Ford, Cavaliere, Schnapp Headline Roster Moves Ahead of Opening Night

Winston-Salem, NC

For Immediate Release:

The Carolina Thunderbirds, proud members of the Federal Prospects Hockey League, have announced the signing and re-signing of 11 players ahead of Friday night’s Season Opener against the Danbury Hat Tricks.

The signings are headlined by the reigning Most Valuable Player of the FPHL, Gus Ford, who is back for his third season. Ford returns to Winston-Salem after a franchise record year. The Tillsonburg, Ontario native last season set records for most goals in a season (46), assists (68) and points (114). The forward sits second all-time in franchise history with 198 points, has the most goals in franchise history (89), sits fourth in assists (109) all time, and has the most points per game (1.82). 

In addition to Ford, goalie Mario Cavaliere, forward Dawson Baker and forward Jacob Schnapp return for another year in Carolina. Cavaliere last season went 21-5 in 28 games posting a 2.95 goals against average with a .913 save percentage. Baker is back for his third season after netting 18 goals and tallying 24 assists in 35 regular season games last year. In the playoffs, the Cobourg, Ontario native accrued 9 points in 10 games, including six assists. Schnapp, 23, comes back to Carolina after racking up 227 penalty minutes, a franchise single-season record, and picking up 32 points in 56 games.

Tucker Firth is set to begin his second season with the Thunderbirds following a 37 point season and he is joined by newcomers James Farmer-Valente, Kody Gibbs, Kurtis Heggie and Clay Keeley. 

Harrison has added new forwards to the Thunderbirds for this season as well including Nate Keeley, Clay’s twin brother, Dominic Dumas and Kessler Skye. 

The Thunderbirds begin their season on October 27th against the Danbury Hat Tricks in Danbury, Connecticut. Fans can watch the game on YouTube on Thunderbirds TV.