Ron Mason Q&A, plus Jacks videos

The flood of quality content continues to pour in from last week's inaugural USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game, which L.C. Walker Arena and the Lumberjacks franchise hosted:

-While covering the talent showcase, USCHO.com editor Matt Mackinder fired some questions at Jacks Senior Advisor Ron Mason. The interview transcript was posted earlier today on the highly informative college hockey website, so give it a look.

-A big thanks to Brian Werger and James D'Amanda from the USHL's PR staff for capturing the following great videos of Lumberjacks players Matt DeBlouw, Mark Yanisand Adam Chlapik, as they discussed their experience representing Muskegon in the Top Prospects Game. Also a stick tap goes to my FastHockey.com broadcast mates Dan Fremuth and Bart Logan for asking some of the questions:

-Finally, in a bit of a goof, the Lumberjacks got what could be their first-ever mention in the New York Times! Business writer Joe Sharkey used Muskegon's upcoming Feb. 11 game with the Indiana Ice to illustrate the fluctuating price of hotel rooms in Indianapolis as the Super Bowl approaches.

Countdown to Puck Drop (32): vs. Dubuque

MUSKEGON LUMBeRJACKS

VS. Dubuque fighting saints

L.C. WALKER ARENA, MUSKEGON, MICH.

Sunday, JANUARY 29, 2012

 

GAME PREVIEW

It’s the final night of a three-game weekend, and it ends with the final Sunday home tilt of the regular season. The Muskegon Lumberjacks are 2-0-0 in Sunday home games, with wins over Waterloo and Indiana to their credit, and today they welcome the Dubuque Fighting Saints for the second of six meetings. The defending Clark Cup champions spoiled the L.C. Walker Arena home opener with a 4-0 shutout of the Lumberjacks Oct. 22.

 

Not even 1980s throwback jerseys could help Lumberjacks (10-18-3, 23 points / 8th in East) end their Saturday curse, as they fell 5-3 to the Indiana Ice. Muskegon is now 3-12-0 on the seventh day of the week and has lost on seven Saturdays in a row; the Jacks’ last Saturday victory was Nov. 12 at Indiana. Defenseman Travis Walsh led the way last night with two assists, and Jordan Masters extended his scoring streak to four with a helper.

 

The Fighting Saints (21-11-3, 45 points / T-3rd in East) are also playing their third game in as many days, as they wrap up a Michigan swing tonight. Dubuque claimed a 5-2 road victory in Ann Arbor Saturday night, scoring the game’s final three goals after the National Under-17 Team tied the score 2-2 early in the first. 10 different Saints had exactly one point, and goalie Matt Morris locked down the Dubuque net over the final 53 minutes.

 

JACKS FACTS

• Matt DeBlouw is the hottest Lumberjack at the offensive end, as he has a goal in four of his last six games and at least a point in five of six. Although Ryan Lomberg missed on a penalty shot in the second period last night, the Ontario native has still scored in six of his last eight games, bookending a four-game injury-induced hiatus after the holiday break.
• The Muskegon power play was clicking last night, scoring twice on five chances against Indiana, the USHL’s second-best penalty killing team at the time. Tyler Heinonen and Nick Seeler both connected on the man advantage; it was the first time in 11 games the Lumberjacks have netted two power play goals. They have accomplished the feat five times this year, sporting a 3-2-0 record in such games.
• For the first time since Nov. 26 at Chicago, a span of 14 games, the Lumberjacks outshot their opponent. Saturday’s 33-shot effort immediately followed Muskegon’s two lowest outputs of the season, which were 18 and 15 against the NTDP Under-17s. The Jacks have outshot their opponent just seven times in 31 games, and they’re 5-2-0 after dropping the last two decisions.

 

Saints come marching in

• Dubuque has alternated wins and losses over its last four games. After getting blown out by Cedar Rapids last Friday, the Saints ended Indiana’s 12-game unbeaten streak the next night in a 5-4 thriller. Last year’s champs then got squeezed out by Youngstown two nights ago to fall back into fourth place, but they reclaimed a tie for third with last night’s win.
• Latvia’s Zemgus Girgensons sat out Tuesday’s USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in Muskegon, but he will likely make an appearance tonight. The league’s top-ranked NHL Draft-eligible skater according to NHL Central Scouting has played in back-to-back games coming off an undisclosed injury. Dubuque’s leading scorer with 31 points, Girgensons had a massive four-assist night last Saturday against Indiana.
• Morris started in the Saints’ net Oct. 22 in Muskegon, but he sustained a lower-body injury midway through the first and had to leave the game. Backup Gabe Antoni finished the shutout, supported by goals from Girgensons, Shane Sooth and Tyler Lundey. Sooth is one point behind Girgensons for the team lead, while Lundey’s not far back with 24 points.

 

UPCOMING HOME GAMES

TONIGHT vs. DUBUQUE at 5:15 p.m. – The defending Clark Cup champions come to town for a special start time on the last Sunday game of the regular season.

Friday, February 3 vs. CEDAR RAPIDS at 7:15 p.m. – Dollar Beer/Dollar Hot Dog Night presented by John Morrell. Offer stands from 6-8 p.m.

Saturday, February 4 vs. CHICAGO at 7:15 p.m.

Friday, February 11 vs. YOUNGSTOWN at 7:15 p.m. – Robin Bouchard Night / Join the Lumberjacks as they retire the No. 32 jersey of the greatest goal scorer in minor-league hockey history! It’s also Dollar Beer/Dollar Hot Dog Night presented by John Morrell.

 

FOLLOW THE JACKS ALL SEASON

92.5 FM The Outlaw is the exclusive radio home of your Muskegon Lumberjacks! Listen over the air or check out the action streaming online at 925fmtheoutlaw.com as Voice of the Jacks Matt Gajtka has the play-by-play. The Meijer Pregame Show begins 30 minutes prior to every game. The USHL is also partnering with FastHockey.com to provide video coverage of all league games this season!

 

TALKIN’ HOCKEY

JackSixty presented by Cinema Carousel is a weekly hour-long talk show devoted to your Muskegon Lumberjacks every Tuesday night from 6-7 p.m. at Hennessy’s Irish Pub & Restaurant. Located at the corner of Jefferson and Clay Streets in the heart of Muskegon, Hennessy’s plays host as Gajtka talks hockey with Lumberjacks coaches, players and other featured guests on 98.3 FM WLCS.

 

THE SOCIAL NETWORKS

Never go hungry for Jacks news: “Like” the Muskegon Lumberjacks on Facebook and follow “@MuskegonJacks” on Twitter to stay plugged into the Jacks 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Also, find the Jacks’ exclusive YouTube channel at youtube.com/MuskegonJacks!

