PrairieThunder opens camp
October 5, 2009 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Bloomington PrairieThunder News Release
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. - Embarking on its fourth season as a professional hockey franchise, the Bloomington PrairieThunder began training camp Monday at the Pepsi Ice Center with the charge of moving the organization forward by second-year coach Jarrod Skalde.
"I believe the organization made strides in moving forward last year, but it wasn't enough," said Skalde, who guided the team to a 29-42-5 record. "I learned a lot as a first year coach, but we didn't meet the expectations I had for the team and myself.
"We had a good stretch in the middle of the year, but we were too inconsistent overall early in the year. Then injuries really hit us hard at the end. Those are not excuses, but playoff teams find ways to overcome those types of obstacles in a 76-game season.
"We really worked hard in the off-season to acquire the types of players we feel will fit our systems and philosophies. We were able to hire Phil Hollinger as the lead scout and he was able to bring players into the organization. His contacts throughout Canada and hockey, in general, have been a boost."
Skalde said it's no secret the PrairieThunder, which finished a franchise-best fifth in the International Hockey League standings, needs to finish in the top four to qualify for the post-season playoffs and make a run at the Turner Cup.
"That's the ultimate goal," said Skalde, who has 11 players from last year's team in training camp vying for a spot on this year's roster. "There are no guarantees, but this is the corps group of players we wanted back with us."
Leading the group of returnees is center Jon Booras, who has been Mr. Everything to the organization. He embarks on his fourth season with the team and holds team records for games played, goals scored, assists, and points scored.
Booras, who was named team captain at the mid-point of last year, was selected to the IHL six-man all-league team and finished second in the league in scoring with 100 points (40 goals, 60 assists). Not surprising, he was the most valuable player on the PrairieThunder last season.
Forward Brett Holmberg, who has played alongside Booras for three seasons, also returns. Holmberg was the team's second leading scorer with 56 points (24 goals, 32 assists) despite missing the final six games with a separated shoulder.
Those two are expected to be supported by returnees Jan Jas, Bill Bagron, Jason Lepine, Matt Frick, Brent Clarke, Adam Tomkow, Nick Goyens, Russ Smith and goalie Ryan Ludzik.
Bagron was voted as the team's top rookie last year after scoring 27 points in 42 games from his center position, while Frick was voted as the team's top defenseman a year ago.
Jas scored 43 points (17 goals and 26 assists) in 46 games from his right wing spot after coming to the team in a trade, while Lepine showed flashes of brilliance in the final 16 games after returning from a torn ACL
Ludzik, who had a string of 11 games without a loss, finished with a 10-10-2 record and a .891 save percentage with a 3.81 goals against average in his first professional season. Ludzik was voted to the league's all-rookie team.
Players signed in the off-season, who are expected to elevate the team's outlook are center Ryan Finnerty, left wing Robin Gomez, forward Craig Macdonald, along with defensemen Justin Sawyer, Brian Boulay and goaltender Paulo Colaiacovo.
Finnerty and Gomez join Frick and Jas as the only veterans on the team. Veterans are players who have played in over 300 pro games. Tomkow, Goyens and Ludzik will still be listed as rookies this season because they have played in less than 60 pro games. Each team can carry a maximum of eight veterans on the roster and must have four rookies in their lineup each game.
In all, there are 37 players vying for 20 spots on the opening game roster. The PrairieThunder begins its season Oct. 17 at Muskegon at 6 p.m. before traveling to Dayton the next day for a 4 p.m. contest. Bloomington is at two-time defending IHL champion Fort Wayne on Oct. 23.
The PrairieThunder's home opener is Oct. 24 at 7:05 p.m. at U.S. Cellular Coliseum against the Dayton Gems. Dayton is one of two new franchises in the league this season along with Quad Cities.
"If the first day is any indication than it should be an interesting week of training camp because we have so many quality players battling for positions," said Skalde. "It will be a far more competitive camp than last year and guys who made the team last year are going to see that. Anyone who makes the team this year will have definitely made it based on a strong work ethic and how well they fit into the scheme of things."
Skalde doesn't have much time to make his decisions. Final rosters have to be turned into the league office Oct. 15. Skalde plans to make the majority of his roster cuts following Sunday's 2 p.m. exhibition game against Quad Cities in Davenport, Iowa.
The PrairieThunder opens its exhibition season Saturday with a 7 p.m. contest against Quad Cities at the Decatur Civic Center. Admission for the game is $10 for adults, which includes a voucher for a free youth (12 and under) ticket, and $5 for additional youth.
Bloomington will practice twice daily through Friday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. The morning practices are geared toward individual work and putting systems in place, while the afternoon practices will involve more scrimmages. All practices are open to the public.
Tickets for all 38 PrairieThunder home games are on sale at the U.S. Coliseum box office or on online at www.ticketmaster.com. The PrairieThunder offers discounts on group tickets sold at the PrairieThunder office at 318 W. Washington St., or by calling Josh Bartolazzi at 309-585-0507, ext. 304. Season tickets also continue to be on sale. For more information visit the PrairieThunder office or visit the team's website at www.prairiethunderhockey.com.
• Discuss this story on the International Hockey League 2 message board...
International Hockey League 2 Stories from October 5, 2009
- PrairieThunder opens camp - Bloomington PrairieThunder
- Mallards Sign Defenseman Lomanno - Quad City Mallards
- Meet the PrairieThunder Night' set - Bloomington PrairieThunder
- Komets Open Camp on 58th Season - Fort Wayne Komets
- Generals Add 12 To Training Camp - Flint Generals
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.
