Thunder set for homestand opener
GLENSFALLS, N.Y. >> The Thunder hit the midpoint of their season on a 7- 0-2 roll, which propelled them into a share of first place in the ECHL’s North Division standings.
But they’ve started the second half on a downward spiral after dropping three straight contests during a grueling weekend road trip, with three games in four nights including a long flight to Newfoundland.
Adirondack will try to keep the snowball from becoming an avalanche when hosting the Wheeling Nailers on Wednesday (7 p.m.).
“It’ll be interesting because they’re a team we haven’t seen yet this year,” Thunder coach Alex Loh said. “It’s good for everyone involved to see some new blood.”
In addition to the travel, the past week was especially tough on Adirondack as several players were missing from the lineup because of call-ups and injuries. Also, Conor Riley must sit out all three games of this week’s homestand as he finishes serving a suspension for tossing his stick into the stands during a recent contest.
It happened in the heat of the moment during an especially intense game, and he regretted let-
ting it happen the instant it occurred.
“It’s unfortunate especially around this time when we’re shorthanded to begin with,” Riley said. “It hurts knowing your team is battling and you can’t be out there helping them.”
But the Thunder have gotten much needed reinforcements the past few days, as three key players have returned to Glens Falls from stints in the AHL.
Goaltender Alex Sakellaropoulos, forward Brian Ward and defenseman Desmond Bergin are all expected back in action on Wednesday.
“I’m excited where we are,” Loh said. “It’s nice to get some guys back in the lineup to make a push for the second half of the season.”
Adirondack (20-12- 32) is in second place, six points behind division leader Newfoundland.
Wheeling ( 19-16-2- 0), one of the few non- conference foes on the Thunder schedule, is fifth in the Central Division.
“Every game counts, every game matters, so we have to be ready to play,” Loh said.