BLOOMINGTON, IL- The Bloomington Prairie Thunder’s Coach Jarrod Skalde has decided to shake up his team a little and make some moves.  The Thunder has been on somewhat of a slump lately, and just recently learned that veteran center Ryan Finnerty has decided to leave the team and go back to Europe to play in the ELITE League.

The first move Bloomington made was bringing back winger Mike Liambas.  Liambas played 8 games for the Thunder last year recording 1 goal and 31 penalty minutes.  Liambas has played mostly in the OHL with the Erie Otters.  Liambas will add some grit and toughness to the Thunder.

Just earlier today it was announced that The Prairie Thunder traded defensemen Russ Smith to the Muskegon Lumberjacks for center Travis Banga.  Banga played 19 games with the Jacks and tallied 4 goals, 5 assists and 26 penalty minutes.  Many feel Banga was not given enough ice time in Muskegon so hopefully the Thunder fans will see him on the ice to help replace Finnerty.

The biggest move the Thunder has made recently is bringing in defensemen Matthew Spiller.  Spiller was drafted by the Phoenix Coyotes in the 2^nd round of the 2001 NHL entry draft. Spiller has played 68 games in the NHL and 395 games in the AHL.  Spiller is a tough stay at home type blue liner who uses his 6ft 5 in. 230 lb frame to his advantage.  This is will really help tighten the Thunder’s defense and allow our forwards to play the offensive zone with less worries. It may be awhile however until Thunder fans get to see Spiller. He was called up to the Peoria Rivermen of the AHL and will play for them as early as Wednesday in Austin, Texas.

On paper I would say Skalde did a fine job of taking a bad situation and turning it around.  Finnerty leaving the Thunder was a big blow; he was a great fit in the physical IHL.  Skalde’s quick managing of the rosters looks to have replaced the center and improved our defense.  Of course this is all on paper; we shall see how it plays out on the ice.

Contact justin.boyd@prohockeynews.com