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Muskegon Lumberjacks

Lumberjacks Select 11 Players in USHL Phase I Draft

May 2, 2022 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release


MUSKEGON, Mich. - The Muskegon Lumberjacks completed the United States Hockey League (USHL) Phase I Draft on Monday, May 1, 2022, by selecting 11 players total. In all, including tenders, Muskegon drafted six forwards, four defensemen, and one goaltender in Phase I.

"We're really excited about the players we drafted today and we can't wait to see them in a Muskegon Lumberjacks uniform," said President of Hockey Operations Steve Lowe. "Our staff was really well-prepared and the players we have coming in soon are going to make an impact with the Lumberjacks."

The Lumberjacks' draft process began in January after signing Sacha Boisvert to a tender agreement, relinquishing their first-round draft choice in Phase I. Then in April, Muskegon used up their second tender to sign defenseman Owen Keefe to an agreement, giving up their second-round selection in Phase I.

Muskegon's non-tender first draft choice ended up being Teddy Spitznagel from Detroit Honeybaked 15U in the second round, number 17 overall. Lumberjacks General Manager coached Spitznagel years ago and got to see him blossom into the player he is today.

"I've had the opportunity to coach him and to see where he is today is incredible and he was a huge 'get' for us." said McGroarty.

The Jacks also picked up a goaltender in the sixth round by selecting netminder Sebastian Gatto, also from Detroit Honeybaked 15U.

"I've watched him the last three years and the one thing I really like about [Gatto] is his demeanor," said McGroarty. "He gets scored on and he doesn't phase him and he makes a couple of big saves and he's right back and there's no panic in his game."

The Lumberjacks will complete the USHL Draft with Phase II on Tuesday, May 3 at 11:00 am EDT. This draft is open to players of all ages eligible to play junior hockey and is not currently protected by another USHL team.

Jacks Advance to Eastern Conference Finals

The Muskegon Lumberjacks have advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals! While the opponent has yet to be determined, the Jacks could face either #1 Chicago Steel or #5 Madison Capitols. Tentative dates for the Eastern Conference Finals range from May 5 through May 12. The Eastern Conference Finals will be a best-of-five format, meaning a team needs to win three games in the series to advance to the Clark Cup Final. Look out for more scenarios and updates on all Lumberjacks social media channels.

Camp Dates Announced

The Muskegon Lumberjacks have announced their 2022 Camp Dates for the upcoming season. Registration is now open for the Prospect 07-08 Camp, which runs from May 27-29, 2022 at Mercy Health Arena in downtown Muskegon. Goalie camp is scheduled for June 4-5, 2022, at the Lakeshore Sports Centre. 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

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