Local Sports Journal
The Muskegon Lumberjacks snapped a two-game losing streak with a 3-2 victory Friday over the host Lincoln Stars.
The Lumberjacks improved to 4-2 on the season, good for eight points and first place in the United States Hockey League’s Eastern Conference.
“We did some good things,” said Lumberjack Coach Todd Krygier. “I thought we were a little bit sloppy at times, and we should have capitalized on a few more opportunities, but it was good to get a win on the road. This is a tough place to play.”
Muskegon struggled defensively last weekend in Cedar Rapids and dropped two straight games to the Roughriders. Krygier said the defensive effort was significantly better against Lincoln.
“Overall we played better defense as a team without the puck, and we did a good job in the neutral zone slowing them down, but we still have a long way to go in that area to beat the top teams in the league,” he said.
Jack Rowe put Muskegon up 1-0 with a goal at 5:39 of the first period. Mason Jobst and David Keefer assisted on the play.
The Lumberjacks extended their lead to 2-0 almost four minutes later with a goal by Jobst. Rowe and Griffen Molino had the assistss.
Lincoln’s Cam Lee scored at the 13:19 mark of the first period to pull his team within one.
The second period was scoreless.
Muskegon gained a 3-1 lead two minutes into the third period with a goal by Matt Iacopelli. Keefer was credited with an assist on the tally.
Lincoln added a goal from Ludwig Hoff at the 12:16 mark of the third, but that was all the Stars could muster.
The Lumberjacks outshot the Stars 31-22. Goalie Eric Schierhorn got the victory for Muskegon.
