Sports stats



'Jacks Vault into Third Place

November 9, 2009 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release


'JACKS TRACKS: The Lumberjacks first 3-games in 3-nights weekend hatched major success as first-year Head Coach Rich Kromm's kinetic contingent completed its first undefeated week of the season at 3(2-0-1). In the process, Muskegon earned 5 of a possible 6-points, making the quantum leap from fifth to third place in the overall IHL standings. Confronted with a rather tortuous and arduous travelogue, undaunted and untrammeled, the Lumberjacks responded masterfully in gaining 3 of 4-points on an exorbitant expedition which transported them from Muskegon to Dayton and Dayton to Quad City, and finally back to Muskegon in three days time. With a mark of 9(5-3-1) totaling 11-points in the league alliance, Muskegon has catapulted into the #3 position in the league. The Lakeshore icers have surged to within a single point of 2nd place Port Huron 8(6-2-0)12 and 2-points in arrears of top spot and Bloomington 10(6-3-1)13. Muskegon has inflicted the league-leading Prairie Thunder with 2 of its 3-setbacks thus far this season in as many meetings with the Illinois squad. With only 3-points distinguishing the top 5-teams, "the Kromm crew" finds itself just 1-point above Fort Wayne 7(5-2-0)10 and upstart Dayton 10(4-4-2)10. Flint is sixth at 10(3-6-1)7 with Quad City occupying the seventh post at 6(1-4-1)3. This week, the Lumberjacks face a 3-games slate with a Wednesday trip to Port Huron to launch the mission. Then it's back home for a pair of key clashes with long-time familiar, fractious foes with Flint here Friday night followed by Fort Wayne Sunday at Walker Arena.

PRIMO PROMOS: Muskegon continues its 50 years celebration of pro hockey with even more premium "primo" promo-tions for both of its home games coming up this weekend at Walker Arena. Friday night when the 'Jacks tackle rival Flint, it will be "Ladies Night" and $1 Beer Night. On Sunday, it is another ever-popular "$5 Sunday at 5" for the rematch and the one that everyone has been waiting for. Round 2, as the Lumberjacks rekindle rancor with the two-time reigning League Champions, the Fort Wayne Komets.

TRIO TRUMP: Five out of a possible 6-points through three games in three nights the past weekend was Muskegon's most productive week thus far in the embryonic season. With that 3(2-0-1) mark, the 'Jacks included their second 2-game win skein of the year. Muskegon is beginning to flourish at this hour of the year. It is 6(4-1-1) in the last 6-starts and 8(5-2-1) in the last 8-dates. The Lumberjacks have yet to sustain back-to-back defeats thus far this season. For November; 3(2-0-1); for October 6(3-3-0). Last November the record was an outstanding 12(8-3-1); home: 6(5-1-0); road: 6(3-2-1).

HOMESTEAD STUDS: By claiming a 5-2 triumph over first place Bloomington Sunday, the Lumberjacks swelled their winning streak on home ice to 3-in a row; 3(3-0-0). For the season overall, they are a sparkling 5(4-1-0) which equals Port Huron for the second best home mark in the IHL. Dating back to last season, the 'Jacks have maintained their home magic and mastery; last 14(12-2-0); last 16(13-3-0).

DO THE BREAKTHROUGH: With their spine-tingling, spellbinding, riveting 4-3 OT triumph Saturday night in Moline, IL against archrival Quad City, the Lumberjacks became the last IHL club to capture a foreign ice warfare success. They had been bereft of victory in their initial 3-road excursions. The win also halted an 8-game winless spell abroad dating back to last season's playoffs; 8(0-7-1). Muskegon's last success away was back on 4/16/09 and Game #1 of the Turner Cup semi-finals in Port Huron where Muskegon prevailed, 5-4. Overall abroad, the Lumberjacks are 15(2-12-1) in the last 15-decisions.

THRIFTY & NIFTY: Since a rather inordinate yield of 7-GA back on October 23rd when the Lumberjacks incurred a 7-5 home setback inflicted by Dayton, Coach Kromm's club has expressed a dramatic and gigantic improvement on the defensive end. In the 6-games since that undoing, Muskegon has allotted a mere 13-GA for a GAA of a thrifty 2.10. In the process, the Lumberjacks have risen from 7th to 4th in league GA at 27 and a GAA of a shrinking 2.94. At home, in winning 3-in a row, they have out-goaled the visitors, 13-5 for a GFA of 4.33 and GAA of a minuscule 1.67. Meanwhile, Muskegon maintains the top spot for GF with 34 for a GFA of 3.78.

