Sounds of the Season: Closing out 2011

It's a relatively light week for the Lumberjacks as 2011 comes to an end, but I still have plenty of audio for you to enjoy during this holiday week.

Let's start with Wednesday night's game against Indiana, in which Muskegon put together a rally to force overtime for the second straight game. The Ice got the win in the sudden death session, but Dakota Klecha and Mark Yanis had third period goals and Jacks goalie John Keeney was mostly stellar once again:


Part of the excitement Wednesday was a first intermission exhibition by the Grand Rapids Sled Wings, who will take on the Lumberjacks Friday at L.C. Walker Arena. The Sled Wings' head coach Steve Kozlowski discussed these impressive athletes with me:


At the second intermission I spoke with national developmental sled hockey player Tyler Anderson, who skates for the Sled Wings:


On this Tuesday's JackSixty, second-year Lumberjacks equipment manager Jason Smits discussed his favorite aspects of the underappreciated occupation, as well as how this year's group compares to last season's team:


To close the program, rookie USHL forward Tyler Murray broke down his recent effective play and how his game is developing under Kevin Patrick and the rest of the Muskegon coaching staff:

Countdown to Puck Drop (22): Jacks vs. Indiana

MUSKEGON LUMBERJACKS

Vs. Indiana ice

L.C. WALKER ARENA, MUSKEGON, MICH.

wednesday, December 28, 2011

 

GAME PREVIEW

The USHL schedule resumes just as it ended 10 days ago, with the Muskegon Lumberjacks and Indiana Ice colliding on the L.C. Walker Arena ice sheet. Hopefully the two teams can recreate the drama of Dec. 18, when the Jacks scored a pair of goals 36 seconds apart to transform a potential fourth straight loss into a pulsating overtime win.

 

The Lumberjacks (9-12-0, 18 points / 7th in East) are gunning for their third win of the season vs. the potent Ice, as they also earned an entertaining 5-4 win Nov. 12 in Indianapolis. Mike McNicholas was one of the heroes for Muskegon two Sundays ago, as his tying goal with the goaltender pulled guaranteed at least a point in the standings. Max Shuart ensured that the Jacks’ first OT session of the season was brief, fooling Indiana goalie Jon Gillies with a long-range wrist shot to deliver a sudden-death win.

 

The Ice (14-7-4, 32 points / 4th in East) suffered their fourth loss in overtime or shootout fashion Dec. 18, the second-highest total in the USHL. Nevertheless, Indiana was surging prior to the holiday break, sweeping the defending Clark Cup champion Dubuque Fighting Saints in a two-game weekend series Dec. 9-10, then picking up three of a possible four points in Chicago before skating to Muskegon to complete the unofficial first half of their season.

 

JACKS FACTS

• When McNicholasscored with 21 seconds left in the third to tie Indiana Dec. 18, it set up an exciting moment in Lumberjacks history. Shuart’s game winner 14 seconds into overtime was the team’s first sudden-death goal in 81 regular season USHL games. The Jacks earned six shootout wins last season, but were winless in three OTs. Also, they were the last team to play beyond regulation this year, going the first 20 matches without needing extra time.
• Jacks goalie John Keeney put together a prolific weekend prior to the Christmas break. The Californian’s 43 saves Dec. 17 against the U.S. National Team were impressive enough, but then he made 44 stops to trump Indiana the next night in Muskegon. His .912 save percentage is tied with Tri-City’s Adam Wilcox for sixth-best among qualifying USHL goaltenders.
• Ryan Lomberg and defenseman Nick Seeler have four points each this season against Indiana, while Shuart has three points – including a pair of goals. This is the fourth time the Lumberjacks have played the same opponent in consecutive contests; they are 1-2-0 in the second of back-to-back games.

 

Icemen cometh

• In spite of last Sunday’s overtime loss to the Lumberjacks, the Ice haven’t lost in regulation in five straight (3-0-2) and are just one standings point behind Dubuque and Youngstown for second place in the Eastern Conference. Indiana started the year 5-0-0 but were 6-7-2 in their next 15 games before starting their current run of success.
• The Lumberjacks have done an excellent job getting Daniil Tarasov off his game, as the USHL’s No. 2 scorer (34 points) has zero points and is minus-3 against Muskegon. However, rookie Robbie Baillargeon has done his job, netting three goals to lead all players in the season series.
• Baillargeon scored a power play goal Dec. 18, one of two on the night for Indiana’s top-ranked man-advantage unit. Sean Kuraly had the other PPG, giving him a team-best six on the season. The Ice power play has been particularly efficient on the road, clicking on 17 of 50 opportunities for a 34 percent success rate.

Down on the Farm: Midseason report

With the new year approaching, Voice of the Lumberjacks Matt Gajtka takes a look at players who could play a major role in the future of the franchise, including some who have already seen USHL action this season.

F – Alex Talcott (1995 affiliate)

Hometown: East Kentwood, Mich.

A 6-foot centerman, Talcott played above his age group last season with the Honeybaked Under-18 squad and posted 21 points in 37 games. Now on Victory Honda’s midget major team, he is progressing nicely with eight goals (two shorthanded) and 17 total points after the Lumberjacks made him their second-round Futures Draft pick, No. 16 overall. He has committed to Michigan and is on track to become the second West Michigan native (after Lance Fredrickson) to play for the USHL Jacks.

F – Noah Batis (1995 affiliate)

Hometown: Latrobe, Pa.

Another Lumberjacks prospect skating for Victory Honda, the fleet-footed Batis has registered 16 points in his first 23 midget major games, including a team-best three shorthanded goals among his 10 red lights. He went to Muskegon in the 18th round of the 2011 USHL Entry Draft, and much like current Jacks Max Shuart, Mike McNicholas and Fredrickson, Batis is flourishing under the teaching of Victory Honda head coach Brian Burke.

