By WJBC Staff
BLOOMINGTON – The Bloomington Thunder are pleased to announce another player moving on to a Division I program. Defenseman Butrus Ghafari (Michigan State University) revealed his commitment to Michigan State University on Thursday afternoon. As an assistant captain for the Thunder this season, Ghafari helped lead the program to their first post season appearance. The newest member of the Spartan family was excited to make his announcement to the public through Facebook and Instagram.
“Extremely proud to announce that I have committed to Michigan State University, I would like to thank all the family, friends, coaches, and teammates that made this possible #dreamscometrue #gogreen.”
“I’m very excited to be going to Michigan State,” said Ghafari on the announcement “It has been my dream school since I was 10 years old. All I’ve thought about was Spartans, Spartans, Spartans and honestly it’s a dream come true to be going there.
“They were only an hour away (from home) so I got to go watch a lot of games when I was growing up so it has always been a dream of mine. It’s just unbelievable,” he continued.
Ghafari, 19, finished his fourth United States Hockey League season this year and second with the Bloomington Thunder. He accomplished a feat this year that has only been achieved by 28 other players in the league. In the Thunder’s season finale, Ghafari played his 200th career regular season game. As one of the longest tenured players in the league and on the Thunder roster, he earned a leadership position on the team and the blue line.
This season the 5-foot-10 defenseman from West Bloomfield, MI outscored his career numbers putting 17 points (2g, 15a) on the board. He also led the Thunder this season with a plus minus rating of +14 which was a key part of the Thunder being the second ranked defense in the USHL this season. Ghafari was named the team’s top defensive defenseman this season for his efforts.
“Being in Bloomington was unbelievable,” said Ghafari on his time with the Thunder. “Without being there with Coach Williams, Coach Watt, Coach Jewell, Coach Rogger, and Coach Mahood last season, I wouldn’t be where I am today with my development. I owe them a lot of thanks as well as my teammates who have helped me improve along the way and helped me get to the next level.
“As for the city of Bloomington, they welcomed me with open arms. I really enjoyed my two years both at the rink and in the town. It was an amazing experience and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking to play in the USHL.”
Ghafari was an addition during the expansion process of the Thunder. During the season, he missed just eight games and added nine points (2g, 7a) to his career totals. Originally a package deal, the Thunder brought in Ghafari, Ethan Spaxman (Merrimack College), and 2015-16 captain Jake Slaker in exchange for a tender and draft pick. The Thunder leaders proved to be in good company as they helped lead the Thunder to the Eastern Conference Final in their second season.
Before coming to Central Illinois, Ghafari set up shop for two seasons with the Fargo Force. Ghafari made history in the league as he was the first tender ever selected by a team in the USHL. With the Force he logged 89 games from the blue line and 13 points (2g, 11a). During his rookie season he made it to the Clark Cup Final against the Dubuque Fighting Saints and brought his experience with him to Bloomington.
“My parents are planning to see every home game. The funny part is, I was 13 hours away in Fargo, 5 hours away in Bloomington, and now it’s only an hour away so every step I take I’m able to get closer to home,” he said with a chuckle. “I’ll be able to have more family come out to see me too which is exciting.”
The newest Spartan will join the Thunder’s 2015-16 leading goal scorer Logan Lambdin (Michigan State University) and follow in his assistant coach, Mike Watt’s footsteps.
