Muskegon Surges Into Share Of Second Place
March 30, 2009 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release
LUMBERJACKS LINES: Composing an outstanding 4(3-1-0) record for the past week, the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the International Hockey League are in the process of getting ready for the final two weeks of the 2008-09 season as they continue their bold bid for superior playoff positioning. There are two weeks still remaining in the IHL's regular season schedule with the Lumberjacks facing 7-more games on their docket. Of those 7-remaining outings, the Lumberjacks will play 5-more games abroad, beginning with 4-more this week and 2-more games at home during the final weekend of the regular phase on April 10th and April 11th. Under the auspices of third year bench pilot Bruce Ramsay, the Lumberjacks have surged into a share of the lofty second place positioning with rival Port Huron. The Lumberjacks have compiled a season mark of an august 69(41-21-7) totaling 89-points while the Icehawks have earned their 89-points through a season's record of 69(40-20-9) for 89-points. Port Huron recently concluded a 5-game road mission in which the record was 5(2-2-1). Muskegon does have one more game with the 'Hawks" at Port Huron, coming up this Sunday. Both the Lumberjacks and Port Huron trail torrid league-leading and defending league kingpin Fort Wayne 70(41-17-12)94-points by 5-points with the 'Jacks owning one game in hand on the meteoric Komets who have 7-in a row and are unblemished in their last 13-games; 13(12-0-1). Muskegon has two more games scheduled against the Komets with both coming up this week and with both in the Indiana city. Meanwhile, the Lumberjacks have gained a 7-points advantage over 4th place Kalamazoo 70(40-28-2) 82-points with one game in hand on the Wings who are 6(5-0-1) in their last half-dozen dates. Muskegon has one more regular season home date against the Wings and that will be on the regular season and home finale, Saturday night, April 11th at Walker Arena. This week, the Lumberjacks confront the ambitious agenda of 4-road games in 5-nights this week. Wednesday night, they sojourn to Fort Wayne to be hosted by the Komets then it's on to Flint Friday night before the 'Jacks cap the week's activities with an encore excursion back to Fort Wayne Saturday night before capping the second to last week of the regular season next Sunday for a trip Port Huron.
THE RECORD RISING: The past week, the 'Jacks posted a sparkling record of 4(3-1-0) as they were 2(2-0-0) undefeated abroad and 2(1-1-0) on home ice. In their last 8-dates, the 'Jacks record stands at a gleaming and glowing 8(6-1-1). For the season, they have climbed into a second place tie with Port Huron on a mark of 69(41-21-7) for 89-points and a winning percentage of a superlative .645. Their 41-victories tie them for the league-leadership with first place Fort Wayne and are 6-more victories than they assembled for all of last season. The 'Jacks 89-total points are 13-more than they accrued in 2007-08. Thus far in the second half of the schedule, the 'Jacks have been flourishing through a record of 31(19-8-4) 42-points; since the beginning of the new calendar year, the Lumberjacks have posted a mark of 42(26-11-5) 57-points. The longest win streak of the season has been 6-in a row; longest unsullied streak; 8(6-0-2). The longest losing spell has been 4-consecutively; 4(0-4-0). The monthly update: 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 14(8-5-1).
HOME BREW BEST: For the week on home ice the past week, the 'Jacks essayed a record of 2(1-1-0); trembling to Kalamazoo Friday night, 6-4 before exacting some retribution and reprisals in the form of a hard-fought 7-6 OTSO triumph over the Bloomington on Sunday. For the season, the Lumberjacks continue to boast the IHL's premiere home mark at 36(22-11-3). Their 22-triumphs are 4-more than they earned all of last season. At home last 4-games; 4(3-1-0); last 9-games; 9(6-3-0). Since broaching this current campaign with a resounding and resonating 7-games' home ice winning streak, the Lumberjacks Walker Arena composite finds a mark of 29(15-11-3).
