LocalSportsJournal.com

The Muskegon Lumberjacks kicked off their 2022 Clark Cup Playoff campaign with a 6-0 shutout of visiting Cedar Rapids on Monday.

The Lumberjacks offense and defense were in top shape with five players earning multi-point nights in the win.

Owen Mehlenbacher gave Muskegon a 1-0 lead late in the first period on the first of his two goals of the night with Jacob Braccini and Noah Ellis assisting on the play.

Muskegon continued to build its lead to 4-0 in the second period, getting goals from Phillip Tresca, Quinn Hutson and Jack Williams.

Ellis tallied his second point of the night in the third period with a goal and Mehlenbacher capped off the scoring for Muskegon.

The Lumberjacks defense was managed by Chase Clark in net, getting his first playoff shutout on 31 saves. Clark and the Muskegon defense also stepped up with killing six Cedar Rapids power plays.
 
Muskegon’s offense on the other hand took full advantage of Cedar Rapids penalties, getting three goals out of its four chances on the night.

Ellis led Muskegon in points with three off a goal and two assists. Hutson also added an assist to his goal while Joey Larson and Braccini had two assists apiece.
 
The Lumberjacks continue their quest for winning the Clark Cup with Game 2 of the opening round against Cedar Rapids on Tuesday at 7 p.m.

Check out photos from the action shot by Sondra Workman.