F – Mason Jobst (1994 affiliate)

Hometown: Zionville, Ind.

As a seventh-round selection in the 2011 USHL Entry Draft, Jobst has already proven that his lack of size will not keep him from success. The current scoring leader of the Indiana Jr. Ice (17 G, 15 A) played in two league games last year for the NTDP, scoring a goal and adding an assist, and the Hoosier State native sported No. 26 for the Lumberjacks in their 5-4 win over the Ice Nov. 12 this season.

D – Chris Leibinger (1994 affiliate)

Hometown: Saginaw, Mich.

The mobile Leibinger has already gotten the opportunity to prove his mettle with the Lumberjacks, as he suited up for two games on the road in late November. It was no surprise he fit right in with Muskegon’s attacking style, as his skating ability sets him apart from other blueliners. Leibinger has 13 points and a plus-8 rating over the last two seasons in the Tier II North American Hockey League just up the road in Traverse City.

D – Garrett Cockerill (1994 affiliate)

Hometown: Brighton, Mich.

Like Leibinger, the 6-foot Cockerill has two USHL games in his portfolio, and he also comported himself well, posting a plus-3 in that brief action. A longtime member of the elite Compuware program in eastern Michigan, Cockerill won a national midget minor championship in 2009 and now mans the blueline for the Under-18s, where he has been the team’s highest scoring defenseman for two seasons. He has already committed to Northeastern University.

F – Matej Paulovic (1995 affiliate)

Hometown: Topolcany, Slovakia

Possessing a powerful shot at a precocious age, the 6-foot-2 Paulovic lit up the Slovakian Under-18 league last season, posting 33 goals and 62 points for his hometown club. Traded to Farjestad of the Swedish Under-18 circuit this summer, Paulovic has continued to excel. The player often compared to longtime former NHL sniper Miroslav Satan put up 28 points in 18 matches and earned a nine-game call-up to Farjestad’s Under-20 team.

F – Riley Alferd (1995 affiliate)

Hometown: Vancouver, Wash.

Although Alferd has played some defense in his career, he gets a better opportunity to deploy his impressive speed at the forward position. Alferd put his name in a lot of scouts’ minds with 27 points in 35 games for the L.A. Selects Under-16 club last winter; he has 18 points so far this season for the U-18s. Selected by the Jacks in the fifth round of the 2011 Futures Draft, he made his USHL debut last Saturday in Muskegon’s tilt with the National Under-18 Team in Ann Arbor.

F – Brett D’Andrea (1994 affiliate)

Hometown: Columbus, Mich.

A ninth-round pick in the USHL Entry Draft, D’Andrea is a natural fit for the circuit, as he has already verbally committed to Bowling Green State University. Moving on from the Honeybaked midget major outfit last season (where he had 34 points), the rangy forward has 13 points in 18 games so far this fall for the NAHL’s Port Huron Fighting Falcons.

F – Grant Besse (1994 affiliate)

Hometown: Plymouth, Mich.

Now a junior at Benilde-St. Margaret’s High School in Minnesota, Besse has been one of the esteemed hockey state’s scoring stars for three years now. After 63 goals over his first two seasons with the Red Knights, the lefthanded shooter has already netted six in seven games this winter, in addition to 13 assists.

D – Corey Schueneman (1995 affiliate)

Hometown: Milford, Mich.

The 6-foot Schueneman isn't shy about hopping into the offense, as evidenced by his 34 points on 10 goals and 24 assists in 35 games with the Little Caesar’s AAA Under-16 club in 2010-11. He joined the Jacks family last summer as a fourth-round pick in the USHL Futures Draft. His transition to midget major hockey has been smooth, as he has eight points in 10 High Performance Hockey League games so far.

F – Mike Turner (1995 affiliate)

Hometown: Oak Hill, Ill.

Last season, the 6-foot-1 Turner split the season between the Chicago Mission Under-16 team and the USHL’s Chicago Steel, where he skated in 16 games. Now in the Lumberjacks organization, the developing power forward has three goals, eight points and 32 penalty minutes in 25 games at the midget major level for the Chicago Young Americans.

Sounds of the Season: Dec. 17-18

As sports fans we like suspense, but if you're rooting for a particular team the drama can certainly cut both ways, as the Lumberjacks experienced this past weekend.

Saturday in Ann Arbor, the National Under-18 team squeezed out a 3-2 win on a last-minute goal, but there were still plenty of highlights from the Muskegon perspective. Click below to listen to power play goals from Jordan Masters and John Padulo and two splendid saves from goalie John Keeney, who made 43 on the night:


And so we rolled into Sunday at L.C. Walker Arena, where newcomer Dean Pawlaczyk lifted the Jacks to an early lead, but Indiana countered with a pair of PPGs to carry a 2-1 lead into the waning seconds. That's when Mike McNicholas struck for the equalizer, soon to be followed by Max Shuart's stunning game winner 14 seconds into OT:


As for the interview portion of today's blog, here's five-plus minutes with Lumberjacks rookie defenseman Ryan Bullock, who is in the USHL's top 15 blueline scorers with 11 points in just 16 games:


Sunday evening I talked to Antontio Bartoli, who runs the Pointstreak.com online box score during home games. Antonio is also a hockey referee and will be entering the Navy this summer; he is one of many off-ice officials who make game nights go at L.C. Walker Arena:

Countdown to Puck Drop (21): Jacks vs. Indiana

MUSKEGON LUMBERJACKS

Vs. Indiana ice

L.C. WALKER ARENA, MUSKEGON, MICH.

sunday, December 18, 2011

 

GAME PREVIEW

Less than 24 hours after just their second one-goal defeat of the season, the Muskegon Lumberjacks get a quick opportunity to erase fresh memories as they host the Indiana Ice to close out the pre-Christmas portion of their schedule. Recall is a good thing against the Ice, as the Jacks prevailed 5-4 Nov. 12 at Pepsi Coliseum to grab an early lead in the eight-game season series. Joseph Cox scored his second third-period game winner in a row to help Muskegon rebound from a two-goal Indiana rally.

