Pre-game Shootout Suspended Indefinitely

Winston-Salem, NC - The Carolina Thunderbirds are announcing today the discontinuation of the pre-game shootout procedure that was used on an experimental basis from two weekends ago against Port Huron.

Games in Winston-Salem will no longer have a five-man shootout to begin the game and will have the standard puck drop at listed time. A five-man shootout will be conducted at the end of a potential 3-on-3 overtime period per league standard.

"It was an experiment we thought we could try and get introduced into hockey" Thunderbirds President and GM Scott Brand said. "The entire hockey world seemed to be paying attention to Winston-Salem because of this experiment, but the fans spoke that they weren't in favor of it so we are discontinuing it and will meet with our Board of governors to see if it is worth pursuing again if at all."

The discontinuation is effective immediately starting with tonight's game against the Elmira Enforcers (7:35 puck drop).

In the two games the pre-game shootout was tested the Thunderbirds lost both shootouts but won the first game 4-0 and then were defeated by virtue of the pre-game shootout (1-0) after a 4-4 tie through 65 minutes of hockey.

⚡-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).