Blackhawks Night brings NHL to Bloomington

Posted on February 17, 2016

Jamal Mayers of the Chicago Blackhawks is scheduled to appear at U.S. Cellular Coliseum on the Bloomington Thunder’s Blackhawks Night on March 4. (Photo courtesy Bloomington Thunder)

By WJBC Staff

BLOOMINGTON – The Bloomington Thunder have announced upcoming promotions for the second annual Chicago Blackhawks Night at U.S. Cellular Coliseum.

On March 4 Stanley Cup Champion Jamal Mayers, official Blackhawks National Anthem soloist Jim Cornelison, and the members of the Bud Light Ice Crew will bring a slice of Chicago to Central Illinois. The 7 p.m. game will feature the Thunder and the United States National Team Development Program Under-18 team.

The Thunder will have a special raffle for a Jamal Mayers jersey. Chicago Blackhawks signed memorabilia like jerseys and sticks will be raffled off on the concourse to lucky Thunder fans. Get to the game early for $1 beers and soft drinks from 6-7 p.m. along with all the other Blackhawks promotions.

Kicking off the night will be the National Anthem as performed by Jim Cornelison. The operatic singer has been the full time anthem singer for the Blackhawks for the last seven seasons. He has made regular appearances singing the anthem at the United Center since 1996.

Moments after the anthem is finished, Jamal Mayers will be on the ice for the ceremonial puck drop. He will sign autographs and meet the fans in the Bud Light Lounge from the start of the first period until the end of the second intermission. Mayers was with the Chicago Blackhawks for the final two seasons of his 15 year NHL career and won the 2013 Stanley Cup with Chicago.

In addition to helping the Thunder’s ice crew on the ice, the Bud Light Ice Crew will also be in the stands assisting with fan giveaways and prizes throughout the night and signing autographs in the Bud Light Lounge during the third period.

Chicago has proven their support of the USHL time and time again. In the last three NHL Drafts, the Blackhawks have taken 11 USHL players and currently have two on their roster. Youngstown Phantoms alum Jiri Sekac and Indiana Ice alum Scott Darling have helped the Blackhawks to the best record in the Western Conference. The top scorer in the league is Patrick Kane for the Blackhawks who also played with the National Team Development Program Under-18’s before being drafted first overall in 2007.

The Thunder play host to the Chicago Steel for the fourth time this season on Friday.

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