League-Leading Lumberjacks Hit 100-Points Barrier
April 4, 2010 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release
`JACKS TRACKS: Having completed another masterful week of regular season activity by earning 5 of a maximum 6-points through an unblemished week of 3(2-0-1), the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the International Hockey League have inched ever so closer to the Huber Trophy Championship emblematic of IHL supremacy, superiority and sovereignty during regular season competition. Under the doctrine according to head coach Rich Kromm, the men of Muskegon lumber have elevated their season-long record to a sterling 70(48-18-4) totaling 100-points, achieving an 8-points advantage over two-time reigning Huber Trophy and Turner Cup king Fort Wayne 69(44-21-4)92-points with one game in hand on the hometown team. Meanwhile third place Port Huron 70(42-24-4)88-points, is a distant dozen points in arrears of the Muskegonites with both teams having played the same number of games at 70. The consummate model of excellence, the Muskegon franchise has attained the prestigious century points plateau for the seventh time over the past 11-seasons and with those 48-victories, the club is a scant 2-wins away from its fifth 50-wins' season and second under the auspices of Coach Kromm. The next order of business on the immediate horizon for the league-leaders is the final two weeks of the regular phase before the advent of the IHL Turner Cup Playoffs which are expected to launch on April 23rd. For the Lumberjacks, 6-more games await them with 5 of those representing invasions into the hostile temperament of alien territory with three of those coming up on the docket for the second to last week of the campaign. It's a strenuous stretch of 4-games in 5-days this week with a trio of those abroad as the "Kromm kinetic contingent" travels to Fort Wayne to wage warfare with the Komets on Wednesday night before trekking to Bloomington for a second consecutive Friday night date in the Central Illinois exotic burg. The lone home game for the week is the Lumberjacks regular season home finale Saturday night when the archrivals, Flint Generals come to town on the annual "Awards Night." It's the first game of a two-game home-and-home series for the two long-time standing foes with the second installment Sunday in a 4:00 pm matinee at Flint's Perani Arena.
HOME FINALE RALLY: It has become a rich tradition in Muskegon and a true staple of the home regular season finale for the past 50-years at Walker Arena. This Saturday night, the Lumberjacks will present their annual "AWARDS NIGHT" as they play host to the Flint Generals at 7:00 pm. In special pre-game ceremonies, Lumberjacks players will be honored for outstanding individual and team-oriented achievements over the course of the 76-games' schedule. In addition, BELL'S OF WHITEHALL has come through, again, with another fabulous giveaway night in the form of a beautiful recliner for a lucky Lumberjacks fan.
HALLOWED HUBER HUNT: With another exemplary week consisting of 3-unsullied starts; 3(2-0-1), netting 5 of a possible 6-points, the lustrous league-leading Lumberjacks have upgraded and elevated their league-best record to a sparkling 70(48-18-4) for 100-points and .714 winning percentage. This is the franchise seventh 100-points season in the past 11-years as it also stands on the precipice of 2-victories henceforth from its fifth 50-victories' season. The latest Lumberjacks unsullied streak has climbed to 7-consecutively at 7(6-0-1); last 10-games; 10(8-1-1). Thus far, through 32-games in the season's second-half, the Muskegon icers have composed a standout mark of 32(22-9-1) for a win percentile of .703. Muskegon has garnered the IHL's 3-longest win streaks this season; 9-in a row; 7-consecutively and 6-in succession. They have also engineered the IHL's longest undefeated skein of the season at 10(9-0-1). The monthly precincts reporting: 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 13(7-5-1); April 2(2-0-0).
"30 GURTY" GLORY: The Lumberjacks home ice polish and prowess this season has been extraordinary. In recording their 5-2 trumping and thumping of the Quad Citians Saturday night, "Kromm's Cast" saw it's latest home win streak steep to 5-in a row; last 5(5-0-0). In the process, Muskegon's main men of hockey pride and prominence attained the prestigious 30-victories barrier, having accrued the amount in only 37-home games; 37(30-7-0). The 30-wins are 5-more than all of the IHL with the team's last shortfall at "The L.C." incurred back on March 10th at the expense of the Mallards. Muskegon's win percentage on home ice stands at a dynamic .811. Their second-half home mark stands at 17(14-3-0); .824. Previously during this current campaign, Muskegon has matched the IHL's longest home win streak at 11-in a row with its second best being one of 8-straight victories.