ROAD SHOW GLOW: The past week, the Lumberjacks extended their latest unbeaten streak abroad to 4-consecu-tively at 4(3-0-1). Their last setback in foreign territory was back on March 15th in Port Huron where they were humbled by the Icehawks, 7-3. The past week, Muskegon swept a pair road encounters with each success extracted from the city of Bloomington; 3-2 OT triumph Wednesday night and, again, on Saturday night in an 8-2 carnage of the Prairie Thunder. For the season, the 'Jacks have actually dropped fewer games on the road (10) as compared to home ice (11). Muskegon has authored a majestic mark of 33(19-10-4) with the 19-victories representing 2-more than they earned all of last season. Longest road win streak for the season has been 6-in succession; 6(6-0-0); longest overall undefeated skein on foreign ice this year has been 8-straight; 8(7-0-1). Only twice this season has Muskegon sustained back-to-back defeats on the road.
HERITAGE AND HISTORY HALLWAY: The rich, tradition-steeped Muskegon professional hockey franchise has, again, stepped out alone as the best of the rest with more and many accomplishments. For an unprecedented and unparalleled 17th consecutive season, the Muskegon club has qualified for a berth in the upcoming post season playoffs. Moreover, with an overall record of 69(41-21-7) 89-points, Muskegon, remarkably, has eclipsed the 40-victories plateau for the sixth time in the past 8-years and the 11th time in 15-years.
ASCENSION MENTION: Todd Robinson 65(23-88-111) is closing in on his second league scoring title as he enjoys a commanding 19-points' advantage of former teammate and Bloomington center Jon Booras. John DiPace 67(35-40-75) is #7; Luke Stauffacher 63(38-33-71) is 9th and Robin Bouchard is 14th 40(38-23-61). Stauffacher (38), Bouchard (38) are both tied for the IHL lead in goals with DiPace (35) right behind them. Robinson leads the IHL in assists with 88 and PP/Assists with 32. Chad Woollard (16) leads the IHL in PPG with Bouchard tied for 2nd (14). Stauffacher's 7-WG rank as second in the IHL. Bouchard continues to lead the NHL in pinpoint goal-scoring shooting accuracy at .221; 38/172. Stauffacher is #2 in the IHL; 38/187; .203. Steven Later (288) leads the league in PIM; John DiPace is 4th with 209-PIM. Later's 44-minors rank league-wide 4th; his 16-majors rank as 4th most in the IHL. Chad Costello 62(16-27-43) is ranked rookie 4th; Adam Bartholomay is 10th; 58(10-22-32); Alec Kirschner is 14th with 58(6-20-26). Costello's 3-GWG tie him for the IHL lead. On defense, Matt Gens 67(9-41-50) is 2nd; Darryl McArthur 69(7-37-44) is 3rd; Shaun Fisher 68(7-30-37) is tied for 5th; Dan Boeser 45(8-17-25) is 15th; Steven Later 52(5-20-25) is 16th and Ryan Jorde 17th 65(2-21-23) Gens (41), McArthur (37) are 2nd and 4th accordingly in assists while Gens 18-PPA and McArthur's 17 rank 2nd and 3rd respectively. McArthur at +24 is ranked third in the IHL in that department. In the goaltending category, Clayton Pool is ranked IHL 4th with a GAA of 3.28. His SPCT of .909 ranks as the league's second best. Pool's 24-victories rank 4th in the league; his 5-SOW rank #2 in the league. He has the best win percentage in the IHL at 37(24-8-5) for a mark of .716.
SKY LOW LUKE: Diminutive, dynamic Lumberjacks right wing Luke Stauffacher has emerged more and more prominently as a real on-ice antagonist and sparkplug for his team. For the month of March, he topped his team in goal-production with 12-goals in 14-games among his 17-points. The former U. of Minnesota-Duluth standout shared the point-scoring monthly leadership as well. For the month; 14(12-5-17) with 19-PIM, 47-SOG and +3rating. Included in his monthly numbers were the top team total in GWG with 4; tying for the top spot in SHG with 2; 1-PPG; 1-FG; 1-UAG; 1-ENG; 3-multiple goal games and 1-OTSO/GWG. The past Sunday, in his team's late, dramatic come back 7-6 OTSO triumph over Bloomington, Stauffacher delivered the GTG in a late, harrowing fashion with only :03 remaining in the contest. Currently on a 3-game point streak; 3(3-3-6) +4 and with points in 6 of his last 7-games; 7(7-5-12) and +6 rating; a three time winner of the IHL Player of the Week Award including last week, Stauffacher is the Lumberjacks nomination for Pepsi / IHL Player of the Month for March.
