Local Sports Journal
Maybe the Muskegon Lumberjacks’ long road trip won’t turn out so badly after all.
After starting the eight-game trip with two straight losses last weekend, the Lumberjacks claimed their second straight victory, a 4-3 decision over the Youngstown Phantoms Friday night.
The victory pulled Muskegon back to the .500 mark at 15-15-4, good for 34 points and third place in the United States Hockey League’s Eastern Conference standings.
Youngstown drew first blood with a goal from Tyler Spezia eight minutes into the game. But Muskegon took the lead for good with a pair of first period goals from Trevor Morbeck and Haralds Egle.
Youngstown’s Luke Stork and Muskegon’s Matt Mendelson traded second period goals, leaving the Lumberjacks with a 3-2 lead. Connor Wood capped off Muskegon’s scoring just over three minutes into the third period, while Youngstown’s J.J. Piccinich pulled his team within one with 6:32 remaining.
Muskegon goalie Eric Schierhorn preserved the lead the rest of the way. He stopped 30 of 33 shots to collect the victory.
The Lumberjacks return to action in Indianapolis Saturday at 8 p.m.
