Lumberjacks Cap January Schedule With Stellar Record
January 31, 2010 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release
`JACKS TRACKS: Completing another highly-successful three games' work week with a 3(2-1-0) record and continued residence in the IHL's most swank penthouse suite, the Muskegon Lumberjacks will now cast their collective eyes on the month of February as they look to continue to build their league-leadership. Under the dogma according to head coach Rich Kromm, the league-leaders have already launched the second-half of their sometimes tedious 76-games' schedule with a sound and solid record of 5(4-1-0) while completing their January 13-games' agenda with a masterful mark of 13(10-3-0)). In the process, the men of Muskegon pro hockey fame and fortune have elevated their overall season record to an IHL-best 43(30-10-3) totaling 63-points. The past week, Coach Kromm's kinetic contingent broached the slate on a rather downbeat note, trembling at last place Flint, Monday night, 4-2, before rebounding with a pair of key, clutch triumphs to irrigate their grip on the league's top spot over second place Port Huron. Wednesday night, in stirring comeback fashion, the first place Muskegonites snatched victory from the jaws of defeat by surmounting a 2-1 third period deficit to overtake the Icehawks at Walker Arena, 3-2. It was Muskegon's second consecutive triumph in the span of 10-days over Port Huron with both of those encounters being showdowns for first place. The Lumberjacks culminated the week at Bloomington on Saturday night with a 6-3 dismissal of the Prairie Thunder. This week, the `Jacks will host the Prairie Thunder in a pair of home performances to broach the IHL schedule for February. Friday night and Saturday night Bloomington comes to town to lock horns with the Lumberjacks at Walker Arena.
PROMOTION IN MOTION: It's "Snowfest" Week this week in downtown Muskegon. When the first place Lumberjacks tangle with Bloomington this upcoming weekend, it will $1 Beer Night Friday night with "Snowfest" activities enveloping the downtown district and Walker Arena both nights on hockey night.
30 THRIVING: The league-leading Lumberjacks are the first team in the IHL thus far this season to attain the 30-victories plateau and it took only 43-games to scale that momentous, monumental mountain. With their 3(2-1-0) record for the last week in January, the `Jacks have elevated their overall season mark to a sparkling 43(30-10-3) totaling 63-points and.733 winning percentage. Their 30-wins lead the league while their 10-setbacks are the league-least. Muskegon has won 2-in a row; it is a dynamic 9(8-1-0) in the last 9-starts; last 12(10-2-0); last 20(15-5-0). Since inaugurating the current campaign with a rather mundane, nondescript record of 6(3-3-0) log, the Lumberjacks have compiled an extraordinary record of 37(27-7-3) in the last 37-decisions. The longest win streaks of the season have been 9-in row and 6-in succession with the longest overall unsullied skein set at 10(9-0-1). Remarkably, only once this season have the Lumberjacks incurred back-to-back defeats. The monthly returns: October 6(3-3-0); November 12(9-1-2); December 12(8-3-1); January 13(10-3-0).
HOMEMAKING MAGIC: Although they faced only a single home appearance the past week, the last week in January, the Lumberjacks, nevertheless, continued to upgrade the home cause. In dispatching Port Huron Wednesday night in the epic encounter, 3-2, Muskegon advanced and otherwise enhanced its home record to a league best 23(19-4-0) for a win percentage of a molten-lava hot.826. They are currently riding the rising tidal wave of a 7-game win streak on home ice, having not yet sustained the stigma of a home ice setback in the new calendar year of 2010. In fact, their last undoing on the homestead front was back on December 26th when they were humbled by two-time defending league titlist Fort Wayne in a 7-2 somber, sobering scenario. Muskegon is one victory hence from matching its longest home streak of this campaign at 8-straight triumphs.
BEST ROAD ACT FACT: With their emphatic 6-3 conquest of the Prairie Thunder in Bloomington to cap the week the past Saturday night, the league-leading Lumberjacks heightened their foreign affairs front to a league-best 20(11-6-3), having prevailed in 2 of their last 3 and 3 of their last 5-endeavors outside the home camp. Their 11-away wins equal Port Huron for the most in the loop. Muskegon's 6-road setbacks represent the fewest in the IHL. The longest road win skein this season has been 5-in a row; the longest overall unblemished streak has been 11-consecutive expeditions abroad; 11(8-0-3).
HARMONIC CONVERGENCE: Five games into the second half of the schedule, having assembled a strong record in that short span of a 5(4-1-0) mark, the first place Lumberjacks have been combining their prolific persona offensive arsenal with an injury-riddled stingy and stellar defense emerging prominently in both key categories at this juncture of the season. The Lumberjacks, once again, ride, again, as the circuit's sovereigns offensively, having scored 152-GF in 43-games for a GFA of 3.53. Defensively, the `Jacks have been stingy and stubborn, having allotted only 20-GA in their last 9-games for a GAA of a miserly, microscopic 2.22. Coach Kromm's crew has been especially effective on home ice where they have yielded a minuscule 9-GA during their present 7-game win streak for a GAA of a brilliant 1.29.
