Muskegon Looks To Retool After Tynan Lawrence Moves On To Boston University

This week the biggest story in the United States Hockey League isn't a key matchup with playoff implications or a big trade - it’s the departure of potential superstar Tynan Lawrence. On Tuesday, news broke that Muskegon center Tynan Lawrence will be leaving the Lumberjacks to join Boston University for the rest of the NCAA season. Lawrence, who has 89 points in 83 USHL games, is considered by many to be a top pick in this year's NHL draft. If he can produce at high level with the Terriers, he is expected to rival the likes of Gavin McKenna and Ivar Stenberg for attention from NHL clubs. Lawrence, the native of Fredericton, New Brunswick, was a key factor in helping the Lumberjacks lift the Clark Cup last May.  He'll join a BU squad (9-8-1) currently third in the Hockey East standings and in need of an offensive boost.

The move is a sign of successful player development for the league. Glenn Hefferan, President and Commissioner of the USHL, proudly said "this is what happens when you put your athletes first." While this is a sign of the model working for Lawrence and the USHL, the Lumberjacks (22-9-0) are still on the hunt to defend their Clark Cup title. In the wake of Lawrence's advancement, the Michigan team started making moves to ensure their Eastern Conference rivals don’t gain any ground.

First, the Jacks picked up defenseman Nathan Larioza out of Los Gatos, California. Playing for the Nanaimo Clippers of the British Columbia Hockey League, the 19 year old has 27 points in 30 games this season. Well respected by the Clippers organization, Larioza was named captain this year. He’ll bring that offensive skillset and leadership to Muskegon’s blue line before moving on to Colgate University, where he’s committed to play college hockey.

Next, the Lumberjacks dealt Barrett Dexheimer, Nick Koering, and a 2027 Phase II Round 3 draft pick to Des Moines in exchange for Gus Thorp. The defenseman from Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin has played 83 USHL games, all for the Buccaneers. A more defensive minded blueliner and an alternate captain for Des Moines, Thorp will be a good complement to Larioza at Trinity Health Arena. Thorp and Larioza will have big shoes to fill as Dexheimer (31GP, 9P) and Koering (19GP, 4P) were regular contributors.

Finally, as Lawrence was captain of the Jacks, head coach Colton St. Clair had a leadership hole to fill. For the vacancy, St. Clair turned to forward Carter Sanderson who was named the 16th captain in franchise history. The Pierre, South Dakota native has played 87 games for Muskegon over the last 2 seasons. He was also part of the Team USA squad that won gold at the World Junior A Challenge in December. Sanderson was selected in the 6th round by the Pittsburgh Penguins in last year’s NHL draft.

Muskegon find themselves tied for third in the Eastern Conference in what has been a tight race through 31 games. Newcomers Larioza and Thorp will have a tough opening weekend in their new sweaters as the Lumberjacks head to Sioux Falls (20-10-2) for a pair with the Western Conference leading Stampede.

Keep up with the latest around the USHL at The Hockey News.