Foley Commits to Yale

September 23, 2015 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Bloomington Thunder News Release


BLOOMINGTON, Illinois - The Bloomington Thunder added defenseman Matt Foley (Yale University) to their roster for the 2015-16 season on Monday and has now begun his approach for the NCAA. The

"It was an incredible day. The first big news was knowing that I made the roster here in Bloomington. I came into the locker room just so excited about that, I wasn't thinking about anything else," said Foley who revealed his announcement to Head Coach Dennis Williams on Tuesday evening. "Bloomington is such a good team and the USHL is such a good league that I was flattered to be a part of it. Then to add this on was amazing."

In regard to the upcoming season and playing for the Thunder, Foley continued, "I know I'll have my work cut out for me and it doesn't stop here. I'm excited to get to work and I think we will have a very special year."

Foley, 20, made the Thunder roster after being selected in the 12th round of the USHL's Phase II draft this season. Prior to being with the Thunder, Foley played in the BCHL with the Merritt Centennials. As a native of Long Meadow, MA, Foley will be close to his hometown both in Bloomington and as he plays for the Ivy League school in 2016-17.

Foley played in four preseason games for Bloomington and assisted on one of two Mitchell Mattson (University of North Dakota) power play goals. He adds to a bolstered blue line of vets on the Thunder roster.

"I was in contact with Yale last summer and maintained communication through Green Bay and Madison. Last night they gave me a call and we were both ready to commit to each other," Foley mentioned about the commitment.

"It's a huge load off my back for the season. Honestly I'm just excited to be a part of Yale Hockey in the future and go to a prestigious school. To have that part of it out of the way, it allows me to put all my energy and focus into Bloomington Thunder hockey."

Bloomington now has 18 players on the roster with Division I college selections and Foley will play in the same conference as many of them. Six players for the Thunder will play in the ECAC for Brown University, Cornell University, Quinnipiac University, St. Lawrence University, and Union College.

"Yale was exactly what I was looking for in college as a student and a player. It's the complete package," Foley said about his future alma mater. "They have an outstanding academic tradition, but also hockey has been so strong for them as well. I didn't think there was anywhere out there that was a better fit for me than Yale."

The Bulldogs won the NCAA Tournament in 2013 and have made the NCAA Tournament on seven different occasions. Five of those appearances have come in the last 10 years. 13 players from the 2014-15 team were USHL alumni.

Foley and the Thunder open their season this Friday Sept. 25 at 7 p.m. against the Waterloo Black Hawks. Tickets are $10 when you bring a Hy-Vee voucher to the Thunder box office. All fans will receive a free limited edition Home Opener T-Shirt at the game. Get there early as draft beer and soft drinks are on sale for $1 from 6-7 p.m. Listen to WJBC 1230 for coverage from the Coliseum before the game.

SEPT. 25, 7 p.m. - Home Opener: Join the Thunder as they kick off their 2015-16 season against the Waterloo Black Hawks. Every fan in the building will take home a special edition Home Opener t-shirt from the game. Join the party early with festivities outside the Coliseum and on the concourse from 6-7 p.m. Beer and soda will also be on sale for $1 during that time. For tickets call the Thunder office at (309) 434-2980.

Season and Partial Ticket Plans: The 2015-16 season will be here before you know it and for just $50 we can reserve your season or partial tickets for the Bloomington Thunder at the U.S. Cellular Coliseum. Season Tickets start at just $240 and youth season tickets are $150 including all of the same benefits. You'll also have a chance to win a pair of Chicago Blackhawks regular season game tickets during the 2015-16 season.

Can't make it to every game? Check out 20 and 10-game ticket plans starting at only $100. Make it a voucher pack and get all the same benefits with more flexibility.

Reserve your tickets for the 2015-16 season by calling (309) 434-2980.



United States Hockey League Stories from September 23, 2015


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