Countdown to Puck Drop (31): vs. Indiana

MUSKEGON LUMBeRJACKS

VS. INDIANA ICE

L.C. WALKER ARENA, MUSKEGON, MICH.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 2012

GAME PREVIEW

The second half of the Muskegon Lumberjacks’ second USHL season begins in strange fashion, as they play a “road” game within the familiar surroundings of L.C. Walker Arena. Tonight’s game was originally scheduled to be played at the Pepsi Coliseum in Indianapolis, but Super Bowl-related festivities forced it north to Muskegon. In a rare circumstance, the visiting Indiana Ice will have the last change and will technically be the “home” team.

Novelty is welcomed by the Lumberjacks (10-17-3, 23 points / T-7th in East), who just finished three consecutive games against the U.S. National Under-17 Team Friday night with a 4-3 OT loss. Ryan Lomberg scored twice on breakaways, giving him three goals in three games, but the U-17s rallied from 3-1 down early in the third period. The Jacks did earn a point in the standings, though, and are now 1-1-1 under new Head Coach Jim McKenzie.

Robbie Baillargeon’s big night forced overtime for the Ice (21-8-5, 47 points / 2nd in East) Friday night in Indianapolis, but the visiting Chicago Steel scored the only goal of a seven-round shootout, winning 5-4. Baillargeon tied the game with 48 seconds left on a power play, and the Team East MVP from Tuesday’s USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game also had two assists to continue a strong week. The Boston University recruit now has 34 points through the first 32 games of his USHL career.

JACKS FACTS

• Future Penn State Nittany Lion Mark Yanis isn’t particularly known for his scoring prowess, as his physical play and 6-foot-2, 195-pound frame combine to make him an NHL prospect. However, Yanis has written his name on the scoresheet in three of his last four games, including an assist on Lomberg’s second goal Friday night. The Michigander has seven points (four goals) through 29 games, which has already surpassed last season’s total of five.
• For the second straight game, the Lumberjacks set a new low for shots on goal, as they were able to direct only 15 shots on the National Team net Friday night. Last Saturday Muskegon had just 18 shots against the Under-17s, but there is a caveat: the NTDP is second-best in the USHL at preventing shots. The Nationals allow only 25.1 shots per game, while tonight’s opponent Indiana gives up 31.9, sixth-most in the league.
• On Friday night, defenseman Nick Seeler (Nebraska-Omaha) had his scoring streak come to an end at three games, matching his previous best in his first USHL season. The 6-foot-2 Minnesota Wild draft pick has also been the Jacks’ most productive player against Indiana, with five points in four games. Max Shuart (Michigan) has two goals and four total points vs. the Ice.

ICEMEN COMETH

• Indiana had a 12-game unbeaten streak (10-0-2) going until dropping a 5-4 decision at Dubuque last Saturday. The torrid run was the second longest in the USHL this season, with league-leading Green Bay stringing together 13 games without a regulation loss from Nov. 5 to Dec. 10. Indiana went from Dec. 9 to Jan. 20 without losing, a span of 40 days, but the Ice are still 10 points behind the Gamblers for first in the Eastern Conference.
• It’s difficult to execute much better on special teams than the Ice are doing right now. Indiana is No. 1 in home, road and overall power-play conversion rate (30.8 percent), as they have been for most of the season. The Ice were best in penalty killing until Friday night, when they allowed three goals to Chicago’s power play on 10 chances, dropping them behind Dubuque for the top spot, at least momentarily.
• It makes sense that Baillargeon excelled in Tuesday’s Top Prospects Game, as he has found uncommon success against the Lumberjacks this season. No. 93 in your program has four goals in three games vs. Muskegon. San Jose Sharks draft pick Sean Kuraly, who had two goals Friday night, has netted two goals and one assist in the season series. Indiana penalty-minute leader Woody Hudson also has scored a pair against the Jacks.

UPCOMING HOME GAMES

TONIGHT vs. INDIANA at 7:15 p.m. – Bonus Hockey! / A scheduling conflict in Indiana moved this game to Muskegon; it was originally slated as a road contest.

Sunday, January 29 vs. DUBUQUE at 5:15 p.m. – The defending Clark Cup champions come to town for a special start time on the last Sunday game of the regular season.

Friday, February 3 vs. CEDAR RAPIDS at 7:15 p.m. – Dollar Beer/Dollar Hot Dog Night presented by John Morrell. Offer stands from 6-8 p.m.

Saturday, February 4 vs. CHICAGO at 7:15 p.m.

Friday, February 11 vs. YOUNGSTOWN at 7:15 p.m. – Robin Bouchard Night / Join the Lumberjacks as they retire the No. 32 jersey of the greatest goal scorer in minor-league hockey history! It’s also Dollar Beer/Dollar Hot Dog Night presented by John Morrell.

FOLLOW THE JACKS ALL SEASON

92.5 FM The Outlaw is the exclusive radio home of your Muskegon Lumberjacks! Listen over the air or check out the action streaming online at 925fmtheoutlaw.com as Voice of the Jacks Matt Gajtka has the play-by-play. The Meijer Pregame Show begins 30 minutes prior to every game. The USHL is also partnering with FastHockey.com to provide video coverage of all league games this season!

TALKIN’ HOCKEY

JackSixty presented by Cinema Carousel is a weekly hour-long talk show devoted to your Muskegon Lumberjacks every Tuesday night from 6-7 p.m. at Hennessy’s Irish Pub & Restaurant. Located at the corner of Jefferson and Clay Streets in the heart of Muskegon, Hennessy’s plays host as Gajtka talks hockey with Lumberjacks coaches, players and other featured guests on 98.3 FM WLCS.

THE SOCIAL NETWORKS

Never go hungry for Jacks news: “Like” the Muskegon Lumberjacks on Facebook and follow “@MuskegonJacks” on Twitter to stay plugged into the Jacks 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Also, find the Jacks’ exclusive YouTube channel at youtube.com/MuskegonJacks!

Countdown to Puck Drop (30): at U.S. National Under-17 Team

MUSKEGON LUMBERJACKS

@ U.S. NATIONAL UNDER-17 TEAM

ice cube, ann arbor, michigan
FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012 – 7:00 P.M.

GAME PREVIEW

For the first and only time this season, the Muskegon Lumberjacks will play their third consecutive game against the same opponent, as they travel east to Ann Arbor to face the U.S. National Under-17 Team. The Wolverine State opponents split a two-game series in Muskegon last weekend, with the Lumberjacks winning Friday 4-3 and the NTDP striking back Saturday with a 5-4 decision.

Following a thrilling last-minute victory last Friday night in new Head Coach Jim McKenzie’s debut, the Lumberjacks (10-17-2, 22 points / 7th in East) took an early lead Saturday but couldn’t keep up as the National Team scored three of the next four goals. Matt DeBlouw continued his recent strong play, netting two assists in the defeat. The Michigan State recruit set up Joe Cox in the first period and Tyler Heinonen in the third, then went on to an eye-opening performance in Tuesday’s USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game.