 

Ann Arbor doubled as heartbreak city for the Lumberjacks (8-12-0, 16 points / 8th in East) Saturday night as Riley Barber netted the deciding goal in the final minute for the National Under-18 Team. Jordan Masters and John Padulo each picked up a power play goal, the latter of which pushed Muskegon on top 2-1 early in the third. The pair of power-play tallies matched a season high for the Jacks, who last accomplished the feat Nov. 12 at Indiana.

 

The Ice (14-7-3, 31 points / 4th in West) earned a split of a two-game set with Chicago with a 6-2 victory last night at the Edge Ice Arena. 20-year-old Russian catalyst Daniil Tarasov had a three-point night (G, 2 A) and was plus-3 to lead Indiana to within two points of Youngstown and Dubuque, both of whom are tied for second place in the Eastern Conference. Rookie Robbie Baillargeon matched Tarasov’s output Saturday night and is now fourth on the team with 23 points.

 

JACKS FACTS

• Even though Travis Belohrad (five games) and Mike McNicholas (three) saw their respective point-scoring streaks end last night in Ann Arbor, rookie defensemen Alex Smith and Ryan Bullock each recorded a point for the second straight game. Bullock (Dartmouth commit) has 11 points, which puts him in the top 15 among USHL defensemen despite playing just 15 games.
• Speaking of games played, even though the Lumberjacks find themselves in last place in the Eastern Conference, on a points-per-game basis they are ahead of the 7th place Chicago Steel, who have taken part in 24 contests to the Jacks’ 20. Muskegon has garnered 0.8 standings points per game, while Chicago has picked up only 0.7 per outing.
• Following his remarkable 43-save performance Saturday against the NTDP, John Keeney has boosted himself into the league’s top 10 goaltenders according to save percentage. The California native and former Omaha Lancer boasts a .907 mark in that category, even though he’s faced an average of 42.3 shots in his four December starts.

 

Icemen cometh

• The Ice owe much of their success this season to their superlative special teams. Their power play, clicking at 31.7 percent, has been No. 1 in the league for essentially the entire season, even though opponents have given them a USHL-low 82 opportunities. With a penalty kill that ranks third at 84.7 percent, Indiana is comfortable no matter which team has a skater off the ice.
• Two of the USHL’s top four scorers skate on the Ice’s top forward line.Tarasovis second in the league with 34 points and now has 109 points in 83 league matches. Jacob Fallon (27 points) has chipped in 18 assists, a total bettered by only Omaha’s Jimmy Murray (24) and Tarasov (19).
• Goaltender Jon Gilles was the tough-luck loser Nov. 12 as he surrendered the game-winning goal to Muskegon’s Coxsoon after entering in relief of Dalton Izyk, who allowed four goals on 29 shots. Nonetheless, the 6-foot-5 Gillies is first in the USHL in save percentage (.924) and won Reebok Goaltender of the Week after stopping 67 of 70 Dubuque shots last weekend.

Countdown to Puck Drop (20): Jacks at National Under-18 Team

MUSKEGON LUMBERJACKS

@ U.S. National Under-18 team

The ice cube, ann arbor, michigan

saturday, December 17, 2011 – 7:00 p.m.

 

GAME PREVIEW

Game No. 20 for the Muskegon Lumberjacks has the look of a pivotal one, as they trail the U.S. National Team Development Program by four points for sixth place in the Eastern Conference, a.k.a. the final Clark Cup Playoff spot. The Jacks finished in that position last season, and then swept the Red, White & Blue in a best-of-three first-round postseason series.

 

This winter, the Lumberjacks (8-11-0, 16 points / 8th in East) have been rather schizophrenic, going 6-1-0 from Oct. 29 to Nov. 18 to rebound from a slow start, only to drop five of their last six. They held a 2-0 lead over Omaha last Saturday at L.C. Walker Arena, but the streaking Lancers scored the next four goals en route to a 7-3 win. It was Muskegon’s only loss of the season when leading after the first period (4-1-0).

 

The NTDP (9-10-3, 21 points / 6th in East) is made up of two squads, the Under-17s and the Under-18s, that compete as one entity for USHL standings purposes. The older group dropped a 2-1 home decision last night to Cedar Rapids, lowering their record in the league to 4-4-1. Ohio State commit Collin Olson allowed only two goals on 21 shots, but the Nationals couldn’t muster more than Thomas DiPauli’s third-period tally.

 

JACKS FACTS

• The Lumberjacks’ last six games mirror their first six, in which they also went 1-5-0 and struggled to keep the puck out of their net. In the season-opening stretch, Muskegon allowed 34 goals, compared to 27 against in the last half dozen. In the last three games, starting with John Keeney’s 44-save shutout Dec. 2 vs. Youngstown, Jacks’ opponents have averaged 39.7 shots per outing.
• Travis Belohrad tied for the team lead with his eighth goal Saturday against Omaha; the second-year Lumberjack now has a five-game point streak, matching Jordan Masters for the longest such run this season. Using hockey-reference.com’s Goals Created, Belohrad has been responsible for 6.9 of Muskegon’s 52 goals on the season, giving him a team-best 13 percent share of the Jacks’ total offensive production.
• Several Lumberjacks have achieved multiple milestones during the last two weeks. In the last three games, forwards Mike McNicholas, Lance Fredrickson, Tyler Murray and defenseman Alex Smith have all lit the lamp for the first time in their USHL careers. All but McNicholas, who played midget major hockey in the Detroit area, are Michigan born and raised.

