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Slaker Honored as Thunder Captain

August 29, 2015 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Bloomington Thunder News Release


BLOOMINGTON, Illinois - To kick off the Bloomington Thunder's 2015-16 United States Hockey League season, second-year forward Jake Slaker (St. Lawrence University) has been chosen by the coaching staff as the second captain in team history. The news from Head Coach and General Manager Dennis Williams comes prior to preseason action for Bloomington, which begins with a home and home on Tuesday, Sept. 8 against the Muskegon Lumberjacks.

A native of San Diego, CA, Slaker will make his mark on the Thunder after emerging as the team's top scoring rookie in 2014-15. In his first full USHL season, Slaker tallied 25 points (13g, 12a) and ranked fourth on the team in scoring. The forward was on pace to play in all 60 games, but was forced to sit out of the final three contests due to injury. As recognition of his success, Williams awarded Slaker with the 2014 Most Improved Player honor at the season finale.

"Jake impressed us last year with his leadership and his commitment to Bloomington's philosophy and goals," said Coach Williams. "The biggest thing for Jake was not only the amount of respect he gets from our coaching staff, but his peers as well. He is a guy that's very well respected by everyone in our organization."

Slaker, 19, played in two games for the Fargo Force in 2013-14 before the Thunder's expansion. The team acquired him before the 2014 USHL draft to become a corner piece of the organization. Fulfilling that acquisition and opportunity, Jake is back in Bloomington for his second year and said, "I feel really honored about being named captain. Now I'm focused and looking forward to the year more and more, especially with the team back on the ice together again."

Jake announced in early July that he had accepted an offer from St. Lawrence University and would become a Saint following his USHL career. Even before the commitment and captainship announcements, Slaker was ready to come back to Bloomington and continue his work.

Coach Williams and the rest of the staff are looking forward to building a relationship on a different level saying, "We will rely on Jake's feedback alot throught the year to ensure we get the most out of our team.

When you look at a captain and the face of a franchise, Jake is that. He is exactly what we look for in a Bloomington hockey player and does above and beyond that. He comes to the rink every day ready to get better, competing and working hard."

Williams continued, "He's a grade 'A' person, a great hockey player, and one that I know will get instant respect from his teammates and other peers outside our organization."

Slaker follows in the footsteps of former captain Ryan Siroky (Miami University) and assistant captains Ryan Galt (University of Nebraska-Omaha), Matt Mendelson (Penn State University), and Vince Pedrie (Penn State University).

"I looked up to all of those guys last season and I think they really helped me out with taking on a leadership role," said Slaker. "This season I want try to lead by example and be the hardest working guy out there. Then make sure other guys follow and produce the same way. If we do that, I think we will have a successful year."

Bloomington kicks off their season on Friday, Sept. 25 at 7 p.m. at home against the Waterloo Black Hawks. Check out Slaker and the rest of the Thunder at the U.S. Cellular Coliseum before the opener on Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 7 p.m. against the Lumberjacks. For more information call the Thunder office at (309) 434-2980.

SEPT. 25, 7 p.m.- Home Opener: Join the Thunder as they kick off their 2015-16 season against the Waterloo Black Hawks. Every fan in the building will take home a special edition Home Opener t-shirt from the game. Join the party early with festivities outside the Coliseum and on the concourse from 6-7 p.m. Beer and soda will also be on sale for $1 during that time. For tickets call the Thunder office at (309) 434-2980.

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 August 29, 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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