Carolina stays perfect, sweeps Delaware

HARRINGTON, DEL.- The Carolina Thunderbirds (4-0-0-0, 12 pts.), proud members of the Federal Prospects Hockey League and defending Commissioner’s Cup champions, defeated the Delaware Thunder (1-3-0-0, 3 pts.) 5-1 on Saturday night at Center Ice Arena.

“We got the win, which was nice,” said Andre Niec, who had been critical of his team’s performance after a 7-2 win over Delaware on Friday.

Nathan Campbell opened the scoring for Carolina, driving the net to pound home a rebound.

However, Ryan Marker tied the game with his sixth goal of the season on a shorthanded breakaway. Niec would protest the call, citing a missed offsides call, but the goal would stand.

Jan Krivohlavek scored on a wrister less than three minutes later to give the Thunderbirds a 2-1 game.

Defenseman Stanislav Vlasov would tally his second of the season 19:49 into the period to give Carolina a 3-1 lead after 40 minutes. His score marks the Thunderbirds fourth time this season scoring with less than a minute on the clock.

Daniel Klinecky and Nigel Slade added goals in the third period as the Thunderbirds cruised to their fourth-straight victory on the road.

The Thunderbirds return home next weekend to face Danbury, November 8-9. Friday will feature a rally towel giveaway presented by UniFirst, commemorative jerseys being worn and auctioned off live after the game, and the championship banner raising. On Saturday, the Thunderbirds have their team poster giveaway presented by Triad Indoor Rowing and Fitness and before the game players from the championship team will receive their rings.

“I’m so happy to play at home again in front of our great fans,” said Niec.

Carolina drops the puck on Friday at 7:35 p.m. and on Saturday at 6:05 p.m.