Lumberjacks Expand League Lead

Published on March 1, 2010 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release


`JACKS TRACKS: Having completed an ambitious docket consisting of 8-games in 10-days, the first place Muskegon Lumberjacks of the International Hockey League, compiled a record of 8(5-3-0), staking claim to 4 of the last 5-endeavors. Under the direction of head coach Rich Kromm, the league-leaders from the Muskegon megalopolis have strengthened and lengthened their advantage atop the league standings by 11-points over second place Port Huron 55(33-18-4)70-points and 12-points over two-time reigning league kingpin Fort Wayne 52(33-16-3)69-points with the Komets having 3-games in hand on the Muskegon's league-leading men. As for the Lumberjacks, through 55-games, their record stands at a sparkling 55(39-13-3) totaling 81-points with a winning percentage of a dynamic.736. The past week, the kinetic Kromm contingent assembled a 4(3-1-0) record in culminating another strong month in February at 12(9-3-0). Here to forward, the remaining `Jacks schedule will be both daunting and arduous as they face 14 of their 21-games on the road with only 7-home dates still on the slate. The road warfare begins in earnest this week with Muskegon launching their March schedule with 3-road assignments in 4-nights. Wednesday night, the `Jacks journey to Moline, IL where they will lock antlers with the Quad City Mallards before they set their collective compasses toward East Michigan and destination Port Huron where the hometown heroes will test the Icehawks in a 2-games' series at McMorran Place on both Friday and Saturday nights. The Lumberjacks will not see the friendly climes and environs of Walker Arena until Wednesday night, March 10th when they engage in combat with the Quad Citians and Sunday March 14th for an encore presentation against Port Huron.

PRESTO PROMO: When the league-leaders from Muskegon do return home from their upcoming 3-game road sabbatical, they will present two more nights of promotional premiums for one and all. March 10th will be another Muskegon Community College Student Night with all students on their ID receiving seats for only $5. March 14th will be another one of those ever-popular "$5 Sundays at 5" when the Lumberjacks jounce and joust with rival Port Huron.

1ST SWELL IN IHL: Confronting 4-games in 6-nights the past week, the Lumberjacks carded a superb log of 4(3-1-0), netting 21-GF in the process. Muskegon has now upgraded its season mark to a lustrous 55(39-13-3) for 81-points. Their 39-wins are 6-more than all of the IHL while their 13-setbacks are 3-less than the loop. Overall, Muskegon is 5(4-1-0) in its last 5-starts; last 14(11-3-0); last 21(17-4-0); last 24(19-5-0). The Lumberjacks second half record stands at a superlative 17(13-4-0). The `Jacks own the IHL's 3-longest win streaks of the season as well as the longest undefeated skein of the campaign; longest win streaks have been 9-in a row; 7-consecutively and 6-in succession. The 10(9-0-1) mark set earlier this season is the longest unblemished skein of the IHL's season. Through the first 5-months of the season, the `Jacks have not suffered more than 3-setbacks in any month; 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).

HOME HIVE JIVE: With a 3-game homestand the past week to cap the month of February schedule, the "Jackeroos" fashioned a 3(2-1-0) Muskegonite mark. In order of appearance, they dispatched Flint Wednesday night, 7-3; were ambushed by Bloomington Saturday night, 4-2, before attaining redemption Sunday in a 6-4 dismissal of Dayton. Boasting the IHL's premiere home record for the second straight season, Muskegon is 31(25-6-0) with the 25-victories 7-more than all of the league and one more than was gathered all of last year when the "Boys of Winning Winters" captured 24-conquests to pace the circuit as well. The last 15 at home; 15(13-2-0) with the `Jacks achieving the two longest home win streaks in the IHL this season as well; 11-in a row to match Port Huron for #1 and sprinkling in an 8-game home win streak juggernaut this year, too.

