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Lumberjacks Winning Act Is Back On The Right Track

March 15, 2010 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release


`JACKS TRACKS: The first place, league-leading Muskegon Lumberjacks appear to be back on the right track with their season long winning act following a 4(2-2-0) work week in commencing the final six weeks of the 2009-10 International Hockey League schedule. Under the direction of head coach Rich Kromm, the men of Muskegon pro hockey fame and fortune actually launched their recently-concluded 4-games in 5-nights work week rather inauspiciously, sustaining two more setbacks which mounted their losing streak to a season-high 4-in a row. Undaunted and untrammeled, the IHL's top perch positioned team stayed the steady course and righted their slightly derailed express by climaxing the week by striking an especially high chord. Achieving back-to-back victories over the past weekend in the span of less than 24-hours, the league's "frontmen" have improved their overall season record to a sterling 62(42-17-3) totaling 87-points and a masterful.702 winning percentage. With those triumphs, Muskegon has regained an 8-points advantage over second place, two-time league champion, surging Fort Wayne 59(38-18-3)79 with the Komets having won 3-in a row and having the potential luxury of 3-games in hand on the `Jacks. Fort Wayne is 11(9-2-0) in its last 11-games and 16(12-3-1) in their last 16-decisions. Mean-while, the Muskegon advantage over third place Port Huron has been re-established at 9-points with the Icehawks 61(37-20-4)78 enjoying 1-game in hand on the home town team. Following a 4-game win streak and 5-games' unblemished skein abroad, the `Hawks have dropped 2-consecutively to the Fort Wayners and Muskegonites, in that order. With 5-weeks and 14-games remaining on their regular season slate, the Lumberjacks will play 9-more times on the road and 5-additional times at home. This week, they face 3-more games toward the end of the schedule and their quest for the Huber Trophy crown, her symbolic of IHL regular season supremacy. The `Jacks will be in Bloomington Wednesday for a duel with the 4th place, playoff-aspiring Prairie Thunder before they travel to Fort Wayne for another jousting with the Komets on Saturday night. The lone home appearance for Muskegon's hockey heroes will be this coming Sunday when Quad City comes calling for another "$5 Sunday at 5 at Walker Arena.

THE PROMOTE NOTE: For their lone home game for this week, the Lumberjacks organization will trot out more of its promotional finery and frippery. This Sunday will be another ever-popular "$5 Sunday at 5" when the `Jacks lock horns with the Mallards of the Quad Cities. Also, it will be "Mascot Day," featuring many mascots and a mascots-only broomball bash on the ice at Walker Arena.

FIRST PLACE SAFE: Although they launched the 4-games work week somewhat inauspiciously, the Lumberjacks rebounded resiliently by culminating the week's workload with two consecutive compelling conquests on the road in Quad City and Sunday, on home ice, against Port Huron. For the season, the Lumberjacks have upgraded their record to a sparkling 62(42-17-3) for 87-points and.702 win percentage. When they subdued the Mallards in Moline, IL the past Saturday night, 3-0, they halted their longest losing streak of the season at 4-in a row. It was also Muskegon's first victory since opening the month of March with a 7-1 trouncing of the "Greenheads" on 3/3/10. The `Jacks are presently on a modest but momentous and monumental 2-game win streak. Perhaps, their best back-to-back win skein of this current campaign. Through 24-games of the second half of the season, the Muskegon record stands at 24(16-8-0) for a win percentile of.667. The Lumberjacks do own the IHL's 3-longest win streaks of the season; 9-in a row, 7-consecutively and 6-in succession. They also hold the league's longest undefeated streak of the season at 10(9-0-1). The monthly reports: 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 7(3-4-0).

HOME GAME GROOVE: On the strength of their impressive 5-3 victory verdict Sunday over Port Huron, the Lumber-jacks have evened their home log at 6(3-3-0) in their last half-dozen dates. Their.500 composite has come subsequent to a magnificent 11-game win streak at the home landing, matching the league's best for this season from Port Huron. Overall, on home ice, the `Jacks have been extraordinary as their 33(26-7-0) mark would attest. In fact, their 26-home triumphs are 5-more than all of the IHL. Muskegon has attained the two longest home ice win streaks of the season as well; 11-in a row and 8-straight.

ROAD REPAIR FARE: In extracting a 3-0 masterpiece victory Saturday night in the Quad Cities against the Mallards, the Lumberjacks also halted their longest road losing spell of the season at 3-in a row. In the process, they rebuilt their already-outstanding road record to a polished 29(16-10-3) with their 10-road setbacks representing the fewest in the loop. It was their first road win since their last sojourn to Moline back on March 3rd when the `Jacks dismantled the Mallards, 7-1. The Lumberjacks have compiled the IHL's second longest road win streak at 5-in a row and the longest undefeated streak away from home bay at 11(8-0-3).

