MUSKEGON, MI – Prior to the start of the preseason, the Muskegon Lumberjacks announced
Rudolfs Berzkalns (Cesis, LAT) as the 17th captain in franchise history. The Latvian-born forward is entering his third season on the Lakeshore.
"Rudy's earned this," said Lumberjacks Head Coach
Colten St. Clair. "He's won a Clark Cup, been to a second Finals, developed into an NHL Draft pick, and matured into a leader during his time in Muskegon. Most importantly, he's been here, has built great relationships throughout the organization, and understands what it means to be a Lumberjack and the expectations that come with it."
Berzkalns signed a Tender Agreement with the Lumberjacks during the 2023-24 season before joining the team full-time in 2024-25. That season, he helped lead the Lumberjacks to their first Clark Cup championship. In 2025-26, Berzkalns again helped the Jacks reach the Clark Cup Final. His postseason performance, in which he established himself as one of the USHL's most impactful players, drew significant attention from NHL scouts and ultimately led to his selection 58th overall by the
Edmonton Oilers in the 2026 NHL Draft.
"This means a lot to me," said Berzkalns. "Being here for a couple of years and building great relationships with all of the staff, coaches, and front office, this is a true honor for me."
Berzkalns enters the 2026-27 season having already made his mark on the Lumberjacks organization. Now, he'll wear the captain's "C" as he looks to lead the Jacks into another season on the Lakeshore.
"Obviously the goal is another deep run in the playoffs, but I think we have to get there first. Anything can happen. You saw what happened last year with the fifth and sixth seeds playing in the Conference Final. At the end, the goal is another Clark Cup, and that's what we're working towards here." Berzkalns finished.
Full Lumberjacks Captain History:
- 2026-27: Rudolfs Berzkalns
- 2025-26: Tynan Lawrence, Carter Sanderson
- 2024-25: David Klee
- 2023-24: Cody Croal
- 2021-22: Jack Williams
- 2020-21: Dylan Wendt
- 2019-20: Oliver MacDonald, Dylan Wendt
- 2018-19: Nolan Sullivan
- 2017-18: Anthony Del Gaizo
- 2016-17: Bo Hanson
- 2015-16: Robbie Demontis
- 2014-15: Mason Jobst
- 2013-14: Mason Jobst, Cullen Hurley
- 2012-13: Carter Foguth, Joe Cox
- 2011-12: Carter Foguth
- 2010-11: John Parker
### (9/04/26)
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.
