Local Sports Journal

The Muskegon Lumberjacks announced a number of transactions on Tuesday as they lead up to the opening of the regular season on September 26.

Muskegon picked up froward Steven Merel from the Madison Capitols and a fifth round pick from Cedar Rapids. In the deal, Jacks forward Haralds Egle was traded to the Capitols and goaltender Ryan Larkin to the Rough Riders.

The Bloomfield native Merl, spent the last two seasons with the Belle Tire hockey club and had 13 goals and 24 assists in 74 games.

Muskegon also released Mike Maiden from the active roster. Maiden was a 19th round pick the Lumberjacks made during the 2014 Phase Two draft and will play this season with the Keystone Ice Miners of the North American Hockey League.