Made up of two squads, the National Team Development Program (17-12-4, 38 points / 5th in East) earned seven of a possible 10 points last week to leap over Cedar Rapids

in the Eastern Conference standings. While the Under-18 team went 2-0-1 on a lengthy road trip, the U-17s stayed in state in Muskegon. After scoring a goal Friday night, Andrew Copp added another goal and two assists Saturday. The Ann Arbor native was added to the team last week after Luke Voltin left the program.

JACKS FACTS

• Although the Lumberjacks came up just short of the two-game sweep of the National Under-17 Team last weekend, their offense engaged quite well. Muskegon has netted four goals in each of its last three games, its second-best three-game stretch of the season. The Jacks scored 13 times in a trio of games from Oct. 29 to Nov. 4.
• New full-time Lumberjack Mason Jobst made an impression last Saturday with a goal and an assist, as the former Affiliate List forward from the Indianapolis area played his second game on the official roster. The 5-foot-6 former member of the Indiana Jr. Ice also recorded a two-point night last year during a short stint with the U.S. National Team.
• The Muskegon penalty kill has quietly risen to fifth-best out of 16 teams with an 83.2 percent success rate. Since allowing three power play goals in Youngstown Jan. 6, the Jacks have killed 21 of 24 opposition chances, including a 12-for-13 showing last weekend against the Under-17s.

NATIONAL NOTES

• Prior to last Friday’s loss in Muskegon, the National Under-17 Team had not lost a USHL road game in regulation since Oct. 28, a 6-4 defeat in Chicago. Overall, the U-17s are on a 7-2-1 burst after starting the season 2-5-1 in league play. Including international competition, they are 19-10-3.
• Although the newcomer Copp had a productive National Team debut, the Lumberjacks did a solid job keeping offensive catalysts Tyler Motte and J.T. Compher from their usual routines last weekend. The two Michigan commitments have combined for 62 points this season, but Muskegon limited them to one assist (Motte on Friday) during the two high-scoring games.
• The National Team’s supporting cast came through last weekend, with Tyler Kelleher extending his point streak to five; his 16 points in USHL play is second only to Motte (18). Also Evan Allen (Sterling Heights, Mich.) had two goals and a helper vs. Muskegon, giving him a three-game point streak along with Anthony Louis.

UPCOMING HOME GAMES

Saturday, January 28 vs. INDIANA at 7:15 p.m. – Bonus Hockey! / A scheduling conflict in Indiana moved this game to Muskegon; it was originally slated as a road contest.

Sunday, January 29 vs. DUBUQUE at 5:15 p.m. – The defending Clark Cup champions come to town for a special start time on the last Sunday game of the regular season.

Friday, February 3 vs. CEDAR RAPIDS at 7:15 p.m. – Dollar Beer/Dollar Hot Dog Night presented by John Morrell. Offer stands from 6-8 p.m.

Saturday, February 4 vs. CHICAGO at 7:15 p.m.

FOLLOW THE JACKS ALL SEASON

92.5 FM The Outlaw is the exclusive radio home of your Muskegon Lumberjacks! Listen over the air or check out the action streaming online at 925fmtheoutlaw.com as Voice of the Jacks Matt Gajtka has the play-by-play, with the Meijer Pregame Show starting 30 minutes prior to opening faceoff. The USHL is also partnering with FastHockey.com to provide video coverage of all league games this season!

TALKIN’ HOCKEY

JackSixty presented by Cinema Carousel is a weekly hour-long talk show devoted to your Muskegon Lumberjacks every Tuesday night from 6-7 p.m. at Hennessy’s Irish Pub & Restaurant. Located at the corner of Jefferson and Clay Streets in the heart of Muskegon, Hennessy’s plays host as Gajtka talks hockey with Lumberjacks coaches, players and other featured guests on 98.3 FM WLCS!

THE SOCIAL NETWORKS

Never go hungry for Jacks news: “Like” the Muskegon Lumberjacks on Facebook and follow “@MuskegonJacks” on Twitter to stay plugged into the Jacks 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Also, find the Jacks’ exclusive YouTube channel at youtube.com/MuskegonJacks!

Prospects Game link dump

In the aftermath of Tuesday's inaugural USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game, a smorgasbord of media entities weighed in with coverage of the evening at L.C. Walker Arena. In lieu of a Google search, I've compiled some of the more comprehensive and interesting articles and posts on Muskegon's moment in the spotlight.

First, NHL.com was impressed with the quality of play in the talent showcase, as it displays in this thorough recap of the contest, complete with quotes from players and coaches.

Chris Peters, former PR chief for the U.S. National Team Development Program, also weighed in with his opinion on who shined the brightest on a night of stars. Matt DeBlouw gets a rave review there.

(Also, Check out Chris' United States of Hockey blog regularly for American puck news and analysis! Chris watched the free live FastHockey.com broadcast; thanks to all of you who did as well. It was great fun to get the opportunity to call such a special event.)

Michael Caples and Matt Mackinder were in the house representing the informative Michigan Hockey magazine. Matt wrote a solid piece recapping the proceedings; look for further coverage of the game in the hard copy of the magazine, which you can pick up at L.C. Walker Arena for free!

Let me know in the comments if you read anything else out there that catches your attention.

Getting jacked for the Top Prospects Game

Forty of the USHL's best NHL prospects will be competing together on the L.C. Walker Arena ice sheet.

That alone is more than enough to get me fired up to be in the building Tuesday night as America's top junior league presents this first-of-its-kind showcase.

Add in the fact that I'll be calling the play-by-play for FastHockey.com's exclusive video broadcast of the event, and I'm jacked beyond belief. (Yes, I realize that's a terrible pun made by someone who calls himself the Voice of the Jacks.)

So if you're unable to attend the game (tickets still available!), log onto FastHockey.com to watch the free coverage of the inaugural USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game. The folks at FastHockey, led by longtime NHL goaltender John Vanbiesbrouck, are going to put on a content-rich show, including interviews and features along with the game itself.

As for the game itself, Youngstown Phantoms' radio voice Bart Logan will join me for color analysis and general commentary. I'm also happy to tell you fourth-year Voice of the Omaha Lancers Dan Fremuth will be the third member of our broadcast team; Dan will conduct interviews with coaches, players and other hockey luminaries, of which there'll be plenty in the house.

I'm honored to get the nod from the league office to be part of this important night. Thanks to USHL Communications & PR Director Brian Werger and Commissioner Skip Prince for giving me the go-ahead to call the game in my home arena. I'll do my best to represent the Muskegon hockey tradition and the Lumberjacks organization well.

With that, I'll sign off the blog for now. One thing I can promise is that the first Lumberjack to score will get a hearty "That's pure Michigan" goal call from me! Talk to you tomorrow at 7 p.m. on FastHockey.com!

