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'Jacks News Release

November 16, 2009 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release


'JACKS TRACKS: For the second consecutive week, the Lumberjacks constructed an unblemished and otherwise unsullied week as they did, indeed, complete the sweep of the week. Under the astute and argute auspices of head coach Rich Kromm, the surging Muskegon "Icemen" laid major claim to all 3 of their games. In the process, the home team heightened its overall record to a sparkling 12(8-3-1) totaling 17-points and a kinetic climb into second place in the 7-team IHL standings. With only 5-points separating the top 5 teams, the Lumberjacks have inched to within 1-point of first place Bloomington 13(8-3-2) 18-points with 1-game in hand on the Prairie Thunder which are 10(7-1-2) in the last 10-dates and the last remaining perfect team in the IHL on home ice at 6(6-0-0). Two of Bloomington's 3-setbacks thus far this season have been inflicted by the 'Jacks. Meanwhile, Muskegon clings to a scant single point advantage over third place Port Huron 11(8-3-0)16, though, like Bloomington, 2 of the Icehawks 3-losses have been induced by the Muskegonites. Two-time defending champion Fort Wayne 10(7-3-0)14 is in 4th place with Muskegon having halted the Komets 4-game win streak while fifth place Dayton 13(5-5-3)13 trails the Lumberjacks by 4-points with Coach Kromm's crew having a game in hand. This week, the meteoric Muskegon men face another 3-games' work week which includes their annual "Education Day " game Wednesday morning at 10:30 am when Port Huron comes calling. After a Friday return assignment against the Komets in Fort Wayne, the Lumberjacks conclude the week's activities by welcoming back to Muskegon, the archrivals Quad City Mallards for a Saturday night date at Walker Arena.

PROMO PAIRS: It's another banner week of premium primo promos for the Lumberjacks when they host two league rivals this week at the "Hockey Barn of Bedlam" at the downtown historical landmark corner of Fourth Street and W. Western Avenue. Wednesday morning is the Lumberjacks annual "Education Day" game presented in part by Muskegon Community College. Then on Saturday night, it will be "Goodwill Night." Lumberjacks fans are urged to donate gently-used clothing and other saleable household items. In return, donors will receive a "Buy-One-Get-One" Free Ticket Voucher good toward the following Saturday night's game, November 28th at Walker Arena against the Dayton Gems.

WIN STREAKED GEEKED: Through the past two weeks, the Lumberjacks have attained 11 of a possible 12-points through an IHL season's best 6-game undefeated streak; last 6(5-0-1) and league best and current 5-game victory skein; last 5(5-0-0). In the process, the 'Jacks have elevated their season's mark to a superlative 12(8-3-1)17-points and .708 winning percentage. In the last 9-games; 9(7-1-1); last 11(8-2-1). The Lumberjacks have yet to sustain back-to-back setbacks thus far this season. The club's last defeat was incurred back on Halloween night, October 31st in Fort Wayne where the 'Jacks bowed, 3-1. For November, they remain unblemished at 6(5-0-1); home: 3(3-0-0); road: 3(2-0-1). Last November, the Muskegon mark was 12(8-3-1); home: 6(5-1-0); road: 6(3-2-1).

HOME'S HALLOWED HALLS: With two home wins the past weekend, 6-3 Friday night over Flint and 2-1 Sunday at the expense of two-time reigning kingpin Fort Wayne, the Lumberjacks have swelled their home win streak to 5-in succession; last 5(5-0-0). Their 5-game win streak at home is presently the second best in the IHL this season. Muskegon's last setback in the hallowed halls of the "L.C." was back on October 23rd when upstart Dayton ambushed them, 7-5. For the season, their 7(6-1-0) mark is the third best in the league. Dating back to last season, the Lumberjacks are 16(14-2-0) in the last 16-home dates and 18(15-3-0) in the last 18 on home grounds.

INVADE & PERVADE: When they defeated the Icehawks in Port Huron Wednesday night, 5-3, the Lumberjacks extended their foreign ice unbeaten log to 3-in a row; last 3(2-0-1). It was also Muskegon's second consecutive conquest in enemy territory. The 'Jacks currently own the league's best road undefeated streak at this stage of the campaign.

UNITED & IGNITED: During this recent Lumberjacks resurgence, both the team's offense and defense have coalesced into a united and committed aggregation nation. Since the inception of the season, the Lumberjacks have been and continue to be the most potent offensive juggernaut in the loop, having propelled 47-GF in 12-games for a GFA of a mighty 3.92. Certainly not to be superseded has been the team's vastly enhanced defensive expertise. With a 9(7-1-1) mark in the last 9-decisions, the hometown team has grudgingly surrendered only 20-GA for a GAA of a stingy and stellar 2.17. Moreover, on home ice, the defensive posture couched has been even more efficacious as the 50th Anniversary "Boys" have allotted only 9-GA during the 5-game win streak for a home GAA in that stretch of 1.80. For the season, the Lumberjacks have climbed from 7th to 3rd in team GA defense at 2.79 GAA.