THE PACER RACER: It was yet another banner week for the Lumberjacks indefatigable veteran right wing John DiPace. In 4-games the past week, he engineered 8-points on 4-goals, 4-assists with 16-SOG and supreme +6 rating. He finished the week with a 3-goal streak; 3(4-3-7); registering points in all 4-games "Johnny D" earned two consecutive #2 Star awards on back-to-back nights against Bloomington, delivering 4-points (1-3-4) and +4 rating in the Illinois hamlet Saturday night before he fired a pair of goals Sunday against the same team. Since being acquired from Flint back on February 18th "Pacer" has amassed 24-points in 19-games on 11-goals, 13-assists and a brilliant +13 rating in that span. DiPace is the Lumberjacks nomination for Pepsi / IHL Player of the Week.
BACKBONE BACKSTOP: Five year pro Clayton Pool is evolving into the consummate goaltender workhorse for the Lumberjacks. Having started the last 10-games consecutively, the former U. of Alberta star, for March, saw service in 11 of his club's 14-games, posting a record of 11(7-3-1) with a 3.47 GAA and .895 SPCT along with 1-shutout. Gaining 7 of the 'Jacks 8-victories for the month, Pool is 8(6-1-1) in his last 8-decisions overall. During March, he achieved a 3-game win streak as well as a 5-games' undefeated skein; 5(4-0-1). He really radiated in extra time for the month with an unsullied skein of 4(3-0-1). Pool is the Lumberjacks nomination for Southern Sports Supply Goaltender of the Week and Goaltender of the Month.
ON THE BART BEAT: Always offering his special dimension of versatility to the Lumberjacks lineup, Adam Bartholomay has been the epitome of steady and stable on both defense and on right wing. The product of the U. of Nebraska-Omaha saw service in 13 of his team's 14-games for the month of March, fashioning 6-points on 2-goals, 4-assists with 27-PIM and +3 rating. For the season, his strong +17 rating ranks second overall on his 'Jacks team while his 10-goals top all Muskegon defensemen in goal-connecting. Bartholomay is the Lumberjacks nomination for Aquafina / IHL Rookie of the Month.
A NEW ERA IS BORN: His father was one of the truly all-time greats in Muskegon pro hockey annals and an international star. Sergei Kharin's oldest son, Anton Kharin has arrived on the Muskegon pro hockey scene to continue the great Kharin hockey name and Muskegon winning tradition. Signed right off the campus of R.I.T. (Rochester Tech) of the AHA (Atlantic Hockey Association) the 23-year old Moscow, Russia child prodigy was electrifying in his initial pro week. Emerging as a real sparkplug, Anton Kharin has authored a 3-games point streak in his first 3-ever pro games; 3(2-3-5) with 9-SOG and +2 rating. He scored his first ever pro goal in his first ever pro game Friday night on home ice against archrival Kalamazoo. In fact, both of his goals have come in each of his only 2-home games thus far. Donning the same number his dad made famous in Muskegon, #16, Anton Kharin is the Lumberjacks nomination for Aquafina / IHL Rookie of the Week.
CROWN CRESTING: Smooth center Todd Robinson is merely steps away from his second league scoring crown, coinciding with the last 2-seasons in which he has been under the employ of the Muskegon pro franchise. With 23-goals and a club record 88-assists in 65 games for 111-points, "T. Rob" has orchestrated another magnificent point-scoring streak for this season. In his last 8-games, he has accrued 14-assists; 8(0-14-14) for an 8-game point streak. He has already crafted a majestic 34-multiple point games and 32-PPA, leading the league in both of those departments as well. He also has 6-multiple goals games to his credit this year.
