Home away from home for the Holidays

While some folks favor turkey trotting or hunting on Thanksgiving Day, I say there's no place like home away from home for the holidays at Lakeshore Hockey Arena. Who knew it was bring your dog to the rink day, but it surely elevated the owner's blood pressure as 6-month old Otis sniffed around the new carpet that was rolled out over the summer. "He's trained, right?", lamented Bruce as the sweat was beading up on his forehead under that goofy Don King hat he wears. Dr. Trey was supposed to be the best in show handler for today but he must have joined the turkey trot bandwagon as we watched Otis drag MaryJean all over the rink instead.

First half of the A/B scrimmage with AQ saw Thunder pick up right where they left off, kissing their little irish sister, with a 1-1 tie. AC snipped the 1-hole after picking up a turnover just inside the AQ blue line at the 845 mark. AQ captain Tim Young netted the equalizer with 5mins to go, picking up and putting away a loose puck in front after a blast from the point.

Second half was all Thunder, 5 goals to none. Anthony Fedele came off the bench, just as Thunder's penalty expired, grabbed the handle and deked the AQ netminder at the 26min mark, to prime the pump. Austin Briganti recorded another Harry. Then Thunder would eventually go on a 3-goal flurry in 3-minutes with Codey Mazeau going bar-down at the 830 mark, assisted by Austin Briganti. Next up was Michael Lucarelli picking up the trash in front and banging home a rebound off a drive by Fedele at the 6min mark. A buck and a half later Lucarelli came back strong on the rush muscling a shot over the AQ goalie's stick off the drop from Fedele (i think). Ian McClellan had a nice stand-up on a late AQ rush and Brandon Hutchison put a bow on the game, earning his LOTE credits for "finnish", as he tucked one in with just thirty seconds to go in the contest. And in case there was any doubt, Ethan Mordenga was on the scene to get some wood on it just as it crossed the goal line. I like the hunger!

As I ponder what I am thankful for on this day of giving thanks, I would remiss if I did not mention our extended Thunder Family. Happy Thanksgiving to all and to all a good turkey. Don't miss the home opener against Churchville, 1pm on Saturday 4-December at the shore. Peace, love, hockey!