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Thunder Fend off Team USA

November 27, 2015 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Bloomington Thunder News Release


Bloomington Thunder Captain Jake Slaker
Bloomington Thunder Captain Jake Slaker
(Bloomington Thunder, Credit: Niki D Photography)

BLOOMINGTON, Illinois - Ethan Somoza (Bemidji State University) made it rain stuffed animals at the U.S. Cellular Coliseum during the Bloomington Thunder's second annual Teddy Bear Toss game Friday night. The Thunder topped the United States National Team Development Program Under-17 team 3-2. The Thunder (9-8-2-1) opened a two game series with Team USA (6-7-2-1), which will pick back up Thursday from Plymouth, MI.

The first half of the game was scoreless for both sides, but Bloomington controlled the play. The best chance of the period came from Vlad Dzhioshvili (Cornell University) on a rebound. Adam Scheel (University of Notre Dame) stopped the rebound chance along with 12 other Thunder shots through the first period.

Somoza would break the scoreless tie in the second period, netting a rebound over Scheel less than 13 minutes in. Less than a minute later, the Thunder put another by the goaltender. Blake Gober scored his second goal in as many games with a shot that was redirected off a defenders stick. The Colleyville, TX native now has a point in three straight games for the Thunder.

The two goal lead became three when Jake Durflinger deflected a shot from Wyatt Kalynuk (Western Michigan University) on the power play to start the third. Just under eight minutes into the third the Thunder were on top 3-0 thanks to the insurance.

The insurance was needed by the Thunder late in the third as the U-17's proved their skill and determination. Josh Maniscalco (University of Minnesota) netted the first goal for Team USA in the game and his first of the season at 11:18 of the period. In the final minutes with the net pulled, Michael Pastujov (University of Michigan) shot the puck off the Thunder goaltender Hayden Lavigne's (University of Michigan) back to pull within one.

The effort was valiant but the comeback ended short. Durflinger earned the game-winning goal as the Thunder were 1-3 on the power play and shut out the highly skilled U-17's on three power play chances.

Lavigne earned his ninth win of the season for Bloomington to rank second in the USHL among goaltenders. Scheel suffers the loss despite making 31 saves in the game.

The Bloomington Thunder will finish an extended home and home with Team USA on Thursday, December 3 at 6 p.m. CST. The Thunder will make their first trip of the season to the NTDP rink. They will also be playing in a new rink, as Team USA now plays out of Plymouth, MI.

NEXT HOME GAME: Sunday, December 6th - 3 p.m. - Bloomington will host their first ever "Not-for-Profit Night" to help promote local charities in the Bloomington/Normal Community. Their Sunday afternoon game against Green Bay will feature a $3 kids meal special with a hot dog, chips, and a drink. Also, the first 1,000 fans in the building will get a free poster featuring the Thunder's players and upcoming games. Call (309) 434-2980 to buy your tickets or for more information.

No-Shave November: For the second year in a row, the Thunder will be growing out facial hair and raising money. Players and staff will be growing out their beards to raise money for cancer research through the No-Shave November cause. To donate head to No-ShaveNovember.com or contribute to each player's 'donation jar' at the games throughout the month. Also keep up with this cause by voting for the best beard on the Thunder's Facebook page, as each week the player with the most votes and donations will earn an additional $20.




Images from this story

Bloomington Thunder Face off vs. Team USA
Bloomington Thunder Face off vs. Team USA

(Niki D Photography)
Bloomington Thunder Lineup
Bloomington Thunder Lineup

(Niki D Photography)
Bloomington Thunder Captain Jake Slaker
Bloomington Thunder Captain Jake Slaker

(Niki D Photography)

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United States Hockey League Stories from November 27, 2015


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