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Lumberjacks Post Back-To-Back Shutouts At Home

January 11, 2010 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release


`JACKS TRACKS: Facing the daunting dilemma of three games in three nights the past weekend, the Muskegon Lumber-jacks of the International Hockey League posted a 3(2-1-0) record in an overall impressive performance. Under the direction of head coach Rich Kromm, the `Jacks spiced their weekend of wins with a pair by way of the home ice shutout variety with both zero triumphs brewed at the expense of Flint. In the process, second place Muskegon crept to within 2-points of first place Port Huron with both rivals having played the same number of games at 35. Muskegon has compiled a composite mark of 35(23-9-3) totaling 49-points while Port Huron stands at 35(24-8-3) for 51-points. The Icehawks recently concluded an extended 5-game road excursion with a mark of 5(2-1-2). They are 10(7-1-2) in the last 10-outings and 17(13-2-2) through their last 17-decisions. Port Huron, currently, is enjoying some home rapture with a still-extant 10-game win streak; the longest in the IHL this season. The two-time defending league champions, the Fort Wayne Komets, are beginning to make their move as they have climbed to within 7-points of the Lumberjacks with still 2-games in hand. Fort Wayne 33(20-11-2) 42-points is riding the rising tidal wave of a 6-games' undefeated streak at 6(5-0-1). This week, the Lumberjacks will conclude their present 3-game home stand at Walker Arena with Friday and Saturday night dates against reincarnated Quad City Friday and Dayton Saturday. The Lumberjacks climax the week with a showdown game at Port Huron as a potential clash for the IHL's grand prize and first place Sunday at McMorran Place Arena.

PROMOTION IN MOTION: It's another top-flight promotional weekend for the Lumberjacks as they host Quad City Friday night for "$1 Beer Night" and Dayton on Saturday night for the "Boy Scout Sleepover" at Walker Arena. And, of course, at every Lumberjacks home game, youth will be served. All area youngsters 17 and under get their seats for only $5 as presented by the Lumberjacks and Muskegon Community College.

RATE A RECORD: By compiling a 3(2-1-0) record the past weekend, the Lumberjacks have advanced their season record to a glowing and gleaming 35(23-9-3) for 49-points and superb.700 winning percentage. In their last 4-starts, the `Jacks are 4(3-1-0); last 12(8-4-0); last 18(11-5-2) and last 29-games; 29(20-6-3). The longest win streak of the year has been an IHL season high 9-in a row;( 9-0-0-0).; longest unsullied skein is at 10(9-0-1)). With their 1-0 shutout victory Saturday night over Flint, Muskegon did halt a rather mild 2-game losing spell which is their longest of the season. In October; 6(3-3-0); November 12(9-1-2); December 12(8-3-1); January 5(3-2-0).

HOME ZONE ZERO: Finally returning home for their first two Walker Arena appearances in the new calendar year of 2010, the Lumberjacks demonstrated it was well worth the wait. The past weekend, not once but twice, they extinguished archrival Flint in a pair of impressive shutout performances. On Friday night, it was a spine-tingling, spellbinding 1-0 triumph before Sunday's 8-0 dismantling of the Generals. The `Jacks have raised their home record to a majestic 18(14-4-0) with the 14-victories equaling Port Huron as the foremost output in the IHL. The Lumberjacks have won 2-in a row and are 7(5-2-0) in their last 7-home endeavors. Longest home win streak has been 8-straight; 8(8-0-0) which is the second longest home win streak in the IHL this season.

BEST ON ROAD: Through their initial 17-road ventures of the current campaign, the Lumberjacks boast the circuit's supreme road mark at 17(9-5-3). The 5-road setbacks rank as the fewest in the IHL. However, the Lumberjacks are 4(1-3-0) in their most recent road sorties. Longest road win streak is 5-consecutively with the longest unbeaten streak abroad at an amazing 11-straight; 11(8-0-3) which spanned 2-months from October 31st to December 31st.

SHOOTOUT OFFENSE/SHUTOUT DEFENSE: In three games the past weekend, the Lumberjacks assembled some extraordinary offense blended with some impressive, impervious, impregnable defense. Their 8-goal demolition of Flint Sunday represented their largest victory margin of the season and second best goal-scoring in one game this year. Meanwhile, not to be overshadowed is the "Jacks defensive might and prowess. Posting back-to-back shutouts on home ice on Friday and Sunday nights against Flint, 1-0 and 8-0, the Lumberjacks have yet to yield a GA on home ice in 2010, parlaying that fact through 2-games. Muskegon ranks #2 in the IHL with a GFA of 3.45. On GA defense, the `Jacks rank a lofty third in the circuit at 2.80 GAA with 3-total shutouts collectively.