TOTE BOARD ABROAD: The past week, the "Jackeroos" endured a rather exorbitant and inordinate travelogue for a pair of foreign ice tests in Dayton and Bloomington respectively. Undaunted and untrammeled, the top spot sparkplugs spirited away 3 of a possible 4-points in a pair of spellbinding, spine-tingling extra time tussles. In the process, they advanced their road record to a league-best 33(18-11-4) with the 11-setbacks being 3-less than the entire league front. The win percentage abroad has soared to a superlative .606. In their last 5-away; 5(3-1-1) with the last loss being back on March 17th in Bloom-ington. Muskegon's longest road win streak this year has been 5-in a row which is the second best in the loop and their longest unbeaten abroad skein a league-best 11(8-0-3).
MICROSCOPIC TOPIC: The aces of the first place pace have been in the defensive mode in recent vintage in their persistent pursuit of Huber Trophy tribute and royal and regal repute. During their present tense 7-game undefeated skein; 7(6-0-1), they have grudgingly surrendered only 14-GA for GAA of an avarice 1.98. Moreover, in compiling a mark of 10(8-1-1) the past 10-starts, the `Jacks have allotted only 21-GA for a GAA of 2.03. At home, during the current 5-game win streak, the GA is 9 for a GAA of 1.80; on the road in the last 5(3-1-1), the GA is 11 for a GAA of 2.16.
TOP LINE LUMINARIES: The first place Lumberjacks continue with a most prominent and dominant presence in the major league-wide categories. The top scoring league-wide artisans: 1- Todd Robinson 68(19-80-99); 2- Robin Bouchard 65(58-38-96); 13- John DiPace 52(23-35-58); 17- Brian Bicek 70(22-31-53). In Goals: 1- Bouchard (58); In Assists: 1- Robinson (80); In PPG: 1- Bouchard (18); In PP/Assists: 1- Robinson (32); In GWG: 2- Bouchard (9); 3- (tied) Bicek (6). In GWG/OT/SO: 1- Bouchard (3); 2- Robinson (2); Damian Surma (2). In MG: 1- Bouchard (14). In Hat Tricks: 1- (tied) Bouchard (3). In SOG: 1- Bouchard (317); In Plus/Minus: 1- DiPace (+31); 6- Robinson (+23); Bouchard (+23); 7- J.T. Dahlinger (+22). In OTSO Goals: 3- Robinson 4/7; 6- Surma 3/6. In SPCT: 3- Bouchard 58/317; .183. Rookie Scoring: 6- Matt Krug 69(13-31-44); 8- Matt Robertson 70(19-23-42); 15- Dahlinger 69(9-22-31). In PPG: 3- (tied) Krug (8); In PP/Assists: 2- Krug (13). In Minors: 1- Krug (38). In Assists: 2- (tied) Krug (31); In PIM: 1- Krug (201); 4- Mark Cody (120). In Majors: 3- Krug (17); 4- Cody (14). In Plus/Minus: 3- Dahlinger (+22); 6- Krug (+17). In Defense Scoring: 1- (tied) Krug 69(13-31-44); 10- David Rohlfs 66(13-13-26); 12- Adam Welch 62(6-18-24). In Goals: 1- Krug (13); Rohlfs (13). In Assists: 3- Krug (31). In PPG: 1- Krug (8); In PP/Assists: 3- Krug (13); In SOG: 2- Krug (160); In GWG: 1- (tied) Rohlfs (3). In the Goaltending department: 3- Sebastien Centomo GAA: 2.53; 4- Matt Lundin GAA: 2.75. WINS: 1- Centomo (26); 4- (tied) Lundin (20). In OTSO/WINS: 1- (tied) Lundin (5). SHUTOUTS: 1- (tied) Centomo (3); 4- Lundin (2). In SPCT: 5- Centomo (.911); Lundin (.911). In OTSO/SPCT: 3- Lundin 12/16; .762.
