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Lavigne Named CCM Goalie of the Week

December 7, 2015 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Bloomington Thunder News Release


BLOOMINGTON, Illinois - Goaltender Hayden Lavigne (University of Michigan) backstopped the Thunder to a 1-0 shutout win on Sunday afternoon, earning himself the United States Hockey League's CCM Goaltender of the Week award. It is Lavigne's first goaltender of the week honor this season, after amassing the third largest win total of any USHL goaltenders through week 11.

It is also the first player of the week award for the Thunder this season, who are in a tie for third place in the Eastern Conference with 25 points. Bloomington (11-8-2-1) is on a three-game win streak and tied with the Green Bay Gamblers and Youngstown Phantoms.

"Whenever you get a shutout it helps the confidence for you and the team," said Lavigne after his second 1-0 shutout win of the season. The first came back in Sioux City on October 10. "Our guys did a good job of limiting scoring chances, which helped me out a lot, and I was there for them when there were breakdowns. Last night was a great full team effort and I think we can build on that."

Lavigne, 19, stopped 22 shots against the Gamblers in his second shutout of the season for the Thunder. Out dueling Adam Huska (New York Rangers), the netminder earned his tenth win of the season and has been a solid force between the pipes for the second year club. One of Lavigne's 22 stops was a glove save on the goal line that made fans and players jump to their feet and caused a roar of approval.

"That (save) was something. Those kinds of saves are top ten, highlight reel stops. It easily could have been a 1-0 game at that point," commented Thunder Head Coach and General Manager Dennis Williams. "I think that's part of the maturing process for him. Goalies at that age and level make the saves they need to in a game, but can also make those big ones, which help a team win."

Only Peyton Jones (Penn State University) from the Lincoln Stars has more shutouts this season than the Thunder's 6-foot-3 goalie. Lavigne has three shutouts in the last calendar year with the Thunder. Overall, the future Michigan Wolverine is 10-3-0-1 with a 2.43 goals against average and a .911 save percentage.

The Brampton, ON native is in his third USHL season and second with the Thunder after being acquired one year ago, almost to the day, from the Waterloo Black Hawks. Since the trade, Lavigne has cemented himself as one of the top goaltenders in the USHL. Upon his entrance to the twin cities, Hayden is 20-8-0-1 with his only career shutouts coming in a Thunder jersey. In that stretch of over 1800 minutes played, Lavigne has a 2.46 GAA and a .908 SVPT.

The trade helped give new confidence to the Thunder goaltender who has relished the experience. "Bloomington has been a great fit for me with the coaching staff, players, and all around city itself. It has been a lot more enjoyable for me which has translated into my game."

Coach Williams has also noticed the strides Lavigne has taken this season. "Hayden has had a great year thus far from an individual and personal standpoint. He has been playing very confident, seeing the puck well, limiting and controlling rebounds.

"I like his demeanor," he continued. "He plays with that sense of confidence that you need from a third-year veteran goaltender. I always say it starts with your goalie out; good teams are built that way and he's a big reason. Last night was a good performance from him and a big reason why we won the game."

This is Lavigne's second player of the week recognition of his USHL career. During week two of the 2014-15 season, the former Black Hawk was credited with the award after a two-win weekend. He saw 53 shots in those two games against Dubuque and Lincoln, stopping 51 to improve to 2-1-0-0.

The Thunder make their first trip in team history to Kearney, NE to play the Tri-City Storm Friday and Saturday. Lavigne began his USHL career with the Storm in 2013-14, playing in 27 games. Cameron Spicer (University of Maine), Patrick Curry, and Alec Mehr also saw time with the Storm during their USHL careers.

NEXT HOME GAME: Saturday, December 19th - 7 p.m. - The Thunder host the Chicago Steel at 7 p.m before they take their Christmas break. From 6-7 p.m. it is buy one, get one free hot dogs at the Coliseum concession stands. Also, all kids 12 and under get a free hot dog voucher when they walk in the door that is good for the entire game. For tickets and information, visit Bloomingtonthunder.com or call (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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