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Mendelson Earns USHL Curt Hammer Award

June 12, 2015 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Bloomington Thunder News Release


Chicago, IL - The United States Hockey League announced today that Matt Mendelson (Penn State University) of the Bloomington Thunder has been named the 2014-15 recipient of the USHL Curt Hammer Award.

The Curt Hammer Award has been presented annually since the 1988-89 season and recognizes the USHL player who distinguishes himself both on and off the ice by demonstrating outstanding performance skills, leadership, pride, and determination. The award is given in memory of the late Curt Hammer, who served as President of the Des Moines Buccaneers for three seasons (1984-87) and also held the role of Secretary for the USHL.

"It means a lot to me. There are so many good players in the league every year, and at the same time, there are also so many great people in the league. Every day guys are going out of their way to help out in their communities and I try to do that as much as possible," said Mendelson, who will begin his collegiate career in the fall with the Penn State Nittany Lions.

"It's a true honor to be associated with Curt Hammer and the previous winners on that list. There are tons of high quality players and individuals who have won the award and I am extremely honored just to be a part of the conversation."

Mendelson was acquired by the Bloomington Thunder prior to 2014-15 season, and the USHL veteran was a key piece for the team, finishing second in scoring with 37 points (14g, 23a) over 51 games. Serving as one of the team's alternate captains, he helped lead the Thunder to a winning record (29-24-7) during their inaugural season. He was an alternate captain the previous season with the Muskegon Lumberjacks and his leadership was vital for the Thunder and its young core of players.

"On the ice, I took a lot of pride in the leadership role and it was a great year for me to do it, being one of the older guys on the team," said the Thunder's Offensive Player of the Year. "I just went out and tried to lead by example.

"I learned a great deal being a captain for Coach Williams, Coach Mahood, and Coach Jewell because they are the hardest on the guys with the letters. They expect a lot out of you, physically and mentally, and it definitely helped me grow as a person this year."

His contributions off the ice had a lasting impact and he helped the Thunder establish an identity in the Bloomington community which was experiencing USHL hockey for the first time. Early in the season, Mendelson met a young man named Seth Bauersfeld who has Down syndrome and two quickly developed a friendship. Matt, who has volunteered for many years with the Special Olympics, spent several hours per week with Seth and regularly attended his tutoring sessions, which were conducted by Mendelson's billet mother, the head of the special education department at nearby Illinois State University.

"I was really lucky to meet Seth. He ended up being one of my best buddies this year. He's one of those people who has the ability to put a smile on your face every time you see him, no matter how you're feeling."

Mendelson continued saying, "Whether we were headed out to get frozen yogurt, watch a game, or whatever it was that we were doing, it was wonderful to get away from the daily routine a little and bond with him. It is a relationship that I will absolutely keep for the rest of my life."

Even though the 5-foot-10 forward will be a few states away from Bloomington, IL, Mendelson is extremely hopeful that he and Bauersfeld will be reunited during his four years at the Big 10 University. The three-year USHL vet is especially hopeful that Bauersfeld can come see him suit up for the Nittany Lions.

Mendelson participated in numerous community events, most of which were focused on the youth in the Bloomington region. He was part of the team's visit to Irving Elementary on the opening day of the school in August, speaking to students about the importance of education. He represented the team in the local Labor Day parade, took part in the team's ribbon cutting ceremony with the Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, and was actively involved in the Thunder season ticket holder welcome party in the fall.

The native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania continued his community involvement throughout the season with multiple appearances and school visits. He made a visit to Hammitt Elementary, a school for children with behavior or emotional disabilities and autism spectrum disorders, and spent time talking and playing hockey with the students.

"Being an expansion team, the organization was getting their feet wet with community service events at the beginning of the year. It was a great opportunity for myself and a couple other older guys to go out to some elementary schools, developmentally disabled schools, and go to all sorts of different places around town to get the word out for the team.

"It was a chance to go out and put a smile on some children's faces, teach them a little about hockey, read or just help out in any way that we could," said Mendelson who was also active in multiple events for the Thunder Kids' Club and assisted with practices for the local squirt hockey teams. He also helped sell raffle tickets to help raise money for the local Children's Discovery Museum.

Mendelson was undrafted in the USHL, but the product of the Pittsburgh Hornets and Pittsburgh Penguins Elite youth programs earned an opportunity with the Muskegon Lumberjacks part way through the 2012-13 season. He was then one of the leading scorers for the team during the 2013-14 season.

Curt Hammer, a dedicated volunteer and supporter of hockey in the Des Moines community until succumbing to cancer in 1987, was one of the founders Hart-Hammer, Inc., a commercial heating and air conditioning ventilation equipment sales firm. The company still operates today providing extensive sales and engineering support in Iowa, Nebraska, and western Illinois. The annual USHL award was established to honor his commitment to the League and the perseverance he displayed in continuing his work through hockey while battling the illness.

Eight other USHL players were finalists for the Curt Hammer Award;

Andrew Gaus (F), Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, Brendon Kearney (F), Chicago Steel, Andrew Kerr (F), Dubuque Fighting Saints, Michael Babcock (F), Fargo Force, Christian Wolanin (D), Muskegon Lumberjacks, Logan O'Connor (F), Sioux Falls Stampede, Alec McCrea (D), Waterloo Black Hawks, Josh Nenadal (F), Youngstown Phantoms

Season Tickets: 2015-16 will be here before you know it and for just $50 we can reserve your season tickets for the Bloomington Thunder at the U.S. Cellular Coliseum. Plans start at just $240 and youth season tickets are $150 for all the same benefits. Reserve your tickets for a chance to win Blackhawks tickets during the 2015-16 season.

Head to BloomingtonThunder.com for a full list of benefits and pricing options along with our new seating map. Call the Thunder office at (309) 434-2980 for information and booking.



United States Hockey League Stories from June 12, 2015


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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