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Barr Sent to Des Moines

December 8, 2015 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Bloomington Thunder News Release


Bloomington Thunder Forward Van Barr
Bloomington Thunder Forward Van Barr
(Bloomington Thunder)

BLOOMINGTON, Illinois - The first player ever tendered by the Bloomington Thunder during the 2014 expansion will be suiting up for a new team come week 12 in the United States Hockey League. Forward Van Barr (Western Michigan University) was traded Monday evening to the Des Moines Buccaneers of the Western Conference. As compensation, the Thunder received a Phase II, third-round pick in the upcoming 2016 USHL Draft.

Barr, 18, becomes the third trade of the regular season for the Thunder, and second with the Des Moines Buccaneers. Will Harrison (St. Lawrence University) was sent to the Bucs after three games with Bloomington. Since then the first year USHL forward has played in 15 games.

The Kansas City, MO native came to Bloomington prior to the inaugural season and was taken as the first tender in team history. With the Omaha AAA Hockey Club, Barr posted 47 points (28g, 19a) in 20 games during the 2013-14 season before making his USHL debut. The future Bronco of Western Michigan scored the most points of any rookie for the Thunder with 19 (13g, 6a) in 55 games played.

The 5-foot-10 forward proved to be a big part of the Thunder's special teams, netting seven of his 13 goals on the power play, putting him in the top 20 power play goal scorers in the league. He was also tied for third on the team with now captain Jake Slaker (St. Lawrence University) in goals scored behind Shane Bednard (Bowling Green State University) and Matt Mendelson (Penn State University).

This season Barr has played in 16 games for the Thunder, netting just two goals and four assists for the team. The forward will report to Des Moines who will play Saturday night at home against the Lincoln Stars. He and the Buccaneers will be in Bloomington just one month from now on January 15 and 18, during Military Appreciation weekend.

Bloomington has now been involved in five trades with the Buccaneers in their existence. Forward Tarek Baker (University of Minnesota) and alumni Jack Jenkins (University of Notre Dame), Ryan Siroky (Miami University), and Ryan Galt (University of Nebraska-Omaha) were all acquisitions from Des Moines. The draft pick given to the Thunder by the Buccaneers was one involved in the Baker trade from the 2014 preseason.

The Thunder hit the road to take on the Tri-City Storm on Friday and Saturday night in Kearney, NE. The games start at 7:30 p.m. Friday and 7:05 p.m. Saturday night. The trip will be the first in team history for the Thunder and will be the only meetings between the Storm and Thunder this season.

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.

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 Van Barr
Bloomington Thunder Forward Van Barr
   



United States Hockey League Stories from December 8, 2015


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