PrairieThunder signs Booras for next season

April 7, 2009 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Bloomington PrairieThunder News Release


BLOOMINGTON, Ill. - Jon Booras, who holds nearly every career and single-season record in Bloomington PrairieThunder hockey history, has signed a contract to return to the team for the 2009-10 season, club officials announced Tuesday.

"This is a monumental signing and important step for the PrairieThunder organization to get Jon Booras already signed for next season," said PrairieThunder head coach Jarrod Skalde. "Jon is a cornerstone of the foundation we are building in the organization."

The 5-foot-10, 180-pound Booras currently ranks second in the International Hockey League in scoring with 99 points and goals scored with 40. He is third in assists with 59; second in power play goals with 15; and second in shots on goal with 296.

Booras, who is in his third season with the PrairieThunder and has played in 220 of the franchise's 228 games, holds club career records for goals scored (85), assists (111) and points (196). He also holds the single-season records for goals scored, assists and points.

"Not only do I feel like Jon is the most valuable player on our team, but I believe he is the MVP of the league for the way he has played on all areas of the ice this season," said Skalde.

"He is the franchise leader in almost every statistical category and he made huge strides in his career this season. When the game was on the line and we needed something good to happen Jon always seemed to take charge.

"Jon has been a consistent performer all season, not only in games, but in practice as well. That's a huge measuring stick for me about a player's commitment to the game and his teammates."

The Billings, Mont., native has scored at least one point in 56 of the 72 games he has played this season. He has scored two or more points 30 times and been named the IHL Player of the Week four times and the Player of the Month for January.

Twenty-four times, Booras has received a "Star of the Game" designation. He has received the "one star" nine times; the "two star" 13 times; and the "three star" two times.

"Jarrod was a big part of my decision to return next season," said the 26-year-old Booras. "He has made me a better player this year. When he announced he was coming back as coach next season, my mind was pretty well made up.

"He has played in a lot of places and has a number of contacts in the NHL and hockey in general. He knows a lot about the game and just being around him every day, picking his brain, has made me a better player. He's had a lot to do with my success this year and taught me how to be a better leader."

Booras said his current plans are to make his home in Bloomington-Normal during the off-season.

"My wife (Jacqui) and I have been here for three seasons and we love Bloomington and the people here," he added. "We have been treated really well and have a lot of respect for everyone here and in the organization.

"I like the direction the organization is going. Everyone is working very hard to get a championship team here and I want to be a part of it."

Per team policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.



International Hockey League 2 Stories from April 7, 2009


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