MAJOR MARQUEE MEN: The Lumberjacks continue to boast 3 of the top 4-point meisters in the IHL; 1-Robin Bouchard 12(10-12-22); 2- Todd Robinson 12(6-14-20); 4- John DiPace 12(6-13-19). Tom Galvin 10(4-4-8) and Matt Krug 12(2-6-8) are tied for 21st. Bouchard's 10-goals tie for #1 in the IHL while Robinson (14), DiPace (13), Bouchard (12) rank 1-2-3 in playmaking assists circuit-wide. Bouchard's 3-GWG top the loop with Robinson right behind with 2-GWG. Robinson's 7-PP/assists lead the IHL with DiPace running a close 2nd with 6-PP/assists. Bouchard's 53-SOG rank IHL runner-up. The 'Jacks list the top 4 plus players in the IHL; 1- DiPace +14; 2- Bouchard +11; Robinson +11; Krug +11. Galvin 10(4-4-8) and Krug 12(2-6-8) are the IHL's top scoring defensemen with Krug also being the league's top scoring rookie. Matt Robertson 12(3-3-6) is 4th in rookie point production. In the goaltending department, Sebastien Centomo is 4th with a shrinking GAA of 2.54 with his .915 SPCT tied for the #2 best in the IHL. Centomo leads the league in MIN: 543:17. He is saves circuit 2nd with 247.

MONSTROUS COLOSSUS: The "Gun-Sling King," right wing Rockin' Robin Bouchard was on another of his inimitable, ineffable "Bouchardian" binges the past week. In 3-games, he amassed an astronomical 9-points on 5-goals, 4-assists with 18-SOG and sterling +5 rating. In Wednesday night's 5-3 trumping of the Icehawks in Port Huron, "Bouch Almighty" caught lightning in a bottle with 2-2-4, +3 rating with the TBG and ENG to seal the success. Then on Friday night, in his team's 6-3 dismissal of Flint, the former General fashioned his second consecutive 4-points' masterpiece which included his first 3-goal "hat trick" of the season; (3-1-4) with a league single game best 10-SOG, 2-PPG and the GWG. He was accorded #1 Star acclaim. With his latest point-scoring scourge having reached 5-games; 5(6-7-13) with a +7 rating in that span, Bouchard is the Lumberjacks nomination for Meijer / IHL Player of the Week.

GOAL GUARDIAN GLORY: Nine year pro Sebastien Centomo remains the positive pillar of stability and nobility in the Lumberjacks cage. The past week, the former CHL Goaltender of the Year was at the fulcrum of his team's latter 2-triumphs to complete the sweep of the 3-games' week. Friday night on home ice against Flint he led his team to a 6-3 decision over the Generals before flashing leather larceny Sunday in his team's 2-1 trimming of Fort Wayne. He was hailed the #3 Star in the contest. For the week, he was 2(2-0-0) with a 2.00 GAA and .905 SPCT. For the season, all 5-of his victories have been collected at home 6(5-1-0). Having started 9 of the Lumberjacks first 12-games this season, Centomo is the Lumberjacks nomination for Meijer / IHL Goaltender of the Week.

KRUG-CRASHING: Seemingly always playing the game with flash, dash and panache with a strong hint of bash and crash, rookie defenseman Matt Krug continues to excel as prominent precocious pro. In his team's 3-wins in 3-games the past week, the rugged, ruffian, rock-ribbed right rearguard delivered the key, touch-in-the-clutch GTG/PPG that sparked his team's 5-3 verdict Wednesday night in Port Huron. He authored a supreme +3 rating for the night. Extraordinarily, through his initial 12-games as a pro, Krug has yet to be saddled with a "minus" game this season. Krug is the Lumberjacks nomination for Meijer / IHL Rookie of the Week.

THE "T. ROB" RIDER: The Lumberjacks pre-eminent prince of points playmaking pivot Todd Robinson is in the midst of enjoying his best surge and splurge of the young season. The past week, the league's two-time MVP and scoring kingpin maestroed some real "magnifico" to the torrid tune of 9-points in 3-games on 3-goals, 6-assists with a +5 rating. Two of his 3-goals were deemed GWG; Wednesday night's 5-3 verdict in Port Huron and PPG/GWG Sunday in his club's 2-1 conquest of the Komets. In his last 5-games; 5(4-8-12). For the week,( 2-2-4) at Port Huron; (0-3-3) Friday against Flint; Sunday against Fort Wayne (1-1-2).

