The Muskegon Lumberjacks Are Back!

Besides the start of a new season and the fact that the Detroit Red Wings look promising once again, hockey fans in Michigan (and there's a lot of them) have another reason to be excited about their favorite winter sport; the much loved team, the Muskegon Lumberjacks are back! This is not to say that the little town on the West coast of Michigan has been without hockey, not by a long shot.

Since 1992 Muskegon ice hockey fans have been occupied with the Muskegon Fury, who boast two regular season titles (1999 and 2005), four division champions (1996, 1999, 2005 and 2007) and four Colonial Cup championships in 1999, 2002, 2004 and 2005; but hockey in West Michigan just hasn't been right since the Lumberjacks moved to Ohio in 1992, renaming themselves the Cleveland Lumberjacks.

Of course, West Michigan ice hockey has seen many different team changes throughout its history. The Muskegon Zephyrs started the legacy here, when they graced the ice from 1960 to 1965. The Muskegon Mohawks took over, and played here until 1984, when they finally picked up the name "The Muskegon Lumberjacks".

The first incarnation of the Muskegon Lumberjacks saw a great deal of popularity amongst the local crowds, as well as their fair share of success on the ice, too. Dominating the International Hockey League, they would win six division titles (five of which were consecutive titles), with their streak starting in the 1984-85 season and lasting all the way until 1990. They would win another one for the 1991-92 season as well. Apart from this, they won 3 regular season titles and 2 league championships, as well.

It's hard to say which team was more popular, but the race is definitely between the Lumberjacks and the Fury. One thing cannot be denied, however - that is the locals' dedicated to the sport, and the love they all show for their home team; whatever the name may be and whatever color they happen to be sporting on their jerseys - whether it's the teal and black of the Fury, or the burgundy and tan of the new Muskegon Lumberjacks.

Bruce Ramsay is set to coach the Lumberjacks in the upcoming 2008-09 ice hockey season, which is now known as the Colonial Hockey League. The L.C. Walker Arena in Muskegon, Michigan will of course play host to the team, and it is a season of hockey that is highly anticipated by fans all over the state. For more information on the team, you can visit www.muskegonlumberjacks.com.