Thunder, Phantom Rivalry Born in 3-1 Finish
October 4, 2014 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Bloomington Thunder News Release
Bloomington, IL - The Bloomington Thunder dropped their first contest of the 2014-15 regular season Saturday night, by the final score of 3-1 against the visiting Youngstown Phantoms. St. Louis Blues 2014 NHL Draft pick Max Letunov (St. Louis, Boston University) had the top performance for the Phantoms grabbing an assist and netting a goal in the game tying and game winning tallies respectively.
Early into the first period the Thunder scored their first and only goal of the night against the Phantoms. Forward Tyler Gernhofer (University of Vermont) netted the puck at 4:22 into the game with an assist from Blake Gober for his second of the year.
The Phantoms came back later in the period and tied up the score. On the power play Phantom forward Chase Pearson scored the team's first point with an assists from Letunov 17:20 into the game. The first period ended with a tied score at 1-1.
The second period was riddled with altercations as the 'schedule made rivals' showed that all eight meeting will involve a hitting display. The two teams combined for 52 PIMS during the second period alone. At 10:53 into the period, Pearson received a penalty for Spearing, calling for his ejection of the game.
Letunov's game winner would happen at 16:57 with an assist by Carson Vance and another point was picked up by the Phantoms at 18:22 when Josh Nenadal scored assisted by Tommy Parran (Brown University).
The game would end with a scoreless third, however the Thunder did not go out of the game without a fight. They topped the Phantoms in shots but Colin DeAugustine stood tall in net stopping 37 of 38 shots. David Jacobson takes the loss with 33 saves on 36 shots.
The Thunder will meet the Phantoms seven more times this season including four of their next eight games. They take on Green Bay next Friday, October 10th at the U.S. Cellular Coliseum for McLean County Chamber of Commerce Night. For tickets, call the Thunder office at (309) 434-2980.
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