MUSKEGON, MI – Saturday afternoon, the Muskegon Lumberjacks and Omaha Lancers announced a trade involving a trio of players, including the Lancers captain Branko Vukas, who will join the Lumberjacks ahead of tonight's game in Cedar Rapids.
 
Muskegon Receives:
Branko Vukas, Defense
2026 Phase II 4^th
 
Omaha Receives:
Reese Lantz, Defense
Brian Cooke, Goalie
 
When asked about the trade, Lumberjacks President Steve Lowe shared, "First and foremost, I want to thank Reese Lantz for being a part of our organization over the past two years. He is an unbelievable player, teammate, and person. We wish Reese the best of luck. He will have an incredible future and will always be a Jack."
 
 
A native of Dyer, IN, Vukas is in his second USHL season after appearing in 54 games for the Lancers during the 2024-25 season. Before his time in the league, he split the 2023-24 season between 18U AAA hockey with the Chicago Fury and the North American Hockey League (NAHL) with the Oklahoma Warriors. With Chicago, Vukas had 40 points in 40 games. In Oklahoma, he had 12 points in 31 games.
 
As for the newest defenseman in Muskegon, Lowe said, "We made this move because we felt our D-core needed some calmness. Branko is a player who brings some different attributes on the back end that will help us tremendously."
 
 
Vukas was named the Lancers' captain at the start of the season thanks to his leadership ability off the ice and his secure style of play on it. At 6'4, 214 pounds, his size allows him to dominate play at his own end of the ice while still contributing when needed at the offensive end.
 
Welcome to Muskegon, Branko!
   
About the Muskegon Lumberjacks
The Muskegon Lumberjacks are proud and dedicated members of the United States Hockey League (USHL), the nation's only Tier I junior hockey league and leading producer of NCAA players and National Hockey League draft picks in the United States. The club's goal is to create an environment where student-athletes develop into successful young men, both on and off the ice. This includes playing the game the right way while maintaining academic excellence in the classroom and staying actively involved in the West Michigan community. The organization is committed to providing high-quality, affordable, and top-notch family entertainment while serving as positive role models for the youth and local community.


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