Countdown to Puck Drop (29): vs. U.S. National Under-17 Team

MUSKEGON LUMBeRJACKS

VS. U.S. NATIONAL UNDER-17 TEAM

L.C. WALKER ARENA, MUSKEGON, MICH.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 21, 2012

GAME PREVIEW

Ryan Lomberg’s game-winning goal with 4.9 seconds left Friday night signified both an end and a beginning for the Muskegon Lumberjacks. The breakaway tally downed the U.S. National Under-17 Team 4-3, stopping both a four-game losing streak and a six-game winless skid (0-4-2). At the same time, the timely strike delivered Jim McKenzie’s first USHL coaching win in his debut behind the Muskegon bench. Now the Jacks gun for consecutive wins for the first time since Nov. 11-18, when they claimed three in a row.

Friday night was emotional for the Lumberjacks (10-16-2, 22 points / 7th in East) as they tried to put their best foot forward for their new coach. It looked routine through two periods as Dakota Klecha and Ryan Bullock scored to build a 2-0 lead, but the Nationals struck back with three straight goals to grab the edge midway through the third. Mark Yanis’ tying shorthanded blast brought new life to L.C. Walker Arena, setting up Lomberg’s steal and cliching goal just before the end of regulation.

It was a bittersweet night for the National Team Development Program (16-12-1, 35 points / T-5th in East), as the Under-18 squad earned a strong win in Green Bay to counteract the Under-17s’ discouraging loss in Muskegon. There were some positives for the U-17s: Michigan recruit Evan Allen contributed a goal and an assist for his second straight two-point USHL game and Tyler Kelleher (New Hampshire) extended his scoring streak to four with a power play goal.

JACKS FACTS

• Future University of Maine Black Bear Lomberg mauled the National Team last night with two points in the third period, pushing his scoring streak to five games, tying the longest run by a Lumberjack this season. New Hampshire recruit Jordan Masters strung together five straight from Oct. 30 to Nov. 12; Masters will skate in the USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game Tuesday at L.C. Walker Arena along with Matt DeBlouw, Mark Yanis and Adam Chlapik.
• Dakota Klecha’s power play goal last night was the Lumberjacks’ first since Jan. 6 at Youngstown, ending an 0-for-13 trend. Nick Seeler’s assist on the play gave him at least a point in seven of his last 12 games; the rookie defenseman, a draft pick of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild, now has 13 points on the year. That puts him one behind Ryan Bullock, the team’s most prolific rearguard this season.
• Second-year Lumberjacks defenseman Travis Walsh (Michigan State) celebrated his 100th USHL game with a two-assist night, his second multipoint effort of the year. The Lansing native played 20 games for the Sioux City Musketeers in 2009-10 before a trade brought him much closer to home for the Jacks’ inaugural campaign. He has 25 points (2 G, 23 A) in his USHL career.

NATIONAL NOTES

• On the strength of the U-18s’ 3-2 win in Green Bay last night, the National Team Development Program stayed 13 points ahead of the Lumberjacks for the sixth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Muskegon has three games in hand on the NTDP and five in hand on the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, whose 35 points put them even with the National Team.
• The Muskegon win Friday night broke the U-17s’ four-game winning streak in USHL play. The squad had earned points in five straight league road games as well, part of a 6-0-1 burst overall against Tier I competition. The U-17s got off to a wobbly start, going 2-5-1 against USHL teams until the end of November.
• J.T. Compher (three-game scoring streak) and goalie Hunter Miska (three-game winning streak) saw their respective runs come to abrupt ends last night, but Anthony Louis continues to impress. The Illinois product leads the Under-17 team in overall goals (18) and USHL tallies (nine), and his 25 points in 30 overall games place him third on the squad behind Compher (33) and Tyler Motte (29).

UPCOMING HOME GAMES

TONIGHT vs. U.S. NATIONAL TEAM at 7:15 p.m. – Jacks Fight Cancer Night / The Lumberjacks team with Mercy Health and the Johnson Family Cancer Center to promote cancer awareness and treatment, as well as honor and remember those who’ve battled the disease.

**Tuesday, January 24 - USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game featuring the 40 best USHL prospects for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft! Call 724-JACK for tickets and information.

Saturday, January 28 vs. INDIANA at 7:15 p.m. – Bonus Hockey! / A scheduling conflict in Indiana has moved this game to Muskegon; it was originally scheduled as a road contest.

Sunday, January 29 vs. DUBUQUE at 5:15 p.m. – It’s the final Sunday home game of the regular season as the Clark Cup champions come to town! Please note special start time.

FOLLOW THE JACKS ALL SEASON

92.5 FM The Outlaw is the exclusive radio home of your Muskegon Lumberjacks! Listen over the air or check out the action streaming online at 925fmtheoutlaw.com as Voice of the Jacks Matt Gajtka has the play-by-play. The USHL is also partnering with FastHockey.com to provide video coverage of all league games this season; go to ushl.fasthockey.com to sign up and watch!

TALKIN’ HOCKEY

JackSixty presented by Cinema Carousel is a weekly hour-long talk show devoted to your Muskegon Lumberjacks every Tuesday night from 6-7 p.m. at Hennessy’s Irish Pub & Restaurant. Located at the corner of Jefferson and Clay Streets in the heart of Muskegon, Hennessy’s plays host as Gajtka talks hockey with Lumberjacks coaches, players and other featured guests on 98.3 FM WLCS. There will be no show next week due to the USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game, but JackSixty will return Tuesday, Jan. 31!

THE SOCIAL NETWORKS

Never go hungry for Jacks news: “Like” the Muskegon Lumberjacks on Facebook and follow “@MuskegonJacks” on Twitter to stay plugged into the Jacks 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Also, find the Jacks’ exclusive YouTube channel at youtube.com/MuskegonJacks!

Countdown to Puck Drop (28): Jacks vs. National Under-17 Team

MUSKEGON LUMBeRJACKS

VS. NATIONAL UNDER-17 TEAM

L.C. WALKER ARENA, MUSKEGON, MICH.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 2012

GAME PREVIEW

The Jim McKenzie era begins tonight as the Muskegon Lumberjacks start a series of three straight games against the U.S. National Under-17 Team. The 15-year NHL veteran and Stanley Cup champion will make his debut behind the bench exactly one week after being named the USHL franchise’s second Head Coach. The Jacks are 0-3 on their current five-game homestand, but with a win tonight they can push to get back into postseason contention. Muskegon enters the evening 13 points behind the National Team for the Eastern Conference’s final playoff spot with 33 games to go in the regular season.

Under interim Head Coach and former Muskegon Fury forward Dave Noel-Bernier, the Lumberjacks (9-16-2, 20 points / 7th in East) played spirited hockey last weekend, but dropped both games to extend their season-long losing streak to four. Against Green Bay last Saturday, Rudy Sulmonte (G, A) and Tyler Heinonen (2 A) each had two points, helping the Jacks to a 3-2 lead midway through the game. But the league-best Gamblers pushed back with four straight goals to eventually earn a 6-4 win at L.C. Walker Arena.

