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Lumberjacks Latest Win Streak Sprouts To Four

March 28, 2010 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release


`JACKS TRACKS: Completing the sweep of a pair of crucial, critical, pivotal home encounters the past weekend, the first place Muskegon Lumberjacks remain focused and zeroed-in on the pursuit of the Huber Trophy crown, emblematic of International Hockey League regular season supremacy and sovereignty. With their impressive and impeccable victory verdicts of 4-1 Friday night over two-time reigning league kingpin Fort Wayne and 3-1 Saturday night over always redoubtable Quad City, the first place club actually culminated a highly-successful 3-games' homestand with a perfect personified record of 3(3-0-0), outscoring the visiting rivals, 12-4. Through their current 4-game win streak, the men of Muskegon lumber have elevated their season record to a league-foremost 67(46-18-3) totaling 95-points. The remaining regular season schedule, nevertheless, remains daunting and difficult for the hometown team as they face 9-games, spanning three weeks to complete 76-games before the advent of the Turner Cup playoffs the latter part of April. Of those 9-remaining challenges, the `Jacks must travel to 7 of those with only 2-more games left on the agenda for the home front. The 7-remaining foreign ice junkets are accordingly; 2-in Dayton; 2-in Bloomington; 2-in Flint and 1-more in Fort Wayne. Mean-while, the home slate includes 1-with Quad City, coming up this Saturday night and the last one, the regular season home finale, April 10th against the Flint Generals. This Saturday night, when the Lumberjacks play host to Quad City's Mallards, it will be "SHOW YOUR HEART NIGHT" at Walker Arena.

EMOTE PROMOTE: On tap this weekend will be more outstanding promotional action from the Lumberjacks marketing department as the league-leading organization presents the second annual "SHOW YOUR HEART NIGHT" at its home of Walker Arena. For more detailed information on this very special night, please visit the Lumberjacks on their web-site at www.muskegonlumberjacks.com.

THE HUNT FOR HUBER: With their pair of sound and solid victories on home ice the past weekend, the Lumberjacks have heightened their overall season mark to a sparkling 67(46-18-3) for 95-points and.709 winning percentile. Their 46-victories are 4-shy of the franchise' 5th 50-wins season and second under the direction of head coach Rich Kromm. Their 95-points leave them just 5-away from the 7th 100-points campaign in the span of the last 11-years as the consummate model of hockey excellence. The `Jacks latest win streak has progressed to 4-consecutively; last 4(4-0-0); last 7-games; 7(6-1-0). The current 4-game win streak matches their 4th longest of the season. Thus far, through 29-games in the second-half of the schedule, they have compiled a mark of 29(20-9-0) for a win percentage of.690. Muskegon has garnered the IHL's 3-longest win streaks of the current campaign; 9-in a row; 7-in succession and 6-straight wins. They also have engineered the longest unbeaten skein of the year at 10(9-0-1). The monthly ledger: 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); March 12(7-5-0).

HOMESPUN SPRINT: In defeating Fort Wayne Friday night, 4-1 and Quad City Saturday night, 3-1, the Lumberjacks completed the sweep of their 3-games homestand; 3(3-0-0). In the process, they swelled their latest home win streak to 4-in a row; last 4(4-0-0). For the season, they continue to boast the league's best home mark at 36(29-7-0) for a winning percentage of a magnificent.806. The club's 29-home wins are 6-more than the rest of the loop and 5-more than they earned all of last season when they also led the league for best home ice prowess at 38(24-11-3). Muskegon has equaled the longest home win streak of the season in the IHL at 11-in a row. The `Jacks have added an 8-game home win skein as well this year. The Lumberjacks last setback on home ice was back on March 10th, their initial home appearance of the month when they were ambushed by Quad City, 4-3.

BUS WITH US: As the season comes down to the final 3-weeks prior to the advent of the Turner Cup Playoffs, the league-leaders confront the unenviable assignment of playing 7 of the last 9-games abroad. Undaunted and unruffled, the league-leading men of the IHL have prospered in the intimidating arenas of hostile temperament. In fact, their 31(17-11-3) log ranks as the best win percentage in the league at.597. Muskegon's 11-road defeats are 2-less than the league. They are 3(2-1-0) in the last trio of foreign ice expeditions and have extracted a minimum of 2-triumphs from each league hamlet thus far this season. The longest road win streak is the IHL's second best this season at 5-in a row while their 11-games unbeaten abroad spell; 11(8-0-3) is still the best in the league this season.

STINGY STELLAR STATE: The Lumberjacks, defensively have truly clamped down in recent action, grudgingly surren-dering a scant 2-GA in 2-weekend victories, outscoring the opposition in that span, 7-2. During their present tense 4-game win streak, the "Krommer" contingent have permitted a paltry 7-GA for a GAA of 1.75. In the sweep of their 3-games' home stand, the defense was expert, apprehending and otherwise reprehending all loiterers and trespassers to the tune of a menial 4-GA for a GAA of a miserly, microscopic 1.33. Moreover, in posting a 7(6-1-0) record in their last 7-games, the Lumberjacks have allotted only 14-GA for a GAA of 2.00.

