Sports stats



Lumberjacks Cap Pre-Christmas Schedule on a High Note

December 22, 2008 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release


LUMBERJACKS LINES: Despite having a roster riddled and ravaged with a myriad of maladies plaguing their depth of the defensive corps, the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the International Hockey League have epitomized and embodied substantial breadth and character as the team and the league pauses for a brief holiday season recess. Under the stewardship of third year head coach Bruce Ramsay, the Lumberjacks of Lumbertown completed their pre-Christmas schedule with a mighty, momentous, monumental victory over co-league leading Port Huron on the road Sunday.

In the process, the "Ramsay Rendition" remained in a major contending role for the league's regular season diadem. Having played the least number of games in the league with 22, the Lumberjacks have significant games in hand on all other member clubs in the circuit. Through those first 22-games, the Muskegonites have compiled the league's second best winning percentage of .614 through a superb mark of 22(13-8-1) totaling 27-points and a strong fourth place position in the league standings. At the break, the ‘Jacks find themselves a mere 5-points behind the league's co-leaders, Kalamazoo 25(16-9-0)32-points with 3-games in hand on the torrid Wings whose latest win skein has reached 4-in a row.

They are a gaudy 17(14-3-0) in their last 17-outings and have equaled Muskegon for longest home win streak of the season at 7-in a row. In trailing Port Huron 28(16-12-0) 32-points, Muskegon holds 6-games in hand on the Icehawks who are 10(7-3-0) in their last 10-decisions, having won 5-in a row and 10 of their last dozen dates abroad; 12(10-2-0). The ‘Jacks have crept within 2-points of third place Fort Wayne 24(14-9-1) 29-points. Muskegon owns 2-games in hand on the K's who are 7(5-2-0) in their last 7-games.

On this Christmas week, the Lumberjacks will see action twice in as many nights this coming weekend with both bouts to be waged and staged against the two top teams currently sharing first place distinction; Port Huron and Kalamazoo. Friday night, the night after Christmas, the Jacks will stage and wage more foreign ice warfare in Port Huron against the Icehawks before returning home for a Saturday night date against archenemy Kalamazoo at Walker Arena. One week from this coming Tuesday, December 30th, the Lumberjacks will present their annual, ever popular "Carload Special" against Bloomington.

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS LOPPED: The Lumberjacks biggest promotion of the year, "$5 Friday" against the visiting, defending league champions, Fort Wayne Komets was postponed due to the inclement weather conditions. This game will be re-scheduled for a later date. Fans who purchased those special $5 tickets may retain them and use them for the re-scheduled game date once it is determined.

RECORD CALL OVERALL: By completing the past week with a 2(1-1-0) record, the Lumberjacks have elevated their overall season record to a superlative 22(13-8-1) for 27-points. Their winning percentile of .614 is runner-up in the loop behind Kalamazoo at .640. When they ambuscaded the Icehawks Sunday in Port Huron, 6-4, the Lumber-jacks halted their longest losing streak of the campaign at 3-in a row with their first triumph since a December 6th 4-1 home verdict over archrival Kalamazoo.

The ‘Jacks are 8(3-5-0) in their 8-dates and 12(6-5-1) in the last dozen decisions. Muskegon's 8-setbacks this season represent the fewest in the IHL. The longest win streak of the current campaign has been 4-in succession; 4(4-0-0); as well as 3-consecutively; 3(3-0-0). They have also attained an overall 4-game unsullied streak; 4(3-0-1). The monthly numbers thus far; October 4(3-1-0); November 12(8-3-1); December 6(2-4-0).

HOME-STEW BLUE BUT DUE: After launching the season with a brilliant 7-game home ice win streak; 7(7-0-0), the local icers of the Lakeshore community have stagnated at the hallowed confines of the "Hockey Barn of Bedlam." In the throes of their second 2-game home ice losing streak of this season, Muskegon has managed a record of 5(1-4-0) in the last 5-performances on home ice. For the season, their 12(8-4-0) mark is the second best in the IHL behind Kalamazoo's mark of 10(8-2-0). The ‘Jacks longest home ice win streak of the season is 7-in succession; 7(7-0-0).

