Local Sports Journal
Clues, rumors and rumblings are circulating throughout the hockey world that Josh Mervis has sold the Muskegon Lumberjacks hockey franchise.
A text message asking for comment from Mervis was not immediately answered. However, on his Facebook page, Mervis wrote this morning: “Almost home for good” and the post was made “near Muskegon.” Mervis and his family live in Carmel, Ind.
On Linkedin, Mervis’ profile was changed to CEO/President of Danville Hockey LLC. It also states on his profile that Muskegon and the USHL have an end date of June, 2013.
Also, a story from the Junior Hockey News suggests Mervis has sold the USHL franchise and an ownership group, possibly consisting of former NHL players Chris and Peter Ferraro, may be the buyers of the 3-year-old club.
http://thejuniorhockeynews.com/?p=15238
Last week, the team made big news with the firing of Coach Jim McKenzie, who took over in the middle of the 2011-12 season after Kevin Patrick was relieved of his duties. McKenzie signed a two-year deal last May to remain as the team’s head coach.
In 2010, Mervis brought in a USHL team after the former Muskegon professional franchise folded. His teams made the playoffs the first year and this past season. A youthful roster and off-ice troubles were cited as major contributors for the team not qualifying for the playoffs in the 2011-12 campaign.
Not only did Mervis own the team, but his company also was in charge of managing the L.C. Walker Arena. He invested more than $1 million of his own money into major renovations in the facility.
Unconfirmed reports point toward Chris and Peter Ferraro as the new owners of the Muskegon Lumberjacks. Neither the Ferraro’s or the Lumberjacks’ front office has made confirmation.
http://thejuniorhockeynews.com/?p=15257
