Carolina blasts Danville, 8-1

DANVILLE, ILL.- The Carolina Thunderbirds, proud members of the Federal Prospects Hockey League, dismantled the Danville Dashers at David S. Palmer Arena on Friday night, 8-1.


“It was a good game,” said head coach Andre Niec, “we have things we need to work on a little bit, but it was a good game for us.”


After taking a penalty in the first minute of the game, the Thunderbirds exploded for four goals in the opening frame.


Petr Panacek directed in a shot from newcomer Gleb Krivoshapkin to open the scoring 6:20 into the period. Panacek’s goal is his team-leading 22nd of the season


At 12:35, Ramil Talipov scored his first FPHL goal on only his fourth FPHL shift. Krivoshapkin assisted on the goal along with Jan Salak.


Joe Cangelosi and Everett Thompson also scored in the period. Thompson would go on to have three points in the game, a 2020-calendar high for Thompson.


The second period saw more of the same offensive explosion for Carolina. Jan Krivohlavek and George Holt scored less than a minute apart from each other, chasing starter Harley White before the midway point in the game. White allowed six goals on 16 shots in 28:53.


Jesse Gordichuk played admirably in relief, but gave up two third period goals to Krivohlavek and Salak. Salak’s goal was the Thunderbirds’ league-leading 13th shorthanded goal of the season.


Jake Mullen’s shutout bid was broken on a Justin Brausen powerplay goal with just 3:36 remaining in the game. Mullen turned out 24 of 25, earning his seventh win this season.


Carolina and Danville play against on Saturday at 8:00 p.m. EST from Illinois.