Story by Tri-City Communication
KEARNEY, NE. – The Tri-City Storm has acquired goaltender Thatcher Bernstein, and a 2025 Phase I 10th Round Draft Pick from the Dubuque Fighting Saints in exchange for a 2025 Phase I Conditional 4th Round Draft Pick, and Future Considerations. Bernstein is a highly rated eligible prospect for the 2024 NHL Draft, and was the winning goaltender for Team White in the recently played 2024 Chipotle All-American Game at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Michigan.
Thatcher Bernstein, 17, of Boston, Massachusetts, was selected 72nd overall by Dubuque in the 5th Round of the 2022 USHL Phase I Draft. He appeared in ten games this season for the Fighting Saints, and posted an overall record of 5-4-0-0. Bernstein made his USHL debut with Dubuque on Saturday, September 24th, 2023, in the team’s 8-3 victory over the Muskegon Lumberjacks at the 2023 DICK’S Sporting Goods USHL Fall Classic at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania. He made 24 saves on 27 shots to record his first career USHL victory in net. Bernstein was one of four goaltenders named to the rosters for the 2024 Chipotle All-American Game played on Monday, January 15th at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Michigan. He made 15 saves on 17 shots and collected the win in goal for Team White in the event. Bernstein previously participated in the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and also the Under-17 and Under-16 Selects Player Development Camps for USA Hockey. Prior to his time in the USHL, Bernstein played for the Noble & Greenough School (Prep, Dedham, Massachusetts), and Boston Jr. Eagles (AAA, Needham, Massachusetts). He is 6’4”, 210lbs, and previously announced a commitment to play collegiate hockey in the future at Harvard University.
In a corresponding roster move, goaltender Ivan Zhigalov has been dropped from the Storm’s roster.
“Firstly, we would like to thank Ivan Zhigalov for his effort and attitude the last few months. We wish him the best in the future. We are excited about the addition of Thatcher Bernstein, as we feel he is one of the premiere young goalies in our league. We feel we are getting a high character goaltender who will continue to improve and be an important part of this organization this year and next.” President of Hockey Operations/Head Coach Anthony Noreen
"We are excited to welcome Thatcher Bernstein to Kearney and the Tri-City Storm. Our staff and I have a strong familiarity and confidence in what we have seen in Thatcher's past performance at the prep school and AAA levels. We believe that once he is fully adjusted and comfortable with junior hockey and the USHL, we potentially have one of the top American goaltenders in his age range. We are hopeful that a change in scenery and working with our Goaltending Coach Matt Zaba, we can continue to help Thatcher's development and help him grow as a player and person during his time with us.”- General Manager Jason Koehler