'Jacks Have Undefeated Week

Published on November 22, 2009 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release


'JACKS TRACKS: In remarkable fashion, the Lumberjacks have completed their third consecutive undefeated week with yet another sweep of all three games on the docket for the past week. Under the doctrine according to head coach Rich Kromm, the Lumberjacks have skyrocketed meteorically into first place in the IHL standings with a season record of 15(11-3-1), totaling 23-points. Their 11-victories are foremost in the league while their 3-setbacks represent the fewest in the circuit. Muskegon will embark on its first 4-games in 5-days week of the campaign this Thanksgiving holiday week having attained a 3-points advantage over second place Port Huron 14(10-4-0)20-points with the Icehawks 5(4-1-0) in their last 5-games. The latter team's lone loss in that span was inflicted by the 'Jacks as have 3 of the second place club's overall setbacks thus far this season. The torrid Muskegon icers have gained a 5-points edge over third place Bloomington 14(8-4-2) 18-points with 2 of the Prairie Thunder's 4-defeats induced by the men of Muskegon hockey. The Lumberjacks will place their undefeated month of November on the line this week as they emanate and culminate the demanding date slate at Flint in duels with the sixth place Generals both on Wednesday night, and, again, Sunday afternoon. In between, the league-leaders will host a pair of home appearances on the Walker Arena marquee this upcoming holiday weekend. On Friday night, the two-time reigning league champions, Fort Wayne Komets are in town before the upstart Dayton Gems pay a call on Saturday night.

PRIME PROMOS PRIDE: In this 50th Anniversary Season of Muskegon pro hockey, the Lumberjacks front office team continues to create and concoct more premium, prime promotions expressly to enhance the fans first-place Lumberjacks game experience. On Friday night, when the 'Jacks guest rival Fort Wayne, it has been designated "Lumberjack Night" as well as $1 Beer Night. Then on Saturday night, it will be "Star Wars Preview Night." In addition, the "SI KID OF THE YEAR," Austin McCarthy from nearby Ludington will be in town to meet and greet the fans and perform the ceremonial opening face-off.

THE ORNATE 8: Through the past 3-weeks, the Lumberjacks have accrued 17 of a possible 18-points on the impetus of both an 8-game win streak and current 9-games' unsullied skein; 9(8-0-1). Both of these extraordinary accomplishments represent the longest in each respective category in the IHL thus far this season. Muskegon, steadfastly and remarkably, remains unblemished in November with its last setback incurred back on October 31st in Fort Wayne. In the last 12-decisions, Coach Kromm's crew is 12(10-1-1). For the season, the record is a gaudy 15(11-3-1)23-points and sparkling .767 win percentage. The Lumberjacks have yet to sustain back-to-back defeats thus far this season. For November; 9(8-0-1); at home: 5(5-0-0); road: 4(3-0-1). Last November; 12(8-3-1); home: 6(5-1-0); road: 6(3-2-1).

HOME HEAVEN SEVEN: By virtue of their two comeback wins, 5-3 Wednesday over Port Huron and 2-1 OT Saturday night against archrival Quad City, the Lumberjacks have sprouted their home win skein to 7-in a row; last 7(7-0-0) which equals their longest in that department from last year. The 7-game home ice win skein is the longest achieved in the IHL this season. The 'Jacks overall home record of 9(8-1-0) is ranked #1 in the league as our their total wins of 8. Muskegon's last and lone home setback was back on October 23rd when they fell to Dayton, 7-5.

ROAD READY STEADY: The past week, the Lumberjacks, in their lone foreign ice affair, dispatched two-time reigning league kingpin Fort Wayne, 3-2. In the process, they swelled the road win skein to a league's season best 3-consecutively; 3(3-0-0) while extending their overall unbeaten abroad streak to 4(3-0-1). The last undoing abroad was back on October 31st in Fort Wayne, 3-1. For the first time this season, Muskegon has eclipsed the .500 barrier abroad at 6(3-2-1).

HARMONIC CONFLUENCE: Through their 8-game win streak and 9-game undefeated stretch, the Lumberjacks seem to have found the rhythm and harmony both offensively and defensively. They continue as the IHL's top flight attack team with 57-GF in 15-games for a GFA of 3.80. In the GA category, the 'Jacks have soared to #3 in the loop at 2.67 GAA. During the 9-game unbeaten streak, they have grudgingly surrendered 21-GA for a GAA of 2.26. In the last 12-games; 12(10-1-1), the GA yield is only 26 for a GAA of a frugal 2.11. With a present tense 7-game win streak at home, the GA in that span is a scant 13 for a GAA of a miserly, microscopic 1.81.

