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USHL Dubuque Fighting Saints

Saints Sign Forward Baron Thompson to Tender

April 4, 2015 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Dubuque Fighting Saints News Release


DUBUQUE, IA--The Dubuque Fighting Saints added a big piece to the organization's future on Saturday. The club announced that they have signed highly regarded 6-foot-5 forward Baron Thompson to a tender, and the 16-year-old will join the Fighting Saints for the 2015-2016 season. A product of the elite Omaha AAA program, Thompson is committed to play NCAA hockey at the University of Maine.

"We are really excited to add Baron to our roster for next year," said Mike Field, Assistant Coach and Director of Scouting for the Fighting Saints. "His combination of size and skill are extremely hard to find. He's a very coachable kid, and that strength will allow him to adjust to the USHL and help us win immediately."

Thompson, who is known as a prototypical power forward, is a native of Lakeville, MN. The 1999-born winger stands at 6-foot-5, 228 pounds and shoots right. With Omaha AAA U16 of the NAPHL, Thompson skated in 14 games, registering 5 goals and 4 assists for 9 points this season to go along with 22 penalty minutes. Thompson, who is also known by his nickname "Bubba", also appeared in five playoff games, registering a goal and an assist.

He also gained experience with the Omaha AAA squad in the HPHL, scoring 3 goals and adding an assist in just 6 games. He was a member of the USA Hockey Select 15 Festival last summer, scoring 4 goals in 5 games.

"When we scouted 'Bubba' this year, we saw a lot of similarities to what we liked with Willie Knierim last year that persuaded us to sign him to a tender," said Field. "We've obviously been extremely happy with the way Willie has contributed to our team, and are expecting a similar impact from Baron."

Under the guidelines of the tender, Thompson will be required to dress in a minimum of 55 percent of the Fighting Saints games next season. Additionally, by signing him to a tender, Thompson will take the place of Dubuque's top selection in the 2015 USHL Draft--Phase One.

"After visiting with Dubuque, I know this is the place that I want to play and that I want to be," said Thompson. "I feel the league is a great way to get me ready for the NCAA and professional hockey as I can work on my speed, and the ability to come in and skate with some older players will be a good fit. When I visited Dubuque, it was an awesome experience and the coaches were great. The rink is beautiful and I've watched a lot of highlight videos and the stands are full with fans. I'm excited."

Dubuque has utilized pre-draft tenders well over the last several seasons. Thompson will join defenseman Keegan Ford, tendered in 2012, and forward Willie Knierim, tendered in 2014, on Dubuque's roster next season. Additionally, Seamus Malone, Dubuque's leading scorer with 55 points this season, was signed to a tender by the club in 2012. He is in his third year with the Fighting Saints and will join the Wisconsin Badgers next season as he advances to the NCAA.

"Dubuque had a great interest in Baron and are excited about the way he plays and feel he can fit right in," said Steve Thompson, Baron's father. "We visited Dubuque, and I got to meet the coaches and watch practice, and Baron was able to take the ice and hit it off with the team. The organization in Dubuque is excited about winning and developing players and when you have a team that is excited as Dubuque was about Baron, I think it was an easy decision for him to sign a tender with the Fighting Saints."

Thompson's future team has three games remaining the USHL's regular season and the club visits Green Bay on Tuesday night. The Fighting Saints final home game of the regular season is next Friday, April 10. It's Fan Appreciation Night presented by American Trust as the Tri-City Storm visit Dubuque for a 7:35 p.m. puck drop. Tickets are available by calling 563.583.6880 or by visiting DubuqueFightingSaints.com.

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