HIGH-TECH TORRENT: As the highest scoring arsenal in the IHL, the first place Lumberjacks, remarkably, have sustained their goal-scoring sorcery through thick and thin. To amplify and magnify, in their last 12-outings, Muskegon has attacked the enemy to the tune of an ominous 59-goals for a GFA of a prolific 4.92. For the season, the "Jackeroos" have connected on 234-goals, 30 more than the rest of the league, for a GFA of 3.80.

THE SKILL SCHOOL POOL: The league-leaders continue to dominate the major offensive departments of the IHL with 5-weeks still remaining in the regular season schedule. The top scoring elite: 1- Todd Robinson 61(19-74-93); 2- Robin Bouchard 59(52-37-89); 12- John DiPace 44(20-32-52); 17-Brian Bicek 62(18-27-45); 24- Matt Krug 61(13-28-41). In Goals: 1- Bouchard (52); In Assists: 1- Robinson (74); In PPG: 1- Bouchard (15); In PP/Assists: 1- Robinson (28); In GWG: 2- Bouchard (8); 4- Bicek (5). In GWG/OT/SO: 1- Bouchard (3) 2- Damian Surma (2); Robinson (2). In MG: 1- Bouchard (13); In SOG: 1- Bouchard (281); In Plus/Minus: 1- (tied) DiPace (+28); 4- Bouchard (+27); 5- Robinson (+24). In OTSO Goals: 3- Robinson 4/7; Surma 3/5. Rookie Scoring: 4- Krug 61(13-28-41); 9- Matt Robertson 62(16-20-36); 14- J.T. Dahlinger 61(9-18-27). In PPG: 2- Krug (8); In Assists: 2- Krug (28); In Plus/Minus: 3- Dahlinger (+19); 4- Krug (+17). In Defense Scoring: 1- (tied) Krug 61(13-28-41); 9- Adam Welch 54(6-17-23). In Goals: 1- Krug (13); In assists: 3- Krug (28); In PPG: 1- Krug (8). In Plus/Minus: 2- Krug (+17); 4- Welch (+14). In the Goaltending category: 2- Sebastien Centomo 2.51 GAA; 7- Matt Lundin GAA: 2.89. WINS: 2- Centomo (22); 4- Lundin (18). SHUTOUTS: 1 (tied) Centomo (3). IN OTSO/SPCT: 1- Lundin 12/15;.800.

4 MORE FOR LORE: The "Gun-Sling King," right wing Rockin' Robin Bouchard is nearing the promised land, the exclusive, eminent domain of pro hockey legend and majesty. The past week, the 16-year veteran pro continued another one of his ineffable, incomparable goal-scoring scourges as he cannonaded 5-goals in 4-games with 22-SOG and 3-PPG. In the process, he extended his latest goal-scoring "Bouchardian" binging to 8-straight games, the longest in the IHL this season; last 8(10-2-12). "Bouch Almighty" is a mere 4-more strikes away from the magic number of 683 to become record-breaking and history-making as the greatest goal-scoring sultan in minor pro hockey annals. With 679-career goals, the flamboyant francophone is almost there when adulation fills the air everywhere. In his last 29-games; 29(28-13-41); last 20(20-8-28). For the season, his 52-goals are 17-more than the rest of the league. For the second consecutive week, Bouchard is the Lumberjacks nomination for Meijer / IHL Player of the Week.

SHUTOUT SHUTDOWN: For nearly the past month, first year goaltender Matt Lundin has been forced to shoulder the heavy load in goal for the `Jacks to preserve the team's league-lead. The past week, as Sebastien Centomo was restored to the lineup, Lundin turned in a veritable masterpiece in goal Saturday night as he earned his second shutout of the season and his team's first one on the road in a 3-0 blanking of Quad City. Named the #2 Star, he rebuked all 22- "Quack Attack" attempts to spearhead his team's dissolving of its 4-game losing skid. For the week, he was 2(1-1-0) with a miserly, microscopic 2.02 GAA and.922 SPCT. Lundin is the Lumberjacks nomination for Meijer / IHL Goaltender of the Week.

THE KRUG CRUSH: First year defenseman Matt Krug fashioned another exemplary week of offense and defense for the first place team. In 4-games, he engineered 3-points on 1-goal, 2-assists with 9-PIM, 12-SOG and solid +2 rating. In his team's 4-3 setback Wednesday night on home ice against Quad City, he authored 1-PPG and 1-PP/assist while being hailed as the game's #3 Star. The IHL's top scoring defenseman is the the Lumberjacks nomination for Meijer / IHL Rookie of the Week.

