Chicago, IL – Less than five months after meeting in the 2026 Clark Cup Eastern Conference Final, the Muskegon Lumberjacks and Madison Capitols will renew their rivalry this weekend at Trinity Health Arena. The Lumberjacks enter the matchup at 2-2-0-0 after splitting their first four games of the 2026-27 season, while Madison comes to Muskegon still searching for its first win at 0-2-0. While the circumstances are different this time around, the matchup carries plenty of recent history, with Muskegon ending Madison's postseason run in five games last spring on the way to a second consecutive Clark Cup Final appearance.
Week 2 Preview: From the Wrong Foot to the Right One
Every team wants to start the season on the right foot: win at the Fall Classic, build some momentum, and carry it into the opening weeks of the schedule. Neither the Lumberjacks nor the Capitols got exactly what they wanted. Muskegon managed to split its two games in Chicago, while Madison went win less at the Fall Classic. The Capitols then had an early-season bye week, giving them extra time to regroup, while the Lumberjacks were back on the ice last weekend, splitting a two-game series with the USNTDP Under-18 Team.
That sets the stage for this weekend's two-game matchup, giving both teams a chance to put together a strong weekend and build momentum before the season gets too far ahead of them.
The Lumberjacks enter the series coming off two polar-opposite games against the NTDP. On Friday, Muskegon got pulled into the NTDP's fast-paced, free-flowing style of play. The result was a 5-3 loss and a challenge from Head Coach
Colten St. Clair to respond the following night.
The Jacks answered.
Muskegon exploded for six goals on Saturday, scoring twice in each period to cruise to a 6-1 victory.
Zaac Charbonneau (Gatineau, QC, CAN) led the way with three points, including a backhand goal that could quickly become an early contender for USHL Goal of the Year. At the other end of the ice,
Oscar Westman (Stockholm, SWE) delivered a strong performance. The Swedish netminder stopped 27 of 28 shots and was minutes away from his first shutout of the season before the NTDP converted on a late power-play opportunity.
Meanwhile, Madison had the benefit of a weekend away from game action after the Fall Classic. The extra time gave the Capitols a chance to evaluate their first two games, make adjustments, and prepare for their first games since Chicago. The rest should also give Madison a chance to reset physically before a two-game road trip to Muskegon.
Players to Watch
Zaac Charbonneau – Forward
The hype surrounding Charbonneau was loud as he prepared for junior hockey, but the play has been louder. With 6 points on 3 goals and 3 assists in his first 4 USHL games, Charbonneau leads the Lumberjacks in all three major categories and already has an overtime winner to his name. Consistency and long-term success remain to be seen, but if the start of the season is any indication, Charbonneau is in the running for USHL Rookie of the Year.
Billy MacAusland – Forward
Quietly,
Billy MacAusland (Westwood, MA) has been one of the most impactful forwards on the Lumberjacks roster. Producing at a point-per-game rate through the first four games is great, but for MacAusland it's what he does off the scoresheet that makes him so effective. He finishes hard on the forecheck, keeps an active stick in his own zone, and provides a strong net-front presence. Mix in an above-average face-off ability, and MacAusland has been a key contributor to the Lumberjacks' success.
Lars Hutson – Defense
One of the beauties of Junior Hockey is watching a player develop from a kid to a man during his time in Muskegon.
Lars Hutson (North Barrington, IL) recorded 5 points in 50 games during the 2025-26 season, but after a busy offseason, he brings new swagger to his game thanks to a bigger frame and added maturity. Hutson made his season debut last week and recorded 3 points in 2 games, all assists. While nothing is guaranteed in hockey, we know the Hutson family is full of late bloomers. Lars looks to be fully bloomed and poised for a breakout season in his first year of NHL Draft eligibility.
The Opponent
Madison punched above their weight class during the Clark Cup Playoffs last season. Entering as the bottom seed of the Eastern Conference playoff picture, the Caps had a Cinderella run to the Eastern Conference Final, where the clock struck midnight against the Lumberjacks.
The offseason wasn't kind to Madison either. Seven players from their active roster left Madison to play in the CHL, including Mr. Hockey Minnesota award recipient Tyden Bergeson. Not as difficult a pill to swallow, the Caps also promoted players to the NCAA, including netminder Caleb Heil, who was the force behind the deep playoff run.
Suddenly, a young core looking for a big year in 2026-27 looks a little different. The Caps are still a good team and should make some noise in the Eastern Conference this season, but with a new head coach, a new roster, and even a new home rink, they have some soul-searching to do at the start of the 2026-27 campaign.
Players to watch for the Capitols in this week 2 matchup include forward Daniel Halonen and defenseman Nolan Geerdes. Halonen was electric in Minnesota High School Hockey last year with 80 points in 31 games at Delano High. Halonen finished the season with the Watertown Shamrocks with 6 points in 12 NAHL games. Through their first two games, Halonen leads the Caps with 3 points on 2 goals and an assist.
Geerdes was one of the top defensemen in the Clark Cup Playoffs, leading all defensemen with a 0.91 points-per-game production rate (minimum 3 games played). His 10 points ranked 2
nd overall behind only Lumberjacks defenseman Adam Beluško.
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. October 2 | 7:00 pm ET | vs Madison
Sat. October 3 | 6:00 pm ET | vs Madison
Fri. October 9 | 8:00 pm ET | at Chicago
Sat. October 10 | 4:00 pm ET | at Chicago
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.
