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Record Crowd Comes Support Thunder at Opener

September 25, 2015 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Bloomington Thunder News Release


BLOOMINGTON, Illinois - Despite the result, theThunder were cheered on by the tune of a record 3,700 fans at the U.S. CellularColiseum at their home opener, resulting in a 4-2 defeat from the WaterlooBlack Hawks. The Thunder's were able to answer the Black Hawks on two occasionsbut ultimately couldn't come back from a strong start in the game. Bloomingtonopens the year 0-1-0 while the Black Hawks go 1-0-0 to open the 2015-16campaign.

The BlackHawks picked up the first goal of the game on a loose puck in front of theThunder crease. Shane Bowers foundthe rebound and put it to the net at 19:05. Despite the late deficit, theThunder put up nine shots on net and LoganHalladay (University of Minnesota) stopped seven in the frame in route to a23 save night.

Two morecame from the Black Hawks after the intermission when Sam Rossini (University of Minnesota) and Nick Swaney (University of Minnesota-Duluth) turned shots intogoals at 3:08 and 9:41.

Cale Morris (University of Notre Dame) was tough to beat inthe first stopping nine, but the Thunder were able to take one in the second. Alec Mehr made it 3-1 on a back doorpass from Jeremy Davies (NortheasternUniversity). Mehr tapped in the back door slam at 10:46 of the second asthe Thunder took the momentum.

TheThunder went to the penalty kill to end the period despite Jake Slaker (St. Lawrence University) being brought down from atrip at center ice on a knee to knee hit.

In thethird, the Hawks found a break in the Thunder defense and gave the puck over toDavid Cotton (Boston College, CarolinaHurricanes) for a tap in on the back door. The game was 4-1 but the Thundercame back and responded again. Bloomington's Van Barr (Western Michigan University) channeled his inner 2014,grabbing a goal again, in his first game of the year with the Thunder. The tipgave Davies his second assist on the night and brought the Thunder within two.

With thegoaltender on the bench, the Thunder gave it one more try, but could notcapitalize. Bloomington went 1-5 on the power play and held the Hawks off theboard on five power play chances also.

Bloomingtonheads to Green Bay to take on the Gamblers Saturday night to complete theopening weekend. Puck drop is 7 p.m. as the Thunder look to rebound from theloss.



United States Hockey League Stories from September 25, 2015


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