The Muskegon Lumberjacks mascot is a prominent figure within the Muskegon community. The Muskegon Lumberjacks are a junior ice hockey team that plays in the United States Hockey League (USHL). The team is based in Muskegon, Michigan, and has been a part of the community since its establishment in 2010. The Muskegon Lumberjacks mascot plays an essential role in creating a lively and energetic atmosphere during the team's games. The mascot, named "Jack," is a personification of a lumberjack. He is known for his prominent beard, plaid shirt, and large ax.
Muskegon Lumberjacks mascot: Ollie is back for second season
officially last spring during Muskegon’s debut season in the USHL.
Now the big blue ox is back, full of spirit and ready for his first full season as mascot.
“Ollie will be a big part of the entertainment at the games,” said Sarah Lambert,
Lumberjacks director of community relations. “He’s going to be part of making the game fun for the crowd.”
One of Ollie’s biggest jobs during games will be to seek out fun-loving fans who want to dance. For example, Ollie will move to the music in the Blue Cross Blue Shield “Get in the Game” break during the first time-out.
The Lumberjacks held a contest last spring asking students to come up with a name for the Lumberjacks mascot. Fifth grader Ashley Merriman from Scottville submitted the full name of Ollie Ollie Oxen Freeze and the name was selected from more than 500 other entries. Seven other students also came up with the name Ollie.
For winning, Ashley received season tickets. She and the others who suggested Ollie got to be on the ice last spring when Ollie was introduced as the new Lumberjacks mascot. They will all be there again when Ollie has his first birthday party on March 24.
Ollie makes appearances throughout West Michigan. To schedule, contact Lambert at 231-724-JACK, Ext. 223.
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He is known for his prominent beard, plaid shirt, and large ax. Jack is a beloved figure who interacts with fans, performs entertaining routines, and helps create a sense of excitement and camaraderie among spectators. The mascot's presence at games is not limited to entertainment purposes.
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Hockey Jobs: Meet Rob Murphy, the Muskegon Lumberjacks’ VP of business development
In our 'Hockey Jobs' feature, we introduce you to the people behind the scenes of the hockey industry.
By Robert Bondy –
While many wouldn’t deal with a daily two and half hour commute to work, for Rob Murphy the drive is worth continuing a close relationship with the game he loves – hockey.
In July, Murphy will complete his first full year with the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the United States Hockey League, working as the organization’s vice president of business development. Murphy, who grew up in Bloomfield Hills and currently resides in Novi, plays a crucial role behind scenes for the Lumberjacks, with his duties ranging from creating marketing campaigns to connecting with sponsors. However, his current stint with the Lumberjacks is only the most recent stop of Murphy’s career, both on and off the ice.
Murphy grew up loving the game and remembering watching NHL Hall of Famers Bobby Orr and Gordie Howe at a young age. It wasn’t until he moved to Michigan that he picked up a stick and started playing the game in a local league at the Detroit Skating Club. From there on Murphy played on travel teams, his high school team, club at Bowling Green State University and still today in adult leagues.
He said he’s always appreciated the people around the game, helping spark his interest of entering the field on the business side.
“It’s the people of the game (that I love), the players in particularly,” Murphy said. “The sort of athletes that it draws to the game … there is a common character and integrity.”
After bouncing around from a few non-hockey related jobs after graduating from BGSU, Murphy landed a spot with the Plymouth Whalers. With the Whalers he served as the vice president of sales and marketing. Murphy spent four and half seasons with Plymouth before moving on to the Central Collegiate Hockey Association. In a similar position as Plymouth, Murphy worked five seasons as the Director of Sales and Marketing for the CCHA.
Murphy playing the part at a "70s Night" theme for a Lumberjacks game.
With the CCHA folding last summer, Murphy was able to land on his feet with the Muskegon Lumberjacks. Murphy considers his current position in Muskegon similar to his former job with the Whalers, where he has to “wear a lot of hats.”
Murphy’s job in-season varies from day-to-day, where he works with all parts of the organization. Murphy works with sponsors, connects with ticket season holders, plans out in-game music and videos, and sometimes even dresses up as a superhero all in an effort to put on a great entertainment event for fans.
“Creating a party at the game,” Murphy said. “We love what’s going on the ice, but we are looking to show them a great time off the ice as well. (It’s an) opportunity for those who are hard wired for the game and have a passion to have a good time and let off some steam once or twice a week.”
Murphy attends all of the home games and some of the away games, and with the USHL playing most of its games on the weekends, his job becomes six-day week. However, Murphy doesn’t complain about the long weeks, considering the games all part of the job.
