Local  Sports Journal

Former Muskegon Lumberjack Brendan Woods has been recalled by the National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes.

Woods, a forward who played for the USHL Lumberjacks in their inaugural season of 2010-11, is the first junior player from Muskegon to reach the NHL. Woods is set to make is NHL debut Tuesday night when the Hurricanes take on the New Jersey Devils.

Woods, a 22-year-old native of Humbolt, Sask., also was the first Lumberjack to ink a professional contract when he signed with the Hurricanes following his sophomore season at the University of Wisconsin. He was a fifth-round draft choice in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.

Woods, 6-foot-4, 210 pounds, came to Muskegon after playing in Chicago for the Steel. After his time in Muskegon, he played two seasons with the Badgers before deciding to forego his final two years of eligibility to turn pro.

Woods had 13 points on six goals and seven assists this season through 29 games with the Charlotte Checkers of the American Hockey League. That point total was fourth-best on the team.

Woods is one of two former Lumberjacks playing at the pro level. Defenseman Jaycob Megna signed an entry-level contract with the Anaheim Ducks after his junior season at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. He is on the roster of the AHL’s Norfolk Admirals.