ROAD RECORD RISE: The past weekend, the Lumberjacks divided the only two games played on the schedule, trembling in Fort Wayne Friday night, 6-4 before rebounding Saturday night winning by the same, exact replica result of 6-4 the following night in Port Huron. Through Sunday's success, the Lumberjacks, still, have yet to suffer back-to-back setbacks abroad thus far this season.

For the season, they have surpassed the .500 barrier at 10(5-4-1). The longest road victory streak of the season has been 2-in a row. Kalamazoo represents the lone league hamlet where Muskegon has yet to extract a victory 1(0-1-0). The 5-foreign ice successes have been duly recorded; Fort Wayne 3(2-1-0); Flint 2(1-0-1); Port Huron 2(1-1-0); Bloomington 2(1-1-0).

PROLIFIC TERRIFIC: The past weekend, the IHL's most prolific, high-tech, high-octane offense had its engines tuned to the finest purr. In ripping the chords to the tune of an adept and adroit 10-GF in 2-games, the ‘Jacks advanced their GFA for the season to a league-premiere 4.41. Remarkably, in 17 of their first 22-games this season, the Muske-gon full frontal offense has scored 4 or more goals in a single game; an extraordinary attainment. For the entire season to this point, the Lumberjacks have percolated a zesty 97-GF in 22-games. There have been only 5 of the first 22-games this season whereby the ‘Jacks have failed to generate 4-GF per game.

TOP DRAWER DYNAMOS: Center Todd Robinson 21(12-33-45) continues to maintain a healthy 8-points' lead atop the IHL scoring derby. His linemates, Luke Stauffacher 22(16-12-28) is 9th and Henry Kuster 21(12-15-27) is tied for 12th. Stauffacher's 16-goals tie him for the league leadership while Robinson's 33-assists top the loop. Stauffacher's 3-GWG tie him for 2nd most. Robinson (2) and Frank Littlejohn (2) share the league lead in SHG. Stauffacher 16/67; .239 is 4th and Chad Costello 7/31; .226 is league-wide 5th in goal scoring shooting accuracy. Darryl McArthur (+18) is the IHL's top premium plus player with Robinson listed #2 and climbing at +15.

In IHL rookie scoring, Maxime Lincourt 22(10-12-22) is ranked rookie runner-up with Chad Costello 6th 22(7-7-14) and Alec Kirschner 8th 21(2-9-11), Bill Bagron 16(2-7-9) is 10th. Lincourt (2) and Costello (2) share the rookie's top spot in GWG with 2-each. Lincourt's 10-goals tie him for the rookie lead in that category with his 12-assists ranked rookie #3. Costello 7/31; .226, Lincourt 10/55; .182 rank 2nd and and 4th respectively in goal-scoring shooting percentage. Lincourt's +11 rating ranks rookie #3. On defense, Darryl McArthur 22(4-16-20) is tied for 5th; Matt Gens 22(4-13-17) is 7th in scoring. McArthur's 16-assists rank tied for 3rd with Steven Later's 75-PIM and 5-majors both ranking him 2nd.

Gens (+11) is tied for 3rd best among the league's defensive stalwarts. In the seal of good goalkeeping department, Isaac Reichmuth ranks 5th with a 3.89 GAA with his 12-wins ranked as #2 best in the league. He leads the league in GPI with 20.

CHAD CHIMES IN: Promising rookie right wing Chad Costello continues his positive, premium growth with the Lumberjacks this season. The past week, the pride of Northeastern U. engineered 4-points in 2-games on 2-goals, 2-assists and +3 rating with 5-SOG. Saturday night at Fort Wayne, he delivered the GTG in his team's 6-4 setback inflicted by the Komets. The following night, in his team's 6-4 triumph at Port Huron, Costello was named the game's #1 Star with 3-points on 1-goal, 2-assists and 1-TBG. The former USHL and Northeastern U. scoring kingpin, Costello is the Lumberjacks nomination for Pepsi / IHL Player of the Week.