LEAGUE-LEADING MEN: Robin Bouchard continues to lead the league in scoring with 35(31-27-58) with linemate Todd Robinson ranked second with 34(14-38-52); 8-John DiPace 20(10-22-32); 18-Matt Krug 35(7-17-24). In Goals: 1-Bouchard (31); In Assists: 1- Robinson (38); 2- Bouchard (27); IN PPG: 1- Bouchard ((9); In PP/Assists 1- Robinson (14); 4-DiPace (9); In GWG; 1-Bouchard (6); IN GWG/OT/SO: 1- Bouchard (3); In MG; 1- Bouchard (9); In SOG: 1- Bouchard (153). In Plus/Minus: 1- DiPace (+26); 2- Bouchard (+25); 3- Robinson #+24. In PIM: 2- Russ Smith (132-PIM); 4- Matt Krug (122-PIM). In Minors: 1- Smith (31); 4- Krug 22. In Rookie Scoring; 2- Matt Krug 35(7-17-24); 14- J.T. Dahlinger 34(6-6-12); 15-Matt Robertson 35(4-8-12). In Defense Scoring; 2- Krug 35(7-17-24); 7- Russ Smith 34 (4-11-15); 12- Tom Galvin 20(4-8-12); 13- Adam Welch 27(4-7-11); 14-Jason Lawmaster 24 (2-9-11). In Goals: 1- Krug (7). In the Goaltending department,

4-Sebastien Centomo GAA: 2.50; 6- Matt Lundin 2.70; Centomo leads the IHL in WINS: 14; GPI: 26; STARTS: 25; MIN: 1,416:40.

ROCKIN' ROBIN ROMP: "The Gun-Sling King," right wing Rockin' Robin Bouchard savored one of the best nights ever in his remarkable pro playing career. Sunday night, for the first time in his distinguished 16-year career he cannonaded 4-goals in a single game in his club's 8-0 rout of 7th place Flint. It was a masterful 5-points' night overall for "Bouch Almighty" being named the #1 Star. For the three games in 3-nights, he composed 7-points on 5-goals, 2-assists with 19-SOG and +1 rating. Bouchard is currently on a 5-game point streak with 5(7-3-10). He is just 25-goals away from becoming minor pro hockey's all-time premiere career cannoneer. Bouchard is the Lumberjacks nomination for Meijer / IHL Player of the Week.

ABOUT SHUTOUT I: Goaltender Sebastien Centomo posted his second shutout of the season Friday night when he rebuked all 23- Flint shots to earn the game's #1 Star and gratifying and satisfying, 1-0 shutout victory verdict. In 2-games the past weekend, the former CHL Goaltender of the Year posted a 2(1-1-0-0) mark with a miserly, microscopic 1.52 GAA and sterling.940. Centomo is the Lumberjacks nomination for Meijer / IHL Goaltender of the Week.

ABOUT SHUTOUT II: The Lumberjacks rookie goaltender Matt Lundin also performed some shutout magic and mastery the past weekend. The former Mercyhurst College ace achieved his first-ever pro career shutout Sunday when he made 30-saves and earned the game's #2 Star in the 8-0 demolition of Flint. It was Lundin's 5th home win in 6-decisions. Five of his 9-victories thus far this season have been in the IHL's extra time which consists of 3-OT wins and 2-OTSO/Wins. Lundin is the Lumberjacks nomination for Meijer / IHL Rookie of the Week.

DIAL DRUM DEFENSE: Rookie defenseman Matt Krug continues to make his case for IHL Rookie of the Year. In the last 5-games, he has collected 8-points on 2-goals, 6-assists with a +3 rating in that span. The fiercely physical defenseman currently ranks runner-up in league wide scoring in both the defensemen category as well as the rookie department with 35(7-17-28). His 7-goals top all defensemen while his 17-assists rank second among defensemen and rookies.

