USHL Muskegon Lumberjacks

Prospects Game Brought Hockey World's Focus on Muskegon

Published on January 25, 2012 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release


MUSKEGON, Mich. (January 25, 2012) - All eyes in the hockey world focused on Muskegon Tuesday night, as the Lumberjacks hosted the inaugural USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game at L.C. Walker Arena.

"It was a chance for everyone to see Muskegon and what we're building here," said Lumberjacks Owner/CEO Josh Mervis. "I think it was crucial to give the players this opportunity in front of all these NHL scouts. They deserve it because of their talent, but also because of how hard they've worked."

Four of the 40 elite-level talents on display were Lumberjacks, as Jordan Masters, Matt DeBlouw, Adam Chlapik and Mark Yanis skated in front of their home fans and more than 200 National Hockey League decision-makers. Masters earned an assist, but all four Muskegon representatives stood out for their on-ice prowess, as did many others.

"This is a special event for the scouting fraternity," said Director of NHL Central Scouting Dan Marr. "It's a unique chance to see the top players compete against their peers, often in situations that they may not be in with their USHL teams. The guys are all proud and want to show they have the upper hand over the others."

NHL potential was the focus of Tuesday's first-of-its-kind showcase, but no matter who did what, the consensus was that the USHL, its member clubs and its players were all winners.

"The USHL is doing a tremendous job developing players for the next level," said Lumberjacks Senior Advisor Ron Mason, the winningest coach in NCAA hockey history. "The league has made a heck of a commitment to the players and their futures."

Mason was an honorary coach for Team East, which put together a spirited comeback en route to a 5-3 win. Dave Siciliano may have been on the losing end as Team West's ceremonial bench boss, but that didn't dampen his enthusiasm for the night.

"The effort out there was simply outstanding," said the man with 522 USHL wins, the second-most in league history. "The playmaking, skill and speed were all there, but the work ethic I saw was also really impressive."

The success of the night didn't just benefit the players and the USHL, but also the Port City itself. Muskegon has hosted high-level hockey for more than a half century, but it's safe to say that Tuesday night's game provided a fresh experience for local sports fans.

"Thanks to Josh Mervis and the Muskegon community for embracing this game," said USHL Commissioner Skip Prince. "The level of interest around the hockey world was high, so we were happy to bring this event to a sophisticated hockey town."

With the Top Prospects Game in the rearview mirror, the Lumberjacks (10-17-2, 22 points) get back to work this week with three games in three nights, starting Friday night at 7 p.m. in Ann Arbor against the National Under-17 Team. The Jacks split a pair with the U-17s last weekend in Muskegon in Head Coach Jim McKenzie's debut.

Muskegon returns to L.C. Walker Arena to start a five-game homestand Saturday, as they welcome Indiana for a 7:15 p.m. faceoff. Defending USHL champion Dubuque pays its second visit Sunday at 5:15 p.m.

The Meijer Pregame Show begins 30 minutes prior to every opening faceoff on the radio home of your Lumberjacks, 92.5 The Outlaw (925fmtheoutlaw.com). Voice of the Jacks Matt Gajtka will have the play-by-play, with Muskegon legend Ron Stephenson providing color analysis for the home games.

UPCOMING HOME GAMES

Saturday, January 28 vs. INDIANA at 7:15 p.m. - Bonus Hockey! / A scheduling conflict in Indiana moved this game to Muskegon; it was originally slated as a road contest.

Sunday, January 29 vs. DUBUQUE at 5:15 p.m. - The defending Clark Cup champions come to town for a special start time on the last Sunday game of the regular season.

Friday, February 3 vs. CEDAR RAPIDS at 7:15 p.m. - Dollar Beer/Dollar Hot Dog Night presented by John Morrell. Offer stands from 6-8 p.m.

Saturday, February 4 vs. CHICAGO at 7:15 p.m.

JACKS FACTS

Although the Lumberjacks came up just short of the two-game sweep of the National Under-17 Team last weekend, their offense engaged quite well. Muskegon has netted four goals in each of its last three games, its second-best three-game stretch of the season. The Jacks scored 13 times in a trio of games from Oct. 29 to Nov. 4. New full-time Lumberjack Mason Jobst made an impression last Saturday with a goal and an assist, as the former Affiliate List forward from the Indianapolis area played his second game on the official roster. The 5-foot-6 former member of the Indiana Jr. Ice also recorded a two-point night last year during a short stint with the U.S. National Team. Defenseman Nick Seeler (Nebraska-Omaha) has an assist in three straight games, matching his previous best in his first USHL season. The 6-foot-2 Minnesota Wild draft pick has also been the Jacks' most productive player against Indiana, with five points in four games. Max Shuart (Michigan) has two goals and four total points vs. the Ice.

FOLLOW THE JACKS ALL SEASON

92.5 FM The Outlaw is the exclusive radio home of your Muskegon Lumberjacks! Listen over the air or check out the action streaming online at 925fmtheoutlaw.com as Voice of the Jacks Matt Gajtka has the play-by-play. The USHL is also partnering with FastHockey.com to provide video coverage of all league games this season; go to ushl.fasthockey.com to sign up and watch!

TALKIN' HOCKEY

JackSixty presented by Cinema Carousel is a weekly hour-long talk show devoted to your Muskegon Lumberjacks every Tuesday night from 6-7 p.m. at Hennessy's Irish Pub & Restaurant. Located at the corner of Jefferson and Clay Streets in the heart of Muskegon, Hennessy's plays host as Gajtka talks hockey with Lumberjacks coaches, players and other featured guests on 98.3 FM WLCS!

THE SOCIAL NETWORKS

Never go hungry for Jacks news: "Like" the Muskegon Lumberjacks on Facebook and follow "@MuskegonJacks" on Twitter to stay plugged into the Jacks 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Also, find the Jacks' exclusive YouTube channel at youtube.com/MuskegonJacks!

The Muskegon Lumberjacks are proud members of the United States Hockey League, the nation's only Tier I junior hockey league and the leading producer of NCAA players and National Hockey League draft picks in the United States. The Lumberjacks' organization prides itself on developing not just premier hockey talent, but also exceptional young men outside the arena of sports. For more information, visit muskegonlumberjacks.com.

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United States Hockey League Stories from January 25, 2012


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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