Slaker, Lavigne Heros in Shutout Win

December 6, 2015 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Bloomington Thunder News Release


Jake Slaker of the Bloomington Thunder vs. the Green Bay Gamblers
Jake Slaker of the Bloomington Thunder vs. the Green Bay Gamblers
(Bloomington Thunder)

BLOOMINGTON, Illinois - The most exciting game of the season ended in a 1-0 decision for the Bloomington Thunder who shut out the Green Bay Gamblers on Sunday afternoon at the U.S. Cellular Coliseum. Bloomington (11-8-2-1) is in a three-way tie with Green Bay (12-9-0-1) and Youngstown for third place in the Eastern Conference. Hayden Lavigne (University of Michigan) earned his second shutout of the season and third career shutout in the USHL.

Jake Slaker (St. Lawrence University) netted the game-winning goal for the Thunder with under 20 seconds left in the game. The Thunder captain moved down the wing, beating the defender and putting it over the shoulder of Gamblers goaltender Adam Huska (New York Rangers). It was the San Diego, CA native's fifth goal of the season. He is tied for third on the team with 11 points (5g, 6a) this season.

Lavigne and Huska stole the show in the game with 22 saves and 34 saves respectively in the game. Early in the second period, Lavigne made arguably the save of the year on the goal line. The Brampton, ON native then followed it up with a sprawling save on a rebound to keep it tied. The 6-foot-3 goalies traded stops in the game, as Huska came back with some huge saves for the Gamblers.

Pat Curry came down in the third after a pass from Jeremy Davies (Northeastern University) fed him a pass through the defenders. Huska made the save as Curry bowled into the Gamblers goaltender. With blocked shots and some great defensive play, the Thunder limited the Gamblers to three shots in the third period. The Thunder outshot Green Bay 13-3 in the third, as part of a 35 shot performance.

The Thunder picked up their third straight win and continue to win close games. They are now 11-1-2-1 in one goal games this season.

The Thunder hit the road for two game series with the Tri-City Storm in Kearney, NE starting on Friday night at 7 p.m. CST.

NEXT HOME GAME: Saturday, December 19th - 7 p.m. - The Thunder host the Chicago Steel at 7 p.m before they take their Christmas break. From 6-7 p.m. it is buy one, get one free hot dogs at the Coliseum concession stands. Also, all kids 12 and under get a free hot dog voucher when they walk in the door that is good for the entire game. For tickets and information, visit Bloomingtonthunder.com or call (309) 434-2980.




Images from this story

Bloomington Thunder Goaltender Hayden Lavigne
Bloomington Thunder Goaltender Hayden Lavigne
 Jake Slaker of the Bloomington Thunder vs. the Green Bay Gamblers
Jake Slaker of the Bloomington Thunder vs. the Green Bay Gamblers
  



United States Hockey League Stories from December 6, 2015


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