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Lumberjacks Get Set For Final Week Of Regular Season

April 6, 2009 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release


LUMBERJACKS LINES: Completing the second to last week of the current 2008-09 International Hockey League regular season with 3-more games remaining prior to the playoffs, the Muskegon Lumberjacks will look to stabilize and solidify expressly to be able to perform at their highest peak level once the IHL's post season and the Turner Cup Playoffs commence the following the week. Under the dogmas of third year head coach Bruce Ramsay, the men from the Muskegon "Lumbertown" are embarking on the last week, and with it, the final 3-games of the 2008-09 IHL regular season. Through 73-games, the Lumberjacks are seeking to cement third place in the overall league standings with a record of 73(41-25-7) totaling 89-points. They are 11-points in arrears of first place Fort Wayne as the defend-ing league kingpins attempt to clinch their second consecutive Huber Trophy crown, emblematic of the IHL regular season championship. Fort Wayne 73(44-17-12) 100-points, has won 9-in a row and is riding the tidal wave of an impressive and imposing 16-games' undefeated streak at 16(15-0-1). The Komets are a lusty 29(22-2-5) in their last 29-games and 37(26-3-8) in their last 37-decisions. On the road, they have been even more redoubtable, reveling to the tune of an 8-game win streak; last 19(15-1-3). Muskegon is now 8-points behind second place clinching Port Huron 73(44-20-9) 97-points with the Icehawks having won 4-consecutively and being 29(20-4-5) in their last 29-outings. The 'Hawks have swelled their latest unsullied string at home to 6(5-0-1). Meanwhile, the Lumberjacks still have some urgent business to attend to in the form of finishing ahead of Kalamazoo for that #3 position. The fourth place Wings 73(42-29-2)86-points, have crept to within 3-points of the 'Jacks on the impetus of an 9(7-1-1) mark in the last 9-games; a 7(5-1-1) mark over the past 7-games away and 5(4-1-0) in their last 5-appearances in their home lair. Should the Lumberjacks gain success in sealing third place, an opening round playoff series may be in the offing against Port Huron. A fourth place finish, in all probability, would send the 'Jacks into a post-season showdown confrontation with reigning Turner Cup king Fort Wayne. In the final week, Muskegon faces another daunting, demanding task of 3-games in 3-nights with the first one Thursday night in Flint to cap the regular season road schedule and broach a 2-game home-and-home series against the 6th place Generals. Then its the annual "Awards Night" Saturday night for the regular season and home finale when the Kalamazoo Wings come calling with third place on their collective minds.

PREMIUM PRIMO PROMOS: The Lumberjacks are presenting some exciting and entertaining promotional activities for the final weekend of the regular season docket at Walker Arena. Friday night when they guest Flint, former Muskegon all-time great Sergei Kharin will return to the ice and make Muskegon hockey history as he and his son, Anton Kharin play together, father and son, as teammates and linemates for the Lumberjacks on this special historical-achieving night. Then on Saturday night, as has become a rich tradition on the home finale, it will be the annual Awards Night along with Muskegon Area Sports Hall of Fame Night at Walker Arena.

RECORD REVIEW STEW: The past week saw the Lumberjacks travel the Midwest places and spaces of the IHL's most exotic burgs in posting an 4(0-4-0) log. In the process, the 'Jacks equaled their longest losing streak of the current campaign, matching from less than 4-weeks ago. Since the inception of March, the Lumberjacks record in the ensuing 18-games has fallen below the .500 barrier at 18(8-9-1). For the season, the Muskegon composite record reads 73(41-25-7) 89-points and win percentage of .610. The Lumberjacks last victory was back on March 29th when they snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in a 7-6 OTSO triumph over Bloomington. The record in the second half; 35(19-12-4); first half; 38(22-13-3). The record since the new year 2009; 46(26-15-5); before the new year in '08; 27(15-10-2). Longest win streak of the season has been 6-consecutively; 6(6-0-0); longest undefeated streak; 8(6-0-2). The monthly returns; October 4(3-1-0); November 12(8-3-1); December 11(4-6-1); January 14(9-3-2); February 14(9-3-2); March 14(8-5-1); April 4(0-4-0).

