The Adirondack Thunder had their home opener on Saturday night in front of a sellout crowd. Adirondack started out slow in the first two periods, giving up 32 shots in the first two periods and found themselves in a 2-1 deficit heading into the third period. However, it would not be easy as the Thunder, on two occasions, almost had calls reversed, but unfortunately they were both upheld. Adirondack would fix their problems and limit the Railers to only three shots in the third period while completing their comeback victory.
Saturday’s win would not have been possible without the magnificent play of Eamon McAdam who would make 33 saves on 35 shots in the Thunder’s 3-2 win on over Worcester. Despite saying that the Thunder would alternate goalies throughout the year, it’s starting to look like McAdam has earned himself a starting job after McNiven struggled in his two appearances for the Thunder during the pre-season and regular season. The Perkasie, PA native would finish the night by giving defencemen Matt Salhany a big bear hug. “He was the first guy I saw after we won the game so I just went up to him and gave him a hug,” said McNiven when asked what went through his head when that happened.
Curti would pick up his first two professional goals before fellow teammate Kelly Summers would give the Thunder the lead with less than five minutes to go in the game. “Coach can’t complain about defence not scoring now”, said Summers in a post-game interview.
Forward Hayden Verbeek, who was sent down to Adirondack from Laval, has put up three assists in his first four games with the Thunder, including one on Curti’s first goal of the game. “It’s nice having a guy you know on the team” when asked how he feels about having another former Rocket in Michael McNiven on the team.
First Period: No Scoring
Second Period:
WOR: 5:45 Pond (2) from Cornell and Chukarov
WOR: 11:03 C.Payne (1) unassisted
ADK: 17:34 Curti (1) from Popugaev and Verbeek.
Third Period
ADK: 8:41 Curti (2) from Nazarian and Thompson
ADK: 16:15 Summers (1) from Pierro-Zabotel and Popugaev
The Thunder will continue the three-game homestand next week when they face the Maine Mariners on Wednesday night and these same Worcester Railers on Friday night. Both games get underway at 7:00pmET and can be heard on Talk 1450! and Hits 95.9.