ROAD RIGHTEOUS: In their most recent road warfare last Tuesday night in Port Huron, the Lumberjacks extracted a spirited 6-2 victory verdict over the always-formidable Icehawks. In so doing, the men in black and "Vegas" gold laid claim to a second consecutive foreign ice success; last 5(4-1-0); last 7(5-2-0); last 9-abroad; 9(6-3-0). For the record and for the season, Muskegon's marquee men have elevated their road composite to a league-best 24(14-7-3) for a win percentile of a pre-eminent.646. The Lumberjacks also own the league's longest win streaks and unbeaten skeins abroad this season; longest win streak is 5-in a row; 5(5-0-0); longest unbeaten skein is 11(8-0-3).

HIGH-TECH TONIC: Since being blanked in Quad City back on February 19th, 3-0, the Lumberjacks high-tech, high-octane weaponry is, again, savaging the league's defensive schemes. In their last 6-games, they have ransacked rivals to the tune of 33-GF for a GFA of a prodigious 5.50. In posting a masterful mark of 21(17-4-0) in their last 21-decisions, the `Jacks have amassed 92-GF for a GFA of a high-voltage 4.38 GFA. To amplify on the league-leaders top scoring machine, they have scored 9-GF once; 8-GF three times; 7-GF twice and 6-GF 6-times.

TOP DOGS COGS: There has been change at the top of the IHL league-wide scoring derby as defending and two-time league point-producing kingpin Todd Robinson has assumed the top perch, having accomplished the feat while long-time linemate Robin Bouchard was serving an extended 3-game suspension. 1- Todd Robinson 54(18-64-82); 2- Robin Bouchard 52(43-35-78); 10- John DiPace 37(17-32-49); 15- Brian Bicek 55(17-25-42); 20- Matt Krug 55(12-26-38). In Goals: 1- Bouchard (43); In Assists: 1- Robinson (64); 5- Bouchard (35). In PPG: 1- (tied) Bouchard (11); In PP/Assists: 1- Robinson (23); In GWG: 2- Bouchard (8); 3- Bicek (5). In GWG OT/SO: 1- Bouchard (3); 2- Damian Surma (2); Robinson (2). In MG; 1- Bouchard (11); In SOG: 1- Bouchard (246). In Plus/Minus: 1- DiPace (+29); 2- (tied) Bouchard (+25); 4- Robinson (+23) ; 5- Krug (+19); Dahlinger (+19). In OTSO/Goals: 3- Robinson (4/7). In Rookie Scoring: 4- Krug 55(12-26-38); 8- Matt Robertson 55(12-19-31); 13- J.T. Dahlinger 54(9-16-25). In PPG: 2- Krug (7); In PP/Assists: 3- Krug (7); 4- Robertson (6); In Plus/Minus: 2- Krug (+19); Dahlinger (+19). In Defense Scoring: 1- Krug 55(12-26-38); 13- Adam Welch 47(6-12-18). In Goals: 1- Krug (12); In Assists: 2- Krug (26); In PPG: 2- Krug (7); In Plus/Minus: 2- Krug (+19); 4- Welch (+15). In Goaltending: 2- Sebastien Centomo 2.41 GAA; 7- Matt Lundin 2.82 GAA. WINS: 1- Centomo (21); 4- Lundin (16). SHUTOUTS: 1- (tied) Centomo (3). OTSO/SPCT: 1-Lundin 12/15;.800; 2nd in SOW: 4.

PRINCE PROMINENCE: The Lumberjacks pre-eminent prince of points playmaking pivot Todd Robinson is back on top of the mountain among the IHL scoring elite. The past month of February, the franchise second all-time leading scorer paced his team in point productivity with 12(3-15-18) in a dozen dates. Registering points in 10 of 12-games for the second month of the calendar year, "T. Rob" delivered 5-multi-point performances while achieving both 5 and 4-game point streaks. To spice his ice for the month, he attained a major career milestone by authoring his 1,000th pro career point. In his last 6-games; 6(2-8-10); last 23(5-31-36). Robinson is the Lumberjacks nomination for Meijer / IHL Player of the Month for February.

