USHL Muskegon Lumberjacks

Padulo, Keeney Lead Jacks' Breakout

Published on December 2, 2011 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release


MUSKEGON, Mich. (December 2, 2011) - The Muskegon Lumberjacks wore their new red alternate jerseys as they started a new month, but however you figure it, they found the fresh start they were looking for.

The Lumberjacks used a potent combination of offense and defense to release two weeks of frustration, bombing the Youngstown Phantoms 5-0 Friday night at L.C. Walker Arena.

John Padulo led the Lumberjacks attack with two goals and an assist, while goalie John Keeney earned his second shutout in three starts to help halt Muskegon's three-game losing streak. The Jacks (8-9-0, 16 points) will gun for the .500 mark in the grudge match with the Phantoms Saturday night.

Padulo's two-goal game was Muskegon's fourth of the season, and the first by someone not named Dakota Klecha. The fourth-year junior hockey veteran now has a pair of three-point games and his 14 points lead the club.

Keeney's 44 saves marked a season-high for a Jacks goaltender, topping the 37 stops he made Nov. 18 in a 2-0 blanking of Tri-City at L.C. Walker Arena. The third-year USHLer has stopped 102 of 106 shots in three home starts for Muskegon.

There were other stars on this night, though, including Spring Lake native Lance Fredrickson, who netted his first USHL goal, and Mike McNicholas, who earned his first two league points, both assists.

Ryan Bullock returned to the lineup after missing five games due to injury, and the rookie defensemen showed his worth with two helpers of his own. Coincidentally, the last game Bullock played was also against the Phantoms, a 2-1 Lumberjacks win in Youngstown Nov. 11.

The Phantoms (12-6-1, 25 points) had gone 5-1-1 since then, but the Jacks have now claimed all three meetings in the season series, holding one of the USHL's better offenses to two goals in three games.

Keeney robbed Pat Conte with a brilliant blocker save early in the first, and the Lumberjacks killed off four Phantoms' power plays in the period to build momentum. Padulo punctuated the frame by burying the rebound of Bullock's point shot with 29 seconds remaining.

Padulo added another goal 8:10 into the second, taking the lead pass from McNicholas, who intercepted a pass at center ice. Padulo slid a quick wrister under goalie Matt O'Connor's pads to double the Muskegon advantage.

Adam Chlapik, the newest Lumberjack, ripped the twine for his first in a Muskegon uniform in the final minute of the middle period. During the Jacks' fifth power play, Bullock fired a slapper from the blue line that O'Connor booted to the stick of Chlapik, whom Muskegon acquired in a trade with Tri-City last week.

Padulo added his third point of the night midway through the third, setting up Max Shuart's deft re-direct from the left circle. The lead grew to five when Fredrickson drove the rebound of McNicholas' one-timer past O'Connor's left leg with 1:14 left.

The Phantoms threw 20 shots at Keeney in the third, a season-high for a Lumberjacks opponent, but the former Omaha Lancer was once again perfect in front of the home fans.

Muskegon takes on Youngstown again Saturday on Star Wars Night, featuring all your favorite characters, movie merchandise and memorabilia, and an appearance from Return of the Jedi actor Felix Silla. The puck drops at 7:15 p.m.

The Cans From Fans food drive continues, as well. Anyone who brings three non-perishable items will receive a free ticket to the Dec. 18 game vs. Indiana.

Call the L.C. Walker Arena box office at 231.724.JACK(5225) for Lumberjacks tickets and information, or visit startickets.com or go to your local Meijer.

Check out the Muskegon Lumberjacks Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



United States Hockey League Stories from December 2, 2011


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.

OurSports Central