POCKET ROCKET: Jet-streaming center Brian Bicek has been "rocking the casbah" with his goal-scoring and point- producing exploits. "Ice-Bice-Baby" was a one-man wrecking crew Saturday night in his team's 5-2 victory verdict over Quad City. When his team erupted volcanically to the torrid tune of 5-second period strikes, he was at the focal point with lightning coming out of his turbo-charged skates. The WMU product wired a pair missiles that seemed to split the night's air in a rapid-fire fashion :34, shattering the 1-1 and opening the floodgates to the convincing conquest in the contest. Bicek was actually instrumental in his line's 3-goal blitz in 3:19, assisting on linemate Matt Robertson's IG as he as named the game's #1 Star. It was his 4th multiple goal game of the season. One night earlier, the "Jackeroos" `Pocket Rocket' delivered a suspenseful, pressure-filled OTSO strike in Bloomington to prolong the sudden-death version of the extra session, setting the stage for the ultimate GWG strike stoked one shot later by Bobby Bolt. For the week; 3(2-2-4) with a +2 rating and 10-SOG. In his last 5-games; 5(4-4-8). Bicek is the Lumberjacks nomination for Meijer / IHL Player of the Week.
DEAN LUNDIN GA LEAN: First year goalkeeper Matt Lundin continues to flash his leather larceny when called upon in the clutch. The Mercyhurst College human puck detour fashioned a major masterpiece the past Friday night in his club's dramatic 2-1 OTSO victory in Bloomington. For a second straight start, he was hailed the game's #1 Star in repelling 40 of 41-SOG in regulation and another 4 of 6-attempts in the thrilling theater of the OTSO sudden death segment. Of his 20-wins this season, 8 have been the product of extra time; 3-OT/wins and 5-OTSO/wins. For the week; 1(1-0-0) with a minuscule 0.93 GAA and .976 SPCT. In his last 2-starts; 2(2-0-0) with a 0.94 GAA. Lundin is the Lumberjacks nomination for Meijer / IHL Goaltender of the Week.
M.ROBBY ROOKIE SOOKIE: Emerging standout left wing Matt Robertson is enjoying an outstanding second-half to his first-ever pro season. The past week was another excellent one for "Bert the Alert." Connecting on a goal in 2 of his team's 3-games, he authored 3-points in 3-games; 3(2-1-3) with both of his snipes vitally important. He triggered the game's FG in the `Jacks 4-3 OT affair in Dayton before delivering (1-1-2) as an integral spoke in the wheel of his line's 3-goal barrage in 3:19 during his club's 5-goal second period powder keg in Saturday night's 5-2 dismissal of Quad City. In his last 5-games; 5(3-3-6); last 16-games; 16(10-7-17). For the second consecutive week, Robertson is the Lumberjacks nomination for Meijer / IHL Rookie of the Week.
THE CENTOMO "MOJO": Nine-year pro Sebastien Centomo completed a two-games work week with an unscathed record of 2(1-0-1). With his 5-2 decision over Quad City, he not only became the IHL's winningest goaltender with 26-victories but also ran his personal home ice win streak to a remarkable 10-consecutive games; last 10(10-0-0). His composite home mark for the season is a brilliant 21(18-3-0) for a win percentile of a superb .857.
THE J.T. 3 & 3: First year right wing J.T. Dahlinger came to the forefront for his team's 5-2 marooning of the Mallards on home ice Saturday night. Reunited with his season-long linemates, Brian Bicek and Matt Robertson, the Ferris State product was on the fast track as he orchestrated the adept and adroit arrangements on all 3 of his line's goals in 3:19. For the Saturday night fast-flight, he garnered 3-assists in 3:19 and laid claim to a stellar +3 rating.
B. BOLT JOLT: Left wing Bobby Bolt is another emerging to enjoy and contribute in the second-half of the season for "good guys" in first place. Friday night in Bloomington, with his team's third sudden-death OTSO shot and sixth overall in the showdown shootout scenario, he buried a blistering blast to send the `Jacks back home with the GWG and silence the local partisans. It was Bolt's first OTSO shot this season and it was indubitably apropos that he sizzle it on the road; especially considering that all 6 of his season-long goals have also been Bolt-brewed in the arenas of hostile temperament.
