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USHL Muskegon Lumberjacks

Roster Moves in Muskegon

February 2, 2023 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release


Muskegon, MI - The Muskegon Lumberjacks on Monday completed a trio of trades that included forwards Owen Mehlenbacher and Jake Richard, as well as defenseman Tyler Dunbar.

Mehlenbacher skated in 133 career games with the Lumberjacks and totaled 78 points (36-42-78) and 131 penalty minutes. In the current 2022-2023 campaign, the Fort Erie, Ontario, native has 11 goals, 13 assists and 54 penalty minutes in 31 outings. The 6-foot-2, 193-pound forward, is committed to play at The University of Wisconsin and was drafted in the seventh round with the 201st overall pick in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft by the Detroit Red Wings.

As compensation for Mehlenbacher, the Fargo Force will send Ty Henricks and future considerations, respectively, to the Lumberjacks.

Henricks, a 6-foot-5, 201-pound forward is playing his first season in the USHL and has appeared in 28 games with Fargo, totaling 12 goals and 6 assists for 18 points. Henricks is committed to play at Western Michigan University and is eligible for the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.

Along with Mehlenbacher, Jake Richard has been traded. Richard and a 2023 Phase One-Tenth Round Draft Pick has been traded to the Tri-City Storm in exchange for a 2023 Phase Two-Second Round Draft Pick, a Phase One-Third Round Draft Pick, and future considerations.

Richard skated in 86 career games with the Lumberjacks and totaled 83 points (36-47-83) and 77 penalty minutes. In the current 2022-2023 campaign, the Jacksonville, Florida, native has 18 goals, 17 assists and 53 penalty minutes in 30 outings. The 6-foot-1, 195-pound forward, is committed to play at The University of Connecticut and was drafted 170th overall in the sixth round by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft.

Following the trades of Mehlenbacher and Richard, on Tuesday, Tyler Dunbar was traded. Dunbar will be sent to the Lincoln Stars in exchange for a 2023 Phase One-Third Round Draft Pick, a 2023 Phase Two-Sixth Round Draft Pick, and future considerations.

Dunbar skated in 176 career games with the Lumberjacks, the second most in franchise history, and totaled 68 points (12-56-68) and 125 penalty minutes. In the current 2022-2023 campaign, the Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, native has 3 goals, 19 assists and 32 penalty minutes in 36 outings. The 6-foot, 197-pound forward, is committed to play at Colorado College.

"All three have been marquee players for us and we wish them the best in the future. I'm sure many people are shocked by the recent transactions and we are grateful for the appreciation, care and love for the Muskegon Lumberjacks" said President of Hockey Operations, Steve Lowe. "This team, as a member of the United States Hockey League, has been around for ten years. In those ten years, there has been limited success. When walking around the arena, there is one banner from the past ten years. We have seen a tremendous amount of individual success, but as a leader, I had to take two steps back to understand how to create a team focused culture in order to achieve team success." said Lowe. "We need predictability in our play, which will lead to consistency in play, producing confidence in our players as a byproduct. This will lead to efficiency and speed on the ice. The future is bright, and my promise to the City of Muskegon, the community, the fans and all of West Michigan is I will bring a championship back."

Following the statements made by Lowe, Peter Herms added "As the owner of the Muskegon Lumberjacks, I fully support the direction of the organization. As a former player and coach, I completely agree with the statement made by Steve Lowe. I am looking forward to getting to know the community of Muskegon, the fans and the West Michigan area. It is my plan to be here for years and years to come."

Craft Beer Night & Mascot Mania

Calling all craft beer connoisseurs! Sample local brews from around the area while taking in premium Lumberjacks hockey. Special collaboration with Pigeon Hill, Founders, Bells, Trail Point, Rake brewing companies, and more! Craft beer will be available from 6pm-7:30pm! Following Friday Night's fun, You're invited to Timber's birthday bash on February 4th! We'll have Jack and Timber's mascot buddies from around the state to give Timber the best birthday ever, so make sure you RSVP! Appearances will be made by Jay the Jayhawk from Muskegon Community College, Fe from the West Michigan Ironmen, Homer from The Muskegon Clippers, Andy Armadillo from Texas Roadhouse, and Static Squawk from Grand Rapids Comic Con. Call the Muskegon Lumberjacks Business office at (231)-799-7000 or email afranczek@muskegonlumberjacks.com for more information.

Upcoming Games

Fri. Feb. 3 | 7:10 pm EST | vs. Youngstown | Craft Beer Night | BUY TICKETS

Sat. Feb. 4 | 7:10 pm EST | vs. Youngstown | Mascot Mania

Fri. Feb. 17 | 7:10 pm EST | vs. Green Bay | Decade Night

Sat. Feb. 18 | 7:10 pm EST | vs. Green Bay | Jacks Fight Night

Check out the Muskegon Lumberjacks Statistics



United States Hockey League Stories from February 2, 2023


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