7-HEAVEN HUNDRED: Playmaker extraordinaire center Todd Robinson is approaching yet another remarkable milestone in his brilliant 11-year career. The consummate arranger of danger for the opponent, "T. Rob" engineered 7-assists in 4-games; 4(0-7-7) including three 2-assists' efforts with one of those netting him the game's #2 Star. Four of those 7-assists were by way of the power play. In the process, the latest "Robinsonian" point streak has climbed to 8-straight games with 13-points on 2-goals, 11-assists. Having amassed 93-points for the season, "Tape-to-Tape Todd" has inched within 7-points of his 6th 100-points' season and his 5th in Muskegon.

FLASHING HIS BADGE: "The Lawman" is back in town and that spells big trouble for all the feature creatures of the opposition. The past week, the 11-year veteran defenseman enjoyed one of his best weeks of the season. Making a remark-able return from the ruptured injury he sustained back on December 29th, Jason Lawmaster put together an outstanding weekend of backend service. In the two Lumberjacks victories, he fashioned a flashy +4 rating, including +3 and 1-assist in his club's 5-3 dismissal of Port Huron at Walker Arena.

"THE ROCK" SOCK: Eleven-year veteran defenseman Mario Larocque was obtained by the Lumberjacks to inject defensive might, mettle and muscle on the club's blue line while at the same time, augmenting the `Jacks offensive ammo arsenal. In 4-games the past week, he collected 3-points on 1-PPG and 2-assists, registering 14-SOG, 8-PIM and even rating. He recently completed a personal 7-game point streak in which he collected 7-points on 2-goals, 5-assists.

SPECIAL TEAMS TUNED: The Lumberjacks power play remains ranked a lofty #2 in the league, operating at 20.6 proficiency rating at 59-287. Their 59-PPG equal Port Huron for the most in the league. The `Jacks power play is 4 for the last 13; 30.8%; 7 for the last 20; 35%; 14 for the last 45; 31.1%. In the meantime, the penalty-killing cast is rated #3 in the league at 82.3%; 242-294. Muskegon has immobilized 17 of the last 20 for an efficiency rating of 85%.

HALLMARK HISTORY: Billy Collins (394) has passed Rusty Dolyny (390) for 6th place on Muskegon's all-time career games played list. With his 5-goals in 4-games the past week, Robin Bouchard has eclipsed 550-goals in a Muskegon uniform. He is now at 552. Mario Larocque's (99) next goal will be the 100th of his pro career. Damian Surma with(1-2-3) for the week and the GWG in Sunday's 5-3 triumph over Port Huron, (296) is 4-points from career 300. Michel Beausoleil (242) is 8-goals from pro career 250.

FEW FUN FAST FACTS FROM "FIC": With their 5-3 triumph over Port Huron, the `Jacks have raised their Sunday record to a dynamic 11(9-1-1) overall and 7(6-1-0) at home. The Lumberjacks have out-goaled their visitors on home ice this season in the third period, 46-25. When they score 3-GF or more, the `Jacks record stands at 43(36-5-2); when they surrender 3-GA or less, their record stands at 43(38-4-1). Goaltender Sebastien Centomo is on a personal 7-game win streak on home ice; 7(7-0-0). Only Brian Bicek and linemate Matt Robertson have played in all 62-games this season.

THE LUMBERJACKS GAME CALENDAR THIS WEEK:

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17TH THE LUMBERJACKS AT BLOOMINGTON 8:00 PM

It's only Muskegon's fourth trip to Bloomington this season and the 10th meeting overall. The Lumberjacks lead the series, 9(8-1-0) with a perfect 3(3-0-0) mark in Central Illinois. However, in the last clash back on 2/27 in Muskegon, the Prairie Thunder bushwhacked the `Jacks, 4-2. That ended a Muskegon 11-game win streak over Bloomington dating back to last season.

SATURDAY, MARCH 20TH THE LUMBERJACKS AT FORT WAYNE 7:30 PM

The Lumberjacks journey to the homestead of the league's two-time reigning champions for the second time in 8-days after absorbing a 5-2 setback last Friday night in the Indiana city. The series is balanced at 8(4-4-0) with each home team having posted identical marks of 4(3-1-0).

SUNDAY, MARCH 21ST QUAD CITY AT THE LUMBERJACKS 5:00 PM

Muskegon closes the week's work with its lone home performance for the week as the Mallards come to town for the sixth time this season. The Lumberjacks lead the series at 11(8-3-0) and 5(4-1-0) at home. The Lumberjacks will be looking to avenge their last home loss last Wednesday night when the "Flock" came to town and flew away with a 4-3 triumph.

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 15, 2010


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