Lumberjacks Announce Affiliation
August 7, 2009 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release
MUSKEGON, MI.--- Set to celebrate their 50th Anniversary Season of professional hockey in Muskegon, the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the International Hockey League have announced on this date that they have solidified a working agreement whereby the Battle Creek Revolution of the AAHL will serve as the ‘Jacks player development organization.
The Lumberjacks / Revolution working agreement will allow for player personnel from the Battle Creek club to be granted the prime opportunity to attain elevation to the IHL Muskegon team. Also, as a key, integral clause in the working arrangement, the Lumberjacks organization will have the ability to send players to Battle Creek for more development and seasoning once those players are cleared through IHL league-wide waivers. In such fashion, those players will be provided more additional time which is vital in continuing their overall development.
Muskegon General Manager / Governor Tim Taylor expressed enthusiasm with the Lumberjacks new association. "We are excited by our new agreement with the Revolution as it takes effect just in time for the 2009-10 season. We felt, that given the overall geography and the close proximity between the two cities, it would be such a natural fit and something that that would certainly benefit both organizations. We are excited about assembling a championship-caliber team in Muskegon and working with the Battle Creek Revolution in our Golden Anniversary Season."
Amplifying on ‘Jacks GM Taylor's statement, the Revolution's head coach Bob Clouston was ecstatic with today's announcement. "I cannot express in words how excited I am to be involved with the Muskegon Lumberjacks. We are honored to be working with one of the most successful and storied franchises in minor league hockey history. A championship level team such as the Lumberjacks can be followed both on and off the ice as we grow our club here in Battle Creek and the fact that this season celebrates 50-years of professional hockey in Muskegon says it all."
The Revolution Co-Owner Dr. Joseph Burkhardt echoed the sentiments of his head coach. "Our team and the AAHL are designed to develop and promote players to the next level. This represents another step in that commitment. This relationship (with the Lumberjacks) will allow us to learn as well as show our players that we are committed to their development."
One of the more prominent parts of the new Muskegon / Battle Creek relationship will occur on Wednesday, October 7th at Muskegon's home of Walker Arena where both Lumberjacks players and Revolution players will participate in a "split squad" scrimmage. The event is specifically designed as a principal day in the ‘Jacks training camp schedule while at the same time providing Revolution players with their initial opportunity to directly experience the challenges of achieving the next level of professional hockey.
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International Hockey League 2 Stories from August 7, 2009
- Lumberjacks Announce Affiliation - Muskegon Lumberjacks
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