Season ends on a high note
Source: Bloomington Pantagraph (Original Article)
Season ends on a high note
By Douglas Hamm
dhamm@pantagraph.com
Advertisement
BLOOMINGTON  Leo Thomas was waging a losing battle with his emotions, while Don Parsons was already looking ahead to next season.
Playing for pride on “Fan Appreciation Night,†the Bloomington PrairieThunder ended the season on a resounding note Saturday with a dominating 7-1 International Hockey League win over Muskegon before an appreciative crowd at U.S. Cellular Coliseum.
“The only thing we had to play for was ourselves, the fans, the owners and the organization,†Parsons said. “We wanted to have a good start to next year. I think next year we go into the season 1-0 now after tonight’s game.
“It’s a good feeling. We’ve got some core guys that we’re looking forward to try and get back here next year. I think you’re going to see a whole new outlook on PT hockey.â€Â
Despite being out of playoff contention the last two weeks, Bloomington ended its second season on a high note. The Thunder won three of its final four games and secured a .500 record at home (17-17-4) while finishing 31-38-7 overall.
“Obviously it would have been better if we had made the playoffs, but I’m proud of
everybody in this dressing room,†Thomas said. “It’s a great bunch of guys, and at the end of the day it was a great year.
“Everybody had fun and it was good to end with a big win like that. We had a great push at the end. Unfortunately it just didn’t work out for us.â€Â
Thomas, Parsons, Jon Booras, rookie Brett Holmberg and Rob Guinn combined for 11 points as the Thunder had a season-high 45 shots against Muskegon (35-35-6), which clinched the IHL’s final playoff berth Friday night with a 3-2 home win over Bloomington.
Thomas set the tone early by giving the Thunder a 1-0 lead less than three minutes Airline Miles Credit Cards into the game after Muskegon goalie …continue reading