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Dzhioshvili Added to NHL Top Prospects Game

January 6, 2016 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Bloomington Thunder News Release


Vladislav Dzhioshvili of the Bloomington Thunder
Vladislav Dzhioshvili of the Bloomington Thunder
(Bloomington Thunder)

BLOOMINGTON, Illinois - For the first time, the Bloomington Thunder will have a representative of their team at the USHL/NHL Top Prospects game, which features the up and coming draft eligible players of the United States Hockey League. Announced Wednesday morning by the USHL and NHL Central Scouting Service, Vladislav Dzhioshvili (Cornell University) will suit up on Team West in Omaha, NE this Tuesday, January 12 at 7:05 p.m. in front of the top NHL scouts. The Cornell commit is eligible for the 2016 NHL Draft and is among the top 20 rookie scorers in the league.

"When (Coach Williams) told me I was going, I felt really honored to be considered and picked," commented the Thunder forward Dzhioshvili who is currently in his rookie USHL season. "I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the team helping me to become a better player."

Dzhioshvili celebrates his 18th birthday on Wednesday and will wear #51 for the West Prospects. He subs in for William Fallstrom (University of Minnesota) of the Omaha Lancers who is currently unable to play in the game due to injury.

After being selected in the first round of the KHL draft by HK Sochi this offseason, the Moscow, RUS native has made his rookie USHL season count. He has 10 points (3g, 7a) over 21 games played and is the top scoring rookie with the Thunder this season. Two goals have won the game for the Thunder off his stick, including the winning goal in his first game of the season against the Green Bay Gamblers on Sept. 26.

"This season I have been watching other guys a lot to see what they do better," said Vlad. The forward made his USHL debut at the end of the 2014-15 season, playing nine games, but has come into Bloomington for his first full season with the Thunder. Prior to his time with Bloomington the 2014 Phase I pick by the Thunder was playing in the country for over three years. With the Wilkes Barre/Scranton Knights, Vlad helped win the U16 team league championship. Overall in his three seasons of play, he posted 139 points over 72 games in the Knights organization.

"Once I got a couple games into the season, I felt more confident playing against the older players. I have learned a lot from practice and the team has helped me focus on playing my game."

Adding international play to his resume in 2013-14, the 6-foot forward played in the Four Nations Cup Tournament. Dzhioshvili accrued four games and one goal scored playing with the U17 Russian National Team.

He will join Sam Sternschein (Cornell University) of the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders as the two Cornell University commits to compete in the game.

NEXT HOME GAME: Friday, January 8th - 7 p.m. - The Thunder host the Muskegon Lumberjacks for the second time this season at the U.S. Cellular Coliseum. The game is presented by Carpets Plus Color Tile and will feature $1 Budweiser drafts and Pepsi products from 6-7 p.m. Tickets start at $10 for groups and kids tickets are $5 when you call ahead. Call (309) 434-2980 for information or to purchase.

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

Vladislav Dzhioshvili of the Bloomington Thunder
Vladislav Dzhioshvili of the Bloomington Thunder
   



United States Hockey League Stories from January 6, 2016


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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