HOME ICE TWICE: The Lumberjacks will have two more home games coming up this weekend to conclude their 76-games' regular season slate. When they host Flint Friday night, the 'Jacks will be making their first appearance at Walker Arena in 2-weeks following 5-consecutive games on the road. Muskegon boasts the IHL's premiere home winning percentage on a mark of 36(22-11-3). The 22-victories tie them for second most with second place Port Huron. At home last 4-games: 4(3-1-0); last 9-games; 9(6-3-0). Since inaugurating the current campaign with a sterling 7-game home ice win streak, the 'Jacks home mark stands at 29(15-11-3).

THE ROAD LESS WON: The past week was not one of exemplary accomplishments for the hometown team as the 'Jacks journeyed abroad only to incur the wrath of their rather inimical opponents in all 4-games in 5-nights; 4(0-4-0) for the week and on the road. The 4-game losing skid on the road represents the Lumberjacks season downbeat note for the longest of the season in that department with their last alien ice glory story in the territory of the enemy being back on March 18th in Bloomington where they dismantled, dismembered and otherwise disemboweled the Prairie Thunder, 8-2. For the season, the road record stands at a healthy 37(19-14-4) with the longest win skein being 6-in succession, along with an 8-games undefeated streak; 8(7-0-1).

SCORE MORE; GA DISMAY: This past week, the IHL's high-voltage, high-tech, high-octane offensive juggernaut of the Lumberjacks artillery became the first team in the league to exceed 300-GF for the season. Presently, Muskegon has connected on 301-GF for a GFA of a mighty 4.12. The 'Jacks have prodigiously produced 23-more goals than all other IHL member clubs. However, the lack of consistent, all-around defensive play continues to plague this team in its bid to achieve higher ground. In their last 5-games, the Lumberjacks have been munificent, allowing 33-GA for a GAA of a bloated 6.60. Through the first 4-games of 5-conecutively being played on foreign ice, the 'Jacks have surrendered 27-GA for a GAA of virtually 7.00 GAA. For the entire season, at this stage, only 6th and last place Flint (346) has permitted more GA than have the 'Jacks who have surrendered 290.

SUMMIT STATURE: Center Todd Robinson 67(23-89-112) is nearing his second league scoring crown. John DiPace 71(36-43)79 is 6th; Luke Stauffacher 67(39-39-78) is 9th; Robin Bouchard 43(39-25-64) is 13th and Chad Woollard is 22nd at 47(33-23-56). Stauffacher (39) and Bouchard (39) are tied for #2 in the league in goal cannoneering with DiPace (36) ranked tied for 3rd IHL. Robinson (89) leads the league in assists and PP/Assists with 32. Woollard (18) tops the IHL in PPG with Bouchard (14) tied for third most in the IHL. Stauffacher's 7-GWG tie him for second most in the loop. Bouchard is still #1in shooting percentage; 39/181; .215 with Stauffacher running 2nd at 39/200; .195. Steven Later leads the league in PIM with 296; DiPace is 3rd in PIM with 238. Chad Costello is 5th in IHL rookie scoring 65(17-29-46); Adam Bartholomay 60(10-22-32) is 12th; Alec Kirschner is 14th; 62(7-22-29). Costello's 3-GWG top all IHL rookies. On defense; Matt Gens is 2nd in scoring with 70(9-42-51); Darryl McArthur is 3rd; 73(7-40-47); Shaun Fisher is 4th 71(8-32-40). Gens (42) and McArthur (40) are 2nd and 3rd in assists for the defense with both tied for #2 in PP/Assists with 18. McArthur's brilliant +26 rating ranks 4th IHL. Clayton Pool ranks 6th in the IHL in the goaltending department with a 3.42 GAA while his .906 SPCT ranks third best in the IHL. Pool's 25-victories rank #4 in the IHL.