THE CENTER STAGE RAGE: Robin Bouchard is still #1 in IHL scoring with 9(5-8-13); John DiPace 9(4-8-12) is tied for 2nd, Todd Robinson 9(3-8-11) is tied for 5th, Tom Galvin 7(4-3-7) and Matt Krug 9(1-6-7) are ranked circuit 17th. Bouchard (8); DiPace (8); Robinson (8) are all tied for the lead in assists. Bouchard's 2-GWG top the IHL as do his 9-minor penalties. The Lumberjacks have the top 5 plus players in the IHL; 1-DiPace +8; Krug +8; Jason Lawmaster +7; Bouchard +6; Robinson +5. In Defense scoring, the 'Jacks list the top 2-point-meisters; Tom Galvin 7(4-3-7); Matt Krug 9(1-6-7). Galvin's 4-goals lead all of this season's IHL "D" class. Lawmaster 9(2-2-4) is 9th; Justin DaCosta 9(1-2-3) is ranked 16th. In IHL Rookie scoring, Krug is #1 9(1-6-7); Matt Robertson 9(3-1-4) is 4th; DaCosta 9(1-2-3) is 9th along with J.T. Dahlinger 8(0-3-3). Krug's 6-assists lead all league freshmen. In the goalkeeping category, Sebastien Centomo has skyrocketed meteorically to #3 in the IHL with a 2.69 GAA with is .917 SPCT tying him for 4th best. Centomo leads the league in MIN: 423:17 and is 2nd in SAVES with 209.

DI-"PACING" THE FIELD: Seven year veteran John DiPace is off to another quick getaway in the straightaway this season. This past weekend, he compiled two consecutive 2-point performances of 1-goal and 1-assist each in a thrilling 4-3 OT triumph Saturday night in Quad City and, again, Sunday, in his team's 5-2 verdict over Bloomington. Saturday night, he was hailed the game's #3 Star for delivering a late TBG/PPG and Sunday, he moved up to #2 Star billing in a 5-2 win over the Thunder. For the week, he was 3(2-2-4) with +2 rating 14-SOG. DiPace is the Lumberjacks nomination for Meijer / IHL Player of the Week.

GOAL WITH SOUL: Nine year goalkeeper Sebastien Centomo was at the top of his favorite game the past weekend in posting a 2(1-0-1) record while rebuking 70 of 74-SOG. He was Sebastien the scintillating Friday night in a 3-2 SO affair at Dayton, making a season-high 45-saves. Sunday, he was acclaimed the #3 Star as Centomo was the sensational in backstopping his team to a 5-2 triumph over Bloomington. For the week, he authored a magnificent 1.92 GAA and .946 SPCT. Centomo is the Lumberjacks nomination for Meijer / IHL Goaltender of the Week.

OVERTIME IS HIS TIME: Rookie goaltender Matt Lundin is enjoying an auspicious unveiling to the pro game; especially as it relates to doing extra time of hard labor. In making only his second pro start and first-ever on the road, the U. of Maine and Mercyhurst College product was simply scintillating in making 30-saves as he spurred his team to a dramatic and harrowing 4-3 OT triumph in the Quad Cities. In 2-pro starts, Lundin is a perfect 2(2-0-0) with both victories produced through the OT theater. Lundin is the Lumberjacks nomination for Meijer / IHL Rookie of the Week.

FRENCH WINE VINTAGE 999: The "Gun-Sling King," right wing Rockin' Robin Bouchard, for yet another magical moment stands on the precipice of even more Muskegon immortality. With his 4-points in the latter 2-games the past weekend; 2(1-3-4), he has amassed an amazing 999-Muskegon-only career points; (505-494-999). His next scoring point will be the 1,000th of his majestic Muskegon career. Furthermore, "Bouch Almighty" stands 51-Bouchardian Bazooka Blasts Boomed to become the greatest all-time goal-scoring virtuoso in minor pro hockey history at 683.