 

National notes

• Prior to last night’s loss, the Under-18s improved their USHL record to 4-3-1 with a 2-0-1 trip to the Western Conference last weekend. Also this fall, the U-18s won the Four Nations Cup in Switzerland and have gone 4-6-0 against an assortment of Division I and III NCAA teams. Tonight’s game is the second game of an NTDP “doubleheader,” as the Under-17s square off with Cedar Rapids this afternoon.
• Italian-born DiPaulipaces the way for the U-18s in USHL play, as the Notre Dame recruit has three goals and four assists in nine games played. His older brother Theo plays for the Chicago Steel. With all contests factored in (USHL, NCAA, IIHF), Stefan Matteau, son of 13-year NHL veteran Stephane, has a team-best 19 points (9 G); Californian Nicolas Kerdiles leads in goals with 10. 
• The Nationals will be missing two significant cogs on their blueline, as top 2012 NHL Draft prospects Jacob Trouba and Seth Jones are away at USA Hockey’s World Junior Championship camp. The son of longtime NBA forward and New Jersey Nets assistant coach Ron “Popeye” Jones leads NTDP D-men with 12 points in 26 games; Michigan native Trouba is a plus-3 in USHL play and has 10 points overall.

Sounds of the Season: Week 11

Time to give you what you want: the past week in Lumberjacks land summarized in audio form!

Firstly, I spoke to Lumberjacks center and University of Maine recruit Ryan Lomberg (4 G, 5 A) about his first USHL season and how he feels he's gotten better in the last three months:

Then, on JackSixty presented by Cinema Carousel, Minnesota native and future Michigan Tech Husky Tyler Heinonen broke down his adjustment to the league and what he likes the most about playing in Muskegon:

Assistant Coach Steve Palmer jumped on the show for the first time as well, discussing how his experience playing pro hockey in Europe has shaped him, and how he goes about recruiting future Lumberjacks:

Goalie John Keeney closed out the show with talk of his upbringing in southern California and what he's learned from his three years in the USHL:

And, from the Jacks' home game with Omaha last Saturday, radio replays of Travis Belohrad extending his point streak to five and first goals for Mike McNicholas and Alex Smith:

*****

I co-host a regular podcast called "The Gospel of Hockey" with my good friend and Youngstown Phantoms arena PA man Larry Snyder. This week our featured guest was columnist Adam Proteau of The Hockey News, who recently wrote the book Fighting the Good Fight: How On-Ice Violence is Killing Hockey. Adam presents a well-reasoned argument for increased penalties for fighting and generally advocates for increased player safety measures. I happen to agree with him, but what do you think? Listen on the media player below!

Listen to internet radio with Matt Gajtka on Blog Talk Radio

Alumni Report: Prime time Privitera

Every week, Voice of the Lumberjacks Matt Gajtka provides an update on the exploits of former Jacks now playing in the NCAA.

Alexx Privitera, Boston University – Alexx had undoubtedly his finest week as a Terrier as he recorded an assist (his second) and was on the ice for both BU goals in a 2-1 win at New Hampshire last Thursday. He then followed that up with his first career goal Saturday; the freshman blueliner from New Jersey was a combined plus-2 during the week. The No. 9 Terriers (10-5-1, 8-4-1 Hockey East) head to the holiday break on a 7-1-0 binge.

Matt Berry, Michigan State University – Berry continued his remarkable first campaign in green and white during a tight weekend series with archrival Michigan. He scored his fifth goal Friday in a 4-3 loss to the Wolverines and then authored a gorgeous backhand shootout score (video here) to earn the Spartans the extra point at home Saturday. MSU (10-6-2, 2-5-1 CCHA) takes the ice next Dec. 29 in the annual Great Lakes Invitational at Detroit’s Joe Louis Arena.

Ryan Misiak, Mercyhurst University – Having played in every game so far for the Lakers (8-8-2, 7-2-2 Atlantic Hockey), Misiak is already a key cog in the Mercyhurst machine in his freshman season. He bolstered his bona fides with two assists Friday in a 6-4 win at Canisius that extended the Lakers’ unbeaten streak to three. After falling 4-3 to Niagara, ‘Hurst won’t play again until Dec. 30 against Alabama-Huntsville.

Isaac Kohls, Niagara University – Kohls now has eight points after an assist, along with nine combined shots, during an undefeated weekend in western Pennsylvania for the Purple Eagles (5-5-6, 4-2-5 Atlantic Hockey). Niagara rallied late to tie conference foe Robert Morris, then took out second-place Mercyhurst 4-3 to finish the road trip.

Micki Mihailovich, University of Massachusetts-Lowell – An assistant captain on last year’s Lumberjacks, Mihailovich made his NCAA debut Saturday vs. Northeastern after missing the first 15 games due to injury. The River Hawks (10-5-1, 7-4-0 Hockey East) next skate Dec. 29 against RPI in Storrs, Conn.

Chris Lochner, Niagara University – After connecting for his first NCAA point two weeks ago, the former Lumberjack dressed in both games as the Purple Eagles try to climb the Atlantic Hockey standings. The Mariucci Classic, featuring a matchup with No. 2 Minnesota, is up next Dec. 30-31.