MATT'S MAJOR SAVES: First -year goaltender Matt Lundin saw his most rigorous regimen of his initial pro campaign in February. The erstwhile collegiate standout at both the U. of Maine and later Mercyhurst College received 7-straight starts due to the injury to tandem mate Sebastien Centomo. Seeing service in 8-games, he registered an 8(6-2-0) record with a 3.11 GAA and.901 SPCT. Included in his month's body of work was a 4-game win streak and 2-game win skein before his summoning to AHL Norfolk. He was a perfect personified exemplified 2(2-0) in the OTSO, rebuking all 6-shots he faced in the extra time. On two occasions, in successive games, he was hailed as the game's #2 Star. Lundin is the Lumberjacks nomination for Meijer / Goaltender of the Month.

"BERT" ALERT: First year left wing Matt Robertson seems to be coming of age as his initial pro season unfurls. In fact, he enjoyed his best month yet in February, finishing 5th in team scoring and #1 on the club among the rookies' class with 12(5-6-11). Averaging virtually a point a game, "Bert" orchestrated the touch-in-the clutch, delivering 3-GTG, 1-GWG, 1-IG and 1-UG, along with a solid +4 rating. Showing sharpness at both ends of the ice, he only experienced 2-minus games for the whole month. Robertson is also coming off an excellent week of offensive firepower, collecting 6-points in 4-games on 4(3-3-6) with all 3-goals of the GTG variety. On 2/24, he enjoyed a sterling 4-points' masterpiece on (1-3-4) in his club's 7-3 victory over Flint, named the #2 Star. Sunday in his team's 6-4 dispatching of Dayton, he stoked a pair of second period GTG to earn the game's #1 Star. In his last 18(8-11-19) Robertson is the Lumberjacks nomination for both Meijer/ IHL Rookie of the Month and Rookie of the Week.

THE "BICE SPICE": Diminutive, dynamic center Brian Bicek is coming on strong on his fleet flight to the finish line. The WMU product enjoyed another electrifying week of point-production and overall exhilarating and invigorating play. For the week, in 4-games; 4(4-4-8) with +1 rating, 14-SOG, 1-GWG, 2-PPG and 1-FG. His major claim to fame the past week was his third period precision in picking apart the visiting Flint Generals in his team's 7-3 Wednesday Waterloo of its major rivals. Erupting volcanically for a season-high 6-goals, the `Jacks triggered 4-of those in a blitz of 3:11 with Bicek instru-mental on all 4-strikes. Literally and figuratively having lightning coming out of his skate blades, he rang home a 3-goal "hat trick" in a rapid fire fashion 3:27, including 2-PPG and the ultimate GWG. Named the #1 Star, Bicek wasn't finished yet. In his club's 6-4 Sunday verdict over Dayton, he engineered 3-more points including the game's FG as he was named the #2 Star this time. In his last 20(10-17-27) and for the month of February, he was the `Jacks second top point-meister with 12(5-11-16). Bicek is the Lumberjacks nomination for Meijer / IHL Player of the Week.

LOCAL LEATHER LARCENY: Mona Shores High School Muskegon local product Justin Grevious became the man of the moment and of the hour for the `Jacks the past 3-games. The former local puck-stopping star was rushed in to fill the breach when both Muskegon goaltenders were unavailable. In 3-consecutive starts, he assembled a 3(2-1-0) mark with a 3.34 GAA and.892 SPCT. In his debut, last Wednesday night, he earned the game's #3 Star in his team's 7-3 defeat of Flint. Grevious is the Lumberjacks nomination for Meijer / IHL Goaltender of the Week.

JETTING J.T.: Ferris State rookie right wing J.T. Dahlinger is deriving much fun and enjoyment playing alongside his two linemates Brian Bicek and Matt Robertson. The past week, in the latter 3-games, he collected a prolific 6-points on 1-goal, 5-assists with an excellent +3 rating. His third period strike in the Wednesday walloping of Flint was brewed just :25 after Flint had knotted matters and fused the `Jacks 4-goal powder keg in 3:11 to gain the victory. He capped the week's agenda with 2-important assists in Muskegon's 6-4 triumph over Dayton.

