Lumberjacks to add West Michigan native

Press Release

MUSKEGON, Mich. – The Muskegon Lumberjacks will acquire forward and Battle Creek native Chad McDonald from the Des Moines Buccaneers to complete a February trade.

McDonald’s addition will fulfill the “future considerations” portion of the deal that brought defenseman Michael Brodzinski to Muskegon in exchange for blueliner Nick Seeler. In accordance with USHL rules, McDonald cannot be officially added to the roster until May 22, the day of the league’s Entry Draft.

McDonald started the 2011-12 season in Kalamazoo with the Jr. K-Wings of the North American Hockey League, lighting up the Tier II circuit with 10 goals and 15 total points in 12 games. Des Moines took notice and traded for him in late October, after which McDonald skated in 46 matches, posting 18 points (12 goals) in his first USHL season.

McDonald will return to West Michigan to continue his junior hockey career, and the 5-foot-9 19-year-old will play college hockey close to home as well; he committed last November to Ferris State University in nearby Big Rapids, Mich.

The Ferris State Bulldogs just completed the finest season in program history, winning the CCHA regular-season title and advancing to their first-ever Frozen Four before bowing to No. 1 Boston College in the NCAA Division I championship game.

As part of the February trade, the Lumberjacks also picked up Des Moines’ first round pick in the Entry Draft, giving them the second and third overall selections after Sioux Falls chooses first. Brodzinski, a University of Minnesota recruit, played three games for the Lumberjacks this season, recording an assist and five shots on goal.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)