Thunder fall in overtime at Green Bay

The Bloomington Thunder dropped a narrow overtime decision on Saturday at Green Bay.  (WJBC file hoto)
The Bloomington Thunder dropped a narrow overtime decision on Saturday at Green Bay. (WJBC file photo)

 

By WJBC Staff

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Jared Spooner scored on an odd-man rush with just nine seconds left in overtime to give the Green Bay Gamblers a 1-0 win over Bloomington on Saturday night at the Resch Center.

Making his first career start, Thunder goaltender Gabriel Mollot-Hill (Providence College) was exceptional between the pipes to help the Thunder salvage a point by shutting the Gamblers out in regulation to get the game to overtime.

The only shot that Mollot-Hill didn’t stop ended up being the game winner. Green Bay had one final rush in the last 15 seconds of overtime, and Spooner beat Mollot-Hill far post from the left wing to give the Gamblers the win.

A second-round selection in the 2016 USHL Entry Draft, Mollot-Hill stopped the first 29 shots he faced in the game over the first three periods and 6:51 in overtime.

Having not played since the second period of the season opener, Mollot-Hill was superb throughout regulation. One of his biggest saves of the night actually came against Spooner during regulation. With the Thunder on the power play in the second period, Spooner intercepted a pass and had a clear path to the net on a breakaway. But Mollot-Hill stopped him with his right pad to keep the game scoreless.

The Thunder penalty kill also fared well during the game, posting a 2-for-2 night to hold the USHL’s leading power play scoreless. The two power plays were the fewest for a Thunder opponent this season.

David Hrenak was also solid in goal for Green Bay, earning the shutout with 30 saves.

The Thunder now return home for four-straight home games. That home stretch starts next Friday night when Bloomington hosts Muskegon at 7 p.m. at the Coliseum. Friday night is Hocktoberfest featuring a $16 ticket special that includes a commemorative Thunder beer mug, free beer and pretzel, and access to a VIP pregame party. For tickets and more information, call the Thunder at 309-434-2980.

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