GOAL-A-GAME FAME: The "Gun-Sling King," right wing Rockin' Robin Bouchard has been on a torrid "Bouchardian" binge ever since his latest return from Muskegon hockey sabbatical. In 4-games this past week, "Bouch Almighty" fired and wired 5-goals, 1-assist for 6-points with a +5 rating, 12-SOG and 10-PIM. Saturday night in his team's 8-2 resounding pounding of Bloomington, he struck for his third 3-goal "hat trick" of the season and his second in his last 3-appearances in the Central Illinois exotic burg. His 4-points performance also included a stellar +3 rating. With 641 pro career goals he stands 6th on the all-time minor pro hockey list. This Wednesday night, when his Lum-berjacks team takes the ice at Fort Wayne, Robin Bouchard will play the 1,000th game of his illustrious and distinguished pro career. Thus far this season, he has scored 38-goals in 40-games, yet is already tied for the league-lead in goal-cannoneering.
IRONMAN "MAC" MADE: Nine year veteran defenseman Darryl McArthur is enjoying a complete and total career year as he continues to really thrive here in Muskegon under the Lumberjacks umbrella. "Mac" is the only Lumber-jacks player to suit-up and play in all 69-games thus far this season. In his last 4-games, he is 4(0-2-2) with a healthy +8 rating in that span. The league's third top scoring defenseman has accumulated a sterling +24 rating which is #1 for the Lumberjacks and #3 overall in the IHL.
THE "WOOLLY WHIP": Ten year veteran left wing Chad Woollard has certainly sounded his return to the Lumberjacks lineup in grand clarion tones. Through his first 11-games since his return, Woollard is on an 11-game point streak that has seen him register 16-points on 8-goals, 8-assists. The Lumberjacks team record for longest point streak this season is held by Robin Bouchard at 12-consecutive games. Woollard is one of four 30-goals snipers on this 'Jacks team; Robin Bouchard (38), Luke Stauffacher (38), John DiPace (35), Chad Woollard (30).
SPECIAL TEAMS TUNING: In recent action, the Lumberjacks special teams have been gripped with some vicissitudes and erratic play. Nevertheless, the power play still ranks as #1 in the league at 70-321 for a proficiency rating of 21.8%. Muskegon's 71-PPG rank runner-up to Fort Wayne's 74. The Jacks on the power play are 1-16 for a conversion rating of a menial 6.2% Muskegon is 5 for the last 33 for a PP mark of 15.2%. The penalty-killing unit has been somewhat inconsistent as well, operating 5th in the IHL with an efficiency rating of 78.3% with opponents 71-327. Opponents are 3 for the last 10; 6 for the last 19; 15 for the last 49-advantages.
MILESTONES STAKES: Robin Bouchard will play the 1,000th game of his illustrious pro career with the 'Jacks next game this Wednesday night in Fort Wayne against the league-leading Komets. Anton Kharin scored his first-ever pro goal in his first-ever pro game Friday night on home ice against Kalamazoo. Steven Later (197) is 3-games away from pro career 200. Later 28-63-91) is 9-points away from career 100. Darryl McArthur (489) is 11-games away from pro career 500.
FEW FUN FAST FACTS FROM "FIC": With their 3-consective triumphs over Bloomington the past week, the 'Jacks severed a 5-game winless skid against the Prairie Thunder 5(0-3-2) and 3(0-2-1) at home. Muskegon continues to flourish on Sunday this year with a record of 11(8-2-1). The Lumberjacks have won their last 4-OT games in a row and have garnered all 5 of this year's OT/wins on the road. The Lumberjacks have scored 11 three goal "hat tricks" thus far this season and are undefeated when they accomplish the feat at 11(10-0-1). Muskegon is 39(30-4-5) when scoring the game's FG and when holding the lead after the first period, the 'Jacks record stands at 25(20-3-2).
