Lumberjacks Trade for Goaltender

Published on October 21, 2011 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release

MUSKEGON, Mich. (October 21, 2011) - With their home opener a day away, the Muskegon Lumberjacks added what could be an important piece to their 2011-12 puzzle.

The Jacks acquired three-year USHL veteran goaltender John Keeney from the Omaha Lancers in a trade. Muskegon sent its third-round selection in the 2013 USHL Entry Draft to Omaha, along with a player to be named later.

Keeney, 18, is one of the most experienced netminders in the league, with 45 games under his belt in parts of three seasons. He made his debut during the 2009-10 season and suited up in 30 contests for the Lancers last year.

The 6-foot-1, 187-pounder from Twin Peaks, Calif., made the most of the increased playing time last season, going 15-9-3 with a 2.23 goals-against average - fifth-best in the USHL - and a .918 save percentage that ranked eighth.

"John has put up excellent numbers during his time in the league," Lumberjacks Head Coach/GM Kevin Patrick said. "He is one of the more veteran goalies in the USHL."

Thus far this season, Keeney has played in two games, stopping 54 of 58 shots while posting a 1-1-0 record. He will join returner Paul Berrafato in Muskegon's goaltending stable, as rookie Blake Voth was released in a corresponding transaction.

"We are constantly evaluating our needs to put our team in the best position possible," Patrick said. "We felt we needed to solidify the goalie position in order to be successful."

The puck drops for the home opener at 7:15 p.m. Saturday, as the Lumberjacks host defending Clark Cup champion Dubuque at L.C. Walker Arena. Call 231.724.JACK(5225) to purchase your tickets, or visit startickets.com or any local Meijer location.

United States Hockey League Stories from October 21, 2011

• Five Minutes Make the Difference - Waterloo Black Hawks
• Lancers Battle Back for 3-2 Overtime Win Over Fargo - Omaha Lancers
• Saints Steamroll Team USA 5-1 Friday - Dubuque Fighting Saints
• Phantoms Face Team USA on Saturday - Youngstown Phantoms
• Ice's Kuraly and Flinchem Selected for U.S. Team - Indiana Ice
• Coaches Show Set for Tuesday at Anduzzi's - Green Bay Gamblers
• Matt Morris Named to US Junior Select Team - Dubuque Fighting Saints
• Young Named to U.S. Junior A Select Roster - Sioux Falls Stampede
• Hawks Participate in World Junior A Challenge - Waterloo Black Hawks
• 20 USHL Players Named to U.S. Junior Select Team - USHL
• Current Bucs Selected for Team USA - Des Moines Buccaneers
• Lumberjacks Trade for Goaltender - Muskegon Lumberjacks
• Fighting Saints Look to Continue Success on Road Tonight - Dubuque Fighting Saints

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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