the power play is 9 for the last 32; 28.1%; 10 for the last 37; 27.1%. Meanwhile, until the two-game weekend series in Port Huron, the `Jacks shorthand band had been brilliant. Operating at over 94% efficiency for the past two months, the law of averages caught up with Muskegon's first place hockey heroes as Port Huron's #1 ranked power play arsenal armada struck for a 5 for 8 spot spanning the pair of games leaving the Muskegonites to start another positive penalty-killing streak of unfounded production for their adversaries.
MILESTONES MUSKEGON MANNER: Billy Collins (390) has tied Rustyn Dolyny for #6 all-time in Muskegon career games. Robin Bouchard (547) is 3-goals away from 550 scored exclusively with Muskegon. Michel Beausoleil (240) is 10-goals from pro career 250. Mario Larocque (98) is 2-goals from 100. Damian Surma (293) is 7-points from 300. Jordan Little recently passed the 250-career games barrier in his pro career. Brian Bicek's next goal will be his 18th this season and represent the most he has ever scored in a single pro season.
FEW FUN FAST FACTS FROM "FIC": When the `Jacks bowed Saturday night at Port Huron, 5-4, it represented their first 1-goal defeat on the road this season; 12(8-1-3). The `Jacks continue to be the best first period team in the IHL, outscoring their opposition, 74-45 overall and 39-17 at home. Only Brian Bicek and Matt Robertson have been at the starting gate for all 58 this season. Combining their Tuesday night 3(3-0-0) and Wednesday night mark 7(7-0-0), Muskegon is a perfect personified 10(10-0-0) on those two days of the week.
THE LUMBERJACKS GAME CALENDAR FOR THIS WEEK:
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10TH QUAD CITY AT THE LUMBERJACKS 7:00 PM
SATURDAY, MARCH 13TH THE LUMBERJACKS AT QUAD CITY 8:00 PM
The league-leaders are on top in this season series at 9(7-2-0) and a perfect 4(4-0-0) on home ice. However, 4 of their 7-triumphs over the "Quad Squad" have come in extra time in either OT or the OTSO. In Moline, the `Jacks have gained a 5(3-2-0) advantage over the Quad Citians including a 7-1 verdict last Wednesday night.
FRIDAY, MARCH 12TH THE LUMBERJACKS AT FORT WAYNE 8:00 PM
Muskegon leads the season series at 7(4-3-0) having played the Komets the least number of times of any team in the loop. They are 3(1-2-0) in the Indiana City.
SUNDAY, MARCH 14TH PORT HURON AT THE LUMBERJACKS 5:00 PM
The 13th and final meeting of the season and the sixth in Muskegon where the Lumberjacks have flourished against the Icehawks as their 5(4-1-0) record would testify. Including last season's opening round of the Turner Cup Playoffs, Muskegon is 9(8-1-0) in its last 9-home games against their Eastern side of the state rivals.
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 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 March 7, 2010
- Mallards Battle Past Bloomington 4-3 - Quad City Mallards
- 'Jacks Get to 40 Wins Again - Muskegon Lumberjacks
- Lumberjacks Weekly Notes - Muskegon Lumberjacks
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
