Once a Thunderbird, Now a Thunderbolt; Blaszka Moving to Evansville

Winston-Salem, N.C. - The Carolina Thunderbirds are announcing today the loan of defenseman CJ Blaszka to the Evansville Thunderbolts of the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL).

Blaszka led the Thunderbirds in assists so far this season with seven and scored his first goal of the 2018-19 season on Saturday night against Danville. Blaszka was also a part of a strong special teams unit for Carolina which has killed its last 19 straight penalties.

"For CJ, we're happy for him to move on with his career, but we are sad because we lose on of our best defensemen" head coach and director of hockey operations Andre Niec said. "We wish him good luck and if he needs to come back he has a place with us."

Blaszka also leaves the FHL in the middle of a 6-game point streak (1G-7A). He and teammate Josh Pietrantonio are the only Thunderbirds to rack up points in every game so far this season. Blaszka also had the Thunderbirds first fight this season.

"We're very happy for CJ advancing his hockey career" team President and GM Scott Brand said. "We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors. We know he'll remember, once a Thunderbird always a Thunderbird."

Blaszka joins the Evansville Thunderbolts who currently sit in 9th place in the SPHL with a 2-6-1 record and will dress this weekend for Evansville's home series against Peoria this weekend.

⚡-THUNDERBIRDS-⚡

The Carolina Thunderbirds are proud members of the Federal Hockey League, now in its ninth season. The Thunderbirds are in their second season of play looking to build on the success of their inaugural season where the team posted an 87-point season with a record of 25-5-2-24 (W-OTW-OTL-L). The Thunderbirds also set an FHL record with over 66,000 fans through the doors in their first season. Season and group tickets are on sale now by calling 336-774-GOAL (4625).