FLASHING HIS BADGE: Eleven-year veteran defenseman Jason Lawmaster is off to one of the better starts of his illustrious pro career. By achieving his second consecutive 1-goal, 1-assist, 2-points performance this season against Bloomington Sunday, he equaled an individual team best +3 rating in the 5-2 victory. For the season, "The Lawman" is 9(2-2-4) with a supreme +7 rating.

FIRST GOAL GALAXY: Attaining their best week thus this season, the Lumberjacks epitomized an offensive weaponry bent on profound scoring balance. In fact, no fewer than 4- team newcomers fashioned firsts in the form of first Muskegon goals. The first of the firsts was fired Friday night in Dayton by Bobby Bolt (TBG). The second of the firsts was wired by defenseman Ryan Palmer (FG) Saturday in Moline. On Sunday on home ice against Bloomington, Mark Cody and Justin DaCosta each contributed connections in a 4-goal unanswered first period juggernaut with DaCosta's first-ever pro goal proving to be the ultimate GWG. DaCosta, in fact, was named the game's #1 Star.

SHORTHAND BAND CAN: The past weekend witnessed vastly enriched penalty-killing from the club of 'Jacks. In 3-games, the shorthand band immobilized 14 of 15 adversarial man advantages for an efficiency rating of an excellent 93.3%. However, despite the major improvement, Muskegon is still rated circuit 7th at an elevated 77.8% on 42-54. As far as the power play is concerned, the Lumberjacks scored their first 2-PPG on foreign ice this season, going for 2 for the last 2 to end an 0-18 drought in their 4-3 OT win at Quad City Saturday night. Muskegon, overall, had been 0 for the last 17 with the extra man. The power play is ranked 5th in the IHL; 8-49; 16.3% proficiency.

THE MILESTONES TOME: Robin Bouchard (494) is 6-assists away from the Muskegon 500. Jason Lawmaster's 2-points Sunday surpassed the 300-points mark in his career. Goaltender Sebastien Centomo's next game will be the 300th of his pro career. Travis Banga (297) is 3-points from career 300. John DiPace (196) is 4-assists from career 200. Head Coach Rich Kromm (135) is 14-victories shy of tying Todd Nelson (149) for most Muskegon coaching wins.

FEW FUN FAST FACTS FROM "FIC": The 'Jacks are the best 1st period team in the IHL, outscoring the opposition, 13-5. The past weekend, they outscored their foes in the opening frame, 6-0. In Sunday's 5-2 win over Bloomington, the 'Jacks 18-SOG in the 1st period were a season-high while their 3-SOG in the second stanza were a season-low. With their OT win Saturday at Quad City, the'Jacks extended their win skein in OT dating back to last season to 6(6-0-0). They are 2(2-0-0) this season and 5(5-0-0) in OT abroad dating back to '08-09. Muskegon has now defeated Bloomington 5-straight times, outscoring them, 32-15 for a GFA of 6.40. The 'Jacks best 4-periods goal-scoring periods this season have been brewed against Bloomington; one 4-goal stanza and three 3-goal frames.

THE LUMBERJACKS GAME CALENDAR THIS WEEK:

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11TH THE LUMBERJACKS AT PORT HURON 7:00 PM

The second collision of the campaign and the first in McMorran Place Arena where the Icehawks saw their season opening 4-game win string severed in their last appearance in a 5-1 loss shouldered against Bloomington. The Lumberjacks are 1(1-0-0) against their East Michigan rivals by virtue of a 4-1 triumph back on October 25th in Muskegon.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13TH FLINT AT THE LUMBERJACKS 7:00 PM

The Generals come calling for the first time this season as the two teams rekindle animosities from a long, tradition-steeped archrivalry which dates back 40-years. It's Flint's 40th Anniversary and Muskegon's 50th. In the previous clash of these two titans back on the IHL's opening night, October 16th, the Generals prevailed on home ice over the Muskegonites, 3-1.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15TH FORT WAYNE AT THE LUMBERJACKS 5:00 PM

This will be the rematch; the one that everyone has been waiting for. Round 2 comes to the Muskegon den after a Komets, 3-1 victory in the earlier episode that evolved into a fight-filled infested affair that resulted in significant suspensions to the K's Brad MacMillan and the Lumberjacks Robin Big Snake.

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 9, 2009


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.

Other Recent Muskegon Lumberjacks Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central