Rough road continues for Muskegon in 6-1 loss to host Team USA U18

Community News |Dec 11, 2019|2 min read

Muskegon Lumberjacks LogoLumberjacks defense will try to bounce back with Friday home game against Team USA U18

 

The Muskegon Lumberjacks looked to turn around a tough stretch of hockey that goes back into November, with a Wednesday morning matchup against Team USA U18.

 

Unfortunately for Muskegon, the losses are continuing into December as the Lumberjacks fell 6-1 to host Team USA.

 

Muskegon’s lone goal came from Cameron Berg on an assist from Jack Williams just over four minutes into the third period.

 

A four-goal second period was what Team USA needed to top Muskegon.

 

Team USA got on the board first with a Matthew Beniers goal four minutes into the second period. Landon Slaggert followed up with another goal five minutes later and the Lumberjacks trailed 2-0.

 

Brett Berard and Hunter Strand each added goals to give Team USA a 4-0 lead going into the third period.

 

The Lumberjacks defense continued to struggle early in the final period as Team USA’s Dylan Peterson found the back of the net 37 seconds in.

 

“We’re playing hard hockey right now, but we have to clean up on our defensive responsibilities,” said Muskegon Coach Mike Hamilton. “We are a good hockey team and we have some regrouping to do, to be ready for Friday.”

 

Eamon Powell rounded out the scoring for Team USA on a goal late in the third period.

 

The Lumberjacks now look to rebound against Team USA U18 on Friday for a 7:05 PM puck drop at the L.C. Walker Arena.

 

Coach Hamilton is confident in his team’s abilities to respond to a tough stretch where the Lumberjacks have lost nine out of their last 11 games.

 

“We have the same team on Friday,” said Hamilton about his team’s next opportunity against Team USA, to correct the rough stretch of hockey his team is on. “I’m not questioning our effort because none of us feel good about today’s results. We’ll play smarter on Friday, but you aren’t going to win many games if you only score one goal.”

 

The Lumberjacks are hosting a boots and coats drive at their home game on Friday for Muskegon Public Schools and the Muskegon Rescue Mission.

 

Fans who donate a coat or a pair of boots, receive a free ticket to the Lumberjacks’ February 29 home game against Fargo