THE PROMINENT PARADE: At this hour of the marathon season, the Lumberjacks remain dominant and prominent in all of the major statistical categories. For another week, they list the top 3-point virtuosos in the IHL. 1- Todd Robinson 15(9-17-26); Robin Bouchard 15(11-15-26); 3- John DiPace 15(9-16-25); 16-Tom Galvin 13(4-7-11). Bouchard's 11-goals rank league-wide runner-up with Robinson (9) and DiPace (9) tied for 3rd most. Robinson (17), DiPace (16), Bouchard (15) rank 1-2-3 in assisting. Bouchard's 3-GWG tie for the league leadership while his 66-SOG rank circuit second. Travis Banga (4) is tied for #2 in the IHL in PPG. Robinson (8), DiPace (7) rank 1-2 in PP/assists. Robinson 9/38 .237 is the league's best marksman. Matt Krug (13) tops the loop in minor penalties. The Lumberjacks have 9 of the top 10-plus players in the IHL; 1-DiPace +20; 2- Bouchard (+15), Robinson (+15); 4- Krug (+11); 5- Ryan Palmer +9; 6- Tom Galvin +8; 7- Jason Lawmaster (+6), Adam Welch (+6); J.T. Dahlinger (+6). In Rookie Scoring, Krug 15(2-7-9) ranks 2nd; Matt Robertson 15(3-3-6) ranks 5th; Dahlinger 15(1-3-4) is 10th. Robertson's 3-PP/assists rank 4th. Krug's 7-total assists tie him for the rookie lead while his 41-PIM rank rookie runner-up. On the Defense, Galvin 13(4-7-11) is IHL #1 with Krug 15(2-7-9) 3rd. Galvin's 4-PP/assists and 4-goals tie him for the league-lead in both departments. Galvin and Krug's 7-assists rank 2nd as well. In the Goaltending department, Sebastien Centomo is ranked league-wide 3rd with a GAA of 2.53 with his SPCT of .912 listed 5th. Centomo leads the IHL in WINS: 7; MIN: 663:17; SAVES: 290; GPI: 11.

THE JOHNNY 'D' SPREE: Left wing John DiPace is enjoying the best start of his outstanding 7-year pro career. The past week may have been his best week yet as he emerged as his team's supreme catalyst in another impeccably perfect 3(3-0-0) week. In Wednesday's 4-goal third period flurry that snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in a brilliant comeback 5-3 verdict over Port Huron, he fired the TB/GWG/PP with 6:00 remaining to sever the 3-3 deadlock and vault Muskegon into the victory circle, being named the game's #1 Star in a 3-points masterpiece. In Saturday night's comeback 3-2 triumph at Fort Wayne, DiPace delivered the GTG in a 2-points performance. Then on Saturday night, he dynamically, gigantically and dramatically delivered in the TB/GWG/OT strike at 1:11 of the extra session to complete the 'Jacks third comeback win of the week, 2-1 over Quad City. Again, Johnny 'D' was heralded the #1 Star. For the week; 3(3-3-6) with 12-SOG and stellar +6 rating. During Muskegon's 8-game win streak, he is on an 8-game point streak; 8(7-10-17) and 5-game goal streak; 5(5-7-12). DiPace is the Lumberjacks nomination for Meijer / IHL Player of the Week.

FAST "SEA BASS": Nine year pro Sebastien Centomo seems to be sprouting rubber limbs on demand while flashing the leather larceny this season. Having started 11 of the 'Jacks first 15-games, the IHL's most active netminder assembled yet another week of human puck barricade aid. In 2-starts, he posted a 2(2-0-0) mark with a 2.50 GAA and .896 SPCT. Included in his week's workload was #2 Star laurels in his club's 3-2 conquest of the Komets Saturday night in Fort Wayne. It represented his initial road win of the season. Currently on a personal 5-game win streak; 5(5-0-0) with a 2.20 GAA and .913 SPCT in that span, Centomo is the Lumberjacks nomination for Meijer / IHL Goaltender of the Week.

ROOKIE WIZARDRY: First year goaltender Matt Lundin has been both prominent and precocious through his initial 4-starts in the Muskegon goal. The Apple Valley, MN native has remained perfect personified and exemplified with a mark of 4(4-0-0) with a minuscule GAA of 2.20 and SPCT of .920. He has both literally and figuratively worked overtime for the Lumberjacks in his brief pro career. In fact, 3 of those first 4-starts have ultimately resulted in OT victory verdicts with 2 of those coming on the road and 2 gained against Quad City. Named the #1 Star in his latest OT triumph, a 2-1 decision over the Mallards, Lundin is the Lumberjacks nomination for Meijer / IHL Rookie of the Week.

THE "T. ROB" REEL: The pre-eminent prince of points playmaking pivot Todd Robinson is doing what he does best; piling up points and home team victories. Presently on a 4-game goal-scoring streak with 4(4-4-8), the franchise second all-time leading scoring Muskegon magnate adeptly and adroitly authored 6-points in 3-games for the week on 3(3-3-6) with a sterling +5 rating with 2 touch-in-the-clutch GTG and 1-ENG. He was accorded the #3 Star in Saturday night's comeback 2-1 OT conquest of Quad City, propelling the GTG in the third period to set the stage for the team's OT thrilling theater. In his last 8-games; 8(7-11-18).