THE BILLY C. SIEGE: Six year veteran center Billy Collins is enjoying an exceptional second half to the current season for his Lumberjacks. The past week, in 4-games, he engineered 6-points on 4-goals, 2-assists with 9-SOG and stellar +3 rating. Included in his week's work was a 3-game goal streak; 3(4-2-6) and 2-goal enormous performance last Saturday night in Fort Wayne. In his last 12-games, Collins is 12(8-4-12). In the recently-concluded month of March, the Enderby, B.C. native attained the team's second best plus player performance at +12. For the season, his +10 rating ranks 5th for the club. Collins is the Lumberjacks nomination for Pepsi / IHL Player of the Week.

THE RUSSIAN ROCKET: Fleet, flashy rookie left wing Anton Kharin enjoyed his second consecutive week of the pro hockey wars the past week. Collecting scoring points in 3 of his team's 4-road games, he averaged a point a game with 4(1-3-4) with 9-SOG and overall +1 rating. Through his first 7-pro games A. Kharin has essayed points in 6 of them. In 7-games; (3-6-9) with +3 rating . The erstwhile RIT Tigers star, for the second consecutive week, is the Lumberjacks nomination for Aquafina / IHL Rookie of the Week.

"STAUFF" STORY STELLAR: Diminutive, dynamic right wing Luke Stauffacher continues his uncanny knack of piling up points presto, pronto for the home team. In the 4-game series ahoy abroad he collected a crafty 7-points on 1-goal, 6-assists. He crammed all 7 of his week's scoring points into 2-games in 2-nights including 4-assists Friday night in the 11-9 debacle at Flint before generating and percolating 3-more points the next night on 1-goal, 2-assists in the Saturday night contest at Fort Wayne. In his last 10-games; 10(8-11-19) for an average of 1.90 points per game. In his last 19-games; 19(14-13-27).

"FISH FRY" FRONT: Veteran defenseman Shaun Fisher seems to have found a home here in Muskegon with the Lumberjacks. Since his acquisition from rival Bloomington, he has authored 12-points in 15-games on 3-goals, 9-assists with 8-PIM and solid +4 rating. He has surged to #4 in the IHL in scoring among league defensemen. In 3-games the past week, he averaged a point a game with 3(1-2-3).

REASON FOR STEVEN: Rugged, ruffian, rock-ribbed rearguard Steven Later has been playing some of his best hockey of the year at a most opportune time of the season for a good reason; the playoffs loom next week. Having served the most PIM in the league at 296, his offensive contributions in recent action have been vital and invaluable to the club of which he plays. In his last 13-games, he has collected 12-points on 3-goals, 9-assists. For the season; 56(6-21-27). Later was the 'Jacks third best plus player in March with an outstanding +10 rating.

SPECIAL TEAMS TIDE: The Muskegon special teams are in need of some form of tonic, elixir and or potion expressly to promote more notion to their motion. While the power play is barely maintaining its lofty status as #1 in the IHL, operating at 21.57% at 74-343, it is 0 for the last 10; 7 for the last 41 and 10 for the last 59. Port Huron's power play is tailgating on the 'Jacks extra man band bumper at 21.47% proficiency. The much maligned penalty-killing cast has also faltered lately as it has fallen to 6th and last in the league with an efficiency rating of 77.5% with the opposition 78-347. The opposition is 6 for the last 10; 13 for the last 38; 20 for the last 62. The Lumberjacks have scored 10-SHG and yielded 10-SHGA.

HISTORY'S HALLOWED HALLS: Robin Bouchard played the 1,000th game of his illustrious 15-year pro career last Wednesday night, April 1st in Fort Wayne. Defenseman Steven Later played the 200th game of his pro career the past Saturday night in Fort Wayne. Later (93) is 7-points shy of career 100. Darryl McArthur (190) is 10-assists away from pro career 200. Chad Woollard (288) is 12-goals away from pro career 300. Darryl McArthur (493) is 7-games shy of pro career 500.