Jaycob Megna, University of Nebraska-Omaha – Megna and the Mavericks (9-8-3, 7-4-3 WCHA) dropped No. 5 North Dakota 2-1 in OT Friday for a high-quality road victory, but the Fighting Sioux bounced back for a 1-0 win Saturday to close the low-scoring series. Practice and rest are on the docket for the next two weekends before UNO hosts Quinnipiac in a two-game set to finish 2011.

Brendan Woods, University of Wisconsin – Woods and the Badgers (7-9-2, 4-8-2 WCHA) put together a respectable weekend at home against defending NCAA champion and current No. 1 Minnesota-Duluth. Wisconsin played the Bulldogs to a 3-3 tie Friday and nearly rallied back to tie in a 4-2 loss the next night. The Badgers will return from the semester break with a New Year’s Eve exhibition against the U.S. National Under-18 Team.

Mike Conderman, University of Massachusetts-Lowell – The No. 17 River Hawks picked up their fifth straight win Friday in resounding fashion, stopping third-ranked Boston College 3-2 in front of a home sellout crowd. Conderman missed that tilt but dressed the next night in a close loss to state rival Northeastern.

Casey Thrush, University of New Hampshire – Thrush had two shots on goal in the Wildcats’ loss to Boston U. last Thursday. The 28-point scorer last winter in Muskegon has nine points in 15 games to rank sixth on the ‘Cats (6-9-2, 4-7-1 Hockey East), who hope a 22-day span between games helps refresh after a three-game losing streak.

John Parker, University of Maine – Last year’s Jacks captain has played in 12 of 15 games thus far for the Black Bears (6-7-2, 5-6-1 Hockey East), who were overwhelmed by No. 9 Boston U. Saturday at home. Maine heads to Fort Myers for the Florida College Classic after Christmas; the Bears take on Clarkson to start the tourney Dec. 29.

Charlie Taft, Colorado College – The No. 7 Tigers (9-5-0, 7-5-0 WCHA) split a home twinbill with Alaska-Anchorage, winning dramatically Saturday on a last-second goal to avoid overtime. Taft dressed in Friday’s 6-3 loss but didn’t record a point. CC is one of a few NCAA teams to play this weekend, as they showdown with Minnesota State-Mankato for a pair.

*****

Before I sign off, don't forget to watch the Lumberjacks' newest collection of goals, hits and saves from last weekend's action, complete with my play-by-play call. Thanks again to Brian Haberkorn for compiling and posting again! Make sure to check out special videos for Mike McNicholas' and Alex Smith's first USHL goals on the Jacks' YouTube site.

Countdown to Puck Drop (19): Jacks vs. Omaha

MUSKEGON LUMBERJACKS

Vs. Omaha lancers

L.C. WALKER ARENA, MUSKEGON, MICH.

saturday, December 10, 2011

 

GAME PREVIEW

The Muskegon Lumberjacks head into tonight’s finale of a three-game homestand with the mission of eradicating their Saturday blues. As they welcome the first-place Omaha Lancers for the only time this season, the Jacks will look to improve their 1-4-0 Saturday record at L.C. Walker Arena. Overall, Muskegon is 3-6-0 on the best day of the week, with the only home win coming Oct. 29 against Chicago when the Jacks had the previous night off.

 

No matter what day of the week, the Lumberjacks (8-10-0, 16 points / 6th in East) are still in search of the successful groove that saw them win six of seven from Oct. 29 through Nov. 18 to poke their heads above .500 at 7-6-0. Two roster additions with significant junior hockey experience should help: Michigan’s own Dean Pawlaczyk has 139 high-level games on his résumé in three-plus seasons split between American and Canadian leagues, and Long Island’s Rudy Sulmonte was a 20-point scorer for the OHL’s Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds last winter.

 

Last night the Lancers (13-8-2, 28 points / 1st in West) extended their winning streak to four after replacing head coach/GM Bliss Littler with former assistant Mike Aikens at the end of November. Omaha took down the National Team Under-17s 6-1 in Ann Arbor, with leading scorer Jimmy Murray contributing a pair of assists to give him 25 points on the year, third most in the USHL. Goaltender Alex Lyon allowed only one goal on 39 shots in earning his third win in a row

 

JACKS FACTS

• The Eastern Conference (with a combined points percentage of .584) has been superior to the West (.497) so far, and the Lumberjacks’ season splits bear out that difference. Muskegon has posted a 3-1-0 record against the opposite conference, with wins against Sioux Falls, Waterloo and Tri-City in the hopper. From the West, only Fargo has been able to top the Jacks. 
• Obscured by milestones for Mike McNicholas (first USHL point), Lance Fredrickson (first goal) and Tyler Murray (first goal, point), Max Shuart (goal, assist), Nick Seeler (two assists) and Ryan Bullock (two assists) were big parts of Muskegon’s offense last week. They accumulated a combined plus-11 rating as well, showing strong play at both ends of the ice.
• The Jacks and Lancers matched glares twice in the span of a month last season, with Muskegon earning a 6-5 shootout win at L.C. Walker Arena last Nov. 17. Travis Belohrad, currently riding a four-game point streak, has two goals and a helper in his career vs. Omaha.

 

Lancers lines

• The Lancers peaked at 7-3-1 after beating Chicago Nov. 6 but then won only two of their next eight, leading to the coaching change in Omaha. The orange and black have responded to new leadership with a 4-0-0 record, outscoring opponents 21-6 over the last week to wrest the conference lead away from Lincoln.
• Murray, who committed to St. Cloud State this week, paces the USHL with 20 assists, and Casey Bailey’s 12 goals are fifth-most on the circuit. The Alaska-born Bailey is one of four Lancers who skated last winter in the Junior-A British Columbia Hockey League. Omaha has embraced its western location in the USHL, with 17 of 22 players bred west of the Mississippi River.
• Yale recruit Lyon sprinted out to a goalie’s dream start, with back-to-back shutouts. He has gotten the lion’s share of time between the pipes in Omaha, as his 18 appearances rank second only to Indiana’s Jon Gillies. The Lancers’ second-ranked penalty kill (89 percent success rate) also helps.

