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Mirageas Reflects on Gold Overseas

August 18, 2015 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Bloomington Thunder News Release


AROSA, Switzerland - Primarily made up of American born hockey players, the United States Hockey League produces top players and prospects for Team USA at the annual Five Nations Tournament. This year, among the crowd was Thunder Phase I Draft Pick Ben Mirageas (Providence College) who helped Team USA win gold in the international tournament.

"To win gold is an amazing feeling. You don't realize that you are representing such a large group of people and such an amazing country until you are wearing it. It was just an unbelievable experience," said Mirageas.

USA won big in the final two games of the tournament, with a 12-0 victory over team Switzerland in the semifinals, and an 8-1 win over Germany in the championship. Overall, the U17's were 4-0-0 with one win coming in overtime against Slovakia.

"Going over there for the first time was really different," said Mirageas who got his first taste of international hockey. "The style that teams like Switzerland and Germany play are much different than we play. Also, the elevation level was a lot higher there, so it took some time to get adjusted to that."

Mirageas was one of 16 other USHL prospects like Madison Capitols Phase-I pick Mick Messner (University of Wisconsin) and Des Moines Buccaneers Phase-I pick Wyatt Bongiovanni. Also, among those rostered, were tenders like Brannon McManus (University of Minnesota) with Omaha and Joey Keane (Miami University) with Dubuque. As tenders this upcoming season, both McManus and Keane are required to suit up for over 50 percent of the games for their organizations.

"It gave me a gauge of where I stand against other players in my age. I played with them over the last week, but now I'm looking forward to playing against them over the next couple years," commented the defenseman from Newburyport, MA. He was selected first in the second round of Phase I, 30th overall by the Thunder.

"We're really excited about Ben and his progress. He made a hugs statement at our main camp being one of only two '99s to make our All Star Game which is exceptional," said Thunder Assistant Coach and Director of Scouting Dan Jewell. "Moving forward he just needs continued commitment and progression, taking a bigger role at Avon this season to become an impact guy for us."

Prior to his 2015 commitment to Providence, Mirageas was ranked as a top 20 uncommitted college prospect in a 2014 article by Over the Boards. Among those listed, he was the seventh ranked '99 birth year player and shared space with some of the top 2016 NHL Draft prospects.

Mirageas, 16, will return to Avon Old Farms to start the season, but the defenseman and Bloomington fans shouldn't rule out the possibility of him wearing blue and green in 2015-16. Similar to Mitchell Mattson (University of North Dakota) and Vladislav Dzhioshvili (Cornell University) who combined for 22 games played and 12 points (5g, 7a), Mirageas could find himself in Bloomington to finish out the season in Bloomington. "I'm excited to get to work this season and hope I can become a big impact for the Thunder next year."

Avon Old Farms has produced NHL talent such as Los Angeles Kings Goaltender Jonathan Quick (University of Massachusetts-Amherst), Vancouver Canucks Forward Christopher Higgins (Yale University), and Columbus Blue Jackets Defenseman Cam Atkinson (Boston College).

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 August 18, 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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