Petaccio and Paulovic Net Markers, Stampede Prevail in Game 1 of Clark Cup Final
May 9, 2015 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release
Muskegon Lumberjacks Game Recap
(Muskegon Lumberjacks)
MUSKEGON, Michigan (May 9th) - The Eastern Conference Champion Muskegon Lumberjacks took to the L.C. Walker Arena ice surface for Game 1 of the Clark Cup Final against the Western Conference Champion Sioux Falls Stampede seeking to hold serve at home and grab the early advantage in the best-of-five league championship series. The Lumberjacks held a slim 1-0 lead through two periods of play only to have the Stampede tally a three-goal third period and fend off a late Muskegon rally to claim a 3-2 road victory tonight and take an early 1-0 series lead.
The first period saw a scoreless duel with the Stampede outshooting the Lumberjacks through the opening 20 minutes of regulation by a 15-8 spread. Muskegon was 0-for-2 on the power play, and Sioux Falls started off 0-for-1.
Early in the second frame, the Lumberjacks struck the scoreboard first burying a power play goal at the 4:12 mark to grab a 1-0 lead in which a point shot by Corey Schueneman was redirected in front by Matej Paulovic (2) and into the net over Stefanos Lekkas' (7-3) blocker that was also set up by Griffen Molino.
The one shot game remained the same heading into the second intermission break with Sioux Falls holding on to the shot advantage overall by a 25-20 margin and Muskegon narrowly claiming the shot battle during the second period, 12-10. The Lumberjacks were 1-for-4 on the man advantage, while the Stampede were 0-for-2.
The third period saw the Stampede get their offensive legs going striking twice within 4:52 of one another to grab its first lead of the night at 2-1 with 9:08 left in regulation. Beginning at the 5:58 mark, Dakota Joshua (3) snapped a wrist shot between the circles past the glove hand of Eric Schierhorn (6-4) to tie the game at 1-1 that was helped by Mikey Eyssimont. At the 10:52 mark, Ryan Schwalbe (2) used a power move to slip a forehand around Schierhorn and into the open net that was aided by Chris Pohlkamp.
Moments later, Muskegon countered with a quick equalizer just 38 seconds after the Stampede's second goal of the night to even the contest at 2-2 with 8:30 remaining in regulation as an individual effort by Mark Petaccio (5) led to the New Jersey native ripping a wrist shot in the low slot over Lekkas' glove that went unassisted.
A few minutes later, Sioux Falls rebounded to score the eventual game-winner with 5:52 left as an initial shot from Parker Tuomie deflected off of Schierhorn and found the stick of J.M. Piotrowski (2) on the backdoor, who potted the final goal of the game to give the visitors the one goal victory away from home. Dillon Eichstadt received the secondary helper on the tally.
The Lumberjacks pulled Schierhorn for the extra attacker with 1:33 to go but came up empty in terms of notching the game-tying marker. Sioux Falls slightly outshot Muskegon for the night, 37-34.
Stefanos Lekkas claimed the road win with a 32-save effort for the Stampede, while Eric Schierhorn stopped 34 of 37 shots for the Lumberjacks. Eleven different players combined recorded a point offensively between both sides. Mark Petaccio took the team lead in playoff goals scored with his fifth tonight, while Corey Schueneman earned his team-leading 11th point of this year's Clark Cup Playoffs. The Lumberjacks fall to 6-4 overall in the 2015 Clark Cup Playoffs that includes a 3-2 mark at home.
The 2015 Clark Cup Final continues tomorrow night with Game 2 back at the L.C. Walker Arena between the Lumberjacks and Stampede beginning at 7:15 pm.
Fans can take advantage of our numerous extended happy hour specials starting when the doors open at 6:15 pm. For only $2, soda and popcorn is available until the end of the first period along with nachos and pretzels accessible all game long. Also, $1 12 oz. Bud Lights and Budweiser up until last call, or halfway through the third period, and $2 16 oz. domestic drafts served in the Beer Garden only. Lastly, in honor of the Mother's Day holiday, any mom that attends Game 2 receives a free ticket to the game, and the first 300 moms get a special Mother's Day flower.
Individual tickets for Game 2 of the 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 Game 2, fans can stop by the L.C. Walker Arena Box Office beginning at 10:00 am tomorrow 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.
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 Muskegon Lumberjacks Game Recap |
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