LOCALadk Magazine

LOCALadk 23 Adirondack is a launching pad for coaches and front office personnel, too. Former head coach Cail Ma- cLean is now assistant coach of the Calgary Flames, quite possibly destined for an NHL head coaching job of his own, and former Thunder Media Relations Direc- tor Zach Dooley now holds a similar position with the NHL's Los Angeles Kings. Seasoned NHL veterans can't help being impressed with the operation. Craig Darby, now living in Saratoga Springs, had a 16-year pro career and is on the Thun- der board of directors. "The atmosphere was signifi- cantly different last year than the previous couple years," he said. "It was fun to see fans really enjoy the game and for Adirondack to do really well in the play- offs was a cherry on top." Retired goaltender Manny Legace won a Stanley Cup (2002 Red Wings) and Olympic silver medal (Can- ada 1994) during his long career. Now a well-traveled scout and roving minor league coach for the Devils, he loves coming to Glens Falls. "The fans are crazy awesome," he said. "It's amaz- ing how dedicated they are. I told my wife, 'Next time you're coming with me.' You've got to see what these fans do. They're all into it. The marketing team has done an outstanding job with fan interaction. It's real- ly fun to be at. It's fun to see." At game time, Thunder players skate onto the ice accompanied by pyrotechnics and a haze of colored smoke. Before the second period begins, house lights go down and fans are asked to turn on cell phone flashlights, creating a beautiful shimmering scene. But the most rousing moment is right before the third period when the sound system pumps out Narco, the lively trumpet anthem (Blasterjaxx & Timmy Trum- pet), followed by the Thunderclap – fans clap their hands overhead in a crescendo that reaches a fever pitch when Miner yells, "Let's hear it for your Adiron- dack Thunder!" and action resumes. Rookies and veterans alike say the atmosphere is unlike anywhere else they've been, at the college or pro level. "It's a super loud building," Chase Brand said. "Sold out crowds are awesome. We feed off them for sure. And it's really cool after games. When we walk out, tons of fans are waiting for autographs or a picture, and they bring us cookies or candy. It's really cool to see." Fourth-year Thunder forward Ryan Smith said, "I've played in a lot of buildings. Other rinks get a lot of fans, but we have a different type of fan. We feel the energy. They have a lot of passion for the team. The town loves the team. There's nothing really quite like it. I've loved my time here." The Adirondack Thunder's regular season continues through April 13, 2025. Don't miss your chance to be a part of the action! Visit their official website at www.echlthunder.com to check the schedule and grab your tickets today. Let's go Thunder! t Top right: Hockey action can get pretty rough at times. Thunder cap- tain Darian Skeoch (44), right, is one of the team's toughest players, unafraid to mix it up with opponents when he feels a teammate has been roughed up unnecessarily. Bottom right: For ward Andre Ghantous (12), left, takes aim at the net while skating past Jacques Bouquot of the Reading Royals. Below: Adirondack Thunder players celebrate with "fist pumps" ever y time a goal is scored. This was a frequent scene last year when the Thunder won ECHL North Division and Easterrn Con- ference regular season titles. Matt Salhany skates through.

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