Jay VandeVoorde has been a Muskegon hockey fan since 1967 when the Muskegon Mohawks won it all. He is the author of three other books; Deer Song, Muskegon’s Hockey History and Hero...view moreJay VandeVoorde has been a Muskegon hockey fan since 1967 when the Muskegon Mohawks won it all. He is the author of three other books; Deer Song, Muskegon’s Hockey History and Heroes, and Muskegon-North Ottawa, A Football Factory. He is employed by the Muskegon Heights Public Schools and works as a consultant for the Michigan Department of Education.
Micki Mihailovich, from West Lake, Michigan was a senior member of the 2010/11 Muskegon Lumberjacks. Micki was a fan favorite as he was a rough and tumble defenseman who enjoyed fighting for the pucks in the corners. He was the team’s leading enforcer with 264 penalty minutes and made many players pay a price for getting to close to his goalie. Micki is going to play for University of Massachusetts-Lowell.
Paul Berrafato was a goaltender for the Muskegon Lumberjacks during the 2010/11 season. He posted three shutouts for the USHL “Jacks” and is known for his quick glove hand. Paul was the first goalie to drop the glove and blocker for a major fighting penalty by a goalie since joining the USHL. His steady and consistent play in the crease was appreciated by the Muskegon fans. He is from Williamsville, New York.
Brendan Woods played for the Chicago Steel in the USHL before coming to Muskegon to play for the Lumberjacks. His USHL experience was a huge help for the Lumberjacks. A quick and smooth forward Brendan, from Fairfax, Virginia, was a team leader and a constant scoring threat. His consistent play caught the eyes of University of Wisconsin where he will be attending school and playing for the Badgers.
Matt DeBlouw came to Muskegon from Chesterfield, Michigan as a talented young center. Although he was injured early in the 2010/11 season he returned to line up down the stretch and provided valuable offensive punch to help the “Jacks” in the playoffs. Matt led the team with 8 pts and a +6 in the six playoff games. He will be wearing the green and white for Michigan State University as a Spartan draft choice in the future.
Casey Thrush was the Muskegon Lumberjacks first pick in the 2010 USHL draft and is from Easton, Maryland. And with it came speed, knowledge, and a hard competitor. Casey was consistent at both the offensive and defensive ends of the rink posting a +8 during the 2010/11 season. He had a leading role on the specialty teams for the “Jacks”. He has made a commitment to play for the University of New Hampshire.
Mark Yanis was one of the youngest players in the USHL during the 2010/11 season. But watching him you would think he had been playing there for years. Opposing players were punished by the big defensemen if they planted in front of the net clearing a view for his net-minder. With dependable play at both ends of the ice Muskegon will be happy to see him return in 2011/12. Mark has committed to play for Penn State University. He is from Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan.view less