Seen and heard at "Shop with the Jacks"

Our annual "Shop with the Jacks" community event was this Wednesday night at the Meijer location in Norton Shores. For a full photo gallery of the wonderful evening, click here! Our creative services director Brian Haberkorn was good enough to put together this outstanding video as well:

Working with the Muskegon Rescue Mission, the Lumberjacks paired off with some of the area's less fortunate children to help give them a happier holiday season. Each youngster had $100 of Meijer store credit to spend and a Jacks player to help them find what they wanted.

Lumberjacks Community Relations Director Sarah Lambert did a wonderful job organizing the program with the Rescue Mission and Meijer. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the efforts of front office staffers Tori Lauten and Andrea Clancy, along with Head Coach/GM Kevin Patrick.

In lieu of further words from me, here are some from the mouths of the folks on the scene for one of the Lumberjacks' highlights of the year:

Coach Patrick: "This is one of the best events we're part of all year. We couldn't be prouder to be involved in this. One of the things we focus on with our players is that to whom much is given, much is expected. Need is magnified during the holiday season, and it's a learning process to see what else is out there in this world. It's about giving and sharing your gifts. Our players are looked up to by a lot of these kids in and around Muskegon and it's a gift in itself to have this opportunity."

Keith Farris, Meijer store manager: "We just enjoy being a part of the community. Great to be able to share with an organization like the Jacks and to be able to assist the Rescue Mission. We're happy to be able to bring those two organizations together. It's a win-win for all of us.

Lumberjacks defenseman Travis Walsh: "Especially this time of year it's good to get out and help the community. Some of these kids have so little and to be able to help them out in a small way is awesome."

Jen Saltzman, Rescue Mission children's ministry coordinator: "We are so blessed that the Jacks chose our organization to team up with. There are so many folks who are in need. These kids are really great and it's so much fun to see the smiles on their faces at events like this."

Karen Pease, whose granddaughters Mary and Alex took part in the event: "They are just ecstatic. It's really wonderful to be part of this. I'm so thankful for the Lumberjacks."

*****

As a bonus, if you missed this Tuesday's JackSixty radio show at Hennessy's Irish Pub or just want to listen to the interviews on-demand, they are below.

Coach Patrick talks about keeping the players sharp between games:

Second-year center Travis Belohrad discussed his development as a player and his future plans:

And Lambert chatted with me about all the ways she tries to connect the Lumberjacks with the Muskegon community, as well as her personal motivations for working in sports:

Sounds (and Sights) of the Season: Dec. 2-3

Before we dig into the weekly Sounds of the Season, why not treat your eyes to a quick video blog feature on the Lumberjacks' successful road trip to Youngstown and Indiana last month? I thought you might enjoy some behind the scenes footage:

Once again, leave a comment or email me at mgajtka@muskegonlumberjacks.com for compliments, comments, criticism or thoughts on the Jacks Video Blog.

In an interview that played Friday night during the Fred W. Bleakley Law Offices First Intermission Report, new Lumberjack Adam Chlapik and I discussed his transition from the Czech Republic to America and how he thinks his skills will translate here in Muskegon.

Saturday's radio broadcast featured a sit-down session with new L.C. Walker public address announcer Jason Goorman. We talked about how he developed his style and some of his memories from following Muskegon hockey during his lifetime.

Finally, here are the combined highlights from the weekend against Youngstown, featuring first goals for Tyler Murray and Lance Fredrickson, Mike McNicholas' first point(s), John Padulo's three-point night and John Keeney's 44-save shutout Friday.

Alumni Report: A pair of firsts

Every week, Voice of the Lumberjacks Matt Gajtka provides an update on the exploits of former Jacks now playing in the NCAA.

Alexx Privitera, Boston University – BU (8-5-1, 6-4-1 Hockey East) jumped back into the rankings at No. 13 with a two-game split against in-city rival Boston College, currently ranked No. 3. Privitera suited up for Friday’s 5-3 road win and ended up with his first collegiate point, springing teammate Yasin Cisse for a breakaway goal (highlight below at 0:45 mark). The Terriers battle New Hampshire (Thursday) and Maine (Saturday) this week.

Casey Thrush, University of New Hampshire – The Wildcats (6-8-2, 4-6-1 Hockey East) fell to UMass-Lowell twice in a home-and-home Hockey East series, but Thrush was UNH’s No. 1 star Saturday, as he put together a two-point night (G, A) despite the 5-3 loss. He still has the team’s best plus-minus rating at plus-8 and has accumulated nine points total. Next up, the ‘Cats face Boston University in a Thursday tilt.

Matt Berry, Michigan State University – The Spartans (10-5-1, 6-4-0 CCHA) continued their hot play with a weekend sweep of Bowling Green in East Lansing. Berry scored his fourth goal (third in his last four) and added an assist in Friday’s 5-1 win; the 5-foot-10 native of Canton, Mich., is now MSU’s leading freshman scorer with nine points. The Spartans, 8-1-1 in their last 10, now gear up for an anticipated home-and-home with Michigan.