THE 700 CLUB: With 6-assists the past 3-game weekend; 3(0-6-6), center Todd Robinson attained yet another milestone in his magical pro career. Capping his weekend with a brilliant 4-assists' performance in Sunday's 8-0 triumph over Flint, `T.Rob"'s first assist Sunday was the 700th in his magnificent career as he achieved the hallmark number in only his 703rd pro career game. It was Robinson's second 4-assists game of the campaign for theLumberjacks.

"SUR" CENTER: Center Damian Surma seems to have found the range after a brief indoctrination into the Muskegon system. In Sunday's 8-0 defeat of Flint, the former Kalamazoo Wing authored 3-points including his first-ever 2-goal game with the `Jacks. In his last 5-games; 5(3-5-8) with 6 of his 10-total points for the season by way of the power play; 3-goals, 3-assists.

DYNAMIC DEFENSIVE DUET: The Lumberjacks defensive combination of Russ Smith and Adam Welch enjoyed an absolutely extraordinary Sunday at Walker Arena. While both registered a pair of assists in the resounding rampage, they also equaled the club's best individual premium positive plus for a single game at a stellar +4. It marked the second time this season that the former Ferris State standout, Welch, had earned a +4 rating.

SPECIAL TEAMS TIDE: The past weekend, the Lumberjacks special teams appeared to be back in top form. The Muske-gon extra man band has surged to 3rd best in the IHL with a proficiency rating of 19.1%; 31-162 with its 31-PPG ranking 3rd best in the circuit. The Lumberjacks power play is 3 for the last 7; 42.9% and 6 for the last 17; 35.3%; 10 for the last 36; 27.8% conversion. The penalty-killing cast has risen to #3 in the loop; 34-172 for an efficiency rating of 80.2%. The opponents are only 1 for the last 18 for a mark of a sterling 94.4%.

MATTERS OF MILESTONES: In his Muskegon debut Friday night in the 1-0 victory over Flint, Muskegon newcomer Michel Beausoleil played in his 500th all-time pro career game and his first ever for Muskegon. Beausoleil 502(225-264)489 is 11-points away from pro career 500. Center Brian Bicek's next game will be the 100th of his pro career. Robin Bouchard's next GWG will be his 80th in his Muskegon 13-year career; #1 all-time. Defenseman Adam Welch (96) is 4-games from pro career 100.

FEW FUN FAST FACTS FROM "FIC": The `Jacks are unsullied entering the third period with the lead at 16(14-0-2), When they lead after the first period, they are 14(12-1-1). When they trounced Flint Sunday, 8-0, it represented the `Jacks 6th consecutive home triumph over the Generals dating back to last season with 4 of those coming by way of the shutout including 2 in a row the past weekend. Muskegon has outscored Flint in those 6-consecutive wins, 35-6. In their last 2-games, the `Jacks have engineered their highest number of shots on goal in a single game; 43 Saturday night in Fort Wayne, followed by 45-SOG Sunday against Flint. Ten of Robin Bouchard's 31-goals thus far this season have been caged against his former Flint team. The `Jacks have outscored the visitors on home ice in the first period this year, 22-10. They have outscored the opposing teams at home in the third period, 24-11.

THE LUMBERJACKS GAME CALENDAR THIS WEEK:

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15TH QUAD CITY AT THE LUMBERJACKS 7:00 PM

The sixth battle to be waged between the rival clubs with the Lumberjacks leading the series at this juncture of the season at 5(4-1-0) with two of those triumphs coming in OT. Here at home, the Lumberjacks top the series, 2(2-0-0), including a 6-2 dismissal of the "Greenheads" in the Moline IL located team back on December 5th in Muskegon. However, in the last bout, the Mallards broke through with their initial win of the season series in a 6-1 humbling of the `Jacks back on December 31st in the Quad Cities.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 16TH DAYTON AT THE LUMBERJACKS 7:00 PM

For these two teams, the eighth date of the season and the fifth in Muskegon. The Lumberjacks, on the impetus of three consecutive wins, have seized the season series lead at 7(4-2-1). They are 4(2-2-0) at home and 3(2-0-1) in Dayton.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17TH THE LUMBERJACKS AT PORT HURON 5:00 PM

This could be the one for first place on Sunday with the `Jacks leading the series at 7(4-2-1). However, Muskegon is winless in the last trio of clashes at 3(0-2-1). They are 3(1-1-1) at McMorran Place Arena thus far this season.

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.



International Hockey League 2 Stories from January 11, 2010


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