Contrary to rumors in the junior hockey community, John Vanbiesbrouck is not leaving USA Hockey to assume a General Managers role with the USHL Muskegon Lumberjacks.
TJHN sources are reporting that Vanbiesbrouck was re-elected Vice President of USA Hockey and will continue to be the Chairman of the Junior Hockey Council.
The re-election of Vanbiesbrouck is said to be for a three year term.
While Vanbiesbrouck has strong ties to the Muskegon community and attends games and other events in Western Michigan regularly, a resignation of this re-elected position to assume an active role in a USHL franchise is unlikely. While anything remains possible in the junior hockey world, it would be more likely that Vanbiesbrouck would withdraw his name from consideration if he was planning on leaving the post anyway.
Vanbiesbrouck could become involved with Muskegon down the road, but a conflict of interest argument could be made by other Junior Council members if this were to take place. It would also be unusual for the Junior Council Chairman to have a position in the Coucil above the USHL’s Commissioner Skip Prince.
TJHN will update this story if and when more information becomes available.
