Local Sports Journal
The Muskegon Lumberjacks made several roster moves this week.
The Jacks, who open the season on Saturday night in Green Bay, have acquired two players via trades in defenseman Matt McArdle and forward Jason Cotton from the Dubuque Fighting Saints and Tri-City Storm, respectively.
McArdle, an Annapolis, Maryland native, was Dubuque’s 16th-round pick (236th overall) in the 2012 USHL Entry Draft and spent the previous four seasons in the Shattuck St. Mary’s hockey program. He totaled 98 points (21 goals and 77 assists) in 216 games played.
In return for McArdle, the Lumberjacks sent a 13th-round pick in the 2014 USHL Phase Two Draft to the Fighting Saints.
Cotton, a Murphy, Texas native, was Tri-City’s third-round pick (35th overall) in the 2012 USHL Entry Draft and spent last season with the Storm. He recorded one goal and five assists in 45 games. Cotton also participated in the 2013 USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game that was in Muskegon. He is committed to Northeastern University following his USHL career.
The Lumberjacks will send over future considerations at a later date to the Storm to complete the trade for Cotton.
In other moves, the team has released forward Brian Bachnak and defenseman Jake McCarthy from the active roster. Bachnak tallied one assist in four preseason games this season with the Lumberjacks. McCarthy also appeared in four preseason games and will remain on the team’s affiliate list.
The Lumberjacks will begin their 2013-14 regular season campaign Saturday in Green Bay against the Gamblers at 8:05 p.m. with their home opener slated for Sept. 28 against the Indiana Ice. Gametime is 7:15 p.m.
