Thunderbirds bring back Pestuka and Fejt

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.- The Carolina Thunderbirds, proud members and defending league champions of the Federal Prospects Hockey League, announced Tuesday that Jiri Pestuka has re-signed with the team for the 2020-2021 season.

“He is able to move the puck well in all three zones and is a fan-favorite people enjoy interacting with,” said general manager Kelly Curl.

Pestuka began the season with the Columbus River Dragons, netting only two assists in nine games in Columbus. He was then shipped to Mentor with forward Chad Herron in exchange for Parker Moskal and Vaughn Clouston.

While with Mentor, Pestuka scored two goals and managed an additional three assists.

Carolina acquired Pestuka in a trade for Ramil Talipov and Toni Lampo on February 27.

“We’re happy to have him back for next season,” said head coach Andre Niec, “Pestuka can play both forward and defense for us.”

Prior to this season, Pestuka had played two seasons with the Thunderbirds, including playing a prominent role in the 2018-2019 championship run.

Niec had coached Pestuka prior to that in two seasons with the Berlin River Drivers. Pestuka is tied with Pavel Kubena for the most goals in River Drivers history at 45.

The Thunderbirds have also re-signed defenseman Dominik Fejt.

“Fejt is a strong player who likes to use his body but can also put up points. He has a heavy shot,” said Niec.

The Czech-native scored a goal and logged 11 assists in an injury-shortened season where he played only 23 games.

Fejt broke into the FPHL with St. Clair Shores in 2016-2017. The Thunderbirds brought Fejt over midway through the season the next year in a trade with the North Shore Knights. Every goal in Fejt’s FPHL-career has come with Carolina.

“He’s been a staple on the Carolina blue line for three seasons and will continue to provide backend support as a fan-favorite,” said Curl.

Fejt, Pestuka and the rest of the Carolina Thunderbirds are ready for season four of Thunderbirds hockey in Winston-Salem. Due to COVID-19, the Thunderbirds office is still closed to the public, but staff members are available via phone and email from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on business days.

You can get your season tickets today by filling out the interest form on the front page of the team website. Team representatives will be in touch shortly thereafter so you can secure your seats.