Isaac Kohls, Niagara University – Kohls added an assist over the weekend as the Purple Eagles (4-5-5, 3-2-4 Atlantic Hockey) made progress in conference with a win and a tie at Bentley. The Minnesotan accrued 39 points for last year’s Lumberjacks and is tied for fourth on the Niagara scoring list with a 3-4-7 line through 14 games.

Chris Lochner, Niagara University – A 25-point scorer for last winter’s Jacks, Lochner picked up his first NCAA point, an assist, in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Bentley. The Purple Eagles travel to western Pennsylvania this week for matches with Robert Morris and Mercyhurst.

Jaycob Megna, University of Nebraska-Omaha – It was a unique weekend for the Mavericks (8-7-3, 6-3-3 WCHA), who matched up with independent Alabama-Huntsville for a pair in Nashville. The Chargers improbably earned their first win last Friday, but the Mavs roared back with a 6-2 triumph Saturday in which Megna picked up his first NCAA assist, giving him two points in 16 games on the blueline. UNO heads to Grand Forks, N.D., next for two against the Fighting Sioux.

Ryan Misiak, Mercyhurst University – The Lakers (7-7-2, 6-1-2 Atlantic Hockey) extended their conference lead with a 1-0-1 weekend in West Point, N.Y., against Army. Misiak, the freshman Michigander who led the Jacks in points last season, got credit for an assist to give him a 1-5-6 line in 16 games. Mercyhurst takes on Canisius and Niagara Friday and Saturday, respectively.

Charlie Taft, Colorado College – The eighth-ranked Tigers (8-4-0, 6-4-0 WCHA) squeezed out an emotional 4-3 overtime win over Denver at home Friday to halt a two-game slide. Taft has skated in three games and has two points, both assists, in limited action. CC entertains Alaska-Anchorage twice this weekend.

John Parker, University of Maine – Last year’s Jacks captain competed in one of two contests last weekend against regional rival Vermont. The Black Bears (6-6-2, 5-5-1 Hockey East) will try to win their fourth game in a row this Saturday, as they welcome Boston U. to Alfond Arena in Orono, Maine.

Brendan Woods, University of Wisconsin – The Virginia-born forward has three goals and three assists on the season in 14 games played. The Badgers (7-8-1, 4-7-1 WCHA) had the weekend off after a two-game sweep of Mercyhurst and will return to Kohl Center ice for a twinbill against defending national champ Minnesota-Duluth Friday and Saturday.

Mike Conderman, University of Massachusetts-Lowell – Conderman did not dress for either game as the River Hawks ran their winning streak to four with a pair of victories over New Hampshire. The forward from Rochester, N.Y., has been limited to just one regular season game because of a lingering injury.

Micki Mihailovich, University of Massachusetts-Lowell – Mihailovich is still unable to play due to injury. The River Hawks (9-4-1, 6-3-0 Hockey East) finish their pre-holiday break schedule with meetings with Boston College and Northeastern.

Countdown to Puck Drop (18): Jacks vs. Youngstown

MUSKEGON LUMBERJACKS

Vs. Youngstown phantoms

L.C. WALKER ARENA, MUSKEGON, MICH.

saturday, December 3, 2011

 

GAME PREVIEW

The Muskegon Lumberjacks got the fresh start they were looking for Friday night, as they rung in December with a 5-0 whitewashing of the Youngstown Phantoms wearing their new red alternate jerseys for the first time. The resounding victory halted the Jacks’ three-game losing streak and gave them a 3-0-0 record against the Phantoms this season; Muskegon has outscored Youngstown 11-2 on the aggregate.

 

Stars abounded for the Lumberjacks (8-9-0, 16 points / 6th in East) last night, with junior hockey veterans John Padulo and John Keeney leading the way to a breakthrough on home ice. Padulo recorded his third multipoint game as a Jack (and second three-point effort) with two goals and an assist, while goalie Keeney earned his second shutout in three starts with a season-best 44 saves. Lance Fredrickson (goal) and Mike McNicholas (two assists) wrote their names on a USHL scoresheet for the first time, adding to the festive atmosphere at L.C. Walker Arena.

 

Following a four-game winning streak that boosted them to a second-place tie in the Eastern Conference, the Phantoms (12-6-1, 25 points / 3rd in East) have come out on the short end twice to start their three-game weekend. Although Youngstown is fifth in the league in scoring at 3.32 goals per game, the Phantoms have only lit the lamp once in their last two contests. In addition, second-year netminder Matt O’Connor had a rare off-night Friday, allowing five Muskegon goals on 25 shots.

 

JACKS FACTS

• After missing five games due to an upper-body injury, rookie defenseman Ryan Bullock (Dartmouth College) jumped back into the lineup and made an instant contribution Friday night. His pair of assists gave him nine points on the season, the most among Muskegon blueliners despite playing in only 12 of 17 games. He and defense partner Nick Seeler, both from Eden Prairie, Minn., were a combined plus-4 against Youngstown; Seeler had an assist for his first point in four games.
• Up front, seven different Lumberjacks forwards had at least a point Friday, with Czech center Adam Chlapik netting his first goal with the team in his second game and Travis Belohrad extending his scoring streak to three games with an assist. Max Shuart scored his third goal and was plus-3 along with Padulo, tying the best rating by a Jack this season.
• Muskegon went 20 games (26 if counting postseason contests) without a shutout until Keeney blanked Tri-City with 37 saves Nov. 18 at L.C. Walker Arena. Now the Jacks have two in five games thanks to the California-born Keeney, who now has four “clean sheets” in 51 USHL appearances. He has stopped 102 of 106 shots in three starts on Muskegon ice.

 

The phantom menace

• Friday night marked the first time this season the Phantoms were unable to bounce back from a loss with a victory in the following match. Youngstown has put together a pair of four-game winning streaks to rise to surprise contender status in the early going.

