USHL Muskegon Lumberjacks

Lumberjacks Succumb to Big Third Period in Atlantic Challenge Opener

Published on September 5, 2014 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release


EAST MEADOW, New York (September 5th) - The Muskegon Lumberjacks kicked off their seven-game preseason slate Friday night with the first of three games out East in the 2014 USHL Atlantic Challenge at the Twin Rinks Ice Center at Eisenhower Park. In the opener, the Lumberjacks fell victim to a big third period by the opposition as a familiar foe in the USNTDP Under-18 Team potted three goals in the final stanza to pull away with a 5-1 victory.

After an evenly-played first half of the opening frame, the USNTDP Under-18 Team (1-0-0 preseason record) grabbed a 1-0 lead at the 10:10 mark after Christian Wolanin of the Lumberjacks was called for closing his hand on the puck in his own goal crease, leading to a penalty shot that was converted by Matthew Tkatchuk beating Eric Schierhorn with a backhand on the low blocker side.

The Under-18's used that momentum into another quick goal just 29 seconds later as Brendan Warren found a loose rebound in front of Schierhorn and fired one blocker side into the back of the net to make it a 2-0 game that was helped by Christian Fischer and Auston Matthews.

The score remained the same two-goal spread into the first intermission with the shots at 12-9 in favor of the Under-18 Team.

As the second period entered its early stages, the Lumberjacks (0-1-0 preseason record) got on the board using the power play to their advantage as Cooper Marody slipped a backhand pass backdoor to an open Matt Iacopelli, who fired one from the right faceoff circle past Luke Opilka to cut the deficit in half to 2-1 at the 3:26 mark that was also aided by Ryker Killins

The tight, physical game remained the same score into the second intermission with Under-18's holding a slim shot advantage of 20-18. Midway through the second period at the 10:23 mark, Eric Schierhorn was lifted after making 17 saves on the night for Michael Latorella.

The final 20 minutes belonged to the opposing Under-18 Team as they wasted no time in getting their two-goal lead back at 3-1 by the 1:39 mark as Warren laced his second of the evening while parked to Latorella's right that was assisted by Colin White and Jeremy Bracco.

Just over three minutes later at the 4:50 mark, the Under-18's made it a 4-1 game with a goal from Steven Ruggiero as his shot from the right point went through traffic and pinged off the far side post to Latorella's right just past the red line that was set up by Charles McAvoy and Jack Roslovic.

Later in the final frame with 6:55 to go, Troy Terry was left all alone on the backdoor finding a loose rebound to Latorella's right and slamming it home to make it 5-1 Under-18's that was helped by Roslovic. The Under-18 Team held the score at par for the remainder cruising to their four-goal victory while outshooting Muskegon for the night, 32-24.

Luke Opilka stopped 23 shots on the night for the Under-18 Team in the win, while Michael Latorella made 10 saves in his relief work. Eric Schierhorn took the loss for the Lumberjacks. Brendan Warren (two goals) and Jack Roslovic (two assists) led the Under-18 Team's offense with two points each.

Muskegon's 2014 Atlantic Challenge continues tomorrow evening with a matchup against the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders at 6:30 pm. The game can be watched live on FastHockey.com for free.

Season ticket packages for the 2014-15 season are on sale for as low as $195, and fans can find information on our Black, Crimson, Gold, and Youth packages along with the numerous benefits available when purchasing their season ticket by visiting www.muskegonlumberjacks.com under the "Tickets" section. To purchase their respective seat for all 29 home games this season while taking advantage of our New Premium Parking Options and Customized Seat Special, fans can stop by the L.C. Walker Arena Box Office during the normal business hours of 10:00 am - 6:00 pm on Monday - Friday or call (231) 724-5225.

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United States Hockey League Stories from September 5, 2014


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