USHL Muskegon Lumberjacks

Muskegon Lumberjacks Charitable Foundation Announces 2023-2024 Statistics

March 20, 2024 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release


MUSKEGON, MI - Ahead of this Friday's "Read to Succeed Night" presented by DTE, the Muskegon Lumberjacks Charitable Foundation announced the statistics from the 2023-2024 regular season.

In 2023 the foundation spent over $30,000 for 20 schools and over 5,000 students making it one of the largest charities in the USHL. Funding for the program comes directly from fans through 50/50 sales at Lumberjack home games, their annual golf outing, and private donations from Muskegon Area businesses and individuals.

Along with rewards for students making their reading goal, the foundation pays for the 4th graders in Reading Caravan Schools to attend a game and experience Trinity Health Arena in downtown Muskegon. For many of the students, it is the first time they have been able to feel the excitement of hockey in Muskegon.

Jay VandeVoorde, who coordinates the Reading Caravan Program said, "It's a great program!" Three times each school year rewards are provided for students who meet their reading goal set by their teacher. In the past rewards have included notebooks, pencils, folders, water bottles, posters, player cards, and even T-shirts.

He continued, "The best part of the program is the school visits by the players. They read to the children and talk about being successful, hard work, respect, and basic life skills. Students are full of questions and want autographs and photos with the guys. Watching the teachers and student reactions is unbelievable."

Colleen Hoffer, a teacher at Mona Shores Middle School, had a visit from Teddy Spitznagel and Cooper Pierson earlier this season as part of the season long visits the Jacks make. "A HUGE thank you to Jay and two amazing players, Cooper, and Teddy, that came to my classroom today. The students were so excited to meet them and learn about their hockey careers. The young men took it to the next level when they read to them and told them about the importance of reading. The students had so much fun trying on the hockey gear too! It was all they talked about today. I know the reading caravan does not happen on its own, but I want you to know what an impact it makes on my students." Said Ms. Hoffer.

When the Lumberjacks hit the ice this Friday night it will be as part of the annual Read to Succeed and Teacher Appreciation night. For tickets and more information visit muskegonlumberjacks.com.

Check out the Muskegon Lumberjacks Statistics



United States Hockey League Stories from March 20, 2024


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