News release
2 April 2005
Muskegon, MI The Muskegon Fury took down the Elmira Jackals with a 6-1 victory Saturday night at the L.C. Walker Arena.
The Jackals played an exceptional period defensively to open the game. In their last meeting, Muskegon beat Elmira 9-1 at L.C. Walker Arena, so with Kevin Kurk in the net, the road warriors were determined to earn revenge on the Fury. Elmira dominated the first 10-minutes of the game, out-shooting Muskegon 6-1 when the media timeout was called. But a minor penalty called to George Pujacs gave the UHLs best power play an opportunity to regain the shots lead, but Kurks stellar form would not allow a goal. Muskegon finished the period with a 17-10 advantage in shots on goal.
In the second period Muskegon awoke their offense; the Fury scored three times in the first four minutes, stunning the Jackals. Scott Hollis one-timed the puck into the net just 38 seconds into the period for a 1-0 lead. Three minutes later the lead was two when Hollis tallied his second of the game at 3:44, Todd Robinson and Jeff Nelson assisted on both goals. 41 seconds later Elmira was shocked again when B.J. Gaustad scored from Robin Bouchard at 4:25 for a 3-0 Muskegon lead after two periods of play.
Muskegon added three more goals in the third period, David Wrigley and Rich Hansen both scoring their first professional goals, and Jeff Nelson also scored for the Fury to make it 6-0. But Elmira stuck a thorn in Clayton Pool's shutout bid when Alex Mathieu scored at 18:41 to spoil the clean sheet, assisted by George Pujacs and Bryan Cummings.
Clayton Pool earned the win in his first professional start by stopping 25-of-26, while Kevin Kurk blocked 42 shots in goal for Elmira.
Elmira swings back towards Detroit Sunday as return to Motor City for the final game of the week-long road trip, a 5:00 pm face off. The Jackals next home game is on Friday April 8th, as they host the Adirondack Frostbite at 7:30 pm at the First Arena.