Getting back to USHL play after the World Under-17 challenge, the younger version of the National Team Development Program (15-11-1, 33 points / T-5th in East) traveled to Youngstown last weekend and claimed two wins at the Covelli Centre. The twinbill was capped off by an eventful 6-4 victory last Saturday, as the Nationals sprinted to a 5-1 lead after 40 minutes in a penalty-filled night. The U-17s converted three times on eight power play chances, including Anthony Louis’ game winner, his ninth of the season in 15 USHL games.

JACKS FACTS

• The addition of Ron Mason to the Lumberjacks’ hockey operations staff brings an NCAA counterbalance to McKenzie’s NHL credentials. The winningest coach in men’s college hockey history, Mason is best known for his 23-year stint at Michigan State, where his teams qualified for the NCAA tournament 21 times and won a national title in 1986. He is the grandfather of Jacks defenseman Travis Walsh, who is committed to MSU.
• Ontario-born forward and University of Maine recruit Ryan Lomberg has quietly put together a four-game point streak, the team’s second-longest of the season. Lomberg scored in two straight mid-December games before missing four in a row due to injury, but the rookie picked up where he left off last weekend, earning an assist Friday and his fifth goal Saturday. Lomberg’s 14 points put him third on the Lumberjacks.
• Although Muskegon is in the midst of a six-game winless streak (0-4-2), the offense woke up last weekend with seven combined goals against Des Moines and Green Bay. That’s the most the Jacks have scored in back-to-back games since Dec. 2-3, when they split a pair with Youngtown at L.C. Walker Arena.

NATIONAL NOTES

• The NTDP is a single entity in the USHL standings, but it consists of two different squads. The Lumberjacks fell 3-2 to the Under-18 team Dec. 17 in Ann Arbor, but this will be Muskegon’s first crack at the Under-17s, who have an 8-6-2 record in USHL play after sweeping Youngstown in a pair of games last weekend.
• The U-17s have been busy, playing 30 games so far this season and posting an 18-9-3 record overall including international competitions. The National Team won the Four Nations Cup in November, going 4-0-0 along the way, but they fell to Russia in the final of the World Under-17 Challenge Jan. 4.
• J.T. Compher leads the U-17s with 33 points (14 G, 19 A) in 30 games, with Tyler Motte close behind at 28 points; Motte paces the way in USHL play, however, with 17 points, four more than Compher. Tyler Kelleher is on a three-game point streak and goaltender Hunter Miska has won his last three USHL starts.

UPCOMING HOME GAMES

TONIGHT vs. U.S. NATIONAL TEAM at 7:15 p.m. – Dollar Beer & Hot Dog Night presented by John Morrell / Offer applies from 6-8 p.m.

Saturday, January 21 vs. U.S. NATIONAL TEAM at 7:15 p.m. – Jacks Fight Cancer Night / Visit muskegonlumberjacks.com to find out how to participate as the Lumberjacks team with Mercy Health and the Johnson Family Cancer Center.

**Tuesday, January 24 - USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game featuring the 40 best USHL prospects for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft! Call 724-JACK for tickets and information.

Saturday, January 28 vs. INDIANA at 7:15 p.m. – Bonus Hockey! / A scheduling conflict in Indiana has moved this game to Muskegon; it was originally scheduled as a road contest.

Sunday, January 29 vs. DUBUQUE at 5:15 p.m. – It’s the final Sunday home game of the regular season as the Clark Cup champions come to town! Please note special start time.

FOLLOW THE JACKS ALL SEASON

92.5 FM The Outlaw is the exclusive radio home of your Muskegon Lumberjacks! Listen over the air or check out the action streaming online at 925fmtheoutlaw.com as Voice of the Jacks Matt Gajtka has the play-by-play. The USHL is also partnering with FastHockey.com to provide video coverage of all league games this season; go to ushl.fasthockey.com to sign up and watch!

TALKIN’ HOCKEY

JackSixty presented by Cinema Carousel is a weekly hour-long talk show devoted to your Muskegon Lumberjacks every Tuesday night from 6-7 p.m. at Hennessy’s Irish Pub & Restaurant. Located at the corner of Jefferson and Clay Streets in the heart of Muskegon, Hennessy’s plays host as Gajtka talks hockey with Lumberjacks coaches, players and other featured guests on 98.3 FM WLCS. There will be no show next week due to the USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game, but JackSixty will return Tuesday, Jan. 31!

THE SOCIAL NETWORKS

Never go hungry for Jacks news: “Like” the Muskegon Lumberjacks on Facebook and follow “@MuskegonJacks” on Twitter to stay plugged into the Jacks 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Also, find the Jacks’ exclusive YouTube channel at youtube.com/MuskegonJacks!

Gospel of Hockey podcast explores the USHL at the half

With the USHL season half over, it's time to evaluate what we've seen and project where we might go as the chase for the Clark Cup Playoffs gets more heated. For that, my friend Larry Snyder (PA voice of the Youngstown Phantoms) and I conducted another Gospel of Hockey podcast with prolific reporter/blogger Ryan Clark of the Forum of Fargo-Moorhead.

Clark covers the Fargo Force and the entire USHL at inforum.com and his Slightly Chilled blog. Follow his breaking reports on Twitter at @ryan_s_clark to stay on top of the latest USHL news!

Also covered in the 40-minute podcast: the merits of the USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game (coming to L.C. Walker Arena next Tuesday!), expansion rumors around the league, the role of fighting in junior hockey, plus the biggest stories of the first half of the NHL season.

Listen to internet radio with Matt Gajtka on Blog Talk Radio

Sounds of the Season: Jan. 13-14

Although the Lumberjacks' losing streak reached four this weekend, the offense came alive. In scoring seven goals in the two home games, the Jacks posted their most potent back-to-back efforts in more than a month, when they also netted seven against Youngstown Dec. 2-3.

On to the highlights, as a fast-paced affair between Muskegon and Des Moines went the visitors' way in a 5-3 final. Along the way Christian Pomarico got his first USHL goal, John Padulo put in another while shorthanded and Matt DeBlouw put an end to a long drought. Goalie John Keeney also makes an appearance, as he stopped 40-plus shots for the fifth time:

On Saturday night at L.C. Walker Arena the Jacks gave the league-leading Gamblers all they could handle, coming back to carry a 3-2 lead late in the second. Green Bay rebounded for a 6-4 win, but Joe Cox, Rudy Sulmonte and Ryan Lomberg all connected, along with DeBlouw again, to make it interesting until the end.

I also spoke with Sulmonte for Friday's first intermission. We discussed how a newcomer like him can be an instant leader on a young team like the Jacks, plus how the New York Rangers, his childhood team, are lighting up the NHL:

Countdown to Puck Drop (27): Jacks vs. Green Bay

MUSKEGON LUMBERJACKS

VS. GREEN BAY GAMBLERS

L.C. WALKER ARENA, MUSKEGON, MICH.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 14, 2012

 

GAME PREVIEW

With much of Michigan digging out from winter’s first real blast, the Muskegon Lumberjacks have their own excavation mission to tackle tonight, as they try to escape a five-game winless streak against the league-leading Green Bay Gamblers. Muskegon is looking for its first win in the eight-game season series with Green Bay; the Gamblers won the first two meetings this year by a combined 12-2 score.

