USHL Muskegon Lumberjacks

Max Humitz's Pair Assists in Fast Start as Lumberjacks Claim Eastern Conference Title

Published on May 5, 2015 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release


DUBUQUE, Iowa (May 5th) - The Eastern Conference Final boiled down to a winner-take-all Game 5 back in Dubuque, Iowa at the Mystique Community Ice Center between the Muskegon Lumberjacks and Dubuque Fighting Saints with the winner earning a spot in the Clark Cup Final against the Sioux Falls Stampede. The Lumberjacks got off to a quick start lacing their four goals on the night during the first two periods of regulation that proved to be just enough in holding off a furious Fighting Saints charge in the third and claiming a 4-3 victory tonight to win the best-of-five series, 3-2, and earn its first Eastern Conference Championship since joining the USHL.

The Lumberjacks got off to a quick start netting the first period's lone two goals to take a 2-0 lead heading into the first intermission that began with a power play strike from Mark Petaccio (4) at the 7:42 mark firing a wrist shot from the right point past Jacob Nehama (5-3) with one second left on the man advantage that went unassisted.

Just 1:25 later, Muskegon doubled their advantage to 2-0 with an even strength marker by Max Humitz (1) firing a wrist shot between the faceoff circles past Nehama's glove hand that was helped by Matej Paulovic.

The Lumberjacks outshot the Fighting Saints through the opening 20 minutes of regulation by a narrow 12-11 spread. Muskegon started 1-for-1 on the power play, while Dubuque was 0-for-1.

Early in the second frame, the Fighting Saints struck the scoreboard at the 2:42 mark to cut the deficit in half at 2-1 with a shot from the right point by Keegan Ford being redirected in front by Jacob Benson (5) to the left of Eric Schierhorn (6-3) that was also helped by Nate Sucese.

Minutes later at the 7:20 mark, the Lumberjacks regained its two-goal spread at 3-1 with their first shorthanded tally of the postseason as a two-on-one odd man rush led to Humitz (2) slapping one top shelf over the left shoulder of Nehama in the right faceoff circle for his second of the contest that went unassisted.

Muskegon went on to add another marker with 4:05 remaining in the middle stanza with another two-on-one opportunity leading to Juraj Mily (1) slipping a forehand between the faceoff circles through Nehama's five-hole that was aided by Tommy Marchin.

Dubuque outshot Muskegon during the middle 20 minutes of regulation by a 15-7 margin and took control of the shots on goal battle overall, 26-19. The Lumberjacks were 1-for-2 on the power play, and the Fighting Saints rode a clip of 1-for-4.

The Fighting Saints mounted a rally in the third netting a pair within 3:02 of one another during the second half of the final frame to slice the margin down to 4-3 with 6:16 to go. At the 10:42 mark, Dylan Gambrell (3) redirected home a power play goal of his own in front of Schierhorn to make it a 4-2 contest that was helped by Ford and Seamus Malone. Minutes later, Hayden Shaw (3) rifled a shot from the left point off a Lumberjack and past Schierhorn on the short side to make it a one shot affair that was set up by Evan Smith and Robby Jackson.

From there, the Lumberjacks defense did not allow the Fighting Saints to notch the game-tying goal as Eric Schierhorn (39 saves) stood tall helping the visitors claim the victory. Jacob Nehama, who was pulled for the extra attacker with 2:01 remaining in regulation, stopped 19 of 23 shots faced in the home loss for the Fighting Saints. Dubuque outshot Muskegon for the night, 42-23. Dubuque finished the contest 2-for-5 on the power play, while Muskegon went 1-for-4.

Max Humitz, who potted his first two career USHL playoff goals, led the Lumberjacks' offensive attack with a pair of goals. Keegan Ford led the Fighting Saints offensively with a pair of helpers. Juraj Mily netted his first career USHL playoff tally that also turned out to be the game-winner. The Lumberjacks improve to 6-3 in this year's Clark Cup Playoffs that includes a 3-2 mark on the road.

The Lumberjacks have claimed a spot in the 2015 Clark Cup Final and are taking on the Western Conference Champion Sioux Falls Stampede in a best-of-five series. Muskegon has earned home ice advantage during the Clark Cup Final and are hosting Games 1 and 2 at the L.C. Walker Arena on Saturday, May 9th and Sunday, May 10th, respectively. Games 3 and 4 shift to the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota the following weekend on Friday May 15th and Sunday, May 17th, respectively, with Game 4 being if necessary.  If the series goes the distance, Game 5 returns to the L.C. Walker Arena on Wednesday, May 20th. Games 1 and 5 during the Clark Cup Final are scheduled to begin at 7:15 pm, while Game 2 drops the puck at 6:15 pm.

Individual tickets for the 2015 Clark Cup Final are on sale for $14 (Gold Sections), $12 (Crimson Sections), $10 (Black Sections), $7 (Youth ages 3-13), and $10 (Seniors/Military/Students). Pricing remains the same on or before the day of the scheduled game. To purchase tickets for the Clark Cup Final, fans can stop by the L.C. Walker Arena Box Office during the normal business hours of 10:00 am - 6:00 pm or call (231) 724-5225.

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

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United States Hockey League Stories from May 5, 2015


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