ISAAC EYES THE PRIZE: Third-year goalkeeper Isaac Reichmuth, in essence, has been the one and only goalie for virtually the entire campaign to this point. Having appeared in 20 of his team's 22-games and starting 18 of those, the former U. of Minnesota-Duluth star posted a past week's mark of 2(1-1-0), rebuking 85 of 94-shots for a .904 SPCT. Having accounted for 12 of the ‘Jacks 13-victories at this juncture of the season, Reichmuth, once again, is the Lumberjacks nomination for Southern Sports Supply / IHL Goaltender of the Week.

MAX FACTS: Talented center Maxime Lincourt continues to impress with his savvy and moxie as one of the more precocious newcomers in the IHL this season. The past weekend, the Montreal, PQ prodigy achieved two consecutive 2-point efforts; 2(1-3-4) with 7-SOG and excellent +4 rating. Following his 2-assists contribution in his team's 6-4 setback Friday night at Fort Wayne, the QMJHL product delivered the key touch-in-the-clutch GWG in the ‘Jacks 3-goal third period comeback counterattack crescendo that produced the 6-4 triumph. Presently enjoying a 3-games scoring streak; 3(2-3-5) and two-time winner of the IHL Rookie of the Week Award, Maxime Lincourt is the Lumberjacks nomination for Aquafina / IHL Rookie of the Week for this week.

HAIL HENRY!!: Veteran right wing Henry Kuster has found a new life as a major mogul for the Lumberjacks fortunes for this season. Collecting 4-points in 2-games the past weekend on 2(1-3-4), the former second round draft choice of the NHL Boston Bruins, essayed a pair of points in each contest. In the Saturday night undoing at Fort Wayne, he offered 2-helpers before making connection on 1-goal, 1-assist including the TBG in his club's bedazzling 6-4 victory at Port Huron. Kuster is currently enjoying his third 5-games' point streak of the season at 5(3-5-8) with an excellent +6 rating in that span.

WOOLY WAILS: High-powered left wing Chad Woollard is making inroads now with his always-dangerous goal-cannoneering enterprise and expertise. In Sunday's victory spirited away from Port Huron, he emanated and culminated the team and game's scoring with a pair of strikes, including the game's FG. For the week, he was a strong 2(2-0-2) with a healthy +3 rating and 13-SOG.

GENS GEMS: All-Star defenseman Matt Gens continues to be a major sparkplug for the ‘Jacks thus far this season. The former St. Cloud State U. standout connected on the key, pivotal GTG Sunday in the third period at Port Huron. His lightning-bolt shot heard reverberating all the way back to Muskegon equalized matters at 4-4 to set the stage for the harrowing climax to victory. For the weekend, he was 2(1-1-2) with 5-SOG, 4-PIM and a stellar +4 rating. In his last 13-games, Gens is averaging a point a game with 13(4-9-13).

FROM THE "MAC" WRACK: It was yet another strong, stellar weekend of all-star caliber play for defenseman Darryl McArthur. The 9-year pro generated 1-assist in each game while posting a +2 weekend. The league's foremost plus player at +18, McArthur's latest point scoring streak has reached 3-games with 4-assists in that span; 3(0-4-4). For the season, he is 22(4-16-20).

POWER PLAY PILL: The Lumberjacks power play power plant is in line for a major tune-up at this stage of the season. Ranked 5th in the league at 14.6% proficiency rating on 15-103, Muskegon has enjoyed 35-fewer power play advantages than any other team in the league. Their 15-PPG are 8-less than all other clubs in the league. The ‘Jacks power play has been impoverished to the tune of going only 1 for the last 25 or 4%; 2 for the last 45 for a conversion mark of a rather anemic 4.4%. The penalty-killing ensemble cast has also faltered recently.

Also ranked 5th in the IHL at 76.3%, 90-118, the Lumberjacks have seen the opposition connect on 5 for the last 10; 50%; 7 for the last 14; 50% and 8 for the last 19; for 42.1%. Though they have been shorthanded 18-times fewer than have the adversary, the Jacks have surrendered the second most PPGA at 28. The ‘Jacks do share the IHL lead with Fort Wayne in SHG artistry with 4 while having gained the regal distinction of being the lone IHL team not to surrender a SHGA thus far this season.