 

With interim Head Coach Dave Noel-Bernier behind the bench for the first time, the Lumberjacks (9-15-2, 20 points / 7th in East) battled from behind all night Friday, but Des Moines prevailed 5-3 at L.C. Walker Arena. Christian Pomarico drilled his first USHL goal, John Padulo buried his second shorthanded tally of the season and Matt DeBlouw lit the lamp for the first time in 14 games. Third-year USHL goaltender John Keeney turned away 42 shots despite the loss.

 

After beating Chicago 5-2 last night in Green Bay, the Gamblers (25-5-1, 51 points / 1st in East) weren’t done any favors by the schedule maker, as they had to make the long trip around Lake Michigan to Muskegon immediately. Defenseman Andy Welinski, an Anaheim Ducks draft pick last summer, rung up a pair of goals as the Gamblers sprinted out to a 3-0 lead in the opening nine minutes vs. the Steel. Green Bay has won four straight and leads second-place Indiana by seven points in the Eastern Conference.

 

JACKS FACTS

• The Lumberjacks tied a season-best with 36 shots on goal in last night’s wide-open tussle with Des Moines. They also had 36 in wins over Sioux Falls (Oct. 15) and Chicago (Oct. 29). Muskegon needs to improve its finishing ability though, as it hasn’t scored more than three goals since a 5-0 demolition of Youngstown Dec. 2 at L.C. Walker Arena, a span of nine games.
• Although Keeney seems to thrive when facing bushels of vulcanized rubber, the Lumberjacks will be trying to cut down on the shots against. The Bucs’ 47 shots Friday night set a new season-high for a Muskegon opponent, as did the 22 Des Moines fired in the second period alone. The Jacks have allowed 40 or more shots seven times this season; their record in such games is 2-4-1.
• Rasmus Bengtsson made his Lumberjacks debut last night, and despite one notable miscue he seemed to gain confidence as the night wore on. The 6-foot-2 Swede on loan from the Rogle BK hockey club was given a spot on the Muskegon power play immediately and played a regular defense shift with Pomarico.

 

GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS

• The Gamblers beat the Lumberjacks twice in a week in late November during a 13-game unbeaten streak (12-0-1), the longest in the USHL this season. Green Bay appears to be getting on a similar roll now, as they’ve bombed their last four opponents by the combined score of 30-6.
• Speaking of streaks, Gamblers F Alex Broadhurst had at least a point in 11 straight games before last night. Teammate Nolan LaPorte had a 13-gamer earlier this year; the Western Michigan recruit leads Green Bay with 38 points (18 G, 20 A). Sam Herr, the reigning USHL Offensive Player of the Week, has six goals in his last four games to give him 13 total, behind only LaPorte and Broadhurst.
• Green Bay has netted 138 goals this season for a league-best average of 4.45 per game, almost a full goal more than Indiana’s second-ranked offense. The Gamblers’ defense has also been excellent, allowing 2.29 goals per contest, the fewest in the USHL. Their blueline is dangerous at both ends, as Jordan Schmaltz, Welinski and Markus Lauridsen are 1-2-3 in defenseman scoring.

 

 

UPCOMING HOME GAMES

TONIGHT vs. GREEN BAY at 7:15 p.m. – Contribute a pair of skates for use at the outdoor rink downtown! Skate drive continues through Thursday, Jan. 19.

Friday, January 20 vs. U.S. NATIONAL TEAM at 7:15 p.m. – Dollar Beer & Hot Dog Night presented by John Morrell / Offer applies from 6-8 p.m.

Saturday, January 21 vs. U.S. NATIONAL TEAM at 7:15 p.m. – Jacks Fight Cancer Night / Visit muskegonlumberjacks.com to find out how to participate as the Lumberjacks team with Mercy Health and the Johnson Family Cancer Center.

Saturday, January 28 vs. INDIANA at 7:15 p.m. – Bonus Hockey! / A scheduling conflict in Indiana has moved this game to Muskegon; it was originally scheduled as a road contest.

 

FOLLOW THE JACKS ALL SEASON

92.5 FM The Outlaw is the exclusive radio home of your Muskegon Lumberjacks! Listen over the air or check out the action streaming online at 925fmtheoutlaw.com as Voice of the Jacks Matt Gajtka has the play-by-play. The USHL is also partnering with FastHockey.com to provide video coverage of all league games this season; go to ushl.fasthockey.com to sign up and watch!

 

TALKIN’ HOCKEY

JackSixty presented by Cinema Carousel is a weekly hour-long talk show devoted to your Muskegon Lumberjacks every Tuesday night from 6-7 p.m. at Hennessy’s Irish Pub & Restaurant. Located at the corner of Jefferson and Clay Streets in the heart of Muskegon, Hennessy’s plays host as Gajtka talks hockey with Lumberjacks coaches, players and other featured guests on 98.3 FM WLCS. East Lansing’s Travis Walsh and Czech-born forward Adam Chlapik are scheduled to appear next week!

 

THE SOCIAL NETWORKS

Never go hungry for Jacks news: “Like” the Muskegon Lumberjacks on Facebook and follow “@MuskegonJacks” on Twitter to stay plugged into the Jacks 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Also, find the Jacks’ exclusive YouTube channel at youtube.com/MuskegonJacks!

Countdown to Puck Drop (26): Jacks vs. Des Moines

MUSKEGON LUMBERJACKS

VS. DES MOINES BUCCANEERS

L.C. WALKER ARENA, MUSKEGON, MICH.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 13, 2012

 

GAME PREVIEW

With Kevin Patrick relieved of his duties Friday morning and former Muskegon Fury forward Dave-Noel Bernier serving as interim Head Coach this weekend, the Muskegon Lumberjacks continue a five-game homestand tonight with a rare showdown against the Des Moines Buccaneers. The two teams meet only twice this season, with Muskegon traveling to central Iowa to conclude the season series March 2.

 

The Lumberjacks (9-14-2, 20 points / 7th in East) extended their winless streak to a season-long four games with a 5-1 loss to Chicago last Saturday at L.C. Walker Arena. Muskegon scored its quickest goal of the season, just 53 seconds after the opening faceoff, but couldn’t extend the lead in a dominant first period. Second-year goalie Paul Berrafato made 30 saves in his first start since Nov. 26, a span of eight games.

 

Much like the Lumberjacks, the Buccaneers (11-13-1, 25 points / 5th in West) are making changes in hopes of vaulting up the standings. West Michigan native Zach Saar (Plainwell) was acquired from Chicago in a trade last week and forward Mac Olson was dealt away as well. Sophomore USHL defenseman Ethan Prow had a goal and an assist in Des Moines’ 4-3 shootout loss to Sioux Falls last Saturday, which gave the Bucs a four-game winless streak entering tonight.

