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Gober Commits to Penn State

January 1, 2016 - United States Hockey League (USHL) - Bloomington Thunder News Release


Bloomington Thunder Forward Blake Gober
Bloomington Thunder Forward Blake Gober
(Bloomington Thunder)

BLOOMINGTON, Illinois - Assistant Captain Blake Gober (Penn State University) becomes another addition by the Bloomington Thunder to the college ranks with his commitment to Penn State University. The forward announced his decision just before the calendar turned to 2016. The second year United States Hockey League forward revealed the commit through twitter saying,

"Proud to announce my commitment to Penn State University. Thanks to all the family and friends that have helped along the way #WeAre"

"We have been talking for a little while. They came out Saturday night and offered," said Gober who was elated on the commitment. "I got on the phone with my parents to tell them and decided it was the best place for me and where I wanted to be."

Gober, 20, is on a five game point-streak for the Thunder and leads the team with 16 points (8g, 8a) in 27 games. The Colleyville, TX native was originally a "walk-on" with the Thunder after being undrafted in the USHL. During the inaugural Thunder season, Gober posted 21 points (9g, 12a) over 54 games.

"It is unbelievable to finally get this done and with such a good school. Coming into the league undrafted, playing last year, and getting an 'A' this year it's been an amazing journey," said Gober who is now focused on getting even better before college. "Now that it is done I can continue to work hard so when I get to Penn State next year I can hopefully play right away."

His USHL debut came with the Thunder on Sept. 27, 2014 and he scored his first point, an assist, one game later. He has turned in multi-point games on three separate occasions including a two-goal night on Jan. 25, 2015 against Team USA. In addition, during the offseason, Gober was invited to the Dallas Stars Prospect camp where he trained with the NHL club's draft picks and young prospects.

After a season in Canada's British Colombia Hockey League (BCHL) with the Chilliwack Chiefs, the 5-foor-9 forward came back across the border with 33 points (12g, 21a) in 55 games. Prior to the BCHL, Gober was with the Dallas Stars Elite in the T1EHL for three seasons. During his U-18 season in 2012-13, he would get the call up to connect with the Thunder's current head coach, Dennis Williams, for two games with the Amarillo Bulls in the North American Hockey League (NAHL).

"I wouldn't have been able to do this without the coaching staff. They help me out a ton and I'm in their office every week. They have been a huge help for me," said the assistant captain.

The Thunder's leading scorer will join the Nittany Lions following the conclusion of his final USHL season. In 2016-17, Gober will be reunited with former teammates Vince Pedrie (Penn State University) and Matt Mendelson (Penn State University) who have each seen time with Penn State in their NCAA rookie campaigns.

"It's cool to be going there and reconnect with Pedrie and Mendelson from last year. (Penn State) has a great program and it is growing so we will have a very good team there."

NEXT HOME GAME: Saturday, January 2nd - 7 p.m. - With the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, where better to celebrate than with the Thunder for their second annual Star Wars night. There will be buy one get one free hot dogs from 6-7 p.m. and kids 12 and under get a free hot dog at the game. There are plenty of activities including the "Blast-A-Trooper" game on the concourse. Following the game there will be a post-game skate with the team.

Holiday Hat Trick: Call the Thunder for their holiday hat trick package. For just $55 you get four tickets to an upcoming game, a Thunder team hat, and a Thunder mini stick! That's a value of over $90. Visit the Thunder office or call (309) 434-2980 for this amazing limited time offer.




Images from this story

Bloomington Thunder Forward Blake Gober
Bloomington Thunder Forward Blake Gober

  

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