MUSKEGON, Mich - Four of the Muskegon Lumberjacks five most recent acquisitions, each signed to the roster in early April, are experiencing their first taste as pros. Goaltender Kevin Armstrong, defenseman Scott Gabriel and forwards Anton Kharin and Gerome Giudice, were added to the Jacks’ permanent roster the first week of April. The quartet breathed new life into the team and contributed greatly to the team’s Turner Cup first round series victory over the regular-seasons second place Port Huron. Each of the players have played 15 or fewer games with the 'Jacks. As a group the trio has contributed 20 points while Armstrong has had an amazing beginning to his pro hockey career in goal.

Armstrong, from Winnipeg, Manitoba, obtained his first pro win and shut out in only his eleventh day with the team.  His second pro win came the following night, at the expense of the Kalamazoo Wings, in his first pro shoot-out. Armstrong was signed as a free agent at the conclusion of his four-year major junior career in the Western Hockey League, having played for the Saskatoon Blades, Spokane Chiefs and Prince George Cougars, boasting yearly save percentages between .891 and .916 in juniors. 

Muskegon coach Bruce Ramsay has called on Armstrong to serve as netminder in a majority of post-season games leaving long-time goalie Clayton Pool on the bench to watch, ready to serve as backup.  Armstrong’s role in the playoffs was well-deserved, with credit going to his cool, calm demeanor in net.  He instinctively reacts to and stops many shots without even seeing the shooter or the puck leaving the stick’s blade.

Kharin is no stranger to Muskegon, as his father, Sergei Kharin, was the UHL Playoff MVP of the 1998-99 season while representing the Muskegon Fury who were the Colonial Cup champions that year.  Russian-born Kharin has big shoes to fill and with 15 points in 10 games, it appears that his career will be as remarkable as his father’s was. The younger Kharin was twice named to the President’s List for GPA and AHA All-Academic Team while at R.I.T. (Rochester Institute of Technology) and has been a standout in scoring all four years of his Atlantic Hockey Association Conference career.  In his short amount of time with the 'Jacks, he has been impressive with his puck-handling, wicked slapshots, speed and hard hitting, pounding checks into the boards.

Gabriel is a native of Edmonton, Alberta and came to Muskegon upon the recommendation of current Portland coach, Rich Kromm, who was coach of the 1999 Colonial Cup champion Muskegon team. Gabriel completed a four-year stint, like Armstrong in the Western Hockey League, playing for the Vancouver Giants and the Portland Winder Hawks. Gabriel has not seen as much ice time as he would like, but his potential on defense and as a tough guy has been made clear by the 494 penalty minutes amassed during his 166 games in juniors.

Giudice is a player to watch over the next couple years as he makes his way through the ranks and continues his pro hockey career.  He hails from Acton, Ontario and spent the past four years playing in the major juniors’ OHL for the Sudbury Wolves. Giudice's top season with the Wolves was during the 2007-08 season, when he accumulated 44 points in 64 games. 

Not one to shy away from physical play, he amassed 426 penalty minutes during his juniors career and took part in his first pro fight during his first shift as a pro against Flint’s Dan McNeill.  His got his first “pro” black eye from a sucker punch in front of the net, compliments of Flint’s Rob Voltera.  He says that fights are always fun – usually.  In six regular-season Jacks’ games, Giudice has 4 points – 2 goals and 2 assists. 

Seven Answers from Gerome Giudice

His heroes:  The people who are mentally or physically challenged who have to battle everyday to become better and smile about the littlest things. 

His most memorable game played:  Game 2 in the Eastern Conference Championship against Belleville (OHL).  He sat on the bench for most of the third period and overtime, then in his one shift, he set up the winning goal to get the Wolves back in the series and eventually taking the win. Another memorable moment for Giudice is his first pro goal.

His “Dream Team”:  Giudice would like to someday be a member of the Washington Capitals, being a defensive center for left wing Alex Ovechkin.

His impression of Muskegon fans:  They are supportive and loud.

His summer plans:  Travel and prepare for next season with off-ice training

His reception from the team:  John DiPace has been a great roommate. Robin Bouchard has been very good to me with my game and helping me out.  All of the guys have been very nice to me and it has made it a lot easier for me to adjust everyday.

His family:  Giudice’s parents have attended almost every game since he’s been a Lumberjack. It is impressive how supportive, approachable, kind and down-to-earth they are.  Giudice said that his parents have been the most supportive people in his life. They have never pushed him to play hockey, but they’ve enjoyed every minute of it.  His older sister just started playing hockey, and he’s very proud of her. 

Contact jennifer.sleeper@prohockeynews.com

Catch all the playoffs at Intotheboards.net