 

JACKS FACTS

• After competing with only six regular defensemen for nearly two months, the Jacks received a welcome blueline reinforcement this week as Rasmus Bengtsson arrived from his native Sweden. On loan from professional club Rogle BK, the second-round pick of the Florida Panthers last June stands at 6-foot-2, 196 pounds and comes touted for his offensive skills, power-play acumen and solid shot from the point.
• NHL Central Scouting’s midseason rankings were released Wednesday morning and Matt DeBlouw was on the list as expected. The second-year Lumberjacks forward from Chesterfield, Mich., is rated as No. 37 among North American skaters for the 2012 NHL Draft in Pittsburgh. DeBlouw, who has 10 points in 23 games this season, is the ninth-ranked prospect in the USHL; find the whole list at NHL.com. He will play in the USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game at L.C. Walker Arena Tuesday, Jan. 24 along with teammates Mark Yanis, Adam Chlapik and Masters.
• Des Moines’ visit tonight marks the Jacks’ only meeting with a Western Conference opponent this month; in fact, after playing the Bucs, Muskegon will take on only East teams for 17 straight games. The Jacks’ next foray into the West will be March 2, when they travel to Des Moines and Sioux City.

 

BUCCANEER BITS

• Since the USHL’s holiday break, the Buccaneers have posted just one win in five games, going 1-2-2 with a pair of shootout losses thrown in. Like the Lumberjacks, they are searching for their first win of 2012. Des Moines is in fifth place in the tightly-wound West, just three ahead of last place.
• Second-year Buccaneer Anthony Greco leads the team with 24 points (9 G, 15 A), with Slovenian and fellow USHL sophomore Gasper Kopitar close behind with 18. The younger brother of Los Angeles Kings’ star centerman Anze also has 10 goals to pace Des Moines.
• The lone NHL draft pick on the Buccaneers is goaltender Jason Kasdorf, who was selected by his hometown Winnipeg Jets last summer. The 6-foot-3 prospect has a .902 save percentage and has appeared in 21 of 27 games for Des Moines; his three shutouts tie him with Tri-City’s Adam Wilcox for the league lead.

 

UPCOMING PROMOTIONS

TONIGHT vs. DES MOINES at 7:15 p.m. – Dollar Beer & Hot Dog Night presented by John Morrell / Offer applies from 6-8 p.m.

Saturday, January 14 vs. GREEN BAY at 7:15 p.m. – Contribute a pair of skates for use at the outdoor rink downtown! Skate drive continues through Thursday, Jan. 19.

Friday, January 20 vs. U.S. NATIONAL TEAM at 7:15 p.m. – Dollar Beer & Hot Dog Night presented by John Morrell / Offer applies from 6-8 p.m.

Saturday, January 21 vs. U.S. NATIONAL TEAM at 7:15 p.m. – Jacks Fight Cancer Night / Visit muskegonlumberjacks.com to find out how to participate as the Lumberjacks team with Mercy Health and the Johnson Family Cancer Center.

 

FOLLOW THE JACKS ALL SEASON

92.5 FM The Outlaw is the exclusive radio home of your Muskegon Lumberjacks! Listen over the air or check out the action streaming online at 925fmtheoutlaw.com as Voice of the Jacks Matt Gajtka has the play-by-play. The USHL is also partnering with FastHockey.com to provide video coverage of all league games this season; go to ushl.fasthockey.com to sign up and watch!

 

TALKIN’ HOCKEY

JackSixty presented by Cinema Carousel is a weekly hour-long talk show devoted to your Muskegon Lumberjacks every Tuesday night from 6-7 p.m. at Hennessy’s Irish Pub & Restaurant. Located at the corner of Jefferson and Clay Streets in the heart of Muskegon, Hennessy’s plays host as Gajtka talks hockey with Lumberjacks coaches, players and other featured guests on 98.3 FM WLCS. East Lansing’s Travis Walsh and Czech-born forward Adam Chlapik are scheduled to appear next week!

 

THE SOCIAL NETWORKS

Never go hungry for Jacks news: “Like” the Muskegon Lumberjacks on Facebook and follow “@MuskegonJacks” on Twitter to stay plugged into the Jacks 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Also, find the Jacks’ exclusive YouTube channel at youtube.com/MuskegonJacks!

Rasmus speaks, plus trades

Before we duck for cover from the first real snowstorm of the year here in Muskegon, here's a brief interview I did with the newest Lumberjack, 2011 Florida Panthers draft choice Rasmus Bengtsson. The 6-foot-2 defenseman was the 59th overall selection last June and joins fellow NHL draft pick Nick Seeler (Minnesota Wild) on the Muskegon blueline.

Look for Bengtsson on the L.C. Walker Ice wearing No. 2 in black and Vegas gold. He comes with a reputation for offensive flair and a good shot from the point, plus he's not afraid to throw his big frame around.

Also today, the Lumberjacks traded veteran USHLer Travis Belohrad to the Sioux Falls Stampede for a future draft pick. Earlier in the week Lance Fredrickson was dealt to the Traverse City North Stars of the Tier II North American Hockey League. The Lumberjacks organization wishes Travis and Lance all the best in their futures!

Alumni Report: Outdoor hockey a rush for Thrush

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

On the heels of the uber-successful NHL Winter Classic on Jan. 2, college hockey grabbed the outdoor stage last weekend at historic Fenway Park in Boston.

Last Saturday, Frozen Fenway 2012 transformed the home of the Boston Red Sox into New England’s hub of NCAA pucks, with four local schools taking part in a “twi-night” doubleheader. UMass topped Vermont 3-2 in overtime in an afternoon matchup, but for Lumberjacks fans the main event was the nightcap that featured Casey Thrush’s New Hampshire Wildcats against John Parker’s Maine Black Bears.

“It’s not every day you get to play in front of 38,000 fans,” said Thrush (pictured), who skated a regular shift and fired two shots in the game. “The long walk from our locker room through the Fenway dugout made the anticipation last even longer than usual. It’s something I will always remember.”

Luckily for the Fenway faithful who stuck it out through the entire day, the second tilt matched the drama of the first. UNH rallied from two goals down in the third to force OT before Maine prevailed 5-4 in sudden death.

“The game was a bonding experience for our team and something we were all proud to be a part of,” Thrush said. “It was a great way to start the new year and we’re looking forward to keeping the momentum we built with the third-period comeback.”

Thrush, a 28-point scorer last season in Muskegon, has two goals, seven assists and a team-best plus-8 rating for the Wildcats (7-11-2, 5-8-1 Hockey East), who are having a rare down season. UNH snapped a five-game winless streak Wednesday at conference opponent Providence.

“The entire [Frozen Fenway] weekend was memorable,” he said. “The practice [Friday] was exciting because we really got to relax and enjoy the surroundings. The most exciting part of the whole weekend, though, was having my family there to watch me and be together at the game.”

