Local Sports Journal
The Muskegon Lumberjacks are playing great hockey, and there’s no telling how far they might go with Eric Schierhorn in goal.
Last week, Schierhorn was named USHL goaltender of the week after stopping 74 of 77 shots in the two Lumberjack victories over the weekend.
Schierhorn was once again was at the top of his game Wednesday, stopping 36 shots as the Lumberjacks defeated the Dubuque Fighting Saints 2-1 at the Mystique Ice Center.
The Lumberjacks have now won three straight games, and six out of their last eight.
The Fighting Saints outshot the Jacks 37-15, including 16-3 in the tense third period. But Schierhorn came up with save after save down the stretch to keep Dubuque from tying the score.
The Jacks picked up their first ever victory in Dubuque , spanning four-plus seasons and 14 games. They improved their road record this season to 6-3-1.
Muskegon is now 13-5-1 overall, which is good for 27 points and second place in the USHL’s Eastern conference. They are three points ahead of Dubuque and five behind first-place Cedar Rapids.
“It was a good win for Muskegon, being the first in Dubuque for five years,” said Muskegon Coach Todd Krygier. “They are an excellent hockey team and they outplayed us, but the important part is we found a way to win.”
Dubuque’s Evan Smith opened the scoring at the 1:45 mark of the first period.
Muskegon’s Tom Marchin tied the game at 1-1 just over a minute later, with an assist from Liam McGing.
Trevor Hamilton gave the Jacks a 2-1 lead at 18:40 of the second period. Garrett Hallford and Jack Rowe assisted on what proved to be the winning goal.
Both teams were held scoreless in the third period, despite the Fighting Saints pulling out all the stops to tie the game. The Lumberjacks had a penalty with just under a minute to go and Dubuque pulled its goalie for a two-man advantage, but Muskegon held on for the victory.
The Lumberjacks will return to action Friday at 7:15 p.m. at home against Youngstown.
