For the second time, the Des Moines Buccaneers and the Bloomington Thunder are involved in a trade. This time the Thunder have acquired the rights to forward Tarek Baker.

Last season Baker played a cumulative total of 90 games split between the Des Moines Buccaneers, Omaha AAA Lancers 16U, and USA U17 international-jr teams. Playing a majority of that time with Omaha AAA, he racked up 213 points (67 G, 146 A) and 80 penalty minutes.

“Tarek is a very gifted hockey player. He’s making a transition from midget hockey so it will take him some time to adjust to the USHL, but he has a skill-set that you can’t teach,” said Head Coach Dennis Williams. “We felt that we will need to build this program for the future with great kids both on and off the ice. I’ve heard great things about him off the ice as well as his play on the ice, which speaks for itself.”

The Verona, Wisconsin native will be reunited with former Omaha AAA teammate, Van Barr when he joins the Thunder at training camp.

“We do need to nurture him and get him through the transition process of moving away from home, going to a new high school, and taking care of the workload that comes along with it,” said Williams. “But, we are very excited to have him and to have a former teammate in Van here with him will really help the transition for the both of them.”

Along with Logan Halladay, Baker is committed to play college hockey at the University of Minnesota following his time in the USHL.

Baker and the Thunder kick off their season with their home opener on Saturday September 27th at 7 pm. For tickets, call (309) 434-2980 or visit the Thunder office inside the US Cellular Coliseum.