Local Sports Journal

RALSTON, Neb. – After building three separate leads throughout the game, the Muskegon Lumberjack gave up four third period goals and dropped a 6-5 decision Sunday to the Omaha Lancers.

The Lumberjacks (6-5-1, 13 points) took a 2-0 lead after the first period when Scott Pooley notched his fourth and fifth goals of the season.

The Lancers (9-1-1, 19 points) tied the score midway through the second period when Gage Hough potted his seventh goal at the 10:17 mark and Tucker Poolman added a power play goal four minutes later.

The Lumberjacks regained the lead less than a minute later on Frederik Tiffels’ third goal of the season. Muskegon regained its two-goal edge with two minutes remaining in the second period on a goal from C.J. Smith.

Omaha knotted the score at 4-4 in the third period with goals from Poolman and Anthony Angello. Muskegon went ahead for the third time midway through the period when Matt Iocapelli scored his team leading eighth goal of the season.

But the Lancers stole the victory with two goals in the last seven minutes, from Poollman (his third of the game) and Jimmy Schuldt.

Muskegon failed to covert on a two-skater advantage over the final 1:12, after the Lancers were whistled for a penalty and the Lumberjacks pulled their goalie.

Omaha outshot Muskegon 28-25. Hayden Hawkey made 20 saves in net for his third win in as many starts. Eric Schierhorn made 22 saves for the Lumberjacks, who will visit Dubuque Friday night and return home Saturday against Cedar Rapids.