PRIME TIME TIMBER: The Lumberjacks have been dominating the league-wide leaders all season long. Scoring Leaders: 1- Robin Bouchard 43(36-32-68); 2- Todd Robinson 42(15-49-64); 11- John DiPace 25(12-25-37); 16- Matt Krug 43(11-19-30); In Goals: 1- Bouchard (36); In Assists: 1- Robinson (49); 2- (tied) Bouchard (32); In PPG: 1- Bouchard (10); In PP/Assists: 1- Robinson (21); 5 - John DiPace (10). In GWG: 1- Bouchard (7); 4- Brian Bicek (4); In MG: 1- Bouchard (10). In SOG: 1- Bouchard (190); In SPCT: 2- Bouchard 36/190;.189. In Plus/Minus: 2- Bouchard +24; 3- DiPace +23; 5- Robinson +20. In Minors: 1- Russ Smith (37); 5- Matt Krug (25); In PIM: 3- Smith (159); 4- Krug (145). In Rookie Scoring: 2- Krug 43(11-19-30); 10- Matt Robertson 43(7-13-20); 15- J.T. Dahlinger 42(6-10-16). In Assists: 1- Krug (19); In PPG: 2- Krug (6); In PPA: 3- Krug (7). In SOG: 5- Krug (104); In PIM; 1- Krug (145); 3- Mark Cody (101); In Majors: 3- Krug (11); Cody (11). In Plus/Minus: 3- Krug (+17); 4- Dahlinger (+12) In Defense Scoring: 1- (tied) Krug 43(11-19-30); 11- Russ Smith 42(4-11-15); 14- Adam Welch 35(4-9-13); In PPG: 1- (tied) Krug (6); In SOG: 2- Krug (104); In GWG: 2- Krug (2);; In Goals: 1- Krug (11). In the Goaltending Department; Sebastien Centomo leads the IHL WINS: 20; GPI: 32; STARTS: 31; MIN: 1,752:11; SAVES: 743; SHUTOUTS: (tied) 3. Centomo's 2.47 GAA ranks him 3rd, Matt Lundin at 2.65 GAA is listed 6th.
ROBIN REVVING: The "Gun-Sling King," right wing Rockin' Robin Bouchard's record-breaking, history-making season continues to unfurl with 20-goals the magic number to achieve minor pro hockey immortality. The league's leading scorer enjoyed a masterful month of January as he topped his team in scoring, again, with 20-points in 13-games on 12-goals and 8-assists with 34-PIM, 3-GWG, 3-PPG, 2-FG and 1-TBG along with a team-high 64-SOG. As Muskegon's top point-meister for January, "Bouch Almighty" registered scoring points in 11 of his club's 13-January games being named the game's #1 Star in 4-different games for the month. His prodigious monthly output included the first-ever 4-goal game of his career and 5-multi-point games. His 663-career goals are 20 from the record of 683 and his 36-goals thus far this season are 10-more strikes stoked than any other player in the IHL. Bouchard is the Lumberjacks nomination for Meijer / IHL Player of the Month for January.
"SEA-BASS" BARRICADE: Goaltender Sebastien Centomo has never been better as he is at the top of his game of fortune and fame. For January, the 9-year pro started 10 of his team's 13-games, posting 2-shutouts for the month and a thrifty and nifty 2.69 GAA. His record for the month was a superlative 9(7-2-0) with a.906 SPCT. He has been supreme both home and away this season; on home ice; 16(13-3-0); on the road: 13(7-4-2). Currently on personal 7-game win streak, Centomo, the past week, fashioned an undefeated record 2(2-0-0) with a 2.50 GAA and.919 SPCT. Centomo is the Lumberjacks nomination for Meijer / IHL Goaltender of the Month and IHL Goaltender of the Week.
A FEW FROM MATTHEW: First-year defenseman Matt Krug has left an indelible impression on his initial season of pro hockey here in Muskegon. The erstwhile Wayne State U., and Robert Morris U. product enjoyed an extraordinary month of January. In fact, he averaged better than a point a game, collecting 14-points in 13-games on 6-goals, 8-assists with 40-PIM and a team-best +8 rating. Muskegon's 4th leading scorer for the month also topped his team in PPG with 4 and was 2nd on the club in SOG with 43. His monthly numbers included 4-PPG, 2-GWG and 1-FG. For the past week, he was 3(2-1-3), delivering the GTG/PPG in the third period comeback Wednesday night, producing the 3-2 verdict over Port Huron before being named the #3 Star Saturday night with (1-1-2) in the `Jacks 6-3 defeat of Bloomington. Krug is the Lumberjacks nomination for Meijer / IHL Rookie of the Month and Rookie of the Week.
