Offense explodes as Carolina wallops Delaware

HARRINGTON, DEL.- The 2019 Commissioner’s Cup champion Carolina Thunderbirds, a proud member of the Federal Prospects Hockey League, defeated the Delaware Thunder at Center Ice Arena on Friday, 7-2.

“Just because you score goals doesn’t mean you play well,” said Carolina head coach Andre Niec.

The Thunderbirds opened the scoring when Konner Haas tapped in a powerplay goal 8:46 into the game.

Delaware would tie the game on a rebound goal scored by FPHL-leading scorer, Ryan Marker. Marker’s tally ended Henry Dill’s shutout streak at 130:25, the second-longest stretch without a goal allowed in Thunderbirds history.

“I thought [Dill] played well again tonight for us. We left him out to dry a couple of times, but he’s a pro and he played great,” said Niec.

Daniel Martin scored another powerplay goal for the Thunderbirds and the offense would explode for Carolina after that.

Jan Krivohlavek scored twice in the game and veteran forward Michael Bunn would also notch his first goal of the season.

Viktor Grebennikov and Nigel Slade added markers in the third period to off-set and odd-man-rush goal scored by Delaware’s Brennan Young.

“I was so happy to score the goal,” said Grebennikov, “[Panacek] gave me a good pass and made a smart play.”

“We weren’t close tonight,” said Niec, "but we'll play again tomorrow and see how it goes." Carolina took eight penalties and allowed 31 shots onto Dill. At times, Carolina missed chances, but again out-skated their opponent in the third period. 

Carolina improves to 3-0-0-0, tied for the top of the FPHL after Danville’s win over Danbury. Delaware falls to 1-2-0-0. The two teams faceoff tomorrow at 7:05 p.m. from the Delaware State Fairgrounds Center Ice Arena tomorrow.