MAKING MILESTONES: Though he incurred an injury early in the game, defenseman Kyle Kos played in his 500th pro game Saturday night in Fort Wayne. With his 4-points the past weekend, Henry Kuster 2(1-3-4) has reached the 500-points plateau in his illustrious pro career. The past weekend, defenseman Matt Gens registered both his 100th and 101st points of his career. Billy Collins (291) is 9-games away from pro career 300. Head Coach Bruce Ramsay (97) is closing in on his 100th victory behind the Muskegon bench.

FEW FUN FAST FACTS FROM "FIC": With their 6-4 triumph at Port Huron Sunday, Muskegon severed a 5-game losing streak at McMorran Place Arena dating back to last season. Sunday's game in Port Huron was the ‘Jacks first Sunday game for this season. Sunday's game at Port Huron was the ‘Jacks 6th game on the season that had a 6-4 final result; the second in a row in as many nights the past weekend and the third in 5-meetings this season against Port Huron. The ‘Jacks are 6(2-4-0) overall in such outcomes; 3(1-2-0) against Port Huron as both of their setbacks in 5-clashes with the Icehawks thus far this season have been by the replica result of 6-4.

Muskegon has achieved a winning record against every team in the league with the exception being Bloomington 4(2-2-0). The ‘Jacks are unblemished this season when they enter the third period either tied or winning. When winning 8(8-0-0); when tied 4(4-0-0); 12(12-0-0). Muskegon's best period on the road this season continues to be the third period, outscoring the home team, 23-13.

WEEKEND REWIND: Following Friday night's home game postponement against defending champion Fort Wayne, the Lumberjacks were left with playing only 2-games in 2-nights; both on the road, dividing the two games at 2(1-1-0). Saturday night at Fort Wayne, the Komets prevailed, 6-4 on the impetus of 4-PPG with 3-PPG brewed in a rapid fire fashion 3:57 in the second period effectively building an insurmountable advantage of 5-2, shattering a 2-2 tie in the process. Chad Costello (GTG), Bill Bagron (GTG), Frank Littlejohn (PPG) and Luke Stauffacher (PG) connected for the vanquished ‘Jacks with Maxime Lincourt and Henry Kuster each caging singles.

Fort Wayne outshot Muskegon, 48-28. Sunday in Port Huron, the ‘Jacks established their 4th lead of the game with a 3-goal third period barrage in 4:10 to eradicate the Icehawks lone lead of 4-3, to ultimately prevail, 6-4. Chad Woollard scored a pair (FG) and game's last goal, Costello (1-2-3)TBG; Lincourt (1-1-2)TBG/GWG; Kuster (1-1-2)TBG and Matt Gens GTG) each struck for the victors with Todd Robinson, Alec Kirschner and Littlejohn each earning 2-assists. The Jacks were outshot, 47-29.

THE LUMBERJACKS GAME CALENDAR THIS WEEK:

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26TH THE LUMBERJACKS AT PORT HURON 7:30 PM

The second consecutive session staged between the two teams with both occurring at McMorran Place Arena. The ‘Jacks top the tight series 5(3-2-0); 2(1-1-0) in Port Huron. It's Muskegon's lone road game for Christmas week.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27TH KALAMAZOO AT THE LUMBERJACKS 7:00 PM

The fourth clash of the campaign against the two long-time archenemies as they rekindle rancor and animosities Saturday night at Walker Arena. Muskegon leads the series 3(2-1-0). Home ice advantage has been tantamount to ultimate success as the ‘Jacks are 2(2-0-0) in Muskegon and 1(0-1-0) at Wings Stadium.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30TH BLOOMINGTON AT THE LUMBERJACKS 7:00 PM

The annual, ever-popular "CARLOAD SPECIAL" comes up on this date for all Lumberjacks hockey fans. It will be $40 a Carload, Bus load, tractor, trailer, truck, van etc. The series is tied at 4(2-2-0). Muskegon is 2(1-1-0) at home against the Prairie Thunder.



International Hockey League 2 Stories from December 22, 2008


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