Muskegon trainer Rule moves up to Army

The Muskegon Lumberjacks are proud to announce that Jason Rule, after serving as head athletic trainer for two seasons in Muskegon, has accepted a position as an athletic trainer with the United States Military Academy.

Rule will be part of the athletic training staff at West Point and will be the exclusive trainer for the Black Knights’ hockey program.

“Working with Jason was a great experience and he’s a true professional,” Lumberjacks head coach Kevin Patrick said. “His commitment to the health and welfare of our players was second to none. Our players missed very few games because of injury, and that’s a tribute to his commitment. He will be a tremendous asset to the Army hockey program.”

In addition to his tenure in Muskegon, Rule has completed internships with the New England Patriots, the Jacksonville Jaguars and was a graduate assistant athletic trainer for the West Virginia Mountaineers’ football team from 2007-09. Rule is a member of the National Athletic Trainers Association and the Professional Hockey Athletic Trainers Society and is ATC and PES certified.

Rule credits Lumberjacks president Tim Taylor for “giving him his first shot,” and cherished his time working with the Jacks’ coaching staff.

“My experience in Muskegon has put me in position to be successful,” Rule said. “Being able to work with Coach Patrick and (Lumberjacks owner) Josh Mervis was a huge opportunity, and I benefitted immensely from working with Coach (Dave) Noel-Bernier. His strength and conditioning program is extraordinary.”

Rule will start his new job Monday, and is elated to have a chance to work with yet another outstanding coaching staff. Army head coach Brian Riley has been named the Atlantic Hockey Association Coach of the Year in three of his seven years behind the bench for the Black Knights. His father, Jack Riley, directed the USA Olympic team to the gold medal in 1960.

“They’ve built a legacy, and Coach Riley’s reputation precedes him,” Rule said.

Rule will get to be reunited with several Jacks alumni, as Ryan Misiak will play for AHA member club Mercyhurst College this fall, and Isaac Kohls and Chris Lochner will play for Niagara University.