Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Veteran Defenseman Headed to Minnesota

Press Release

After three seasons in the United States Hockey League, Waterloo Black Hawks defenseman Blake Thompson has committed to the University of Minnesota for 2011-2012, the team announced Tuesday.

A native of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, Thompson was a Black Hawk for two years after being acquired in a trade from the Sioux Falls Stampede following the 2008-2009 season. During the three campaigns, Thompson appeared in 170 games, scoring eight goals and 24 assists. He was a USHL All-Star in 2008-2009. Last winter, he enjoyed his best point production with five goals and 18 assists. At the conclusion of the season, he shared the Black Hawks’ Unsung Hero Award with Aaron Pearce by a vote of his teammates. Thompson also earned a share of the organization’s Community Service Award in tandem with C.J. Motte and was selected the Slumberland Furniture Fan’s Choice Player of the Year.

“Blake is a great guy, and he worked hard here, on and off the ice,” said Waterloo Black Hawks Head Coach P.K. O’Handley. “He will be a terrific ambassador for the University of Minnesota, just as he was for the Waterloo Black Hawks.”

Thompson is the 14th Black Hawk from the 2010-2011 team to commit to an NCAA Division I hockey program. Although there were no Waterloo alumni on the Gophers’ roster last season, Black Hawk forwards Justin Kloos and A.J. Michaelson are both committed to the school for the future. Defensemen Zach Palmquist (Minnesota State) and Andrew Panzarella (North Dakota) will also be freshmen in the WCHA skating for rival programs next fall.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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