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USHL Muskegon Lumberjacks

Muskegon to Face Dubuque in Eastern Conference Semifinals

April 18, 2019 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release


MUSKEGON, MI - Following a first-round sweep of the Youngstown Phantoms, the sixth-seeded Dubuque Fighting Saints will face the first-seeded Muskegon Lumberjacks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

The best-of-five series begins with games one and two this Saturday, April 20, and Sunday, April 21, at LC Walker Arena.

The Lumberjacks and Fighting Saints have been two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference lately, with Dubuque being arguably the East's top team over the last decade. The Saints have made the playoffs in nine consecutive seasons, won the Clark Cup twice in that span, and also fell in the Finals in 2016 to Tri-City.

Despite being the last team to earn a playoff spot in the East, Dubuque went to Youngstown and swept the best-of-three series against the Phantoms. Since the playoff bracket is re-seeded, Dubuque moves on to face the #1 seeded Jacks.

Muskegon, like Dubuque, has been consistently making noise in the Eastern Conference. Muskegon has now qualified for the postseason in three straight seasons, and four of the last five. In 2014-15, the fourth-seeded Jacks made a memorable run to the Finals before falling to Sioux Falls.

Muskegon and Dubuque are quite well acquainted with one another: they faced off four times this regular season. The four matchups were split two wins a side, with each being decided by one goal and two requiring overtime.

Furthermore, these familiar foes have done battle in three playoff series, with Dubuque advancing past Muskegon in two of those three series. In both cases, the Saints eliminated the Jacks at LC Walker Arena.

Based on the history between these two teams, and the fact that 11 of the last 12 regular-season matchups have been decided by a single goal, head coach Mike Hamilton expects more of the same.

"I'm expecting tightly contested hockey games," said Hamilton. "That's how Dubuque loves to play...defense first. They keep the game in front of them, and give up very few odd-man rushes. In practice this week, our focus has been how to generate offense against that sound defense."

Dubuque's defense gave up 204 goals on the season, the third-fewest in the Eastern Conference, and coach Hamilton believes they are playing their stingiest defense right now.

"When we watched the [Dubuque versus] Youngstown series, they played really, really tight defense," said Hamilton. "Once it's out of their zone, they have some very offensive players that can make you pay the price- we can't commit turnovers. Furthermore, in the regular season, they won the special teams battle against us, and you're not going far in the playoffs losing special teams battles."

The good news for the Jacks is that for the first time in a long time, they are healthy. With the exception of Igor Larionov Jr., who was traded to Madison after a season-ending injury, Muskegon should be at full strength for game one.

"We are healthy, yes," said Hamilton. "We are anticipating no orange [non-contact] jerseys tomorrow, and have a full slate for game one."

Saturday's puck drop is scheduled for 7:15pm, while game two is slated for 5:15pm on Sunday.

Full series schedule:

Game one: Saturday, April 20, 7:15pm @ LC Walker Arena

Game two: Sunday, April 21, 5:15pm @ LC Walker Arena

Game three: Tuesday, April 23, 8:05pm @ Mystique Ice Center

Game four (if necessary): Wednesday, April 24, 8:05pm @ Mystique Ice Center

Game five (if necessary): Saturday, April 27, 7:15pm @ LC Walker Arena

Tidbits:

Game One of the Conference Semifinals is Saturday, April 20, sponsored by Michigan CAT. Puck drops at 7:15 PM.

Use ticket "A"!

Playoff Rally Towels for the first 1,000 fans!

Get your free 2018-19 Team Poster after the game!

Visit or call the Box Office at 231.726.2400.

Game Two of the Conference Semifinals is Sunday, April 21. Puck drops at 5:15 PM.

Use ticket "B"!

Spend your Easter afternoon with family at our free pre-game concert before catching playoff hockey! Former Boston Bruin Kraig Nienhuis - of the band "9 House" who's opened for ZZ Top, Nickelback, Heart, Huey Lewis, the Doobie Brothers, and many more! - will be putting on a performance outside on Western Avenue next to Rad Dads'. The live music starts at 3:30 PM.

The Easter bunny will be at the game and pictures can be taken!

Playoff Rally Towels for the first 1,000 fans!

Get your free 2018-19 Team Poster after the game!

Visit or call the Box Office at 231.726.2400.

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United States Hockey League Stories from April 18, 2019


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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