Thunder roll into new season with high hopes

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Thurston believes there is a future with guys they have signed in the off-season, including Dylan Price, Greyson Reid and defenseman Adam Oats.

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“We worked hard just to try to get ourselves better and now it’s just a matter of trying to put all of those pieces together,” Thurston noted.

However, the Thunder still face a tough task in filling their starting goaltending position after losing Luke Lush to graduation. Finding solid goaltending, Thurston says, remains a top priority.

Thurston also noted, “What gave us a lot of our success was our work ethic. We were tenacious and we got to have that in place again. We still have to find ways to score goals.”

Although there have already been big moves made by the Thunder, Thurston made it clear that the team is open to making even more of them in the future.

“We have sat down and discussed this that everything is wide open. We have to find and scour a way for us to get better.

“You have the upmost respect and like your kids but at the end of the day, you got to do right by your team on trying to get better and at the end of the day you got to make those tough decisions.”

The Thunder hired new Associate Coach and Assistant General Manager Bill Rotheisler back in July. Rotheisler joins the Thunder after holding a similar position with the St. Stephen Aces of New Brunswick. He also has an extensive record of coaching winning teams and advancing players at the NCAA and professional level.

The Thunder are very confident for the season ahead, but also well aware of other teams who are going to be dangerous.

“It’s going to be tough. Whitecourt is going to be better. Brooks and Spruce Grove are the elite teams. We know how tough the North is, I think Lloyd is going to be better.” Thurston acknowledged. Drayton Valley knows they will have to play hard and receive great goaltending to keep up with other teams around the league.

The Thunder will kick off regular season play with their home opener on Saturday, September 13 when they will welcome the Spruce Grove Saints.