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Muskegon Lumberjacks

Lumberjacks Log: Critical Month Begins at Home

February 1, 2012 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release


MUSKEGON, Mich. (February 1, 2012) - The Muskegon Lumberjacks earned points in two of three games last weekend, but they'll need to pick up the pace to make a push for the Clark Cup Playoffs.

The Jacks (10-18-4, 24 points) held third period leads against the National Team and Dubuque last Friday and Sunday, respectively, but they had to settle for overtime losses in both games. Throw in Saturday's spirited game against Indiana and Muskegon's last five games have been decided by a total of six goals.

Those five contests make up the entirely of Head Coach Jim McKenzie's tenure in Muskegon; the 15-year NHL veteran and Stanley Cup winner has guided the team to a 1-2-2 record since taking over Jan. 16. Despite the competitiveness of the games, however, the Jacks need results quickly if they are to jump back into contention.

Fortunately, this weekend at L.C. Walker Arena, the schedule has served up a pair of opponents immediately ahead of the Lumberjacks in the Eastern Conference standings. The Cedar Rapids RoughRiders (15-13-8, 38 points), current holders of the East's sixth and final postseason spot, make their second visit to Muskegon Friday night for a 7:15 p.m. tilt.

The Jacks fell on Opening Night in Cedar Rapids Oct. 7 and were edged out at home by the Riders Nov. 5, but with two games left in the season series Muskegon can still even things out. The Jacks have 14 points to make up to catch the Riders, but with four games in hand and 28 matches left to play, the goal is certainly within reach.

Friday night will feature a Tribute to Air Hockey, as the local inventors of the iconic game will be recognized during the first intermission. It is also another Dollar Beer/Dollar Hot Dog Night presented by John Morrell, with the offer standing from 6-8 p.m.

The Chicago Steel (13-23-1, 27 points) march to town Saturday, and the Jacks will have payback on their minds. Chicago has beaten Muskegon four times in five meetings this season, including a 5-1 Steel win at L.C. Walker Arena Jan. 7.

Pick up a free children's voucher to Saturday's game at Kids Fest, as part of Muskegon's annual Snowfest. Also, show your Lumberjacks ticket at the Snowfest entertainment tent and receive $1 off admission after the game!

The Meijer Pregame Show begins at 6:45 p.m. both Friday and Saturday on the radio home of your Lumberjacks, 92.5 The Outlaw (925fmtheoutlaw.com). Voice of the Jacks Matt Gajtka will have the play-by-play, with Muskegon legend Ron Stephenson providing color analysis for the home games.

UPCOMING HOME GAMES

Friday, February 10 vs. YOUNGSTOWN at 7:15 p.m. - Robin Bouchard Night / Join the Lumberjacks as they retire the No. 32 worn by the greatest goal scorer in minor-league hockey history! It's also Dollar Beer/Dollar Hot Dog Night presented by John Morrell.

***Saturday, February 11 at 7:15 p.m. - RED WINGS ALUMNI GAME featuring Kris Draper, Mickey Redmond, Darren McCarty, Joey Kocur, Robin Bouchard, Jock Callander and many more hockey greats! Call 724-JACK for tickets and information.

Friday, February 24 vs. INDIANA at 7:15 p.m. - Dollar Beer/Dollar Hot Dog Night presented by John Morrell. Offer stands from 6-8 p.m.

Saturday, February 25 vs. INDIANA at 7:15 p.m.

JACKS FACTS

Much of the team's focus over the last two weeks has been on defense and positional awareness, but the tangible improvements have been on the attack so far. The Jacks have scored at least three goals in seven straight games - and all five under coach McKenzie. Furthermore, they've outshot their opponent in back-to-back matches for just the second time all season. Jon Padulo (21 points) has led Muskegon in scoring for the majority of the campaign, but the Rochester-born winger suddenly has a pair of challengers quickly approaching. Ryan Lomberg (Maine) and Matt DeBlouw (Michigan State) have carried the Jacks offense, combining for 14 points in the last seven. Lomberg now has 19 points (10g, 9a) and DeBlouw has accumulated 17 (10g, 7a), placing them second and third on the team. Max Shuart is the only active Lumberjacks to have scored a goal against Cedar Rapids; the Michigan recruit netted the first Muskegon goal of the season Oct. 7, the same night Padulo had two assists in his USHL debut. Dakota Klecha has four goals against Chicago, while Lomberg has a pair, including his first league tally Oct. 8.

ALUMNI ON THE ATTACK

- Chris Lochner has scored five goals in the last three games for Niagara (11-8-7, 10-4-5 Atlantic Hockey), including a pair over the weekend in two wins over Robert Morris. Isaac Kohls picked up a goal and an assist as well.

- Last year's Lumberjacks captain John Parker scored a goal in each game of Maine's two-game weekend sweep of Hockey East rival Boston University, which features former Jacks defenseman Alexx Privitera. Parker now has three goals on the year for the Black Bears (14-8-3, 11-7-2 Hockey East).

- Matt Berry registered two points for Michigan State (12-11-4, 8-9-2 CCHA), which was edged out in a couple of one-goal losses at Ferris State. The Michigan-bred forward's 14 points (7g, 7a) rank him seventh on the Spartans and first among freshmen.

- Brendan Woods continued his strong first season for Wisconsin (12-12-2, 7-11-2 WCHA) with two assists at North Dakota last weekend. The forward from Fairfax, Va., has eight points and has only missed two games all season.

TALKIN' HOCKEY

JackSixty presented by Cinema Carousel is a weekly hour-long talk show devoted to your Muskegon Lumberjacks every Tuesday night from 6-7 p.m. at Hennessy's Irish Pub & Restaurant. Located at the corner of Jefferson and Clay Streets in the heart of Muskegon, Hennessy's plays host as Gajtka talks hockey with Lumberjacks coaches, players and other featured guests on 98.3 FM WLCS!

THE SOCIAL NETWORKS

Never go hungry for Jacks news: "Like" the Muskegon Lumberjacks on Facebook and follow "@MuskegonJacks" on Twitter to stay plugged into the Jacks 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Also, find the Jacks' exclusive YouTube channel at youtube.com/MuskegonJacks!

The Muskegon Lumberjacks are proud members of the United States Hockey League, the nation's only Tier I junior hockey league and the leading producer of NCAA players and National Hockey League draft picks in the United States. The Lumberjacks' organization prides itself on developing not just premier hockey talent, but also exceptional young men outside the arena of sports. For more information, visit muskegonlumberjacks.com.

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