Chaffee Sets up with Minutemen

August 18, 2016 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Bloomington Thunder News Release


BLOOMINGTON, Illinois - With player arrivals around the corner, the Bloomington Thunder are in a full charge toward the 2016-17 season. The excitement for the year added a new high on Wednesday as Mitchell Chaffee (University of Massachusetts-Amherst) announced his commitment to the University of Massachusetts. UMass receives a prospect that will skate in his second United States Hockey League season with the Thunder when the team opens play on September 24 at the Coliseum in Bloomington. The Rockford, MI native made his announcement on twitter saying, "Proud to announce my commitment to play hockey at the University of Massachusetts! Thank you to everyone who has helped #Minutemen." - via @ChaffeeMitchell.

As the first commitment in program history to UMass, Chaffee saw it as an easy choice. "This past weekend I went and visited the campus. I loved the coaching staff and the opportunity that UMass can give to me. The program is exciting and I'm looking forward to being a part of it in the future."

Chaffee, 18, was a key component in his first season with the Thunder, suiting up for 54 games in the program's second USHL year. In that time the big, physical forward produced seven goals and six assists which included a pair of game winners.

Standing at 5-foot-11, the 200-pound forward is something to be reckoned with as he returns to the Thunder.

"I'm excited to be coming back to Bloomington for the season and my second year here," said Chaffee. "We know what to expect going into this year and it's really exciting to be there again.

"I'm looking to becoming more a more consistent player and help out the team in any way I can," he continued. "We are hoping to go even farther this year in the playoffs and we won't settle for anything less than that."

Chaffee was a product of trade in 2015 with the Muskegon Lumberjacks that exchanged Thunder alums Ryan Siroky (Miami University) and Steven Merl (University of Michigan). After his midget career in Michigan with both the HoneyBaked and Michigan Nationals programs, Chaffee came to the Thunder and made the roster out of training camp. In Michigan, he produced some of the top numbers in the country and became a highly coveted prospect.

"Coach (Dennis Williams) and the staff have really helped me a lot," said the Thunder forward reflecting on his career with the Thunder. "They are so easy to talk to and you can always sit down and work with them on anything. I wouldn't be in this position now without them. They have been a big supporter of me and I can't thank them enough."

Chaffee and the Thunder open their season on September 24th against Muskegon at 7:00 pm as the team begins their trek toward their second consecutive post season berth.

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 and have them available as voucher packs, taking away date restrictions. For more information call (309) 434-2980 or visit BloomingtonThunder.com.



United States Hockey League Stories from August 18, 2016


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