• The Phantoms’ power play got four opportunities in the first period last night, and seven cracks at it overall, but went scoreless with the advantage. The PP has been perhaps the lone weak spot for the purple and orange, as its 9.8 conversion rate ranks last in the 16-team league.
• Youngstown’s 44 shots on Keeney and the Jacks set a season best easily (35 was the previous high-water mark), marking a departure from its normal output. The Phantoms, despite their fifth-best goal production, average 27.1 shots per game; only Chicago (26.0) tests goalies less often.

Countdown to Puck Drop (17): Jacks vs. Phantoms

MUSKEGON LUMBERJACKS

Vs. Youngstown phantoms

L.C. WALKER ARENA, MUSKEGON, MICH.

friday, December 2, 2011

 

GAME PREVIEW

For the first time this season, the Muskegon Lumberjacks will square off with the same opponent on back-to-back nights, as the Youngstown Phantoms roll into town for a weekend stay. After a three-game losing streak, the Jacks are out of playoff position for the first time since October, as they’ve fallen one point behind Chicago for sixth place in the Eastern Conference. The Phantoms are streaking in the other direction, as they have ridden a 4-0-1 burst to a tie for second place in the East.

 

Thus far for the Lumberjacks (7-9-0, 14 points / 7th in East), the season as been akin to an amusement park attraction. After starting the slate with three losses in a row and a 1-5-0 record through three weeks, Muskegon ripped off a 6-1-0 stretch to jump above .500, only to drop back below with their current three-game losing streak. Travis Belohrad tallied the Jacks’ lone goal last Saturday in Chicago, as they came out on the short end of a 4-1 score.

 

The surprising Phantoms (12-3-1, 25 points / T-2nd in East) had their four-game win streak ended last night in a 2-1 home shootout loss to Sioux Falls, but they still have garnered at least one point in their last five. Stephen Collins’ first-period marker nearly held up as the decider at Covelli Centre, but the Stampede rallied late for the win in the tiebreaker. No. 1 goalie Matt O’Connor allowed just one regulation goal on 29 Sioux Falls shots to continue his strong sophomore season.

 

JACKS FACTS

• Since scoring four goals or more in four straight games Oct. 23 through Nov. 4, the Jacks have reached that threshold just once, in a 5-4 win at Indiana Nov. 12. In the midst of that drought, Muskegon has impressively won three of its last seven despite averaging fewer than two goals per contest over that stretch. 
• Sophomore Lumberjacks Belohrad and Jordan Masters have found ways to produce in lean offensive times. Belohrad has nailed four of his six total goals in the last eight games and New Hampshire recruit Masters has picked up at least a point in six of eight contests.
• Muskegon’s goaltending duo of Paul Berrafato and John Keeney has been airtight against the potent Phantoms (3.67 goals per game), who have only managed two goals in two meetings with the Lumberjacks this season. Berrafato stopped 21 of 22 shots Nov. 4 and Keeney denied 25 in a 2-1 victory Nov. 11 in Youngstown.

The phantom menace

• Mike Ambrosia (team-leading 15 points) and Austin Cangelosi (10 goals) have gotten most of the headlines in Youngstown, but second-year forward J.T. Stenglein has been the most torrid lately, with a recent six-game goal- and point-scoring streak that netted him nine of his 13 total points on the season. The impressive run ended Thursday against Sioux Falls.
• The Phantoms are one of the top even-strength clubs in the USHL, as the team’s combined plus-99 rating is second only to Green Bay. However, Youngstown’s power play has been tepid at 10.6 percent, second-worst in the league. On the other hand, the Phantoms’ sixth-ranked penalty kill, with six shorthanded goals to boot, picks up the special teams slack.
• 6-foot-5 goalie O’Connor has carried the flag for Youngstown, seeing action in 15 of 18 games.Entering Thursday night’s match with Sioux Falls, the Ontario product is in the league’s top five in save percentage (.922), goals-against average (2.27) and minutes played (871:34). He has played in both games against Muskegon, allowing three goals on 56 shots.

Sounds of the Season: Wrapping up Movember

Before we roll full-bore into the sometimes frantic, always fun month of December, let's take a look back at the end of November, or as we know it now, Movember.

The "Mo" is short for mustache of course, and around the world men celebrated it by leaving their upper lips unshaven. The formal reason for the hirsute trend is to raise awareness for men's health issues, although showing some masculine pride is certainly a big part of Movember's "growing" success, if you can pardon the pun.

And, oh yeah, looking ridiculous is something males rarely have a problem doing, if only for the laughs. The hockey world has certainly bought into Movember, more this year than ever. The tremendous Puck Daddy blog on Yahoo! Sports posted a review of the top 10 mustaches grown in the NHL during the past month.

In interest of full disclosure, my Movember effort is pictured at right. Not bad for a first-timer, right? Feel free to post your 'stache pics on our Facebook page.

Now, onto the audio! Here's my first-intermission interview with Jacks captain Carter Foguth, who unfortunately will be out of the lineup due to injury for a while:

Last Saturday, first-year forward Mike McNicholas, a University of New Hampshire recruit, joined me:

On the Nov. 29 episode of JackSixty, coach Kevin Patrick discussed what it will take to get the team back on track, as well as how he and his staff promote uncommitted Lumberjacks to college coaches:

Also on JackSixty, live from Hennessy's Irish Pub, Muskegon Chronicle sportswriter Ron Rop broke down the season's first two months and why he enjoys covering the USHL:

In closing, here are Lumberjacks highlights from last weekend, as Tyler Heinonen, Dakota Klecha and Travis Belohrad all scored goals: