Local Sports Journal

The Muskegon Lumberjacks announced Thursday they’ve signed local hockey player Chaz Switzer to a three-year contract tender.

Switzer, a 5-foot-10, 163-pound defenseman, will be eligible to play for the Jacks next season.

The name Switzer should sound familiar to area hockey fans since his father, Erle, played for the Muskegon Mohawks from 1978-84. He played nine games for the Lumberjacks (IHL) in 1984 and played five games for the Muskegon Fury in 1993.

“We are very excited to have Chaz Switzer be a part of the Muskegon Lumberjacks family, and it is a terrific opportunity for him to play in his hometown,” Lumberjacks CEO/general manager Josh Mervis said.  “Chaz is a quality young man that has the work ethic to prosper in the USHL.  He has a great opportunity to compete at the highest level here for the next three years.  In his third year, we see Chaz being one of our captains.”

Switzer, 15,  is currently playing for the Compuware Minor Midgets out of the High Performance Hockey League. That team is currently ranked No. 1 in the nation.

The Lumberjacks’ signing of Switzer means the Jacks will give up a first-round draft pick in the 2013 Futures Draft next spring.

The Lumberjacks start a four-game homestand this weekend against Waterloo and Green Bay on Friday and Saturday nights, respectively.  Both games begin at 7:15 p.m.