“Those are your 30-plus special nights, that’s when you want to connect with fans, guests, season ticket holders and sponsors,” Murphy said. “Unless there is an emergency you are there, (so) in-season you are working Monday through Thursday, with Friday and Saturday games.”
One down fall about Murphy’s busy schedule during the season is that he has to make sacrifices like missing out on family time, but added that he still has time to help coach his daughter Shannon’s Under-16 Compuware team. He also mentioned that his family will occasionally come up to games.
Murphy with the Muskegon Lumberjacks' mascot
When the Lumberjacks season comes to a close in the spring, Murphy’s roles change as he continues work throughout the summer. Murphy said he will help program events for the arena, such as concerts. He also helps plan community outreach events in an effort to land season ticket holders and create buzz for next season.
“Muskegon gets a lot of traffic in the summer, so we want to connect with them and sell season tickets and group tickets,” Murphy said. “We are working hard this summer to grow our business to put ourselves in great shape come home opener.”
Murphy is always looking for the best experience for his fans, and seeing the Lumberjacks succeed on the ice is a big factor in creating happy fans. But he said he also is pulling for the team with a passion like he is sporting a Lumberjacks uniform on the ice, because he understands the commitment the players and coaches put into the each and every game.
“You feel like you are part of it, but the best part of that is seeing the joy and excitement out of the others,” Murphy said. “You see that behind the scenes (look of a) 5-4 OT win. … You are invested and you certainly want to see your hockey team and those who work so hard have success.”
Outside of the obvious “the team wins, the fans win,” Murphy shared another crucial piece of advice for those interested in this field. Murphy said you need to leave your ego at the door and learn from those around you to have success in the business world of hockey.
“There are so many good ideas on the market place, you can just listen and learn and bring ideas and concepts from other businesses and buildings to yours,” Murphy said. “Always ask questions and follow your heart.”
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7:05pm - Saturday, Dec 2, 2023
Let's pack the house for Teddy Bear Toss night sponsored by Cardinal Logistics!
Bring your stuffed animals to the game and when the Saints score their first goal, toss them onto the ice to benefit Toys for Tots!
7:05pm - Friday, Dec 8, 2023
Jack also serves as an ambassador for the Muskegon Lumberjacks organization. He can be seen at various community events, such as parades, school visits, and charity fundraisers, where he promotes the team and engages with fans of all ages. The Muskegon Lumberjacks mascot has become an integral part of the team's identity. Jack's energetic and friendly demeanor helps create a sense of unity and support among fans, players, and staff members. The mascot embodies the team's values of passion, hard work, and dedication, both on and off the ice. In conclusion, the Muskegon Lumberjacks mascot, Jack, is a cherished figure within the Muskegon community. With his lively personality and active involvement in various events, he helps create a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for fans of the team. Jack's presence goes beyond entertainment, as he also serves as an ambassador for the Muskegon Lumberjacks organization. His role as a mascot greatly contributes to the team's identity and the sense of community surrounding it..
Reviews for "The Muskegon Lumberjacks Mascot: A Symbol of Team Spirit and Unity"
1. Mark - ★☆☆☆☆
I was really disappointed with the Muskegon lumberjacks mascot. It was just so generic and uninspiring. It looked like they put zero effort into designing it. There are so many other sports team mascots out there that are creative and exciting, and this one just falls flat. It didn't even have any unique characteristics or a memorable presence. Overall, I was left feeling underwhelmed and unimpressed.
2. Emily - ★★☆☆☆
I have to say, the Muskegon lumberjacks mascot was quite forgettable. It didn't leave any lasting impression on me. The costume looked like it had seen better days, and the performer inside didn't seem enthusiastic or engaging. It felt like they were just going through the motions instead of truly embodying the spirit of the team. I think there is definitely room for improvement in terms of the mascot's design and the overall performance.
3. Jake - ★★☆☆☆
I really wanted to like the Muskegon lumberjacks mascot, but it just didn't do it for me. The design was pretty basic, and it lacked personality. It didn't have any wow factor or unique features that would make it stand out from other mascots. The interactions with the crowd were minimal, and it didn't create a fun and energetic atmosphere like other mascots do. Overall, it left me feeling underwhelmed and unentertained.
4. Sarah - ★☆☆☆☆
The Muskegon lumberjacks mascot was a huge disappointment. It was clear that not much thought had been put into its design. The costume looked cheap and poorly made. The mascot's performance was lackluster and there was no real effort to engage with the audience. It felt like they just slapped a random costume on someone and sent them out there without any training or direction. I expected more from a professional sports team, and this mascot just didn't meet those expectations.