By Ron Rop
Local Sports Journal

The Muskegon Lumberjacks are busy this week preparing for the start of the United States Hockey League season.

However, on Wednesday night, the Lumberjack players will be hanging out at Buffalo Wild Wings, 5648 Harvey St., for a “meet and greet” with Jacks’ fans.

The players will be there 6-7:30 p.m. signing autographs and talking hockey with fans. Buffalo Wild Wings will be raffling off prizes throughout the event.

Wednesdays are also “Kids’ Night” with meals starting at less than $5.

Roster to be trimmed

The Jacks took 27 players on their trip to the 2012 USHL Fall Classic.

From that group, 23 will be on the Jacks’ active roster. Wednesday is the deadline for USHL teams to submit their roster to the league office.

The Jacks finished the exhibition season 2-3, but Coach Jim McKenzie was pleased with what he saw on the ice.

“It was pretty good,” McKenzie said. “They worked hard. We play to win, but we were rolling all four lines.”

Forwards played four of the five games and McKenzie also had ample opportunity to see all nine of his defensemen.

Opening night

The excitement of opening night is building for the Jacks’ players, coaches and office personnel.

On Saturday night, four lucky fans are going to be real excited. The Lumberjacks are giving away four 42-inch televisions.

Fans can sign up at the guest services table. The winners will be drawn during the second intermission and right after the game.

If purchased before Saturday, adult tickets are $10 and kids’ tickets are $5.