FRONT MEN MAJESTY: The first place Lumberjacks are at or near first place in many of the mattering categories of the IHL. The top scoring league-wide architects: 1- Todd Robinson 66(19-79-98); 2- Robin Bouchard 64(57-38-95); 11- John DiPace 49(22-35-57); 18- Brian Bicek 67(20-29-49); 22- Matt Krug 66(13-31-44). In Goals: 1- Bouchard (57); In Assists: 1- Robinson (79); In PPG: 1- Bouchard (18); In PP/Assists: 1- Robinson (32); In GWG: 2- Bouchard (9); 5- DiPace (5); Bicek (5); In GWG/OT/SO: 1- Bouchard (3); 2- Robinson (2); Damian Surma (2). In MG: 1- Bouchard (14); In "Hat Tricks; 1- Bouchard (3). In SOG: 1- Bouchard (308); In Plus/Minus: 2- DiPace +30; 4- Bouchard (+25); 5- Robinson (+24). In OTSO Goals: 3- Robinson 4/7; 6- Surma 3/5. In SPCT: 3- Bouchard 57/308;.185. In Rookie Scoring: 4- Krug 66(13-31-44); 9- Matt Robertson 67(17-22-39); 16- J.T. Dahlinger 66(9-19-28); In PPG: 3- Krug (8); In PP/Assists: 1- Krug (13); In Minors: 1- Krug (38); In Assists: 2- Krug (31); In PIM: 1- Krug (191); 4- Mark Cody (120). In Majors: 3- Krug (15); 4- Cody (14). In Plus/Minus: 3- Dahlinger (+19); 5- Krug (+18). In Defense Scoring: 1- Krug 66(13-31-44); 9- Adam Welch 59(6-18-24); 17- Mario Larocque 22(3-14-17). In PPG: 1- Krug (8); In PP/Assists: 2- Krug (13); In SOG: 2- Krug (155); In Goals: 1- Krug (13); In Assists: 2- Krug (31); In PIM: 3- Krug (191); In Plus/Minus: 5- Krug (+18). In the Goaltending category: 3- Sebast-ien Centomo 2.51 GAA; 5- Matt Lundin 2.83 GAA; WINS: 1- (tied) Centomo (25); 4- (tied) Lundin (19). SHUTOUTS: 1- (tied) Centomo (3); 4- Lundin (2). SPCT: 4- Centomo (.911); OTSO/SPCT: 1- (tied) Lundin 12/15;.800.

THE "BEAU" BINGE: Veteran right wing Michel Beausoleil is hitting his stride at the perfect time, the right time of the season. In his team's two-games' home weekend sweep, the high-scoring member of good standing of the starboard flank elegantly essayed two 2-points' performances, gathering 2-assists in the 4-1 triumph over Fort Wayne Friday followed by (1-1-2) in Saturday's 3-1 vanquishing of the Quad Citians. In the latter contest, he attained a stellar +3 rating. For the weekend set, he was 2(1-3-4) with 5-SOG and superb +5 rating. In his last 9-games; 9(4-7-11); in a current 3-games point streak; 3(1-4-5). Beausoleil is the Lumberjacks nomination for Meijer / IHL Player of the Week.

BIRTHDAY PRESENT PRIDE: Nine-year pro goalkeeper Sebastien Centomo has real, royal, regal reason to celebrate the date protecting the Lumberjacks goal gate. The past Friday night, he celebrated his 29th birthday by being named the game's #1 Star in a 36-saves enormous performance in spearheading his league-leading aggregation nation to a key, clutch, 4-1 victory verdict over two-time defending champion Fort Wayne. It was the Laval, PQ native's 9th consecutive home ice victory, raising his record in that department to a lustrous 20(17-3-0). For the week, he was 1(1-0-0) with a 1.00 GAA and masterful SPCT of.972. Having been the winning goaltender for 3 of the `Jacks 4-games win streak, Centomo is the Lumber-jacks nomination for Meijer / IHL Goaltender of the Week.

MATT-SCAT SCOURGE: First year left wing Matt Robertson's maiden voyage pro season has transcended itself into a bona fide success. The past weekend, the hard-shooting Western Canadian fashioned 3-points in 2-games, including the ultimate GWG in his club's 3-1 Saturday night subduing of Quad City. In that affair, he also added an assist on teammate Mario Larocque's 100th pro career goal. For the week, he was 2(1-2-3) with 6-SOG and stellar +3 rating. In his last 13-games; 13(8-6-14). Robertson is the Lumberjacks nomination for Meijer / IHL Rookie of the Week.

MATT-MASKED MYSTIC MARVEL: First year goaltender Matt Lundin continues to be remarkably consistent and goal-giving resistant in the Lumberjacks cage. Not to be overshadowed by his veteran tandem-mate partner Sebastien Centomo, the very next night, in his team's trumping of the Mallards, he, too, was named the game's #1 Star with a masterful 34-saves masterpiece in spurring the `Jacks to the 3-1 victory circle. Despite the fact that it was his first appearance in 2-weeks, the former U. Maine and Mercyhurst standout was blade sharp. It was Lundin's 10th win in 13-home decisions this season.