"ICE-BICE-BABY": Swift-skating center Brian Bicek has emerged as a major offensive force and factor for the first place Lumberjacks. The diminutive and dynamic sparkplug engineered another fleet week of goal and point productivity for his league-leading team. Essaying points in all 3-contests, the WMU product collected 4-points on 2-goals, 2-assists with +2 rating and 7-SOG. In Saturday night's 6-3 skewering of Bloomington, he had the velvet touch, streamlining a pair of strikes, including the game's FG, his 4th in that category this season. Later, he followed with the GWG in the middle stanza, also his 4th of the season in the latter department. He achieved a scintillating +3 rating in that latter contest and was hailed the game's #1 Star. In his last 8-games; 8(5-6-11); last 20(10-9-19). He was Muskegon's second best plus player for January at +7. Bicek is the Lumberjacks nomination for Meijer / IHL Player of the Week.
STREAK STRUCK: The franchise second all-time leading scorer, center Todd Robinson continues his role as the consum-mate playmaker extraordinaire. In three games the past week, he was 3(0-4-4) with 3-of those helping arrangements adeptly and adroitly authored in the Saturday night 6-3 victory at Bloomington where he was accorded the game's #2 Star. The IHL's second leading scoring svengali has extended his latest point-scoring scourge to 11-games with 18-points in that span on 2-goals, 16-assists. For the season, "T. Rob" tops the loop with 49-assists, 17-assists ahead of his linemate Robin Bouchard who is currently holding down the runner-up position.
BEAUS KNOWS: The Lumberjacks most recent acquisition, 9-year veteran right wing Michel Beausoleil has stepped right in sharply and smartly to inject that elixir of offense that the home town team was looking for when they obtained him. The Montreal, PQ native has already uncorked 6-goals in 8-games with each and everyone of them of major impact, import and magnitude. Thus far 3 of his goals have been of the power play variety with 2-more being GWG. He has also contributed one 2-goal game already as well.
THE SPECIAL TEAMS TORRID: The Lumberjacks power play has surged to a lofty second best in the IHL, operating at 20.4% proficiency and climbing at 40-196 with those 40-PPG being second most in the league. In recent vintage, the power play is 9 for the last 28; 32.1% proficiency rating and 16 for the last 54; 29.6%. The success of the penalty-killing outfit has actually superseded the superiority of the man advantage team. The `Jacks PK has immobilized 27 of the last 29; 93.1%; 39 for the last 42; 92.9% and 49 for the last 53; 92.5%.
MILESTONES STUDY: Right wing Michel Beausoleil (496) is 4-points away from the pro 500. Center Todd Robinson (988) is 12-points away from pro career 1,000. In 711-pro games, Robinson, remarkably has earned 714-career assists. In 537 Muskegon career games, "T.Rob" has amassed 574-assists. Robin Bouchard (798) is 2-games away from 800-career games with Muskegon. The winningest coach in franchise annals, Rich Kromm laid claim to his 160th Muskegon career coaching when his `Jacks defeated Bloomington Saturday night, 6-3.
FEW FUN FAST FACTS FROM "FIC": The Lumberjacks are the best first period team in the IHL, outscoring their adversaries, 56-34 overall, and 30-13 at home. With their 6-3 triumph Saturday night, the Lumberjacks have defeated Bloomington 9-consecutive times; 9(9-0-0), dating back to last season; road: 5(5-0-0) ; home: 4(4-0-0). Muskegon has outscored Bloomington in the first period this season, 16-3. When they score 3-GF or more this season, the `Jacks have posted a scintillating record of 27(24-1-2). Muskegon leads the league in third period comeback victories with 5. When the `Jacks came from behind last Wednesday night to overtake Port Huron, it represented Muskegon's second victory in the span of 10-days against Port Huron with both showdown games for sole possession of first place.
THE LUMBERJACKS UPCOMING GAME CALENDAR THIS WEEK:
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5TH BLOOMINGTON AT THE LUMBERJACKS 7:00 PM
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6TH BLOOMINGTON AT THE LUMBERJACKS 7:00 PM
The second and third games of three consecutive games for the Lumberjacks against the Prairie Thunder. Muskegon has dominated thus far this season with a 6(6-0-0) distinct advantage, outscoring the Illinois entry, 32-15. The Lumberjacks are 3(3-0-0) at home, out-goaling the Thunder, 14-5 and 3(3-0-0) on the road. Overall, the league-leaders have a 9-game win streak intact against Bloomington.
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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