Sports stats



Muskegon Lumberjacks

Grasman's Tabbed as Muskegon's Billet Family of the Year for 2021-22

June 6, 2022 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release


MUSKEGON, Mich. - The Muskegon Lumberjacks have selected the Grasman family as the team's Billet Family of the Year for the 2021-22 season.

The Grasman family completed their third year as Lumberjacks billets. Over the course of three seasons, the Grasman's have happily housed former Lumberjack players such as Alex Konovalov, John Farinacci, Luke Krys, Kyle Aucoin, and most recently, Ben Strinden.

"We want to thank Wendi, Steve, and the entire Grasman family a well-deserved congratulations," said Lumberjacks head coach Mike Hamilton. "This award recognizes one of the many awesome and well-deserving billet families we have here in Muskegon."

When asked about how much the Grasman family meant to him, Strinden could not hold back his feelings.

"It really was the best year of my life," said Strinden, Muskegon's former alternate captain who plans to study finance at the University of North Dakota this fall. "They really made me feel a part of their family and everyone welcomed me with open arms."

Wendi Grasman describes what billeting for the Lumberjacks means to her and her family.

"You are welcoming another family member into your life," said Wendi. "It is providing a place away from the rink where they can de-stress, relax and escape from the daily grind of hockey. Each of these boys, while excellent hockey players, have all been kind, thankful, and bring so much energy to the house."

Strinden was quick to highlight his first-class experience while staying with the Grasmans.

"Wendi packed my lunch every day and always made the best eggs and pancakes for breakfast," said Strinden. "Simply put, they treated me like the son they never had."

The Grasmans echoed Strinden's statement, calling him a role model for their family.

"Ben brought huge positive energy," said Wendi. "The moment he opened the door, he'd announce himself and start eating and not quit until bedtime. The house is definitely empty without him. He is thoughtful, funny, and caring and we couldn't have asked for a better role model for our kids."

While the Grasmans have been billeting for three years, they have become one of the most coveted billets.

"Every returning player requests to stay with the Grasmans," said Hamilton. "We consider them an extended part of the Lumberjacks family and we cannot thank them enough for kindly opening up their home."

If you are interested in being a billet family, please email jacksbillet@muskegonlumberjacks.com or contact Greg Bouwman at (231) 557-1372.

2022 Camp Dates

The Muskegon Lumberjacks have announced their 2022 Camp Dates for the upcoming season. Main Camp, which includes free agents and prospects, will run June 9-11, with Final Main Camp on June 12-15, both at Mercy Health Arena. For more information, visit muskegonlumberjacks.com/camps2022.

Check out the Muskegon Lumberjacks Statistics

• Discuss this story on the United States Hockey League message board...

United States Hockey League Stories from June 6, 2022


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.

OurSports Central