Lumberjacks Open Training Camp

Published on October 2, 2008 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release


MUSKEGON, MI.--- Freshly-adorned with new ownership and new team name, the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the International Hockey League are anxiously awaiting backstage as they prepare for their second coming and the commencement of training camp to officially launch the 2008-09 IHL season.

Spearheaded by the ownership triumvirate of President Jeff Patulski, Vice President Stacey Patulski and General Manager/Governor Tim Taylor, the Lumberjacks newly-minted edition will be unveiled come Monday morning at their home of L.C. Walker Arena, downtown Muskegon where third year Head Coach Bruce Ramsay will greet some 33-candidates for roster positions.

The official launching of the newest era in the rich, tradition-steeped history and heritage of Muskegon pro hockey will begin with the first training camp session of 9:30 am Monday, October 6th with camp divided into two groups designated as "Team Black" and "Team Gold," representing the new team colors of the 2008-09 franchise. "Team Black" and "Team Gold" will split morning workout sessions capped by an afternoon scrimmage which will feature both groups in the afternoon at 1:30 pm.

All training camp sessions are open to the public and the Lumberjacks organization encourage all fans to attend and become first-hand witnesses of their pro team, "Jacks' style.

With the changing of the guard at the organization's summit comes a significant makeover for this latest Muskegon pro hockey edition. Not including the return of the franchise second all-time leading scorer, center TODD ROBINSON, following a one year stint in 2007-08 in Denmark, there are only 6-players marking an encore performance from last year's squadron which qualified for an unprecedented 16th consecutive season in the post-season playoffs and fourth place in the IHL standings with a record of 76(35-35-6) for 76-points.

Topping the list of incumbents from 2007-08 is last season's Team MVP and Team Scoring Champion, center BILLY COLLINS who enjoyed a pro career year in his fifth Muskegon season when he engineered 71-points on a team-best 36-goals along with 35-assists. The former Detroit Wayne State standout is joined by goaltenders CLAYTON POOL, broaching his fifth Muskegon campaign, and ISAAC REICHMUTH, embarking on his second season. Completing the roster of returnees are defensemen ADAM BARTHOLOMAY and veteran KYLE KOS along with rugged center MIKE OLYNYK, the 7-year pro who was a Muskegon acquisition late in the 2007-08 campaign.

Meanwhile, the 10-year star-studded veteran Robinson returns to Muskegon where he has ascended to the pinnacle as one of the all-time greats to ever grace the hallowed halls of the 48-year-old Walker Arena. When last Muskegon hockey legions saw "T.Rob," in the 2006-07 UHL season, he smashed all-time club records by capturing the league scoring crown with 123-points on 44-goals, 79-assists and 9-SHG with his point output and SHG output both new team standards. Robinson laid claim to the crown, 29-points superior to the league runner-up as he was honored as the UHL MVP. This will be his 8th Muskegon season as a member of three title timber teams here.

With the retooled and revamped roster spawns some sound and solid veteran standout performers as well as a phalanx of promising newcomers to the pro game and the Muskegon pro hockey scene. The veteran luminaries are led by high-scoring left wing CHAD WOOLLARD who has amassed 255-pro career goals including a 37-goal harvest reaped last season in the CHL with Mississippi for the former UHL perennial All-Star with Quad City and irrepressible right FRANK LITTLEJOHN who sets sail on his 11th season following a 61-goal salvo over the past two seasons in Elmira. Another 11-year pro, right wing HENRY KUSTER comes to town toting a prolific portfolio comprised of 212-goals struck in a distinguished pro career predominantly percolated in the CHL.

There are several notable names to fortify the blue line brigade as well for the 'Jacks, including two members of the last team ever to be crowned as UHL Colonial Cup Champions; MATT GENS and DAN BOESER, both dynamic defensemen for the 2006-07 Rockford IceHogs. Both will continue to remain as teammates in Muskegon this year as they also did last season when they saw some stellar service with the ECHL Elmira Jackals. The twosome will be joined by former CHL Defenseman of the Year DARRYL MCARTHUR, a 9-year veteran of renowned repute.

Among the more promising newcomers coming to camp are defenseman STEVEN LATER as well as left wing CHAD COSTELLO, from Northeastern U. and former USHL scoring titlist and rugged, ruffian left wing SEBASTIEN LAFERRIERE, a product of the notorious LNAH circuit.

Coach Ramsay's training camp roster will consist of 4-goaltenders, 11-defensemen and 18-forwards.

As is always the case, the length of training camp is one of extreme brevity as the Lumberjacks almost immediately start a short two-game pre-season game slate. The 'Jacks will be in Kalamazoo for a bout with the archrivals, Wings on Wednesday night, October 8th at 7:00pm before capping the early rites of autumn docket with their lone home appearance, Saturday, October 11th at 7:00 pm at Walker Arena against the Bloomington PrairieThunder.

All seats for the Lumberjacks lone home pre-season game are specially priced for only $5.

Opening night for the Lumberjacks will be Saturday, October 18th at 7:00 pm when they lock horns with the 2007-08 IHL Turner Cup runners-up, the Port Huron Icehawks.

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