Thunder Roll!!!

Eugene Thunder explode for 9 goals in opening night win.

Friday, September 22

Eugene, OR…The Eugene Thunder dropped the puck on their inaugural season with an impressive 9-2 victory over their I-5 rival Portland Pioneers last Friday night at the Lane County Ice Center. The team jumped out to an early three goal lead and never looked back as they skated to the franchises first ever win. The scoring was spread out over seven players with Mark Demmer and Andrew Fields each providing two goals to the tally.

In addition to the scoring, the Thunder also received solid play between the pipes as Martin Stehl and Cory Johnson split time with each surrendering only one goal. "I felt we played a solid game defensively as a whole" stated head coach Kelly Hubbard, "we didn’t give up too many quality chances, but when we did, Marty and C.J. made the big save". The Thunder was lead on the blue line by junior hockey veteran Cory Howard and San Clemente, CA product Garrett Carter. Jake Meisenheimer, Tommy Baker and new-comer Mike Tornabene also played great games defensively.

Adding to the goals by Demmer and Fields were Howard, Tornabene, Eugene native Max Manders, Freddy Martinez and Nolan Baker. Martinez has come to the Thunder from Fresno, CA while Baker, along with his brother Tommy, are Stoughten, Wisconsin products.

The Thunder’s next games will be at the Ice Center in Eugene against the Pacific Division favorite Liberty Lake Lumberjacks. The Lumberjacks will be in Eugene on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, September 29, 30 and October 1.