BICEK SELECT: Diminutive, dynamic center Brian Bicek continues to make the important contributions in his supporting cast role for the league-leaders from Muskegon. The Western Michigan U. product donned the hero's robes Friday night in his team's exciting, late, come-from-behind conquest of the Komets in Fort Wayne. His late strike stoked with only 5:10 remaining in the third period seized the Lumberjacks first and lone lead of the night in a 3-2 verdict. It was Bicek's first GWG of the campaign.

"D" 5 FIRST 5: The Lumberjacks vast improvement defensively has been the makings of a solid team-oriented commitment to the back end of the ice. The immediate front for the goalies, the Muskegon defense corps has been exemplary with their crease police and goal patrol role. In fact, the top 5 plus players among all IHL defensemen belong to the 'Jacks; 1- Matt Krug +11; 2- Ryan Palmer +9; 3- Tom Galvin +8; 4- Jason Lawmaster +6; Adam Welch +6. Welch is +6 in his first 7-games for the 'Jacks.

SPECIAL TEAMS TUNE-UP: Team special teams are always known as being on the somewhat streaky side and the Lum-berjacks uneven teams would also seem to fall into this category. After a strong 2-2 third period showing in Wednesday's electrifying 5-3 comeback win over Port Huron, the team power play stagnated to the tune of 0 for the last 9' For the season, it is rated #4 in the league at 16-81 for a proficiency rating of 19.8%. Muskegon has been presented the most PP advantages (81) and has connected on the second most goals (16). Meanwhile, the shorthand band is ranked circuit 6th with an efficiency mark of 79%; 64-81. The PK team has disarmed 8 of the last 9-enemy attempts for a rating of 88.9%. Muskegon has been shorthanded the most times in the IHL (81) and have permitted the most PPGA (17).

MILESTONES MARKERS: One week after achieving his 1,000th Muskegon career point, Robin Bouchard recorded his Muskegon 500th assist, accomplishing the latter feat as he did the first one, on the road. For his Muskegon-exclusive career, (511-501-1,012). For his entire pro career, excluding his 18-goals scored in the 2006-07 season in Italy; (638-692-1,330). Bouchard is 8-assists away from all pro career 700. Travis Banga (299) is 1-point hence from pro career 300. Jason Law-master (197) is 3-assists shy of pro career 200. Billy Collins played in his 350th pro game Saturday night against Quad City, having played every one of them with Muskegon. Bobby Bolt (95) is 5-games away from pro 100.

FEW FUN FAST FACTS FROM "FIC": The Lumberjacks are a perfect 3(3-0) in OT this season and dating back to last season, they are 7(7-0) in their last 7-such affairs. In 4-on-4 hockey this season, including both regulation and OT, the Lumberjacks have outscored the opposition, 7-0. In the last 6-games, the 'Jacks have outscored the opponents in the third period, 10-1. In capturing all 3-conquests in as many contests the past week, Muskegon outscored the adversary in the third period, 6-0. Head Coach Rich Kromm (141) is 8-wins away from tying Todd Nelson (149) for most coaching Muskegon coaching wins.

THE LUMBERJACKS GAME CALENDAR FOR THIS WEEK:

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25TH THE LUMBERJACKS AT FLINT 7:00 PM

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29TH THE LUMBERJACKS AT FLINT 4:00 PM

The third and fourth sessions staged this season for these two long-time archenemies with the series balanced at 2(1-1-0). Home ice advantage has been paramount to success with the Generals prevailing on the IHL's opening night on home ice, October 16th, 3-1 before the Lumberjacks prevailed in the most recent match-up, November 13th, 6-3 at Walker Arena.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27TH FORT WAYNE AT THE LUMBERJACKS 7:00 PM

The fourth meeting of the minds between the two oldest franchises league-wide and Turner Cup finalists of last May. On the strength of two consecutive victories in under a week, the Lumberjacks have gained a slight series edge at 3(2-1-0). All 3-battles waged have been exceedingly close and low scoring with each team generating just 6-goals each. Muskegon is 2(1-1-0) in Indiana and 1(1-0-0) on the homestead.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28TH DAYTON AT THE LUMBERJACKS 7:00 PM

The Gems have been a steely test for the 'Jacks this season with the series even on Muskegon's side of the ledger at 3(1-1-1). At home, the Lumberjacks are 2(1-1-0) including a 3-2 OT triumph in the Daytonites last trip here on October 30th. The upstart, fledgling Gems are the last and lone team to defeat Muskegon at home this year through a 7-5 triumph back on October 23rd. The Ohio contingent actually has earned standings' points in the trio of bouts staged between the two time-tested teams.

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.

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International Hockey League 2 Stories from November 22, 2009


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