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USHL Muskegon Lumberjacks

Napier Pots First Career Goal, Lumberjacks Sink Madison 4-3

February 12, 2022 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release


MUSKEGON, Mich. - Lumberjacks defenseman Jacob Napier lit the lamp for the first time in his career as the Muskegon Lumberjacks split the weekend series after defeating the Madison Capitols by a final score of 4-to-3 on Saturday, Feb. 12 from Mercy Health Arena. Jake Richard, Phil Tresca, and Ben Strinden all scored for Muskegon, including Napier's first career goal to bank two points in the Eastern Conference standings, putting them in another tie with the Chicago Steel for first place with 52 points.

1st Period

For the third game in a row, the Lumberjacks struck first with a power play goal from Jake Richard at 6:49 of the period to make it a 1-to-0 score in favor of Muskegon. Jake Braccini and Joey Larson notched assists on Richard's ninth goal of the season.

Just over a minute later, Muskegon defenseman Jacob Napier potted his first career goal to double the Lumberjack lead to 2-to-0 at 7:58 of the opening period. Nick Peluso and Jake Braccini collected assists on Napier's first-ever USHL goal.

At 13:53, Phil Tresca scored his 22nd goal of the season while shorthanded to give the Lumberjacks the 3-to-0 lead in the first period. Tresca's marker went unassisted on Muskegon's eighth shorthanded goal of the season.

After the first period of action, Muskegon carried a 3-to-0 lead into the dressing room.

2nd Period

Madison was able to get on the board at 12:05 of the second period courtesy of a power play goal from Kyle Kukkonen to make it a 3-to-1 game. Kukkonen's 15th of the season was assisted by Nick Wallace and Jack Musa.

The Lumberjacks would regain the three-goal lead at 13:11 of the second period with a goal from Ben Strinden to make it a 4-to-1 lead. Strinden's 19th goal of the season went unassisted.

After 40 minutes, the Lumberjacks controlled a 4-to-1 lead heading into the second intermission.

3rd Period

Just 2:45 into the third period, Madison's Jake Dunlap put the Capitols within a pair of goals with his 15th of the season to make it a 4-to-2 score. Blake Dangos assisted on Dunlap's goal to give the Caps the momentum.

Matthew McGroarty for Madison put the Capitols within a goal at 15:00 of regulation to make things interesting at 4-to-3. McGroarty's eighth goal of the season was assisted by Michael Quinn and Brendan Lamb.

However, the comeback bid for Madison was not to be as the Lumberjacks were able to hold the fort and lock down a 4-to-3 victory over the Madison Captiols.

On Deck

The Muskegon Lumberjacks next turn their attention to the Youngstown Phantoms for a two-game weekend road series on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 18 and 19, respectively. Both games will begin at 7:05 pm EST from the Covelli Centre in Youngstown, Ohio.

Upcoming Theme Nights - Fury Night/Mardis Gras Night

On Friday, Feb. 25, join us in honoring hockey history in Muskegon during Fury Night! From 1992 to 2008, the Fury saw great success in Muskegon, bringing home four league championships. Mingle with former Fury players while enjoying some Lumberjacks hockey! Plus, the Jacks will take the ice in special Fury-themed jerseys which are available for auction after the game. Then on Saturday, Feb. 26, it's Mardi Gras Night! Mercy Health Arena is turning into Bourbon Street for one night only! Come in costume, and be sure to remember your beads! For more information, call the Muskegon Lumberjacks Business office at (231)-799-7000 or email afranczek@muskegonlumberjacks.com.

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