Lumberjacks Regroup for Home Stretch

Published on March 16, 2009 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release


LUMBERJACKS LINES: Faced with their longest losing streak thus far this season at 4-in a row, the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the International Hockey League will look to be smarter and sharper as they make their bid for the best possible playoff positioning in the IHL regular season banner chase and race. Under the tutorship of third year head coach Bruce Ramsay, the men of "Lumbertown" have four more weeks consisting of 15-more games to both improve and solidify their post-season aspirations. Of those remaining 15-games, 6 of those will be on home ice with still 9-more games booked in their travelogue. Embarking on the 24th week of the 2008-09 IHL season, the men of Muskegon pro hockey renown are residing in a strong and stellar third place position in the standings with an overall mark of 61(35-20-6) totaling 76-points. Muskegon trails league-leading Port Huron 63(38-18-7) 83-points by 7-points with still 2-games in hand in the Icehawks who have assembled a brilliant record of 16(10-2-4) in their last 16-outings and 35(22-6-7) in their last 35-efforts. Muskegon lists a season's record of 12(5-5-2) against the first place squadron at this stage of the season. Meanwhile, Muskegon is now looking at a 3-points shortfall with second place, defending league champion Fort Wayne 62(34-17-11) 79-points with one game in hand on a Komets club that has won 5-in a row; they are torrid at 9(8-1-0) in their last 9-decisions with their lone loss in that expanse inflicted by the Lumber-jacks. Furthermore, Fort Wayne is 18(12-2-4) in its last 18-outings and 26(16-3-7) in the last 26-games. The Muskegon advantage over fourth place rival Kalamazoo 63(35-27-1) 71-points stands at 5-points with 2-games in hand as well on the Wings who have dropped 2-consecutively and 9(3-6-0) in their last 9-appearances. This week, the 'Jacks schedule continues to be an ambitious one as they confront 4-games in 6-days, emanating and culminating with a pair of games at Kalamazoo, Tuesday night for the Wings 28th annual St. Patrick's night celebration and Sunday in a 4:00 pm matinee affair at Wings Stadium. In between, the 'Jacks have a pair of games on their Walker Arena weekend marquee. This Friday night, they will have a duel to the death against the Flint Generals before Port Huron comes to town this Saturday night at Walker Arena.

STILL TIME TO SHINE: The past weekend, the 'Jacks trembled in a trio of games in as many nights. In the process, their losing spell reached 4-consecutively; their longest of the season. The hiatus from winning found its starting point on March 7th when in the game for first place, the hometown team toppled to league-leading Port Huron, 4-1. The fourth straight loss also came against the Icehawks this past Sunday in a 7-3 undoing. For the season, the Lumberjacks record stands at an excellent 61(35-20-6) for 76-points. Their win percentage is an outstanding .623. The Muskegon victory output of 35 matches all of last year as does their 76-total points. The 'Jacks second half of the season record currently stands at 23(13-7-3) and since the commencement of the new calendar year of 2009, the Lumberjacks have compiled a superb mark of 34(20-10-4). The longest win streak of the season has been 6-in a row; 6(6-0-0); longest undefeated skein stands at 8-straight; 8(6-0-2). The monthly returns are in: 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 6(2-4-0).

THE DOUSE OF OUR HOUSE: In their lone home appearance the past weekend, the Lumberjacks, once again, were bamboozled by Bloomington, 4-2. With the setback, the Lumberjacks have sustained back-to-back defeats on home ice for the third time this season; 2(0-2-0). For the season overall, Muskegon still clings to the IHL's premiere home mark of 31(19-10-3) with their 19-triumphs exceeding all of last season's home win total of 18 and it equals archrival Kalamazoo and Port Huron for the most home victories in the IHL. Muskegon is 11(6-4-1) in its last 11-home ventures. Since opening the season with a season's high 7-games win streak at home, the 'Jacks are 25(12-10-3) in their last 25-home performances.

ROAD GAME BANE: The past weekend, the Lumberjacks were trumped twice on the eastern side of the state by rivals Flint and Port Huron. In the process, Muskegon has sustained back-to-back setbacks on foreign ice for only the second time of this season, equaling their longest road losing skein of the current campaign. For the season in its whole, the 'Jacks are 29(16-10-3) abroad with their 16-triumphs being one away from duplicating all of last season's output of 17-foreign ice successes. Longest win streak away from the home bay has been 6-consecutively; 6(6-0-0). Longest overall unblemished skein on the road is 8-straight; 8(7-0-1). The last road win was February 28th in Flint, 4-3.

GOALS AGAINST IMMENSE: It has been a chronic condition which has plagued the 'Jacks all season long and that is the GA department. The past weekend, the highest scoring machine in the league, the Lumberjacks at 4.00 GFA per game, munificently surrendered some 16-GA for a GAA of a rather untidy 5.33. During their present tense 4-game skid, they have allotted 20-GA for a GAA of 5.00. For the entire season, only 6th place Flint has allowed more than the 236-GA on the 'Jacks side of the defensive ledger. For the season, the 'Jacks GAA is 3.81. Through 61-games, Musk-egon has permitted fewer than 3-GA in a single game only 19-times thus far this season.

