USHL Muskegon Lumberjacks

Matheson Iacopelli Records Two-Point Night as Roughriders Edge Lumberjacks

Published on February 27, 2015 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release


MUSKEGON, Michigan (February 27th) - The Muskegon Lumberjacks returned home following a five-game road swing looking to exact some revenge on the East-leading Cedar Rapids RoughRiders from earlier in the season during October at The Stable in the first of two weekend matchups between the Eastern Conference foes at the L.C. Walker Arena. The game featured a four-goal first period and tight defensive battle the rest of the way as the Lumberjacks were able to control the pace of play for the majority outshooting the RoughRiders on the night, 45-27, but come up on the short end of the scoreboard falling by the slimmest of margins to begin the weekend, 3-2.

In the opening segments of the game, the RoughRiders (32-15-0, 64 points) surged ahead to a 2-0 lead by the 4:57 mark scoring two goals 17 seconds apart from one another. Beginning at the 4:40 mark, Ross Colton created a Lumberjacks turnover in the neutral zone into his 12th of the season firing a wrist shot from the right faceoff circle on the short side past Eric Schierhorn's (18-12-3) glove hand that was followed up by Joe Wegerth snapping a shot from the left faceoff circle top shelf over Schierhorn's glove for his second as a RoughRider and seventh overall on the season. Zach Court and Mitch Reinke helped on the Wegwerth tally.

The Lumberjacks (26-17-3, 55 points) fought back to square the game even at 2-2 before the opening frame expired as recent addition Ryan Siroky fed Matheson Iacopelli in the low slot, who continued on to guide a forehand under the right pad of Ryan Larkin (14-7-0) for his 18th of the season to slice the deficit in half to 2-1 at the 8:17 mark. Joseph Cecconi also helped set up the even strength tally.

Later in the first with 3:53 remaining, Muskegon notched the game-tying goal on the power play with Matej Paulovic finding a loose rebound in front of Larkin and tucking in his 11th of the year inside the left post and into the back of the net with the assists credited to Iacopelli and Trevor Hamilton.

The tie game went into the first intermission with the Lumberjacks heavily outshooting the RoughRiders through the first 20 minutes of regulation, 19-8.

Just over four minutes into the middle stanza at the 4:20 mark, Cedar Rapids snatched its lead back to 3-2 with Colton centering a feed from the left wing corner to a crashing in Erik Foley, who redirected his 19th marker of the season past Schierhorn while stationed in the blue paint. Cal Burke received the secondary helper on the tally.

Following the visiting RoughRiders' go-ahead tally, the game saw a scoreless duel with minimal penalties assessed and the host Lumberjacks continuing to extend its shots on goal advantage following a 26-19 advantage during the final two periods of regulation.

Ultimately, Muskegon was unable to record an equalizing tally as time eventually ran out on the home team even after pulling Schierhorn for the extra attacker with 1:16 left in regulation. A total of six penalties were called between both teams totaling to 12 minutes combined, eight for Cedar Rapids and four for Muskegon, with the Lumberjacks finishing the night 1-for-3 on the power play and the RoughRiders going 0-for-1.

Ryan Larkin picked up the road victory following a 43-save effort in net, while Eric Schierhorn took the loss between the pipes after stopping 24 of 27 shots. Ross Colton led the offensive charge for the RoughRiders with a goal plus an assist. Matheson Iacopelli's goal and an assist spearheaded the Lumberjacks' offense. Newcomer Ryan Siroky registered a point with an assist in his first game as a Lumberjack while also leading the team in shots on goal with eight. Muskegon falls to 0-3-0 against Cedar Rapids this season with one regular season meeting left between the two squads.

The Lumberjacks and RoughRiders conclude their two-game weekend series tomorrow night back at the L.C. Walker Arena with the opening puck drop slated for 7:15 pm

Tomorrow's game features Red Wings Night presented by Fox Sports Detroit with special guests in Angela and Emily, also known as the Fox Sports Detroit Girls, in attendance signing autographs and taking pictures with the fans in the Beer Garden. Also, fans are encouraged to wear their favorite Red Wings attire to the game and enjoy the opportunity to win Fox Sports Detroit, Detroit Red Wings, and Muskegon Lumberjacks prizes throughout the night.

Wear any Red Wings apparel and stop by the Customer Service Table located behind Section 102 to receive a free voucher good for any remaining 2014-15 regular season home game. Wear an authentic Red Wings jersey and get the opportunity to win a pair of tickets to an upcoming Red Wings home game in March by obtaining a raffle ticket at the Customer Service Table. Lastly, an "Ultimate Red Wings Fan of the Game" is selected at random which the winner receives a Detroit Red Wings Super Fan prize pack. Additional swag to be tossed into the crowd throughout the night. Following the game, there is a "Season Ticket Holder Saturday" event in the Annex featuring comments from Head Coach Todd Krygier and notable Lumberjacks stars from the game.

To purchase tickets to any of the upcoming three home dates on March 27th, March 28th, and April 3rd while taking advantage of our discounted advance game day prices, 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. In addition, fans take advantage of our new Fantastic Five Special and updated Moose Family Four Pack good for any remaining 2014-15 regular season home game.

The Lumberjacks are on the radio waves as Nash Icon 92.5 FM is the team's flagship provider for the 2014-15 season. Tune in as the "Voice of the Lumberjacks" Bryan Fongers delivers the call beginning 15 minutes prior to the opening puck drop. All games can also be listened and watched live online at www.fasthockey.com.

Check out the Muskegon Lumberjacks Statistics



United States Hockey League Stories from February 27, 2015


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