Jake Thunder - Junior Review

[Thunder 1,166]

Jake Thunder - Junior Review

 

It’s official, the farm boy from a small town northeast of Portland, Maine, has broken all barriers and is headed to the powerhouse of the VHLM Las Vegas Aces.  “My dreams have come true,” said the excited new star to the league, Jake Thunder, as he waived to the group of fans congregated near the gravel parking on Lake St George, in Liberty, where Thunder first learned to skate and play hockey.  The fearless defenseman shattered the record book growing up in the minors and majors of youth hockey, earning a spot on the New England Junior Hockey Tournament, which is where he was first noticed by the GM of the Las Vegas Aces, AJ Williams.

 

Thunder impressed the coaches, players, and fans with his speed, defensive prowess, and puck handling.  The pass master led the tournament with 21 assists helping to lead his Maine team to the championship.  Opponents were held to less than 1 goal a game on account of Jake Thunder’s defensive skills, strong checking, and quick skating.  His powerful slap shot got him 4 goals, including the game winner in the semi-finals against the favorite Massachusetts Bruins.

 

“The shot heard around the state,” was the headline following the exciting game that eliminated the Bruins.  With seconds left in the game, the puck was stolen from the Harvard bound center star for the Bruins, Lance Fever, catching the Marauders off guard as Ben Cartman, limped to the bench with a lower leg injury,  Thunder stepped on the ice as Fever crossed the blue line, and amazed everyone with his speed and determination as he cut off Fever’s approach to the circle, and a quick stick lift followed by a half spin, puck flip and hip check, the puck was now at the toe of Thunder’s stick.  Jake saw the Bruins in a line change and took off toward the other end.  It was as if time slowed as the crowd counted down anticipating overtime.  “Five,” as Thunder crossed his blue line, “Four,” the line change bottled his teammates.  “Three,” Jake looked at the goalie standing at the top of the crease.  “Two,” he cocked the stick back. “One,” the puck was rocketed off Thunder’s stick and was piercing the air with such force it surprised goalie, Marcus Wall, as he tried to react but failed, and the puck hit the top corner of the net.  Dead silence as the goal light lit up and the horn sounded, followed by outrageous shouts and cheering.  Game over.  The underdog Maine Marauders were in the finals, which they destroyed the Vermont Catamounts 7-0 in the finals.

 

 

Thunder shows off his new sweater.

 

There is little doubt that the defensive engine will be leading the Aces to many victories and will give the crowd as much excitement with his checking, speed, and defensive prowess.  During the interview after learning of being selected, Thunder emphasized that he still has a lot to learn and he hopes the experienced players on the Aces are willing to help him become one of the top defensemen in his new league.  When asked where he wants to end up, he replied, “Wherever I’m at, I’m happy to be.”  Aces GM expects a lot from Thunder and said he would do everything he could to help Thunder be a major player in the VHLM.

 

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