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Slaker Earns Commitment to St. Lawrence

July 2, 2015 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Bloomington Thunder News Release


Bloomington, IL - The Bloomington Thunder are proud to announce Jake Slaker (St. Lawrence University) has become the 26th player in the organization's short history to earn a college commitment. Slaker announced Thursday on Twitter that he will join the St. Lawrence Saints following his time in the United States Hockey League.

Via Twitter, "Proud to announce my commitment to play D1 college hockey at St. Lawrence University. Thanks to everyone that helped along the way #ECAC"

Slaker, 19, played his first full season in the USHL with the Thunder in 2014-15 and was one of the hottest players on the club. The San Diego, CA native ranked third on the team in goals with 13, and first among Thunder rookies in points with 25. His success was noted by the organization when Slaker was awarded the Most Improved Player award at the season finale.

"It's pretty exciting for me and my family and it's nice for me to be out here in California to share the experience with them," said Slaker, who has spent considerable time in the Chicago area over the last few seasons. "It just feels like a monkey off your back, but it doesn't mean the work stops. Now it becomes something to look forward to in the next two years or so."

Prior to joining Bloomington, Slaker was drafted into the USHL by the Fargo Force in 2013 and played two games with the club. Slaker was acquired prior to the season and played in 57 games for Bloomington. He would have been the Thunder's "iron man" to play in all 60 games, but missed the final three contests due to a late season injury.

Along with the rest of the Thunder, Slaker skated at camp in West Dundee, IL this summer and seemed to be in full stride both physically and mentally. "The most important thing to me right now is getting back to work in Bloomington and winning a championship now that I've made the commitment."

He, along with the rest of the team, will report back to Bloomington for training camp in August. From there the final roster will be determined before the season kicks off in late September.

"Overall, I'm excited to get back with my teammates to get that chemistry back again. It's kind of like starting a family," Slaker continued. "We'll get some more members under our belt at camp, then hopefully make the playoffs this year, and give a good run at the Clark Cup."

Slaker is the second player for Bloomington with a St. Lawrence commitment. Bailey Conger (St. Lawrence University), who played in two games for Bloomington in 2014-15, will also be a Saint in the NCAA.

In addition, Thunder draft pick Will Harrison (St. Lawrence University) also announced his commitment to the Saints just one week ago. Harrison was the Thunder's third round selection in Phase II of the USHL Draft. Suiting up for the Thunders sister organization last year, the Amarillo Bulls in the North American Hockey League, the Springfield, VA native scored 43 points (20g, 23a) in 49 games.

Record NHL Draft: A record 37 USHL players were selected in the 2015 NHL draft. 29 of those selected played against Bloomington at the U.S. Cellular Coliseum in 2014-15 over 25 of the Thunder's 30 games at home. Ten others drafted were USHL alumni. Of the 32 first-round picks, the USHL saw four selected in the top ten and eight overall.

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 July 2, 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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