Weekly Update

January 6, 2016 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Bloomington Thunder News Release


BLOOMINGTON, Illinois - Eight of the last nine games have ended in wins for the Bloomington Thunder thanks to a strong defensive effort and a large amount of success that begins in the goal crease. Bloomington opened week 15 of the United States Hockey League season with three games in front of them, while on a six game win streak. They entered Sioux Falls and attempted to dethrone the reigning Clark Cup Champions, who were on a four game win streak of their own. The Thunder saw goals from Vlad Dzhioshvili (Cornell University), Alec Mehr, and an empty netter from Jake Durflinger. Goaltender Logan Halladay was the story of the game though, stopping 20 shots for his first career shutout in the USHL.

Cedar Rapids was up next and unfortunately for the Thunder, they were another hot team headed into their break. Despite having the lead into the second period, the Thunder fell 6-4 after tying the game in the third period. Five goals were scored in the final frame, but the Thunder couldn't muster the comeback. Jake Slaker (St. Lawrence University) and Logan Lambdin tallied multi-point games for the Thunder as they matched a season high for goals scored. It was the first game lost by goaltender Hayden Lavigne (University of Michigan) in over a month despite stopping 30 shots in the game.

The Thunder then rebounded at home against the Madison Capitols. Halladay pitched another shutout while the Thunder put up 43 shots on net. The goalie duel resulted in 41 saves for the opposition's Garrett Metcalf (University of Massachusetts-Lowell, Anaheim Ducks) as the Thunder put two by the netminder. Tarek Baker (University of Wisconsin) and Pat Curry netted goals in the third period as the Thunder rolled to their eighth win in nine games.

UPCOMING GAMES

Bloomington vs. Muskegon - January 8 - 7 p.m. - U.S. Cellular Coliseum

The Thunder host the Lumberjacks when they tangle for the second time this season. From 6-7 p.m. the Thunder are offering their Friday night drink specials of $1 Budweiser Draft beer and Pepsi soft drinks. Call the Thunder before the game at (309) 434-2980 for ticket discounts.

Bloomington at Muskegon - January 9 - 6 p.m. - L.C. Walker Arena

The Thunder will hop on the bus after the game and follow the 'Jacks back to Muskegon. Saturday night at 6 p.m. CST (7 p.m. EST) Bloomington and Muskegon battle from Michigan. Catch the game's live broadcast on WJBC.com or FastHockey.com starting at 5:45 CST.

LEAGUE LEADERS

Jeremy Davies (Northeastern University): Top Defenseman - Shots on Net (87)

Logan Halladay: 5th - GAA (2.28), T-3rd - Shutouts (2)

Hayden Lavigne (University of Michigan): T-3rd - Wins (12), T-3rd - Shutouts (2)

THUNDER TICKET DEALS

Thunder Holiday Hat Trick:

Purchase 4 ticket vouchers for any upcoming game, and you will receive your choice of hat (10+ styles to choose from) and a Thunder mini stick all for just $55! Only available until January 8!

The Thunder Experience:

Purchase 4 premium tickets to the game of your choice and receive a $50 gift card to Baxter's American Grille, and a special opportunity for discounted rates at the Holiday Inn & Suites for just $75!

COLLEGE COMMITMENTS

Tarek Baker (University of Wisconsin) made a connection with the University of Wisconsin just prior to Christmas and Blake Gober (Penn State University) announced his commitment to Penn State University on New Year's Eve. Currently the Thunder have all but six players on the roster connected with colleges. The following schools have commitments from Thunder players:

- Bemidji State University

- Brown University

- Cornell University

- Niagara University

- Northeastern University

- Penn State University

- Quinnipiac University

- St. Lawrence University

- Union College

- University of Maine

- University of Michigan

- University of Wisconsin

- Western Michigan University

- Yale University

THUNDER IN COLLEGE

Defenseman Max Gottlieb (Brown University) netted his first collegiate goal just before the New Year in a two point game for the Bears. The freshman blue liner has 13 points (1g, 12a) and is the top scoring defender on the team. Gottlieb also ranks fourth on the team in points and has three points over his last three games. Ryan Siroky (Miami University) picked up his second point, an assist on Sunday against RPI. The freshman has played in 17 games with the RedHawks. Finally, Nikolas Koberstein (University of Alaska-Fairbanks, Montreal Canadiens) netted his first USHL point against the Bemidji State. The defenseman and NHL Draft Pick picked up a goal and assist on Saturday night. He has skated in 14 games as a rookie in the NCAA.

DZHIOSHVILI ADDED TO NHL TOP PROSPECTS GAME

The Bloomington Thunder will be represented at the USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game this Tuesday night in Omaha, NE. Vladislav Dzhioshvili (Cornell University) becomes the first player in team history selected for the game featuring the top NHL Draft eligible players of the United States Hockey League. The game starts at 7 p.m. and can be viewed on FastHockey.com. In his first full year, he has 10 points (3g, 7a) over 21 games played and is the top scoring rookie with the Thunder this season. In his career, Vlad has 15 points over 30 games.

USHL POWER RANKINGS

Halfway through the season, the Bloomington Thunder have gained recognition of their success after producing a 16-9-2-1 record on the year and 8-2-0-0 in their last 10 games. Due to their success, USA Hockey Magazine and the United States Hockey League have placed the Thunder in fifth on the most recent power rankings report. Bloomington's ranking is out of 17 clubs in the league and places them in the conversation with the elite programs of the United States top level junior league.

HALLADAY NAMED GOALTENDER OF THE WEEK

Logan Halladay earned his first honor as CCM Goaltender of the Week after back to back shutouts in week 15 of the USHL season. Halladay is in his second season with the Thunder and posted his first two career shutouts in consecutive games. He currently has a shutout streak of over 147 minutes. The Cary, NC native has won his last four games and has the fifth best goals against average in the USHL with a 2.28 mark.

WJBC BROADCAST INFO

Tune into the Thunder's broadcasts this season through their radio affiliate WJBC.com. All games will be broadcast live through http://portal.stretchinternet.com/wjbc/ with a pregame report 15 minutes prior to the game. For video, check out FastHockey.com or follow the game on the Thunder's Twitter account.

NEXT HOME GAME: Friday, January 8th - 7 p.m. - The Thunder host the Muskegon Lumberjacks for the second time this season at the U.S. Cellular Coliseum. The game is presented by Carpets Plus Color Tile and will feature $1 Budweiser drafts and Pepsi products from 6-7 p.m. Tickets start at $10 for groups and kids tickets are $5 when you call ahead. Call (309) 434-2980 for information or to purchase.

Holiday Hat Trick: Call the Thunder for their holiday hat trick package. For just $55 you get four tickets to an upcoming game, a Thunder team hat, and a Thunder mini stick! That's a value of over $90. Visit the Thunder office or call (309) 434-2980 for this amazing limited time offer.

Social Media: Follow the Thunder on social media using our handle @BLMThunder or clicking the links below: Facebook -Twitter - Instagram



United States Hockey League Stories from January 6, 2016


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