Mattson, Jette on NHL Draft Watch

January 19, 2016 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Bloomington Thunder News Release


NEW YORK, New York - In connection with the National Hockey League Central Scouting Service, both Mitchell Mattson (University of North Dakota) and Tyler Jette have been recognized on the 2016 midterm rankings. The two were placed on the National Hockey League's most recent list, previewing the top draft eligible players in the world. All 210 players have been ordered on the list based on their ranking.

Mattson, 18, is the highest rated prospect for the Thunder as the 49th best skater in North America. In comparison, the top rookie scorer in the USHL is Cameron Morrison (University of Notre Dame) who ranks 10 spots behind the Grand Rapids, MN native. He is also the sixth highest ranked player with USHL experience behind four members of Team USA. Mattson was selected by Bloomington in the 2014 United States Hockey League Phase I Draft with the eighth overall pick.

Since then, the North Dakota commit has played in 27 games for Bloomington including 14 with the Thunder this season. After beginning the year with Bloomington, the 6-foot-4, 186 pound forward returned home to Minnesota, where he has 33 points (14g, 19a) in just 18 games with the Thunderhawks. Earlier this season he skated with 33 other top American draft eligible players at the CCM All-American Prospects Game He is projected to be a third or fourth round pick in the draft.

Jette, 17, made his USHL debut this season with the Thunder as an affiliate. The defenseman played two games with the Thunder in two wins over Sioux Falls and Madison. Currently with Farmington High School in Minnesota, Jette has been ranked 168 on the list by the NHL CSS. In the 13 games with Tigers, the blue liner has posted 14 points (3g, 11a). The 6-foot-2 prospect has 59 points (20g, 40a) in his career. Jette was selected by the Thunder in the 2014 USHL Phase II draft.

Alumnus Ethan Spaxman (Merrimack College) is also ranked on the list, two spots behind Jette at 170. Spaxman, 19, played in 12 games with the Thunder in 2014-15, grabbing five assists. The Thunder then traded the Brantford, ON native to Waterloo in exchange for defenseman Jeremy Davies (Northeastern University). The 6-foot-3 defenseman has two goals in the NCAA through 20 games at Merrimack this season.

NEXT HOME GAME: Friday, January 22nd - 7 p.m. - The Youngstown Phantoms make their first trip to Bloomington to take on the Thunder for Pucks & Paws Night. The Friday night game starts at 7 p.m. with proceeds going to the Humane Society. Tickets with a voucher are $10 and $5 youth tickets. Thanks to the Humane Society, rescue dogs will be on the concourse ready for adoption. Drafts and soft drinks until puck drop are $1 at Coliseum concession stands. Call (309) 434-2980 for tickets or information on the game.



United States Hockey League Stories from January 19, 2016


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