JOHNNY DANGEROUS: Seven-year veteran left wing John DiPace is off the best start of his outstanding pro career. The past week, he pushed his personal point streak to 5-games with 5(4-7-11) in that span. In Friday night's 6-3 decision over his former Flint team, he was named the game's #2 Star with (1-3-4) while in Sunday's 2-1 triumph over Fort Wayne, he engineered (1-1-2) including the game's FG and the game's #1 Star. In his team's 3-games this week, he was 3(2-5-7) with a masterful +6 rating.

THE MATT MEAGER METER: First-year goaltender Matt Lundin is enjoying a perfect personified exemplified start to his pro career this year. The former U. of Maine and Mercyhurst College human puck detour has essayed a record of 3(3-0-0) in his first 3-starts with a 5-3 victory Wednesday night in Port Huron the latest in his trumping "tri-fecta." With 2 of his 3-victories coming in OT, Lundin has compiled an excellent GAA of 2.60 and SPCT of .913. He has accounted for both of Muskegon's victories on the road at this hour of the campaign.

UNEVEN STRENGTH STAUNCH: Once maligned, now shimmering shined, that is the masterfully improved condition of the Lumberjacks special teams under the doctrine according to Coach Kromm. In Friday night's 6-3 defeat of Flint, the 'Jacks power play established a season-high with 4-PPG. Now 8 for the last 21 for a conversion rating of 38.1%, the Lumber-jacks, for the season, have skyrocketed to #2 in the IHL 14-67 for a mark of 20.9%. Not to be overshadowed has been the prowess of the penalty-killing cast. Muskegon has defused 24 of the last 26-advantages afforded the adversary for a rating of a brilliant 92.3%.

MAKING MILESTONES MATTER: When he assisted on linemate Todd Robinson's first TBG of the game Wednesday night in Port Huron, Robin Bouchard attained his 1,000th point exclusive to his Muskegon career. Bouchard (498) is 2-assists away from the Muskegon 500. Goaltender Sebastien Centomo played in his 300th pro game Friday night in backstopping the 'Jacks to a 6-3 triumph over Flint. John DiPace reached the 200-assists mark in his pro career against his former Flint team Friday. Travis Banga (298) is 2-points shy of pro career 300. For his entire pro career, Todd Robinson is nearly averaging an assist a game with 679-assists in 681-games. Head Coach Rich Kromm (138) is 11-wins away from tying Todd Nelson (149) for most Muskegon coaching victories.

FEW FUN FAST FACTS FROM "FIC": When scoring the game's FG, the 'Jacks are 7(6-1-0). When leading after 2-periods, they are unbeaten 8(7-0-1). Leading after the first period, they are perfect at 6(6-0-0). Muskegon is the best first period team in the IHL, outscoring the opposition overall, 18-8 and at home, 13-4. The 'Jacks are undefeated on Sunday this year at 3(3-0-0) with all 3-wins coming at home. Tom Galvin tops all IHL defense in goals with 4. On consecutive home games the past weekend, the 'Jacks yielded the fewest SOGA at 21, Friday against Flint, and, again, Sunday vs. Fort Wayne.

THE LUMBERJACKS GAME CALENDAR FOR THIS WEEK:

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18TH PORT HURON AT THE LUMBERJACKS 10:30 AM

For the second straight Wednesday, the two long-time rivals will renew hostilities with the 'Jacks leading the season series, 2(2-0-0). Muskegon prevailed in Port Huron's first appearance here on October 25th, 4-1, before besting the Icehawks, 5-3 at McMorran Place Arena November 11th. This is the Lumberjacks annual "Education Day" game.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20TH THE LUMBERJACKS AT FORT WAYNE 8:00 PM

The second clash in less than one week's time following the 'Jacks 2-1 shading of the K's last Sunday in Muskegon. The series is balanced at 2(1-1-0) with home ice advantage taking precedent in the previous two confrontations. The Komets claimed a 3-1 verdict over the 'Jacks back on October 31st in Muskegon's lone trip there thus far this season.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21ST QUAD CITY AT THE LUMBERJACKS 7:00 PM

For the first time in nearly 3-years, the Mallards return to Walker Arena to rekindle one of the all-time great league archrivalries. This will be the second meeting of the two teams with the Lumberjacks leading the series, 1(1-0-0) on the impetus of a thrilling 4-3 OT victory in Moline back on November 7th.

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 16, 2009


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