Although he didn’t play Saturday, Parker has dressed in 12 of 19 games for Maine (10-7-2, 7-6-1 Hockey East), which has put together four straight wins, including a victorious effort in the inaugural Florida College Classic over the New Year. The Green Brook, N.J., native had 31 points as Lumberjacks captain last season.

Fans of outdoor hockey can catch another al fresco event this weekend, as the Michigan Wolverines travel to Cleveland’s Progressive Field, home of MLB’s Indians, to battle CCHA rival Ohio State Sunday at 5 p.m. The first edition of the Frozen Diamond Faceoff will be broadcast live on the Big Ten Network.

Alumni on the Attack:

· Alexx Privitera, Boston University – Last year’s leading blueline scorer in Muskegon is demonstrating his two-way ability at the college ranks more and more, peaking last weekend with two goals in two games for the No. 6 Terriers (11-6-1, 9-4-1 Hockey East). Although one of the red lights was in an exhibition against the U.S. National Under-18 Team, the New Jersey product has two goals and four points in 11 NCAA games and boasts a plus-3 rating for powerful BU.

· Ryan Misiak, Mercyhurst University – The Lakers (12-8-2, 9-2-2 Atlantic Hockey) have ridden a four-game winning streak to first place in their conference, and Misiak has been just as hot as the team, with two goals and three total points during the run. Misiak had 58 points in 2010-11 for the Lumberjacks, good for ninth in the USHL; the Michigander has a 3-9-12 line in 22 games for Mercyhurst.

· Chris Lochner and Isaac Kohls, Niagara University – The former Jacks have each netted a goal since the semester break, with Lochner burying his first NCAA tally against Princeton Dec. 31 and Kohls finishing his fourth vs. Atlantic Hockey rival UConn last Friday.

JackSixty from Jan. 10

If you missed this week's JackSixty presented by Cinema Carousel, what's your excuse? No matter, because I'm here to help, even if you did tune in and want to listen to an encore presentation.

Once again, JackSixty is the Lumberjacks' weekly talk show which is broadcast live from Hennessy's Irish Pub & Restaurant every Tuesday during the season. It airs on 98.3 WLCS from 6-7 p.m.

In Tuesday's first period, Jacks Head Coach/GM Kevin Patrick broke down what he expects new defenseman Rasmus Bengtsson to bring to the table, as well as how he knows when he needs to adjust his approach:

Rookie blueliner Ryan Bullock joined me for the second period, and our wide-ranging discussion touched upon preparation, nutrition, outdoor skating and freaky injuries:

Montague native Zach Schmitt came aboard for the third period to talk about working in sports and how his local upbringing helps him in his job in the Jacks front office:

To close the program, I cracked open my Gospel of Hockey for the second time, focusing on why the USHL has to upgrade its league-wide media relations standards:

Sounds of the Season: Facing off in 2012

Let's dig into an assortment of audio as 2012 began with a three-game week in Lumberjacks land!

On the ice, Muskegon played back-to-back in Youngstown before returning home Saturday to square off with Chicago at L.C. Walker Arena. While the Jacks only earned one of a possible six points, there were many exciting moments, including two-goal games for Adam Chlapik and John Padulo. Those performances and more make up the following highlight reel from 92.5 The Outlaw:

On last week's JackSixty talk show from Hennessy's Irish Pub, Padulo joined me to discuss his role on the team as a fourth-year junior hockey veteran, his plans to go pro and who his NHL role model is:

Lumberjacks Director of Creative Services Brian Haberkorn also stopped by to say hello. We talked about how he goes about enhancing the fan experience in Muskegon and where he gets the ideas that keep the presentation fresh:

Finally, I cracked open the Gospel of Hockey for my first verse of the season. I pondered the resounding success of the Winter Classic and whether Detroit might be its next location:

Countdown to Puck Drop (25): Jacks vs. Chicago

MUSKEGON LUMBERJACKS

VS. CHICAGO STEEL

L.C. WALKER ARENA, MUSKEGON, MICH.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 7, 2012

 

GAME PREVIEW

Coming off a penalty-marred 7-3 loss in Youngstown Friday night, the Muskegon Lumberjacks complete their first stretch of three games in three nights at home against the Chicago Steel. The Steel, three points behind the Jacks in the Eastern Conference standings, have won three of four in the season series, including a 4-1 decision Nov. 26 in Chicago the last time the two clubs got together.

 

The Lumberjacks (9-13-2, 20 points / 7th in East) hope that home ice can sooth their recent road wounds, where they are winless in five (0-4-1). Last night, John Padulo recorded his second two-goal game against the Phantoms and Jordan Masters chipped in a power-play goal, but a 4-0 first period deficit was too deep to leap out of. Goaltender Paul Berrafato saw his first action in seven games when he came on in relief of John Keeney to begin the second period.

 

When the puck drops tonight, the Steel (8-18-1, 17 points / 8th in East) will have taken an entire week off, which may be the best tonic for the slumping club. Chicago was crushed 10-1 at Green Bay Dec. 31 to stretch its losing streak to four; the Steel have been outscored 23-5 since a 3-2 shootout victory Dec. 16 put them momentarily ahead of the Lumberjacks for seventh place. The Steel have begun to tinker with their roster, trading Kalamazoo-born power forward Zach Saar to Des Moines last week for Ray Pigozzi.

 

JACKS FACTS

• Although they’ve had their difficulties away from home this season (3-8-1), L.C. Walker Arena has been more kind to the Lumberjacks, especially recently. Muskegon has earned at least a point in four of its last seven tries on the familiar ice surface, winning three of those and taking Indiana to overtime Dec. 28 to pick up another point in the standings. The Jacks are currently five points out of the sixth and final playoff spot in the East.
• Adam Chlapik, Rudy Sulmonte and Padulo all carry two-game point streaks into tonight’s tilt, as they combined for eight points in consecutive games in Youngstown. The trio of forwards were all acquired during the season; Padulo signed as a free agent in early October, while Chlapik and Sulmonte came aboard in November and December, respectively.
• Dakota Klecha’s eyes light up when facing the Steel, as he has a pair of two-goal games against them this season and five points overall. Ryan Lomberg and Matt DeBlouw aren’t far behind with three points apiece vs. Chicago.

 

STEEL CAGE MATCH

• It’s no secret the Steel are struggling again this season, although their eight wins put them just one shy of last year’s nine, the fewest in the USHL’s 60-game era. Chicago’s basement status this season is not surprising considering they fire the fewest shots per game in the league (25.8) and allow the most (35.1).
• Michael Fallon, Chicago’s leading scorer with 21 points, contributed the Steel’s only goal in the blowout loss at Green Bay on New Year’s Eve, although he was minus-5 on the night. Nonetheless, the Illinois product has been one of a few bright spots for Chicago, scoring at least a point in nine of his last 12 games.
• Despite their overall difficulties, the Steel have played their best against the Lumberjacks, winning all three home games. Jimmy Devito has scored in all four collisions with Muskegon and is plus-7 in the season series. Swedish goalie Mathias Dahlstrom has been in net for all three Chicago victories.