TOP CHART ART: Center Todd Robinson 60(23-78-101) is maintaining an ostensibly comfortable 17-points' advantage for his second league scoring crown. John DiPace 60(30-35-65) is 9th; Luke Stauffacher 55(31-28-59) is 11th and Robin Bouchard 32(31-19-50) is ranked 19th among the league's scoring elite. Bouchard (31) and Stauffacher (31) are tie for 4th for most IHL goals with DiPace (30) ranked league-wide 5th. Robinson's 78-assists are 27 more than the league-wide runner-up. Robinson also leads the league in PP/Assists with 29. Chad Woollard (15) leads the league in PPG; Robin Bouchard (11) ranks tied for #3. DiPace 210-SOG ranks 5th in SOG. Stauffacher's 5-WG rank as 4th most in the loop. Robin Bouchard 31/149; .208 leads the league in shooting percentage; Luke Stauffacher is #2 at 31/160; .194. Steven Later leads the IHL in PIM with 269; his 43-minors rank 2nd and his 15-majors tie him for 3rd most. John DiPace is 3rd in IHL PIM with 201. In the rookie department, Chad Costello 60(15-25-40) is tied for 3rd in scoring; Adam Bartholomay 50(9-18-27) is tied for 10th; Alec Kirschner 50(4-2024) is 14th. Costello's 3-GWG tie him for the rookie league leadership. His 25-assists are rookie runner-up. On the defense, Matt Gens 59(9-35-44) is #2 in the league in point-productivity; Darryl McArthur 61(7-32-39) is 3rd; Shaun Fisher 60(6-26-32) is 9th in blue line aces scoring. McArthur (16), Gens (16) are tied for second for PP/Assists. Gens (35) is #2, McArthur (32) is #3 in the league. Clayton Pool is ranked 5th in the IHL with a GAA of 3.32; his SPCT of .909 ranks him third in the loop. Pool's 18-victories rank as 4th most in the league. Pool also sports the best win percentage this year among all league netminders with his record of 29(18-7-4) for a win percentage of .689.

FOUR SCORE & 22-GAMES AGO: The Lumberjacks high-scoring left wing Chad Woollard has returned to the lineup after a lengthy absence that robbed him of 22-games from this season with a real vengeance. In his initial 3-games back in the lineup the past weekend, Woollard sniped 4-goals with 3 of those on the power play while unholstering 21-howitzers on the enemy goal. For the week, he was 3(4-0-4) with one 2-goal game Sunday night at Port Huron. Despite only playing 36-games thus far this season, he has already cannonaded 26-goals; 36(26-15-41). In his last 18-games, "Wooly" has been stylin' and profiling" with 18(19-7-26) Woollard is the Lumberjacks nominee for Pepsi / IHL Player of the Week.

PROFESSOR PUCK PERSONIFIED: Five year goaltender Clayton Pool was remanded to the Lumberjacks the past week after a short stint traveling in the AHL with the Grand Rapids Griffins. Ranked 4th in the IHL with 18-victories, the "Puck Professor" also has attained the league's premiere winning percentile at 29(18-7-4) for .689. His 3.32 GAA ranks 5th best while his SPCT of .909 is #3 league-wide. In his last 10-decisions, he is 10(8-2-0). With 119-career Lumberjacks victories, Pool is 2nd all-time in Muskegon hockey annals. Pool is the Lumberjacks nominee for Southern Sports Supply / IHL Goaltender of the Week.

THE THIRST OF "KIRSCH": Fleet left wing Alec Kirschner has returned to the Lumberjacks lineup after a considerable absence due to a myriad of maladies. The relentless rookie from U-Conn culminated his first full weekend back in the lineup with his 4th goal of the season Sunday at Port Huron. For the week, he was 3(1-0-1) with 5-SOG and despite his team's susceptible defensive performance which yielded 16-GA in 3-games, Kirschner finished the week proudly with a +1 rating. Kirschner is the Lumberjacks nominee for Aquafina / IHL Rookie of the Week.

THE ROBINSONIAN "100": When he engineered the primary assist on linemate Chad Woollard's early second period goal Sunday evening in Port Huron, the league's top scoring ace Todd Robinson achieved his 5th 100-points season as a pro and his 4th through his first 8-years in Muskegon. In pursuit of his second league scoring title, which would parallel his last two seasons under the Muskegon employ, "T. Rob" is 60(23-78-101). In those 60-games, Robinson has been absolutely brilliant with his 30-muliple point games already achieved this season.

JOHNNY 'D' SET FREE: Former Flint Generals high-scoring star John DiPace has been at the top of his class since his advent to "Lumbertown." In his initial 12-games with his new team, he is 12(6-8-14) with 2-PPG, 1-SHG; 1-GWG. The 6-year veteran has been especially effective against his former Generals teammates. In 4-games since the trade back on February 18th DiPace against the Generals is 4(4-5-9) with 2-PPG, 1-SHG and 1-GWG.

