USHL Muskegon Lumberjacks

Lumberjacks Escape Chicago with 3-2 Victory

Published on December 5, 2010 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release


Bensenville, Ill. - The Muskegon Lumberjacks are firmly back on the front foot.

The Jacks have notched their second straight victory Sunday afternoon, 3-2 over the Chicago Steel, and hauled in five points in their first three-game weekend of the 2010-11 United States Hockey League season.

After a euphoric shootout win Saturday night over the Cedar Rapids Roughriders, the Lumberjacks (9-7-5) took care of the Chicago Steel (7-11-4) in regulation to move to 23 points put a firm grip on third place in the Eastern Conference standings.

Isaac Kohls wasted no time giving Muskegon an early lead Sunday afternoon at the Edge Ice Arena when the Forest Lake, Minn. native scored his sixth goal of the year just two and a half minutes into the opening period. However Kohl's timely goal was cancelled out by Jay Camper six minutes later when he beat Joel Vienneau with an opportunistic shot from a wide angle.

To his credit, Vienneau collected himself, conceding only two markers as he faced down a barrage of 35 total shots. His steadying influence and stellar overall play of late has seen the future Minnesota Golden Gopher not only keep his team in games, but give them a chance to win each contest.

A quick tally from Jacks captain John Parker after 1:21 had elapsed in the second frame helped the Lumberjacks reclaim the lead, thanks to assists from Casey Thrush and Jaycob Megna. The second period adjustments, in reaction to Chicago's persistent forecheck, helped the Jacks turn the tide. The shift in momentum came in the meat of the middle chapter as the Jacks' penalty kill unit put in a couple big shifts, denying two straight odd-man advantages for the Steel who, only managed a late consolation goal on five total power plays.

In the final frame, the Lumberjacks were finally able to bury a pesky Steel squad that threw all they had at the Jacks. As time evaporated in the third, both frustrated teams took numerous penalties as Chicago pushed for an equalizer and the Jacks fought to extend their lead. Joel Benson posted the conciliatory strike for Chicago at 19:14 after John Parker scored what proved to be the game-winner, an empty-net goal at 18:27, the first such goal for Muskegon this season.

The Lumberjacks will wrap up their current five-game road stretch next weekend when they visit the Waterloo Blackhawks and Omaha Lancers on Friday and Saturday night, respectively. Muskegon's next home game is Friday, Dec. 17, against the Tri-City Storm when the team will hold a Teddy Bear Toss. Fans are encouraged to bring new and gently used teddy bears to the contest with Tri-City to be tossed on the ice after the first Jacks goal is scored. Arena staff will collect the bears for donation to the Webster House. The puck will drop at 7:15 p.m.; call (231) 726-3879 or visit the L. C. Walker Arena box office to get your tickets.

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United States Hockey League Stories from December 5, 2010


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