UPDATED: Thunderbirds Move First Day Of Training Camp

UPDATE: The Thunderbirds will be opening camp at the Greensboro Ice House from 8:00-9:10 P.M. tonight.

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---Original Release ---

Winston-Salem, N.C. - The Carolina Thunderbirds are disheartened to announce that the first day of training camp at the Fairgrounds Annex has been cancelled due to ice issues.

The decision was made Wednesday afternoon after the ice could not be brought up to the proper thickness in time for the first skate of camp which was also scheduled for Wednesday night.

"Obviously, we are extremely disappointed in this development" team President/GM Scott Brand said. "The Annex workers have worked their butts off but we are trying to put ice in a building that is not properly equipped to do so during fall and spring in North Carolina. The City and ice users have invested a significant amount of time and money into new boards and glass to upgrade our experience here in our building."

The Thunderbirds have had previous issues with ice in the Annex last season. A game was postponed in late December last year due to a crack in the ice that had to be finished the next day. The Thunderbirds also had to delay the start of training camp for a similar issue last year.

"Last year, the City told us they invested in a dehumidification system" Brand said. "Long term, the City needs to decide if professional hockey and an ice rink are in its long term plans. This is the second year in a row we've had to delay our camp because the building is not in the condition it needs to be. We have some wonderful sports and entertainment facilities in the Triad, we are hopeful that days like today become a thing of the past."

The Thunderbirds are planning to open camp tomorrow (October 18) with an on-ice session at a time to be determined.

⚡-THUNDERBIRDS-⚡

The Carolina Thunderbirds are proud members of the Federal Hockey League, now in its ninth season. Carolina will be starting its second season of play looking to build on the success of its inaugural season where the Thunderbirds 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).