Chaffee Announced to Complete Trade

Published on May 18, 2015 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Bloomington Thunder News Release


Bloomington, IL - Two weeks after the United States Hockey League Draft concluded and just days following the Clark Cup Playoffs, the Thunder have added a new prospect to their ranks. Forward Mitchell Chaffee was acquired from the Muskegon Lumberjacks as part of a midseason trade between the clubs. Chaffee will report to the Thunder for main camp along with the rest of the Thunder's prospects.

The move of Chaffee, 17, completes a midseason trade with the Lumberjacks, which sent former captain Ryan Siroky (Miami University) to Michigan. The Thunder also added Steven Merl and a 2015 draft pick during the trade.

Head Coach and General Manager Dennis Williams is eager to see Chaffee on the ice at the Thunder's camp in June with the rest of the squad. "I am very excited to have Mitchell join the Bloomington Thunder. To get a player of his caliber provides us with a high impact player. He is a big strong power forward who brings a physical presence along with goal scoring ability."

The Rockford, MI native suited up with the High Performance Hockey League's Honeybaked U16 team for the majority of 2014-15. In 26 games, Chaffee tallied 28 points (10g, 18a) and was fourth in the HPHL in points. The team was 21-5-0 and made the USA Hockey National Championship game. The 5-foot-9 forward also played 2 games with the U18's, scoring a goal in a 6-2 win over Compuware.

"Mitchell is coming from a great (Honeybaked) program and we look forward to adding his winning experience to our organization," commented Coach Williams. "He has a bright future with Bloomington."

Earlier this season, Chaffee had a career high five assists during a 10-2 win over Team Illinois. It was also the season high for points in a game by any player for Honeybaked U16. Prior to his time in the HPHL, Chaffee was a member of the Michigan Nationals U18 where he ranked second on the team in points with 41 (25g, 16a).

In addition, the Thunder officially welcome Mike Mankowski as a Mid-American Scout for the team. Mankowski is currently the hockey director for the Sylvania North Stars Hockey Club, but spent five years as an Assistant Coach/Recruiting Coordinator at the NCAA Division I level with Bowling Green State University and Canisius College. He joined the Thunder scouting staff during the 2014-15 season and will continue to help the team expand their reach for the top prospects.

Season Tickets: 2015-16 will be here before you know it and for just $50 we can reserve your season tickets for the Bloomington Thunder at the U.S. Cellular Coliseum. If you reserve before June 1st, you'll be entered to win an all-expenses paid flight to Las Vegas! Plans start at just $240 and youth season tickets are $150 for all the same benefits. Head to BloomingtonThunder.com for a full list of benefits and pricing options along with our new seating map. Call the Thunder office at (309) 434-2980 for information and booking.

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United States Hockey League Stories from May 18, 2015


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