Muskegon, MI – The Eastern Conference standings take center stage this weekend as two teams with aspirations of claiming the conference's top spot meet on the ice. While the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders have already established themselves at the summit, the Muskegon Lumberjacks are looking to make their first climb this season.

Week 8 Preview: Back on Home Ice

Muskegon has spent considerable time away from Trinity Health Arena, navigating an off weekend and two consecutive road weekends. Now, the Lumberjacks return to familiar territory with an important conference matchup on the horizon, welcoming the Eastern Conference-leading Cedar Rapids RoughRiders to West Michigan. With Cedar Rapids atop the standings, the weekend presents Muskegon with an opportunity to make a statement against one of the league's top clubs while continuing its push toward the conference summit.
 
Adding another storyline to the weekend is a family affair between two members of the opposing rosters. Teddy Lechner will have the opportunity to face his older brother, Henry Lechner, when the two take the ice on opposite sides for just the third time in their USHL careers. While the matchup carries added significance away from the standings, the brothers will have to put family ties aside once the puck drops.
 
The Lumberjacks enter the series following a split against the Dubuque Fighting Saints in Iowa. Friday's opening contest saw Muskegon deliver a strong performance, backed by a 30-save effort from goaltender Samuel Doyon-Cataquiz (Montreal, QC, CAN). Offensively, Maxim Šimko (Poprad, SVK) recorded a two-point night to help lead the Lumberjacks to victory, giving Muskegon momentum heading into Saturday's rematch.
 
With a conference-leading opponent, a return to familiar ice, and a sibling matchup adding another layer to the weekend, the Lumberjacks have plenty to play for. Cedar Rapids presents an opportunity to measure themselves against the Eastern Conference's current standard, while Muskegon looks to use its return to Trinity Health Arena as a springboard toward the top of the standings.
 

Players to Watch

Zaac Charbonneau – Forward
Zaac Charbonneau (Gatineau, QC, CAN) makes his return to the Lumberjacks lineup after a week away at the World Under-17 Challenge, where he helped secure a bronze medal for Team Canada Red. Despite missing Muskegon's last three games, the 2010-born forward continues to lead the Lumberjacks in both goals and points, further establishing himself as one of the team's most impactful offensive threats. Charbonneau has made an immediate impression in his first USHL season, demonstrating a natural scoring touch and an offensive presence well beyond his years. With his return to the lineup, expect Charbonneau to bring a fresh spark to the Lumberjacks.
 
Nick Kosiba – Forward
A veteran presence in the Lumberjacks forward group, Nick Kosiba (New Boston, MI) brings experience and consistency to Muskegon's lineup. A reliable presence in all three zones, Kosiba's ability to read the play, find open ice, and make smart decisions allows him to contribute in ways that extend beyond the scoresheet. Whether generating offensive opportunities or disrupting the opposition's attack, his two-way game makes him an important piece of the Lumberjacks' forward corps. Against a strong Cedar Rapids squad, Kosiba's experience and attention to detail will be key as Muskegon looks to gain an edge throughout the weekend.
 
 
Teddy Lechner – Defense
 
Teddy Lechner (Bloomington, MN) has established himself as a reliable presence on the Lumberjacks' blue line, combining sound defensive instincts with the ability to make smart plays under pressure. His responsibilities will carry added significance this weekend as Muskegon welcomes Cedar Rapids, where he will face his older brother, Henry Lechner, for just the third time in their USHL careers. With family ties set aside once the puck drops, Teddy will look to anchor the Lumberjacks' defensive effort while getting the better of his brother on the opposite side of the ice.
 

The Opponent

The RoughRiders enter the weekend as the Eastern Conference's top team, and their early-season record gives Muskegon plenty to prepare for. At 12-4-0-0, Cedar Rapids has put together an impressive start to the 2026–27 campaign and rides a four-game winning streak into its trip to West Michigan. However, the RoughRiders and Lumberjacks are no strangers to meaningful matchups. Last season, Muskegon eliminated Cedar Rapids in the opening round of the Clark Cup Playoffs, adding another layer of history to this first regular-season meeting between the two clubs.
 
Perhaps most notably, the RoughRiders have been just as comfortable away from home as they have on their own ice. Through six road contests, Cedar Rapids holds a 5-1-0-0 record, demonstrating an ability to collect points in unfamiliar buildings. That road success will be put to the test at Trinity Health Arena, where the Lumberjacks will look to defend home ice against one of the conference's most consistent clubs. For Cedar Rapids, extending its winning streak will be the priority, while Muskegon looks to gain ground against a team sitting above them in the standings.
 
Among the individual storylines heading into the weekend is a familiar name on both sides of the matchup. Henry Lechner, older brother of Muskegon's Teddy Lechner, will suit up for Cedar Rapids as the two prepare to meet for just the third time in their USHL careers. The matchup adds a personal element to an already important conference series, with the brothers looking to make an impact for their respective clubs. Henry will aim to help the RoughRiders extend their winning streak, while Teddy looks to help the Lumberjacks defend home ice and gain ground in the Eastern Conference standings.
 

Over the Airwaves

Gray Supply Corp. proudly presents the Lumberjacks Hockey Network, your home for every Muskegon Lumberjacks game throughout the preseason, regular season, and postseason. Follow all the action with the voice of the Lumberjacks, Ezra Gennello.
 
FloHockey is the official live-streaming partner of the Lumberjacks, providing fans with a high-quality viewing experience for every game. The Lumberjacks Hockey Network also offers a free internet radio broadcast of every game through Mixlr.
 
Get ready for puck drop on every game day with the Gray Supply Corp. Pregame Show, streaming live on Facebook beginning 30 minutes before game time.
 
For more information on all Lumberjacks broadcast options, visit the Press Box tab at muskegonlumberjacks.com.
 

Upcoming Games

Fri. November 13 | 7:00 pm ET | vs Cedar Rapids
Sat. November 14 | 6:00 pm ET | vs Cedar Rapids
Fri. November 20 | 8:05 pm ET | at Des Moines
Sat. November 21 | 7:35 pm ET | at Des Moines
 

Follow the Jacks

Be sure to follow the Muskegon Lumberjacks on social media!
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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, including playing the game the right way, maintaining their academic focus 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.