Thunder Announce Assistant Captains & College Commit

Published on September 23, 2015 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Bloomington Thunder News Release


BLOOMINGTON, Illinois - The Bloomington Thunder roster is in place and now it's time to sew more letters onto their jerseys. The Thunder announced Tuesday evening that veteran United States Hockey League defenseman Butrus Ghafari (Western Michigan University) and forward Blake Gober have been named the assistant captains for the 2015-16 season. They join captain Jake Slaker as the letter wearers for the Thunder.

"We talked it over with Jake and the other returners from last year before making the decision," said Thunder Head Coach and General Manager Dennis Williams after the announcement was made to the team. "The biggest thing that Blake and Butrus bring is a high compete level every day. They have stood out every day over the past month by being early and setting a good example so we felt very comfortable making the decision."

Gober, 20, became a first year USHL player in 2014-15 with the Thunder after a season in the BCHL. The Colleyville, TX native emerged as high energy player for the Thunder and scored 21 points (9g, 12a) to rank sixth on the team. Gober stands at 5-foot-8 but has been known to mix it up, leading the team with 97 penalty minutes one year ago.

Ghafari, 19, has been in the USHL since 2012 when the Fargo Force tendered his rights prior to the Phase I selections. Over two seasons in Fargo he played in 89 games and added another 52 games to his resume with Bloomington. Last year the defensive blue liner from West Bloomfield, MI native scored a career high nine points (2g, 7a).

"We have a good group of leaders in the locker room, not just Jake, Blake and Butrus. If you encompass all of the older guys; Logan Lambdin, Cam Spicer, and Jeremy Davies we have a good crop of returners who know what it takes to win in this league," said Williams about the new assistant captains.

In addition to the team news a personal achievement was held by the Thunder Tuesday evening. Newly rostered defenseman Matt Foley (Yale University) announced his commitment to Yale University. Foley, 20, made the Thunder roster after being selected in the 12th round of the USHL's Phase II draft this season. As a native of Long Meadow, MA, Foley will be close to his hometown as he plays at the Ivy League school in 2016-17.

Foley played in four preseason games for Bloomington and assisted on one of two Mitchell Mattson (University of North Dakota) power play goals. He adds to a bolstered blue line of vets.

Bloomington returns 15 players from their 2014-15 roster and has a vast amount of USHL experience on the club. Williams commented on the group saying, "By no means does it mean that other guys that without a letter can't be leaders. We expect the captains to lead us but we also need leadership by committee for us to be successful."

Gober and Ghafari bring a plethora of talents to the ice but Coach Williams is excited about the intangibles they bring to the team. "They work hard, buy into the system, love Bloomington Thunder hockey and want to see this program succeed," said Williams. "They are going to educate the young guys and teach them what our foundation is, pass on their leadership, and be great ambassadors for our team both on and off the ice."

The Thunder open their season this Friday Sept. 25 at 7 p.m. against the Waterloo Black Hawks. Tickets are $10 when you bring a Hy-Vee voucher to the Thunder box office. All fans will receive a free limited edition Home Opener T-Shirt at the game. Get there early as draft beer and soft drinks are on sale for $1 from 6-7 p.m. Listen to WJBC 1230 for coverage from the Coliseum before the game.

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.

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United States Hockey League Stories from September 23, 2015


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