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Gottlieb's Return to USA Brings Great Opportunities

December 11, 2014 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Bloomington Thunder News Release


Bloomington, IL - Growing up and searching for the many different hockey leagues that exist in the United States and Canada, it can be strenuous and confusing at times. Which leagues are the best? Where will the best opportunity be? Not to mention, how far away from home will it take me? Like many others, Thunder defenseman Max Gottlieb faced these same questions as he was growing up in the hockey community.

Gottlieb is in his first season in the tier-I junior program, the United States Hockey League, accumulating 8 points (2g, 7a) and a plus 1 rating through 21 games played with the Bloomington Thunder. He has turned it on as of late getting his first USHL goal on November 22nd and earning a career high three assists four days later in a 4-3 win over the Chicago Steel. In the last seven, the d-man has picked up six points and a rating of plus 3.

After being traded in the preseason, Gottlieb had only one week to prepare for the Thunder season. When talking about the quick change, he said, "Coach Williams and the rest of the staff did a great job of acclimating me quickly. Every practice has a purpose here and just like the rest of us, they needed to figure out the league a little bit in the beginning and I think they have done a great job. We are responding well as a team to their coaching and are really enjoying it."

The road began in his home state of New Jersey with the Rockets youth hockey organization before he joined their tier-3 junior program. "I felt it was time to move away from home after my senior year so I had a decision to make between the North American Hockey League and the Alberta Junior Hockey League. I ended up catching someone's eye at a showcase and they offered me a spot on the team and the road has been great ever since."

Gottlieb packed his bags and moved to Bonnyville, Alberta to join the Pontiacs of the AJHL. Making his first trek away from home to the great white north, the Old Bridge, NJ native posted up 25 points (4g, 21a) in 50 games played.

"I didn't know what to expect when I moved to Canada last year but I was pleasantly surprised. The town was great, the community was great, and the hockey was great too. I think it prepared me well for this league and that is the most important part."

While New Jersey and Illinois are not tropical getaways, it sure is warmer than being three hours northeast of Edmonton, AB. But the cold isn't the only thing different between Bloomington and Bonnyville.

"The USHL is definitely a lot different. It's faster, deeper from roster to roster, and the compete level is there from every team in the league every night," said Gottlieb.

"Most guys who come into the league it takes some time to adjust but I think I've done a pretty good job of that. I think our team has adjusted well in it's first year too so I'm excited for what is ahead for us."

After beginning the preseason with the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the USHL, Bloomington stepped in to pick up the 19-year-old to finalize their opening night roster. Gottlieb had this to say about the trade that made him a member of the Thunder.

"It was definitely an experience that I will remember from my junior career. I got called in and they said 'we've moved you to Bloomington; they want you there as soon as possible.' So I just hopped in my car and drove down. In that respect, it was a little tough but I think it did wonders for my character and my ability to adapt to atmospheres and environments.

"When you're traded you are not happy at the time," Gottlieb continued, "but I think it worked out best for me and also for the team."

The ultimate goal in the league is development and moving players on and, in that regard, Gottlieb still has his work to do in order to move up with over half the season to play. However, being in the league and being with Bloomington sets his mind at ease a little.

"Being in this league really prepares you for the college game and helps attract some college interest as well. Coach Williams does a great job of that also so it's just about playing consistently and hopefully things will happen for me," said Gottlieb.

Bloomington has put up a considerable end to November and start to December by winning their last five and taking points in seven of their last eight. Much of their winning streak falls on the coach's ability to rally the team and also the players buy into the program but the Thunder also have something special inside their locker room.

"We went through that tough skid but I think that did a lot in the room for our character and grit as a team. Now that we got out of that we have found ourselves on a five game winning streak just before break so we set a goal for ourselves and are determined to finish out this portion of the season strong and get two wins this weekend."

Next home game: Bloomington returns home on Friday, December 12th for Mid-Month Madness, featuring Ladies Night and the Carpets Plus Specialty Jersey Auction. All Budweiser and Pepsi products will be on sale for just $2 during the game. The Thunder will also wear custom jerseys that will be auctioned off following the game with proceeds benefiting the ALS Foundation. All the ladies in Bloomington/Normal can come down to the game and check out special giveaways and prizes from sponsors. They take on the Omaha Lancers for the second time so call (309) 434-2980 and take advantage of the Thunder ticket deals today.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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