USHL Muskegon Lumberjacks

Lumberjacks Fall to Chicago in 6-4 Decision

Published on December 11, 2021 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release


GENEVA, Ill. - The Muskegon Lumberjacks' five-game winning streak comes to an end after a hefty battle against the Chicago Steel by a final score of 6-to-4 on Saturday, Dec. 11 from Fox Valley Ice Arena. Despite clawing all the way back to tie the contest in the third period, the Lumberjacks could not hold on as Chicago stole two points away from Muskegon and increase their standings points advantage. Nathan McBrayer and Jake Richard scored their first career goals as Lumberjacks, but it ultimately wasn't enough against the high-flying Chicago Steel offense in Saturday's matchup.

1st Period

The Chicago Steel wasted no time getting to work as Joe Miller notched his 11th goal of the season just 88 seconds into the opening frame. Miller's goal was assisted by Jayden Perron and Adam Fantilli to give the Steel the 1-to-0 lead.

Just over a minute later, Chicago doubled their lead at 2:56 of the first period from Evan Hunter to make it a 2-to-0 lead. Mick Thompson and Luca Fantilli netted assists on Hunter's first goal of the season.

After 20 minutes of action in Chicago, the Lumberjacks trailed 2-to-0 heading into the first intermission.

2nd Period

Lumberjacks defenseman Nathan McBrayer scored his first career goal at 12:47 of the second period to cut the deficit in half. Owen Mehlenbacher earned the lone assist to make it a 2-to-1 game.

But the Steel would get in front by a pair again, this time from Sam Lipkin at 14:21 of the second period. Lipkin's 16th goal of the season was assisted by Jackson Blake to make it a 3-to-1 lead for Chicago.

The night of firsts continued for the Jacks as forward Jake Richard lit the lamp for the first time in his career at 16:53 to make it a one-goal game for Muskegon. Richard's first of the season was assisted by Tyler Dunbar to pull Muskegon within one in the 3-to-2 contest.

Through two periods of action, the Chicago Steel held on for the slim one-goal advantage over Muskegon into the second intermission.

3rd Period

Just 58 seconds into the third period, Muskegon's Phil Tresca clocked in for a goal to tie the game 3-to-3. Tresca's 11th goal of the season was assisted by Jack Williams and Jacob Guevin.

But the Steel would once again pull ahead, this time from Mick Thompson at 2:47 of the third period. Thompson's goal was assisted by Lukas Gustafsson to give Chicago the 4-to-3 lead.

Chicago would restore the two-goal lead after a power play goal from Jake Livanavage at 15:34. Gustafsson and Luke Levandowski picked up helpers on the play to increase the Steel lead to 5-to-3.

With the goalie pulled for the extra attacker and on the power play, Muskegon made it interesting with a goal from Ben Strinden at 17:31 to make it a one-goal contest at 5-to-4. Strinden's 11th of the season was helped by Joey Larson and Jacob Guevin.

But the Steel would add the empty netter to seal the game with just under a minute left in regulation from Luke Levandowski.

In the end, Muskegon could not complete the full comeback and fell to the the Chicago Steel by a final score of 6-to-4.

On Deck

The Muskegon Lumberjacks will have a short turnaround as they travel to Plymouth, Mich. for a single-game matchup against Team USA U18 on Wednesday, Dec. 15. Puck drop is scheduled for an early 10:30 am EST start from USA Hockey Arena.

Upcoming Theme Nights - New Year's Eve/Party In Your Parka

On Dec. 31, watch the puck drop just hours before you watch the ball drop for New Year's Eve! We're saying farewell to 2021 and ringing in 2022 with a big New Years' Eve bash! Join us for Dueling Pianos and Lumberjacks action! The New Year's Eve bash rolls into New Years Day for Party In Your Parka on Jan. 1! We're throwing a party downtown, so make sure to rock your parka! For more information, call the Muskegon Lumberjacks Business office at (231)-799-7000 or email afranczek@muskegonlumberjacks.com.

Check out the Muskegon Lumberjacks Statistics

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United States Hockey League Stories from December 11, 2021


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