THE WRAP RECAP: Facing a demanding, daunting schedule consisting of 4-games in 5-days with much travel, the Lumberjacks composed a solid mark of 4(3-1-0); winning both of their road games with both played in Bloomington and dividing the pair on home ice. Last Wednesday night in Bloomington, Chad Woollard's strike at 4:08 and the final minute of OT lifted the 'Jacks to an exciting 3-2 victory over the Prairie Thunder. Shaun Fisher (1-1-2)GTG/+3, Robin Bouchard (TBG) also made connection with Todd Robinson assisting twice. Muskegon outshot Bloomington, 38-26 with Clayton Pool repelling 24-shots. Returning home Friday night, the 'Jacks trembled to Kalamazoo, 6-4. Luke Stauffacher and John DiPace fired SHG :52 apart early in the second period to erase a 1-0 deficit and gain 2-1 lead. But after that it was all Wings to the tune of 5-consecutive goals. Bouchard and Anton Kharin caged singletons for the Lumberjacks with Robinson engineering 2-more assists. Muskegon outshot Kalamazoo, 40-34. Saturday night, back in Bloomington, the Lumberjacks made amends as they erupted for three first period goals then added another 4-goal gushing geyser in the middle stanza and disposed of the Thunder, 8-2; equaling their most lopsided victory of the season. Bouchard (3-1-4)FG/PPG connected for his third "hat trick" of the season and his second in his last 3-trips to Bloomington. DiPace (1-3-4), Dan Boeser (2-0-2), Luke Stauffacher (1-2-3)GWG, Billy Collins (1-1-2) also connected with Robinson maestroing 3-assists and Anton Kharin adding a pair of helpers. Pool was superb with 40 saves. Sunday the backdrop switched back to Muskegon where the Lumberjacks surmounted two daunting 2-goal deficits of 3-1 and 6-4 to eventually overcome the Thunder in the OTSO, 7-6. Stauffacher's strike with :03 remaining in regulation time set the stage for the extra session. DiPace drilled 2-more goals (FG/GTG); Jon Grabarek (1-1-2)PG; Alec Kirschner (PG); Anton Kharin (1-1-2)PG and Stauffacher (1-1-2) spurred the Lumberjacks comeback counter- attack crescendo. Stauffacher and Bouchard connected in the OTSO while Pool blanked the Bloomington attempts in rapier-like fashion.
THE LUMBERJACKS UPCOMING GAME CALENDAR THIS WEEK:
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1ST THE LUMBERJACKS AT FORT WAYNE 7:30 PM
SATURDAY, APRIL 4TH THE LUMBERJACKS AT FORT WAYNE 7:30 PM
The final two regular season sessions to be staged between these two teams and the seventh and eighth affairs in Fort Wayne. The Lumberjacks lead the season series over the defending league champions, 13(9-4-0). They have been especially effective on the road in the Indiana city where they have extracted victories in 5 of their previous half-dozen dates; 6(5-1-0). The Komets have been meteoric recently, having assembled a sterling 13-game unbeaten streak at 13(12-0-1). Their last loss was to the 'Jacks in Muskegon back on March 6th when they bowed, 5-3.
FRIDAY, APRIL 3RD THE LUMBERJACKS AT FLINT 7:30 PM
The first of three more meetings which still remain between the two long time archenemies and the first of a pair at Flint where the 'Jacks have excelled this season with a mark of 6(4-1-1). Overall, Muskegon leads the series 13(9-3-1) with their last clash against the Generals resulting in a 5-0 shutout victory back on March 20th in Muskegon.
SUNDAY, APRIL 5TH THE LUMBERJACKS AT PORT HURON 5:00 PM
When the 'Jacks tangle with the Icehawks, it will mark the end of their 14-games' season series this year with the Lumberjacks holding the slightest edge of 13(6-5-2). They are 6(2-3-1) in Port Huron. The two teams begin the week tied for second place with both teams having 7-games remaining in their respective bids for home ice advantage in the opening round of the playoffs.
International Hockey League 2 Stories from March 30, 2009
- DiPace Named IHL Player of the Week - Muskegon Lumberjacks
- Icehawks Lose Grasp On First Place As Season Winds Down - Port Huron Icehawks
- Komets jump into first place - Fort Wayne Komets
- IHL Weekly Honors Announced For Week Twenty-Four - IHL 2
- Four Teams Earn Place In Playoffs - IHL 2
- Muskegon Surges Into Share Of Second Place - Muskegon Lumberjacks
- Lumberjacks Weekly Notes - Muskegon Lumberjacks
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