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Thunder Drop Battle of Undefeateds

September 15, 2014 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Bloomington Thunder News Release


Green Bay, WI - Coming into Monday night's contest the Bloomington Thunder and the Dubuque Fighting Saints had both recorded undefeated records in the preseason. That statistic changed as the Thunder dropped their first game at the United States Hockey League's Fall Classic East showcase by the final score of 4-2.

The Saints leading scorer from 2013-14, Seamus Malone, tallied the game-winning goal at 9:01 of the second period as a delayed penalty was being called on the Thunder.

Bloomington's Tyler Gernhofer tallied a second period power play marker at 10:56 to bring the team within one, but it wasn't enough. Two different five on three opportunities kept the Thunder at bay and resulted in a third period tally from William Lagesson at 8:24.

Dubuque outshot Bloomington in the contest by a total of 31 to 18 with a third period total of 20-6 in favor of the Saints. The Thunder also finished the night two for seven on the power play, but surrendered two power play markers of their own in the game.

Mitchell Smith opened the scoring for Dubuque at 3:21 of the first, but the Thunder responded with Van Barr's second of the preseason on the power play at 5:30.

Zack Zulkanycz would break the 1-1 tie on the power play at 4:01 of the second to give the Saints the edge.

David Jacobson was saddled with the loss for the Thunder with 27 saves on the night, while the tandem of Kevin Reich and Gavin Nieto combined for 16 saves and the win.

The Thunder move to 2-1-0 in the preseason while the Fighting Saints improve to 5-0-0. Both teams will play tomorrow in the Fall Classic, starting with Bloomington in a 10 am rematch with the Chicago Steel. The Saints will pick up their first contest against the Youngstown Phantoms when the puck hits the ice at 1 pm.

Next Home Game: The Thunder kick off the 2014-15 regular season at the U.S. Cellular Coliseum for the home opener on Saturday, September 27th at 7:00 pm. There will be constant giveaways and prizes as well as family entertainment before the contest outside the Coliseum. For tickets, please call the Thunder office at (309) 434-2980.

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