FEW FUN FAST FACTS FROM "FIC": When the Lumberjacks perished at Flint Friday night, 11-9, they were profligate of 5-leads in the contest. The Lumberjacks have scored 13-hat tricks this season, posting a record of 13(11-1-1) in that category. When rookie Kevin Armstrong made his first-ever pro start Friday night in Flint, it effectively ended a streak that saw Clayton Pool make 11-straight starts in the Muskegon goal. Clayton Pool's 5-SOW rank as second best in the IHL. The past week, the 'Jacks had 3-rookies make their pro debuts; goaltender Kevin Armstrong; defenseman Scott Gabriel and center Gerome Giudice. The Jacks have yielded 2-GA or fewer in only 22 of their 73 games this season. Chad Woollard's team season best 13-games' point streak; 13(11-9-20) was ended Sunday in Port Huron.

ROAD RECAP: In the second to last week of the regular season, the Lumberjacks faced 4-road games in 5-nights, finishing with a mark of 4(0-4-0). It started for the 'Jacks last Wednesday in Fort Wayne where the 'Jacks succumbed to the torrid Komets, 5-1. Billy Collins (FG/PPG) notched the Lumberjacks lone goal at 3:10 first period with Fort Wayne rallying with 5-unanswered goals including 3 in a second period barrage of 3:02. Friday night, in a game that defied one's imagination, the 'Jacks frittered away five leads and inevitably succumbed to the Generals in Flint, 11-9. Chad Woollard had a 3-goal first period "hat trick" including 2-more on the power play. Robin Bouchard (1-2-3)GTG; Billy Collins (1-2-3); Anton Kharin (1-1-2); Steven Later (1-1-2) and Alec Kirschner also made connection. Luke Stauffacher authored 4-assists, John DiPace had 3-helpers. The 'Jacks were outshot. 44-30 with Clayton Pool and newcomer Kevin Armstrong dividing the goaltending duties. Saturday night in encore combat at Fort Wayne, the 'Jacks were thunderstruck with 4-Komets third period strikes as they bowed for the second time in Indiana, 6-4. Billy Collins did connect on a pair of goals, Stauffacher (1-2-3); John DiPace also delivered. Clayton Pool was in goal and faced 42 Komets shots. Then on Sunday, Muskegon dropped a 5-2 verdict in Port Huron with the Icehawks rallying with 3-three second period goals to eradicate 1-0 and 2-1 'Jacks advantages. Shaun Fisher (1-1-2)FG and Jon Grabarek (TBG) scored for the 'Jacks with Armstrong going the distance in goal and being tested 33-times.

THE LUMBERJACKS UPCOMING GAMES' CALENDAR THIS WEEK:

THURSDAY, APRIL 9TH THE LUMBERJACKS AT FLINT 7:00 PM

FRIDAY, APRIL 10TH FLINT AT THE LUMBERJACKS 7:00 PM

The 15th and 16th meetings of the season for both clubs with the 'Jacks leading the season series at 14(9-4-1). They are 7(4-2-1) in Flint where they have bowed in their last two appearances; 5-4 on March 13th and 11-9 on April 3rd. On home ice thus far this season, Muskegon owns a 7(5-2-0) mark over the Generals.

SATURDAY, APRIL 11TH KALAMAZOO AT THE LUMBERJACKS 7:00 PM

The regular season finale for both teams on the official final night of the 2008-09 IHL season. Muskegon is on top in the season series at 14(8-4-2). However, they are winless in the last 2-clashes including a Wings win of 6-4 in their last visit to Walker Arena back on March 27th. That setback ended a Muskegon 9-games' undefeated streak on home ice over the Wings at 9(8-0-1) dating back to last season.



International Hockey League 2 Stories from April 6, 2009


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