PrairieThunder victorious over Muskegon
March 14, 2009 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Bloomington PrairieThunder News Release
MUSKEGON, Mich. - Jon Booras had a goal and added an assist to set a team record for most points scored in a single season, while leading the Bloomington PrairieThunder to a 4-2 International Hockey League victory over Muskegon before 2,922 people Saturday night at L.C. Walker Arena.
The victory extended Bloomington's unbeaten streak to five and moved its record to 27-28-1-4 (59 points). The PrairieThunder returns to action Sunday with a 4:05 p.m. game against Fort Wayne at U.S. Cellular Coliseum.
Bloomington also earned its season-high fourth win in a row on the road. Muskegon's record dropped to 35-19-3-3 (76 points).
Goaltender Jason Wolfe stopped 41 of 43 shots to run his unbeaten string to five and his overall record to 9-4-0-2 since joining the team in January.
Booras' two points ran his season total to 82, which eclipsed the previous franchise record of 81, set by Don Parsons last season.
Jan Jas gave the PrairieThunder the initial lead 3:43 into the game when he scored on a penalty shot.
"The penalty shot really set the tone for us," said PrairieThunder coach Jarrod Skalde. "Everyone gave us another great effort and battled hard. This is a great victory. Now we'll get back to Bloomington and get ready for Fort Wayne."
Muskegon tied the game with 17:09 left in the second period on Chad Woollard's power play goal off assists by Robin Bouchard and Todd Robinson.
Bloomington regained the lead when Booras scored on a power play with assists to Russ Smith and Jas with 6:11 remaining in the second period. The PrairieThunder extended the advantage to 3-1 with 13:24 left in the third period on rookie Nick Goyens' power play goal with an assist to Booras.
"We got some timely goals tonight and it was good to see us get some power play goals," added Skalde. "That's something that has been lacking all season. Nick Goyens has a good shot from the point and he showed it."
The Lumberjacks cut their deficit to 3-2 with 10:07 left in the game on a Bouchard goal off assists by Matt Gens and goaltender Clayton Pool.
Bloomington rookie Mike Kusy netted his second professional goal with 7:33 remaining to end the scoring. Henry Kuster and Brent Clarke had assists.
The Lumberjacks owned a 43-27 advantage in shots on goal, but the PrairieThunder was successful on 2 of 3 power plays. Bloomington killed 5 of 6 Muskegon power plays.
"Jason Wolfe came up big again for us," said Skalde. "Muskegon puts so much pressure on you, but we were able to hold them off. John Nail played a great defensive game. That doesn't show up in the box score, but he was huge.
"And Henry Kuster have us a big effort. He's been battling an injury, but he hung in there and did a good job."
International Hockey League 2 Stories from March 14, 2009
- Generals zapped at Port Huron - Flint Generals
- Fort Wayne Ends Kalamazoo's Two-Game Road Winning Streak with 5-2 Win - Kalamazoo Wings
- Four Players Turn In Two Goals Each In Victory - Port Huron Icehawks
- PrairieThunder victorious over Muskegon - Bloomington PrairieThunder
- Generals At Port Huron Saturday Night - Flint Generals
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