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Thunder Score Two Power Play Goals, Fall 4-2

October 3, 2015 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Bloomington Thunder News Release


Bloomington Thunder vs. Youngstown Phantoms
Bloomington Thunder vs. Youngstown Phantoms
(Bloomington Thunder)

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - The Bloomington Thunder scored the first goal of the game against the Youngstown Phantoms Friday night in a 4-2 loss. The Phantoms stood behind another strong goaltending defense as the Thunder outshot Youngstown for the second time in two nights 37-33. Bloomington falls to 1-3-0 and the Phantoms improve to 2-1-0.

"Disappointing weekend for us, but hopefully this is fuel for the fire moving forward," said Assistant Coach and Director of Scouting Dan Jewell after the game. "We had some things we liked, as far as special teams go, but we need to be a better 5-on-5 team. We need to convert on our opportunities and create second chances to be a winning team in this league."

Bloomington broke the ice on the power play in the first period. Mitchell Mattson (University of North Dakota) scored his first of the year with under three minutes to play in the period. Ethan Somoza (Bemidji State University) and Butrus Ghafari (Western Michigan University) took assists on the special teams goal to take a 1-0 lead. Rebounding from the deficit, the Phantom's Patrick Kramer (Merrimack College) put a shot under the crossbar to tie the game with less than a minute to play in the period.

Hayden Lavigne (University of Michigan) and Ryan Bednard (Bowling Green State University, Florida Panthers) each put together good nights for both teams. Lavigne stopped 16 through two periods and 29 in the game and Bednard stopped 21 in route to 35 saves in the game. Lavigne came up with big saves when it counted including a 2-on-0 glove save. However the Phantoms picked up a pair in the middle period.

"I think our compete level could have been higher," commented Coach Jewell on the team's energy level. "We have a good veteran core that plays the right way. We just need to execute."

Alex Esposito (University of Vermont) was taken down from behind on a break away and awarded a penalty shot, which he scored to take the lead with less than 5 minutes remaining in the period. Two minutes later, the Phantoms struck again putting a rebound in the net. Cameron Morrison (University of Notre Game) scored his team leading third goal of the year to take the 3-1 lead to the break.

The Thunder had Somoza on the ice for a breakaway chance at the start of the third and he was dragged down, forcing another penalty shot. Bednard stopped him on the shot and kept the score at a two-goal deficit. The Phantoms would make it a 'two goal swing' as Lucas Craggs (Bowling Green State University) walked into the high slot and shot one to the back of the net with 12 minutes to play.

Despite power play chances, the Thunder were unable to tie the game, but did bring themselves within two in the third. Tarek Baker (University of Minnesota) pushed a rebound past Bednard on the man advantage with just over a minute to play. The Thunder ended the game 2-7 on the power play and 100 percent on the penalty kill.

The goal, however, would be too little too late and the Thunder would fall to the Phantoms 4-2. Lavigne suffered his first loss of the year and Bednard earned his first win in the USHL.

Coach Jewell finished saying this upcoming week of prep is, "Huge, monumental for sure. Like I said, (this weekend) needs to be fuel for the fire and right from the start of practice Monday it needs to be there."

Bloomington will be back on the road on Friday in Sioux City, taking on the Musketeers in another 2 game weekend. Both games start at 7:05 p.m. CST on Friday and Saturday.

NEXT HOME GAME: Friday, October 16th - 7 p.m. - Bloomington hosts the Fargo Force for two games that start on the Friday the 16th. The night is presented by Athletico and all kids get in free. It's also part of the Thunder Friday night food deal. Come in early and get $1 draft beer and soft drinks from 6-7 p.m.

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.




Images from this story

Bloomington Thunder vs. Youngstown Phantoms
Bloomington Thunder vs. Youngstown Phantoms
   



United States Hockey League Stories from October 3, 2015


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