In what many are calling a shocking turn of events, multiple TJHN sources are confirming that Jim McKenzie has been relieved of his coaching duties with the Muskegon Lumberjacks.
It was just a year ago that it was announced that McKenzie had been signed to a two year contract renewal after taking over coaching duties for departed Kevin Patrick. Partick was relieved of duties in January of 2012 and the NHL veteran McKenzie was brought in.
McKenzie took over what many considered a team that was under performing in January of 2012. Though finishing the 2012 season with a 17-35-8 record, many believed McKenzie had taken control of the team and was beginning to make strides to move the team in the right direction.
In the 2012-2013 season the Lumberjacks went 31-23-10 under McKenzie in his first full season as head coach. This was good enough for a fourth place finish in the USHL Eastern Conference and a playoff birth. The playoff draw was not kind to the Lumberjacks as they faced the eventual Clark Cup Champions Dubuque Saints. Dubuque swept the Lumberjacks in three games on their way to raising the Clark Cup.
While no official statement has been released by the Lumberjacks one is expected in short order.