"BARTY" HAIL & HEARTY: Second year defenseman / forward Adam Bartholomay has proven to be a most valuable addition and dimension to this Lumberjacks lineup this season. The erstwhile U. of Nebraska-Omaha star celebrated his first 100th pro game barrier Friday night in Flint. Despite the Lumberjacks downfall of 5-4, Bartholomay scored his 9th goal of the campaign on an electrifying coast-to-coast singular flight and foray.

PERCOLATE & PROLIFERATE: The Lumberjacks power play continues to be the best of the rest in the IHL thus far this season. At 65-291, Muskegon is operating at a league best 22.3% proficiency level with the 65-PPG ranked #2 in the loop behind Fort Wayne's 67-PPG. The 'Jacks have been the epitome of consistency with the manpower edge as they are 8 for the last 31; 11 for the last 44; 20 for the 81, hovering at or around the 25% conversion mark which is considered prominent premiere pinnacle potency. Meanwhile the penalty killing unit has misplaced some of its assertiveness. Though still ranked 5th in the IHL at 231-293 and 78.8% efficiency, the Lumberjacks have been vulnerable recently as the opposition is 4 for the last 10; 6 for the last 16 and 7 for the last 23-advantages.

MAKING MEMORIES: Billy Collins next goal will be the 100th of his pro career which has been spent in its entirety here under the Muskegon arches. Luke Stauffacher's next goal will also be the 100th of his illustrious pro career. Steve Later (193) is 7-games henceforth from pro career 200. Head Coach Bruce Ramsay (119) is 11-wins from catching Rich Kromm (130) for #2 all-time in Muskegon. Chad Woollard 571(281-265-546) is 4-points away from pro career 550.

FEW FUN FAST FACTS FROM "FIC": When they dropped a 4-2 decision Saturday night at home against Bloomington, the Lumberjacks saw their winless streak against the Prairie Thunder reach 5-in a row; 5(0-3-2); they are 3(0-2-1) on home ice. Muskegon has been outscored by Port Huron in the first period this season, 23-8. Debuting rookie left wing Bryce Dale of Utica College recorded his first ever pro point in the third period of the Lumberjacks 7-3 humbling administered by the Icehawks in Port Huron Sunday evening. In his last 16-games, Billy Collins is 16(7-8-15). Luke Stauffacher is 7(6-2-8) in the last 7-games. Matt Gens in his last 22-games; 22(4-16-20).

RECAP WRAP: Facing 3-games in 3-nights the past weekend, the Lumberjacks found it to be unfounded, going 3(0-3-0). Friday night in Flint, the 'Jacks were profligate of a 4-1 second period lead and succumbed to the last place Generals, 5-4. John DiPace (1-1-2)SHG, Luke Stauffacher (GTG), Adam Bartholomay and Chad Woollard (PPG) all connected for the 'Jacks with Billy Collins and Steven Later each assisting twice. John Ceci was in goal and rebuffed 26 of 31-shots. Returning home Saturday night, the 'Jacks, once again, fell prey to their nemesis Bloomington which ultimately prevailed, 4-2. Robin Bouchard (1-1-2) and Chad Woollard (PPG/GTG) delivered for the 'Jacks. Clayton Pool rebuked 23-shots. Then on Sunday in Port Huron, the league-leaders decisioned Muskegon, 7-3. Chad Woollard fired 2-more goals (1-PP). with Alec Kirschner also finding the bullseye. Todd Robinson collected 2-assisys.

THE LUMBERJACKS GAME CALENDAR THIS WEEK:

TUESDAY, MARCH 17TH THE LUMBERJACKS AT KALAMAZOO 7:00 PM

SUNDAY, MARCH 22ND THE LUMBERJACKS AT KALAMAZOO 4:00 PM

The two nearby rivals will collide for a pair of contests this week with both of them having Wings Stadium serving as the backdrop. The Lumberjacks lead the season series at 11(7-3-1); going 5(2-3-0) in Kalamazoo and 6(5-0-1) on home ice at Muskegon's Walker Arena. The new week of IHL action is opening with the third place 'Jacks 5-points over the fourth place Kalamazooans.

FRIDAY, MARCH 20TH FLINT AT THE LUMBERJACKS 7:00 PM

Muskegon tops this season series at this juncture of the campaign at 12(8-3-1) over the Generals. They are 6(4-2-0) on home ice and 6(4-1-1) in Flint. The Lumberjacks will be looking to avenge their very disappointing defeat which they digested last Friday night in Flint, 5-4.

SATURDAY, MARCH 21ST PORT HURON AT THE LUMBERJACKS 7:00 PM

The two teams have met 12-times previously thus far this season with the 'Jacks 12(5-5-2) against the league leaders. Here at home, Muskegon is 6(3-2-1) against the Icehawks and at McMorran Place Arena, they are 6(2-3-1). Port Huron has posted rather convincing conquests in the latter two sessions staged between the two title timber teams; a 4-1 verdict in its last sojourn here back March 7th and more recently, the past Sunday in Port Huron where the 'Jacks were upended, 7-3.

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International Hockey League 2 Stories from March 16, 2009


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