Local Sports Journal
The Muskegon Lumberjacks announced the Muskegon community experienced an economic impact of $1,002,056 from the festivities taking place during the week of the 2013 USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game.
The estimated total was determined using a formula approved by the Muskegon County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
“I am very pleased that this event did well for our community, and that’s very important to us.” said Lumberjacks owner and CEO Josh Mervis. “One of our goals in our business is to create economic benefits for our partners and the community. The impact of sports on a community economically is one of the great opportunities out there for the Muskegon area.”
The Shoreline Inn and Conference Center served as the host hotel for accommodating USHL teams and officials along with executives and scouts from each NHL franchise. The USHL League meetings along with the Board of Governors meetings were held over two days, and officials stayed from one to six nights at the hotel.
“It was an honor and a privilege to accommodate all of the staff from the USHL and NHL, and having an event like that is wonderful for the economic growth of this community,” said Shoreline Inn Director of Sales Darlene Witham. “We are a huge supporter of the United States Hockey League, and we hope to see the event back again (in Muskegon) next year.”
The Secnd Annual Top Prospects Game was played on Jan. 23 at L.C. Walker Arena. The game featured 40 of the best USHL players that will be draft-eligible during this summer’s 51st NHL Entry Draf
