Muskegon Lumberjacks (1984–1992)

For the later franchise, see Muskegon Lumberjacks (1992–2010). For the current franchise, see Muskegon Lumberjacks.
Muskegon Lumberjacks
CityMuskegon
LeagueInternational Hockey League
Operated1960–1992
Home arenaL. C. Walker Arena
Franchise history
1960–1965Muskegon Zephyrs
1965–1984Muskegon Mohawks
1984–1992Muskegon Lumberjacks
1992–2001Cleveland Lumberjacks

The Muskegon Lumberjacks were an International Hockey League (IHL) team based in Muskegon, Michigan.

Facts

Founded: 1984–85 season
Arena: L.C. Walker Arena (capacity 5,100)
Uniform colors: black, white, and yellow
Logo design: crossed hockey sticks behind the word "Lumberjacks" and a portrait of a stereotypical lumberjack.
Division titles won: 6 (1984–85, 1985–86, 1986–87, 1988–89, 1989–90, 1991–92)
Regular season titles won: 3 (1987–88, 1988–89, 1989–90)
League championships won: 2 (1985–86, 1988–89)
Local Media: Muskegon Chronicle

History

The Muskegon Mohawks franchise were purchased by Larry Gordon following the 1983–84 season for $1 and renamed the Lumberjacks following a name-the-team contest. The Lumberjacks name came from the high level of importance that the lumber industry had in Muskegon's history. The team moved to Cleveland, Ohio, in 1992 and was renamed the Cleveland Lumberjacks.

Market previously served by:
Muskegon Mohawks of the IHL (1965–84)
Franchise replaced by:
Muskegon Fury of the CoHL/UHL/IHL (1992–2008)
Muskegon Lumberjacks of the IHL (2008–10)
Muskegon Lumberjacks of the United States Hockey League (2010–present)

Season-by-Season record

Note: GP = Games played, W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties, OTL = Overtime losses/Shootout losses, Pts = Points, GF = Goals for, GA = Goals against, PIM = Penalties in minutes

Season GP W L T OTL Pts GF GA PIM Regular Season Finish Playoffs
1991–92 82 41 28 0 13 95 306 293 1782 2nd, East Lost in Finals
1990–91 83 38 40 0 5 81 305 352 2115 4th, East Lost in round 1
1989–90 82 55 21 0 6 116 389 304 2185 1st, East Lost in Finals
1988–89 82 57 18 0 7 121 433 308 2606 1st, East Won Turner Cup
1987–88 82 58 14 0 10 126 415 269 2817 1st, East Lost in round 1
1986–87 82 47 30 5 0 99 366 286 2648 1st, East Lost in Finals
1985–86 82 50 27 0 5 105 376 290 2244 1st, East Won Turner Cup
1984–85 82 50 29 3 0 103 374 291 1708 2nd, League Lost in Finals

Team records

Note: Goaltending stats are incomplete during this period.

Goals: 62 Scott Gruhl (1984–85)
Assists: 82 Jock Callander (1986–87)
Points: 137 Dave Michayluk (1987–88)
Penalty Minutes: 450 Pat Mayer (1987–88)
Career Goals: 335 Dave Michayluk
Career Assists: 436 Jock Callander
Career Points: 769 Dave Michayluk
Career Penalty Minutes: 1452 Mitch Wilson
Career Games: 564 Dave Michayluk

Notable NHL alumni

List of Muskegon Lumberjacks alumni who played more than 100 games in Muskegon and 100 or more games in the National Hockey League.