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Slaker Announces Commitment to Michigan

May 24, 2016 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Bloomington Thunder News Release


BLOOMINGTON, Illinois - The Bloomington Thunder captain is the second player in less than a week that revealed his commitment to a Division I program. Jake Slaker (University of Michigan) announced on Tuesday afternoon that he will play for the University of Michigan in the 2016-17 season. He will join goaltender Hayden Lavigne (University of Michigan) and forward Steven Merl (University of Michigan) in Ann Arbor this fall. Both Slaker and Butrus Ghafari (Michigan State University) made their announcement to the Michigan based programs this week making it five Thunder skaters to play in the state for the upcoming season.

Slaker sent his commitment out through Twitter saying, "Proud to announce my commitment to play college hockey at the University of Michigan. Thanks to everyone that has helped me along the way." - via @JakeSlaker14.

"The opportunity there is great for me to step in and try to make an impact right away. I think overall it is just going to be the perfect place," said Slaker on his announcement to the Big-10 program. "The history speaks for itself. It's a great program with a great coaching staff who played for Michigan so they know what it takes to get players to the next level."

The Thunder captain was named prior to the 2015-16 season after a great first season with the program. He topped all his numbers and came on toward the conclusion of the year as one of the top players in the USHL. Leading the USHL in scoring through the semifinal round, Slaker propelled his team with 12 points (5g, 7a) in ten games. During the regular season, he put up a career high 42 points (21g, 21a). He eventually finished the year as the Thunder's Top Defensive Forward.

Slaker, 20, is second on the Thunder's all-time scoring list with 67 points (34g, 33a) over his two seasons. As the second captain in team history, Slaker goes down as one of the top players to wear the Thunder jersey and helped paved the way during their expansion.

"I can't thank Coach (Dennis) Williams and the coaching staff enough in Bloomington. They turned my development into a full 200 foot game and I think it's really going to help me be competitive at the college level. They really pushed me to be a better player and gave me a lot of confidence and I'm excited for the next step," said Slaker.

Prior to joining Bloomington, Slaker was drafted into the USHL by the Fargo Force in 2013 and played two games with the club. In back to back seasons, the forward from San Diego, CA played 57 games and was among the top five scorers for the team.

Now moving to one of the top programs in the country, Slaker will hope to help the Wolverines improve on their trip to the Quarterfinal of the Division-I Hockey Championship. He won't be alone as two of his teammates will make the trip north to Michigan as well.

"Steve and I have been together for the past three years and now we get to add four more years to that," said Slaker with a chuckle. "It's the same with Hayden. We've been together for two years and I have great friendships with both of them. We're all really excited to get up there and hope to do big things for Michigan."

SEASON TICKETS: Tickets are now on sale for the 2016-17 season with the Thunder as they look for their second consecutive post season run. Bloomington's tickets begin at $240 and also offer youth prices as low as $150. Also, take a look at our mini packs for some flexible alternatives. The Thunder offer 15, 8, and 6 game packages. Buy your season tickets in full by July 1st to be entered in a Chicago Blackhawks Ticket contest. One lucky winner will win a pair of tickets to a 2016-17 regular season game at the United Center. For more information call (309) 434-2980 or visit BloomingtonThunder.com.

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