"100 ROCK": Eleven year veteran defenseman Mario Larocque seems to be savoring, if not downright, relishing his role with the first place Lumberjacks. Since his procurement as a free agent, the former NHL Tampa Bay Lightning #1 draft choice has been exactly what Muskegon had in mind in stabilizing and otherwise solidifying the blue line brigade. In his first 22-games, he has collected 17-points on 3-goals, 14-assists with 8-of those points percolated on the power play. He has also registered a strong +10 rating. In Saturday night's 3-1 success over Quad City, he cannonaded the game's FG, and in so doing, achieved an extraordinary milestone in his outstanding pro career, producing career goal #100. "The Rock" was named the game's #2 Star.

JET JIVE ALIVE: Jet-streaming center Brian Bicek seemed to have lighting coming from his skate blades the past weekend in stepping up front to lead his team to 2-convincing conquests. Registering back-to-back 2-point performances, the former WMU standout climaxed Muskegon's 3-goal unanswered third period uprising with 2-consecutive strikes in the momentous 4-1 triumph over Fort Wayne, earning the game's #2 Star and his first-ever 20-goal season as a pro. On Saturday night, he assisted on his team's first 2-goals to give him a personal streak of 4-points on 4-straight strikes sniped by the `Jacks in a 3-1 win over the "Quad Squad."

UNEVEN STRENGTH STRONG: Rated a lofty second summit circuit supreme, the Lumberjacks power play is packing punch and potency in recent action. The extra man band is 6 for the last 14; 42.9%; 13 for the last 35; 37.1% and 20 for the last 60; 33.3% proficiency rating. Not to be superseded is the club's ace penalty-killing clientele. Ranked 3rd overall in the league, the `Jacks are operating at a flawless and faultless 100% at 10 for the last 10. Furthermore, they are 18 for the last 19; 94.7%; 25 for the last 27; 92.6% and 43 for the last 48; 89.6% efficiency rating.

THE MILESTONES MOMENT: Billy Collins (399) next game will be the 400th of his Muskegon pro career as he will become only the 6th player in the modern era to attain such stately team status. Defenseman Nick Schneider scored his first ever pro goal, the game's key FG in the Friday night 4-1 win over Fort Wayne. He was saluted as the game's #3 Star. Defenseman Mario Larocque also scored the game's FG the following night in the 3-1 win over Quad City. It was Larocque's 100th pro goal. Damian Surma (299) is 1-point away from pro career 300. When Robin Bouchard scored the TBG/GWG/PPG in the third period in the `Jacks 4-1 victory over Fort Wayne, it was the 1,400th point of his illustrious 16-year pro career.

FEW FUN FAST FACTS FROM "FIC": The past weekend, the Centomo-Lundin combo in goal, yielded only 2-GA in 2-games, rebuking 70 of 72-SOG for a SPCT of.972. Robin Bouchard has scored 99-goals in Muskegon's last 110-regular season games. The `Jacks first and third period domination at home is emphatic; outscoring the opposition in the first; 43-21 and in the third, 51-26 for a combined 94-47; a 2-1 differential. When the `Jacks score 3-GF or more, their record is 47(40-5-2). On "Beach Night" Saturday night, the Lumberjacks hosted their largest crowd of the season, 4,407. By clinching the season series over Fort Wayne 10(6-4-0), the `Jacks are assured of winning records against all member clubs this season.

THE LUMBERJACKS GAME CALENDAR THIS WEEK:

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31ST THE LUMBERJACKS AT DAYTON 7:00 PM

The Lumberjacks have two more meetings remaining with the Gems with both bouts scheduled in Southern Ohio. Muskegon tops the series thus far at 11(8-2-1), capturing the last 7-clashes consecutively. In Dayton, they are unsullied in 4-previous appearances at 4(3-0-1).

FRIDAY, APRIL 2ND THE LUMBERJACKS AT BLOOMINGTON 8:00 PM

For the 11th time the two teams will tussle and for the fifth time the backdrop will be Central Illinois. The `Jacks pace the series at 10(8-2-0) with a 4(3-1-0) mark in the U.S. Cellular Coliseum. However, after defeating the Prairie Thunder 11-times in succession dating back to last season, Muskegon has fallen in its last 2-meetings with the playoff-aspiring Bloomington squad.

SATURDAY, APRIL 3RD QUAD CITY AT THE LUMBERJACKS 7:00 PM

The 14th and last time the two teams tangle and the 8th time in Walker Arena where the Lumberjacks have posted a 7(6-1-0) mark thus far this season and a 13(10-3-0) overall. Muskegon has prevailed in the last 3-meetings between the two teams, outscoring the Mallards by a combined 11-3.

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 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.



International Hockey League 2 Stories from March 28, 2010


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