FOUR-FOUR FOR TWO: The recently combined defensive tandem of Jason Lawmaster and Nick Schneider paid some huge and handsome dividends for the hometown team the past Saturday night. In the 5-2 sinking of the "Ducks" both Lawmaster and Schneider made major contributions. "The Lawman" flashed his badge by delivering 2-assists while Schneider gained a key assist on the GWG from Brian Bicek. However, that was not even the best part of their respective nights. Both Lawmaster and Schneider achieved brilliant +4 ratings to equal the `Jacks best single game individual performance this season.
SPECIALTY SYNOPSIS: Ranked #2 in the league, the Lumberjacks power play has been productive in recent action. It is 7 for the last 23; 30.4% proficiency; 14 for the last 44; 31.8% and 21 for the last 69; 30.5%. The `Jacks 67-PPG rank tied for first in the IHL with Port Huron. As far as the penalty-killing unit is concerned, Muskegon is rated the league's third best. The PK is 24 for the last 26; 92.3% efficiency rating; 39 for the last 43; 90.7%; 57 for the last 64; 90%.
FAME FROM THE GAME: Billy Collins became only the sixth player in modern franchise history to play 400-games for Muskegon the past Wednesday night in Dayton. Damian Surma's GTG in the first minute that spurred the `Jacks 5-goal second period spree Saturday night against Quad City, represented the 300th point of his pro career. Michel Beausoleil (245) is 5-goals away from pro career 250. Brian Bicek ((92) is 8-points from 100. John DiPace (389) is 11-points from pro career 400.
FEW FUN FAST FACTS FROM "FIC": When Dayton prevailed last Wednesday night in a 4-3 OT affair, it ended the `Jacks OT 8-game win streak dating back to last season. The `Jacks were 4(4-0) this season. With their 2-1 OTSO win Friday in Bloomington, the `Jacks pushed their win streak in the OTSO this year to 6-in a row. The 5-goal second period barrage Saturday night over Quad City was Muskegon's second best single period offensive output of the season. Brian Bicek now owns the season's individual bests for fastest 2-goals in :34 and fastest 3-goals in 2:37. When the Lumberjacks are either leading or tied after the second period, their record is 48(43-1-4).
THE LUMBERJACKS GAME CALENDAR THIS WEEK:
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 7TH THE LUMBERJACKS AT FORT WAYNE 7:30 PM
The Lumberjacks and the Komets collide for the 11th and final time for the regular phase of 2009-10 and the sixth time in Indiana. On the strength of two consecutive victories in the span of a week back on March 20th, ( 4-3 verdict in Fort Wayne) and March 26th (4-1 triumph at home), the Lumberjacks have clinched the season series for the second straight season; this year, it is currently, 10(6-4-0). Muskegon is 5(2-3-0) in Fort Wayne.
FRIDAY, APRIL 9TH THE LUMBERJACKS AT BLOOMINGTON 8:00 PM
For the second time in a week, the Lumberjacks journey to Central Illinois to tangle with the Prairie Thunder. Muskegon tops the season series at 11(9-2-0) and 5(4-1-0) on the road. This game may serve as a sneak-peek preview of the opening round of the Turner Cup playoffs later this month.
SATURDAY, APRIL 10TH FLINT AT THE LUMBERJACKS 7:00 PM
SUNDAY, APRIL 11TH THE LUMBERJACKS AT FLINT 4:00 PM
The long-time rivals lock antlers for the 11th and 12th times this season with the `Jacks on top at 10(6-3-1). They are 5(4-1-0) at home and 5(2-2-1) on the road at the Perani Arena. Muskegon has gained its best GFA against the Generals this season, striking for 46-GF in 10-games for a GFA of 4.60.
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 April 4, 2010
- League-Leading Lumberjacks Hit 100-Points Barrier - Muskegon Lumberjacks
- Lumberjacks Weekly Notes - Muskegon Lumberjacks
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