By WJBC Staff
BUFFALO, New York – The Bloomington Thunder saw two of their players selected during the NHL Draft on Saturday. First Niagara Center in Buffalo.
Forward Mitchell Mattson was taken in the fifth round of the draft by the Calgary Flames, while his housemate in Bloomington, defenseman Jeremy Davies was taken in the seventh round by the New Jersey Devils.
Mattson becomes the first draft pick to ever be selected from the Bloomington Thunder. At 6-foot-4, Mattson is ranked as the 49th North American skater by NHL Central Scouting. The native of Grand Rapids, Minn. and University of North Dakota recruit was featured at the NHL Combine, finishing third in the overall ranking for vertical jump, and also came to Buffalo for the CCM/USA Hockey All-American Prospects Game back in September.
“Playing in the USHL is definitely bigger and faster. You’re playing against bigger, older, faster guys (than in high school) so it forces you to play at the highest level,” said the Flames new prospect.
Mattson further reflected on Bloomington and is ready to be back.
“I really like it in Bloomington a lot. The coaching staff and all the guys out there are great and have really helped my development.
“Being there has taught me to mature fast,” he continued. “You’re away from your family and you have to take care of yourself to be at peak performance every day. It has taught me how to train like a pro hockey player and I’m excited to get back there this season.”
Mattson will return to Bloomington for the 2016-17 season as the team looks to make a run back to the Clark Cup Playoffs.
In Davies’ two years with Bloomington, he produced the team’s all time record for points with 69 in 103 career games from the blue line. The Pointe Claire, QC native was an unbelievable stand out for the program in his second season, being recognized by the league with a All-USHL First Team selection. His skill and puck control led to his control of the power play where he led the league with 24 power play assists and was the top scoring defenseman in the USHL.
“It’s an awesome feeling to be part of the Devils. It’s an honor to get drafted into the National Hockey League. I’m pretty speechless right now honestly,” said Davies over the phone from his hometown.
“Bloomington has done so much for me,” said Davies about his time with the Thunder. “I spent two years there and really developed as a hockey player. Coach Williams and the staff were just awesome giving me every opportunity and I think I developed a lot as a player there.”
Being at home, Davies had a different experience of the draft from Buffalo, but it was and extremely special one nonetheless. “My mom isn’t home right now, but my dad is at home has been with me. It has been really special to share this with him right now. It’s just unbelievable.”
Davies is committed to Northeastern University and will attend school in the fall where he says that the work begins for him.
