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Mattson Grabs Game Winner as First USHL Goal

March 21, 2015 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Bloomington Thunder News Release


Bloomington Thunder
Bloomington Thunder
(Bloomington Thunder)

Bloomington, IL - Two goals in the opening period by the Bloomington Thunder was enough to hold off a late charge by Team USA in a 2-1 win from the U.S. Cellular Coliseum. In front of over 2,200 fans, the Thunder finished their second to last game from the Coliseum with their 24th win of the year. They now are tied with the Chicago Steel for 5th place in the Eastern Conference with seven games to play.

The first period was kicked off by and odd man rush goal by the Montreal Canadiens draft pick Nickolas Koberstein (University of Alaska-Fairbanks, Montreal Canadiens). Just over three minutes into the game the Barrhead, AB native grabbed a pass from Jake Slaker and ripped it past U-17's goaltender Michael Lackey (Harvard University).

The affiliates continue to produce points for the Thunder as Mitchell Mattson (University of North Dakota) potted his first USHL career goal on the power play. A scrum in front of the net put a rebound onto the stick of the Grand Rapids, MN native who scored his third point in his sixth USHL game. The goal was one of nine shots compared to the NTDP's three shots on Logan Halladay (University of Minnesota).

The second period moved quickly with the Thunder again winning the shot battle 12-4. Mattson, Pat Curry, and Jason Kalinowski (University of New Hampshire) came together for the best Thunder chance in the period, but did not connect with the back of the net on their 3-on-1 in front of Lackey.

The Thunder finished the game 1-3 on the power play and had not given Team USA a chance through two periods. However in the third, Joey Anderson (University of Minnesota-Duluth) would bring the U-17's within one. His power play goal gave them a 1-3 on the night and kicked off a solid third period for the top USA prospects. Their comeback encompassed a game high 13 shots in the third and ended the shutout bid for Halladay.

However, the Thunder managed to hang on in the period and took home their second straight win. The team will face Green Bay on Wednesday to begin a six-game road trip.

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. Come support the Thunder celebrate their inaugural year in the United States Hockey League. Book a group to finish the season or grab a 6-for-$36 deal and bring the whole family. Call the Thunder office at (309) 434-2980.




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United States Hockey League Stories from March 21, 2015


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