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Giving Back to Bloomington

March 20, 2015 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Bloomington Thunder News Release


Bloomington, IL - The Bloomington Thunder have been hard at work in the Bloomington/Normal community during the months of February and March. All in all 21 different members of the United States Hockey League team made it out to local organizations and schools, with many players attending more than one event. Giving back to the fans that support the team is all part of the job, and one they are happy to do according to forward Logan Lambdin.

"It is good to invest ourselves into the area we play in, so that we can get more support for our team and get more people interested in the sport" said Lambdin.

The Thunder opened their community schedule with the Kiwanis Pancake weekend on Sunday February 22nd. Lambdin, Jake Slaker, and Jason Kalinowski (University of New Hampshire) helped serve coffee, water, and pancakes to incoming members of the community. The teammates greeted some of the 12,000 plus patrons at the club's biggest fundraiser of the year.

Hayden Lavigne (University of Michigan), Cameron Spicer (University of Maine), and Nikolas Koberstein (University of Alaska-Fairbanks, Montréal Canadiens) followed up the next day at Grove Elementary School on Monday, February 23rd. They let some of the kids try on their gear while they told them how it all protects them. They also played two-on-two to show the kids how they shoot. Even a couple of teachers jumped in to try their hand at the game.

Nine more members of the Thunder went to Boys and Girls Club on February 24th. Talking to kids about good habits, leadership and what it means to be a part of the team, they helped enlighten some of Bloomington's future athletes. They also played hockey with the boys and girls, following the game up with a one on one shoot out.

Van Barr (Western Michigan University), Andrew Roye, and Jalen Smereck attended the Prairieland Elementary Fitness Night on February 26th. They players brought some hockey sticks and nets for the kids to shoot after meeting the young hockey fans.

The future Division-I college athletes also signed posters for the kids.

Goaltenders Logan Halladay (University of Minnesota), Lavigne, and Spicer made a trip to Epiphany Grade School for Read Across America Day on March 2nd. The players went into eight different classrooms reading Dr. Seuss books to kindergarten through 3rd graders. Each one of the players was able to read to the kids and tell them why it is important to stay in school and the importance of books.

Part of reading is about finding the right material that interests you. Halladay has done just that before stepping into college classes. "I really enjoy reading autobiographies. I love to learn about other people's lives and experiences they have been through," said the Cary, NC native.

That same day, Halladay, Alec Mehr, Matt Mendelson (Penn State University), Koberstein, Lambdin met at the Hammit School. At this event the players got to meet with three different physical education classes and play hockey with children who have emotional or behavioral disorders. The players were great getting the kids involved and letting them score on big time hockey players.

Mark Reiss, who is in charge of all the P.E. classes added, "Hockey is my personal favorite sport. It is great to get some real players in our gym to show the kids their skills and let them play a little hockey. It is also my favorite unit to teach and let the kids blow off a little steam."

Five more players including Ryan Galt (University of Nebraska-Omaha) and Patrick Curry attended the ISU Mentor Program for Kids on March 4th. Similar to some other events, the players met with kids from around the community and played hockey with them. The mentoring program at ISU helps motivate children from Bloomington/Normal impact the community. The Thunder were happy to lend a hand and the Assistant Captain also knows after three years in the USHL that it means something to both the kids and the team.

"It is rewarding to meet kids in the community and have them look up to you like a mentor," said Galt.

The Bloomington Thunder's kids club is available for anyone 12 and under. For a one-time $10 season fee, kids skate for free during any post-game player skate and can attend exclusive kid's club events.

On March 11th The Thunder hosted a Kids Club Locker Room Tour as part of the 2014-15 exclusive events. The participants were able to tour through the locker room with the Thunder team. The players previewed how they prep for games including some pregame rituals. They were also taken to see the video booth where the video board production is made. There they got to make their own goal calls. Lastly the kids were taken to the smoke house to get posters, puck and jersey singed by more of the Thunder team.

The entire Thunder Staff would like to thank all of the great people in the community who opened their doors, allowing players to get involved.

To have the Thunder at an upcoming event or to schedule player/team appearances, please call or email Donna Wampler at (309) 434-2982 or Donna@BloomingtonThunder.com .

Next Home Game: Join the Thunder for Country Music Night at the U.S. Cellular Coliseum on Saturday March 21st at 7:00 pm CST. Be at the game and be eligible to win 2 tickets to the almost sold out Alan Jackson concert on May 9th. Also like our Facebook page to become eligible to win a pair of suite tickets to the show. Two winners will be announced on May 7th. It is also family appreciation night to thank both the player's parents and the Bloomington Billet families. Come hear your favorite country music tunes at the game as Bloomington takes on the USNTDP U17's. Call the Thunder office at (309) 434-2980.

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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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