Rookie Reflection with #1 Curl

On Friday, June 8th the one and only Kelly Curl who played Goaltender for the Thunderbirds this past season was in our office and we had the opportunity to sit down with him and get his insight on the past season.

            As many fans know Curl is 31 and from McLeansville, North Carolina. Before joining the Thunderbirds and the FHL he played prep school hockey and NCAA college hockey. The biggest difference for him in his transition to the FHL was the structure and mentioned how the game is more developed. His biggest surprises were how much faster the game was in transitions, and how the game became more systematic as he advanced. Because of these changes, he feels he has learned how to carry himself as a professional athlete and has a better understanding of the sacrifices it takes to play every day.

            Curl has many fond memories of the 17-18 season from Coach, Andre Niec giving him a huge opportunity to play for the Carolina Thunderbirds to being able to honor those who have served in our Military by wearing a camo jersey at the Thunderbirds Military Veterans Appreciation Night. His funniest memory was watching his “substitute” coach (Scott Brand) throw water bottles across the ice. His proudest moment from this past season was the first home game win for the franchise. Next season he looks forward to making more memories, but his ultimate goal is to support the team in reaching their end goal of winning the championship. He feels the team surpassed many expectations from others but that they had higher expectations for themselves that they hope to meet this upcoming season.

            As for this summer you can find Curl enjoying his favorite pregame meal of chicken parmesan, spending time with his dogs, or training with goalie coach, Ted Monnich, who is helping him work on end zone play analysis for the upcoming season.

It was a great time sitting down with Kelly chatting about the past season, and getting to know more about the Thunderbirds Goalie. 

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