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Thunder Top Jacks in Return to Action

September 8, 2015 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Bloomington Thunder News Release


MUSKEGON, Michigan - With many of their returners out of the game, the Bloomington Thunder did not miss a step against the Muskegon Lumberjacks with a 7-2 win in their return to action. Forwards Jake Slaker (St. Lawrence University) and Steven Merl each tallied two goals in the win and two United States Hockey League rookies picked up goals in their first action.

"The score was a big positive for us, there were a lot of nice plays out there, but there are some things we need to clean up. We expect that after our first game," commented Head Coach and General Manager Dennis Williams following the win.

In the first period the Thunder opened up the scoring as the captain picked up right where he left off in 2014-15. Joey Maguire stepped up at the blue line and pushed the puck to Slaker. The San Diego, CA native walked in and put the puck between the legs of Muskegon goaltender Corbin Kaczperski to make it 1-0.

Later in the period Merl scored a highlight reel goal to make it 2-0. He danced around the defender, putting it between his legs before the backhander beat Kaczperski. Moments later, however, the Jacks scored on a strange bounce. Danny Digrande was awarded the goal to make it 2-1 when it hit two Thunder defenders and ricochet into the net.

"We are a team that holds high expectations and it is our job as coaches to make sure they live up to those expectations and exceed them," said Coach Williams. "We just need to continue to learn from our mistakes, but there were still a lot of good things that happened out there too. So if we can continue to work on mistakes and players can begin to gel, then I think you will see an even better product."

The Thunder poured it on in the second period as both Slaker and Merl picked up their second goals of the night as part of a four goal frame. Slaker and Merl picked up their goals before two minutes went by in the middle period. Slaker again through the five hold and Merl's backdoor pass lofted over the goaltender before sliding in. The Thunder would then tack on goals from Tarek Baker (University of Minnesota) and Mitchell Chaffee. The eerily similar goals were great individual efforts to push the puck into the net and make it 6-1. Baker's goal would chase Kaczperski from the game on a shortside backhand and bring Jack Berry into the game. Chaffee's goal, reaching around Berry, would tally the game at 6-1 at the break.

The third proved more equal play for both squads with multiple flurries on either side. Dante Palecco (Yale University) would even the stand off when he ripped a loose puck just under the crossbar. Later in the period, Bloomington would make it a five-goal game again when Will Harrison (St. Lawrence University) picked off a clearing attempt by the Lumberjacks. He turned and fired the puck to the back of the net for the final goal of the game and a 7-2 win.

Logan Halladay (University of Minnesota) was stellar, making 28 saves in his return to action. The Thunder were outshot 30-29 but managed a barrage of chances in the game over the younger squad of Muskegon. With the win Bloomington makes it five wins in a row, carrying over from last seasons 4-0-0 finish.

"Tomorrow you'll see two different teams out there. We will have about seven or eight guys back in the lineup and they had a crop of their veterans out tonight too," said Coach Williams who previewed tomorrow night's rematch. "We will have some veterans back on offense and defense and Hayden (Lavigne) will be back in net. So I look forward to getting them going and see how they do tomorrow."

The Thunder return to the U.S. Cellular Coliseum for their second preseason game Wednesday night at 7 p.m. Muskegon will be right on their tails for the free preseason game in Bloomington. For more information please 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 September 8, 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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