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Halladay's Reflection After Year of Experience

April 9, 2015 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Bloomington Thunder News Release


Bloomington, IL - The largely anticipated season for the Bloomington Thunder opened almost one year ago when the team announced their expansion into the United States Hockey League. Shortly after, the team announced their first tenders for the franchise including the April 24th, signing of goaltender Logan Halladay (University of Minnesota). With the season coming to a close, both Halladay and the Thunder can reflect on their inaugural season with both their heads held high, but some unfinished business into their second season.

"We underachieved our goals of making playoffs and further, but looking at this season as our first year (in the league) we are proud of what we have been able to do," said the Thunder netminder prior to the team's final two games in the 2014-15 season. "We are going to finish the year strong here and get ready for next year to come back and really be a powerhouse team."

As a young player in Cary, North Carolina, Halladay was introduced to the game from his family. His parents, Julie and John, and his older brother Kyle made the biggest impact from a young age. His mother was a casual figure skater and when his brother began to skate and play, Halladay followed.

"He's two years older than me so he taught me and I started skating when I was four. He needed someone to shoot on so I kind of got thrown in the net," said Halladay with a smirk.

The 6-foot-1 goaltender was born at just the right time for hockey to become part of his life. One year after he was born, the Hartford Whalers moved their franchise to Raleigh, NC to become the Hurricanes. According to Halladay, the hockey life has been brought to life since the Hurricanes appearance and especially since their Stanley Cup winning season in 2006.

"Being able to have a National Hockey League team, and also the Charlotte Checkers in the American Hockey League about two hours away is huge for youth hockey players to look up to and be around. To see how they play, how they train, is awesome to get that exposure and gives players an idea of something to strive for."

Halladay was given a full taste of the Hurricanes this past off-season as well, joining his childhood team for their prospects camp over the summer. A place he hopes he can be this upcoming off-season as well.

"Last summer was an awesome experience, being able to be around the organization and see how everything was run was unbelievable. I'm not sure if I will be able to go back, but I'm hoping for the best."

Halladay has another attribute that is not seen by the fans or on the sleeve of his jersey. He is a devout Christian. One aspect of hockey that fans and players don't often see but for some, including the Thunder goalie, plays a huge role in their lives. Halladay is both serious about his faith and says, "It's something that defines me as a person.

"I always have to remind myself that hockey is not who I am, it's what I do," he continued. "I've been extremely blessed that God has given me this opportunity to take ground for his kingdom in the area of hockey. It's definitely something a little different especially in the sporting world, but it's who I am and I'm proud of it."

After playing two games with the Waterloo Black Hawks in 2012-13, Halladay got a full taste of junior hockey with the Janesville Jets of the North American Hockey League before making the full USHL jump to Bloomington. As most players have said, the jump to the USHL is one that takes time to adjust to, but that first year prepared him for his time in Central Illinois.

"It really turns you into a man and a professional," said the goaltender. "You live away from home and need to manage schoolwork, workouts, meals, and time. The coaching staff and the Jets organization gave their players the opportunity to succeed. For that I am extremely grateful of them and the NAHL."

Thunder Head Coach and General Manager Dennis Williams has guided both Halladay and the team to a 27-24-7 record in their first USHL year. The team is tied for fifth place in the Eastern Conference with the Chicago Steel but are not done yet. Halladay has been a big part of this lately, settling in with a 5-2-0 record, a .911 SVPT, and a 2.55 GAA.

With the developmental nature of the USHL, both Halladay and the Thunder have benefited from one season in the league and are excited for the outlook of 2015-16.

"Overall it was a big learning experience for everybody as a group, staff included. The team made great strides and I know I grew a lot, not only at the rink but outside the rink as well.

"This year, I learned management skills both on and off the ice. Managing not only physical state but mental as well," continued Halladay. "After being in the league for one year, you know what to expect coming back and can be ready to make an impact from day one."

Halladay was positioned Wednesday by the National Hockey League Central Scouting Service's final rankings for the 2015 NHL draft along with 45 other USHL players and alumni. However his path will first take him to the University of Minnesota. After earning a scholarship in Janesville, he signed his letter of intent to play with the Golden Gophers in Bloomington earlier this year.

"It's unbelievable to have the opportunity to go (to Minnesota). I'm obviously not there yet, but I am looking forward to spending my four years there and developing as a player. It's a very exciting time for me and my family to have that scholarship and to be on that path."

With one of the most storied histories and programs of any college hockey school, Halladay is just excited to join the program and see where it leads.

"Hopefully it will lead to more things down the road even after college, but right now I am continually focused on Bloomington, finishing the year strong, working hard in the summer, and into next season with the Thunder."

Next Home Game: It's the final game of the 2014-15 season for the Bloomington Thunder and it's Fan Appreciation Night. Tons of prizes will be handed out to fans at the game and every fan will walk away from the game as a winner. Team awards will be presented to the players and fans can bid on the team's jerseys in a post-game auction. Come support the Thunder celebrate their inaugural year in the United States Hockey League. Tickets for the final game are $7 in the ends and $10 for any premium seats or get a group together and grab 6 tickets for $36 until 4:00 pm on game day. Call the Thunder office at (309) 434-2980.

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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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