The Muskegon Lumberjacks and USHL announced the sale of Lumberjacks to Peter Herms, ending an eight-year ownership stint for BC Hockey LLC, owned by Dan Israel and Bob Kaiser, the team announced Friday.
A former player for the Muskegon Lumberjacks (International Hockey League), Peter Herms takes the helm of his old team in a new capacity.
“My desire to become a member of the USHL is driven by my passion for the game,” Herms said. “The USHL provides the ideal platform for hockey players to pursue their dreams.”
Hermes played four seasons at the University of New Hampshire from 1982–1986, serving as captain his senior year. The Morris Plains, New Jersey native continued to have a brief professional career with stops in Muskegon (IHL) and SaPKo (First Division). Herms stepped behind the bench as an assistant coach at Princeton from 1987–1991.
For the past 30 years, Herms has run Gray Supply Corporation, a family-owned utility contractor in New Jersey. During this time, he has stayed involved as a youth and high school hockey coach. Last year, he purchased the Red Bank Armory Ice Complex and Red Bank Generals hockey program in New Jersey.
“The USHL believes the Muskegon Lumberjacks are in excellent hands with new Principal Owner Mr. Peter Herms coming on board,” USHL President and Commissioner Bill Robertson said. “I am impressed in my on-going conversations with Peter on his philosophy to run his new club and keen business background as well as his commitment to being involved in the USHL to assist our league. At the same time, the USHL wants to thank Mr. Dan Israel and Mr. Bob Kaiser for their efforts as Managing Partners in Muskegon over the past several years and their tireless efforts and passion to make Muskegon and the USHL better every day. We wish Dan and Bob well as they continue forward with their successful business ventures. We know that Peter has a high-level knowledge of the game as a player and coach with all his experiences and know he will help shape the Lumberjacks and the future success of the organization for years to come.”
Formerly a member of the IHL, Muskegon joined the USHL as an expansion team in 2010. Muskegon has made the playoffs in eight of 11 seasons in the league, excluding the 2019–2020 playoffs cancelled because of the pandemic. The Lumberjacks have advanced to the Clark Cup Final once in that time (2016) and posted an overall record of 374-288-69.