JOHNNY "D" DAZZLES: Right wing John DiPace has returned to form and is at the top of his game at the right time of the season. For the week, he was 4(2-2-4) with a +2 rating. His spellbinding, electrifying breakaway goal Sunday in the latter stages of the second stanza fractured the 3-3 tie and catapulted the Lumberjacks back into a lead which they did not relinquish. DiPace is presently on a 6-game point-scoring scourge with 6(5-5-10) in that span.

PRECOCIOUS PRESENCE: First year defenseman Matt Krug is enjoying an extraordinary pro debut in 2009-10. The past week never validated it more as the Detroit suburbs native recorded scoring points in all 3 of his first place team's outings. For the week, he was 3(1-3-4) with his lone goal a fired roman candle on the power play. He also carved out a masterful +4 rating for the week.

"SIR" DUKE DAMIAN: Though he did not register on the ledger in his team's 6-4 Sunday triumph over Dayton, smooth skating, slick center Damian Surma still enjoyed a sound and solid week. The Lincoln Park native connected on 4-goals in a 3-game goal streak for the week while pushing his personal point streak to 4(4-3-7; last 8(4-5-9). For the season, he is 35(13-17-30) with 11-points on the power play (4-7-11).

UNEVEN STRENGTH STELLAR: The league-leaders special teams may be relishing and savoring their best moments of the season at this juncture. The power play is percolating to the tune of 5 for the last 12; 41.7%; 6 for the last 18; 33.3% and 7 for the last 23; 30.4% proficiency rating. Not to be overshadowed is the Lumberjacks penalty-killing outfit. They have utterly sustained their sorcery with their thriftiness and stinginess. Muskegon has defused 23 of the last 24; 95.8%; 37 of the last 40; 92.5% and 97 of the last 107 for an efficiency rating of a brilliant 90.7%.

THE LORE STORE: The countdown is on now!! Robin Bouchard (670) is 13-goals away from making hockey history in becoming the most prolific goal-scoring cannoneer in minor pro annals with the magic number at 683. Center Todd Robinson, remarkably, has crafted 729-assists in 724-pro career games. Billy Collins (387) is 3-games shy of tying Rustyn Dolyny (390) for 6th all-time in games played for Muskegon. Jordan Little (248) is 2-games away from pro career 250. Center Damian Surma (292) is 8-points from 300.

FEW FUN FAST FACTS FROM "FIC": When the `Jacks defeated Dayton Sunday, 6-4, it represented their 7th consecu-tive conquest of the Gems this season. The `Jacks are the best first period team in the IHL outscoring the opposition, 71-41 overall and 39-17 at home. In the third period at home, they have out-goaled the visitors, 42-22. When Bloomington came to town Saturday night and bushwhacked the `Jacks, 4-2, it ended Muskegon's 11-game win streak against the Prairie Thunder dating back to last season. Only 3-Lumberjacks have played all 55-games this season; Brian Bicek, Matt Krug and Matt Robertson. Muskegon's next win will mark the 12th time in the last 16-years it has reached the prestigious 40-victories plateau.

THE LUMBERJACKS GAME CALENDAR THIS WEEK:

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 3RD THE LUMBERJACKS AT QUAD CITY 7:30 PM

Muskegon leads the season series 8(6-2-0), going an impeccable 4(4-0-0) at home and 4(2-2-0) abroad. However, in its last 2-excursions to Moline, the Mallards have dominated with 6-1 and 3-0 victories over the Lumberjacks. Four of the `Jacks 6-wins have been the result of extra time; 2(2-0) in OT and 2(2-0) in the OTSO.

FRIDAY, MARCH 5TH THE LUMBERJACKS AT PORT HURON 7:30 PM

SATURDAY, MARCH 6TH THE LUMBERJACKS AT PORT HURON 7:30 PM

When the `Jacks and the `Hawks lock horns for this 2-game series, Muskegon will be looking to extend its win streak over the home standing team to 4-in a row. The Lumberjacks top the series at 10(7-2-1) and have earned a 5(3-1-1) log at McMorran Place Arena where the club has prevailed in its last pair of appearances there.

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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International Hockey League 2 Stories from March 1, 2010


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