The Peter MacArthur era is finally set to begin at the Cool Insuring Arena tonight in Glens Falls in the first of two; home and home pre-season series against former Thunder captain James Henry’s and Adirondack’s North Division rivals the Reading Royals. The pre-season hasn’t been something huge in past season’s for Adirondack, however in the end, it’s a hockey game against one of your biggest rivals in the North Division and it’s our first look at the tag team of two former Thunder captains in head coach Pete MacArthur and Mike Bergin behind the bench to test out any of the kinks and to see how the oil runs before the show begins in Worcester next Saturday night.
Kevin Dinnen’s AHL’s Utica Comets roster is set as it was due to the league by 11:59pm EST yesterday, Adirondack’s roster certainty isn’t and with great power comes with great responsibility and indeed their will be eyes on some forward and defense spots that are still open to make the ECHL season opening rosters by 3:00pm EST on October 19th. The lights will shine bright for six camp invites that head coach Peter MacArthur has brought in for the week and for the two games this weekend and potentially beyond.
Hank Johnson joined the Thunder on Monday and it looks like MacArthur has brought him just for a peek and an additional option if needed as the season rolls on the goaltending carousel starts to trickle down around the league as it looks like the 26 year old, Mercyhurst University product won’t be getting into any game action as the focus will be lasered in on Mareks Mitens, Jake Theut and first year pro Issac Poulter this weekend. Johnson will be entering is first professional season after appearing in 13 games in the SPHL with Macon Mayhem posting a record of 1-2, 3.03 GAA, and.911 save percentage. Johnson will be likely to begin the Mayhem.
It’s no secret that Pete MacArthur hasn’t been talking shy of how much change the blue line needed ending into the brand new season. I mean he did bring in an assist coach who was a defenseman. The best part about entering the new year is that everyone starts with a record of 0-0-0-0. During the off-season turnover on the blueline was much needed and at the start of pre-season “Mac” has brought in SPHL defenseman Jarrett Kup on a tryout basis along with Corey Dennis.
Kup the 29 year old not only brings size to the backend at 6’0, 185 pounds but he brings in veteran leadership with four years of SPHL experience and one year overseas in France. In a combined 184 games Kup potted 15 goals, 59 assists with a career total of +35 in the plus/minus department.
Dennis joins the Thunder off 17 games with the Ice Flyers last season. Three goals, five assists, eight points with a plus three. Prior to turning pro, Dennis completed four years at Concordia Univ. Wisconsin locking in 52 points in 94 games.
In the forward department Adirondack has brought in Tyler Barrow, Matthew Barron and Rex Moe.
Rex Moe has been in the conversation of joining the Thunder since early this summer and the coaching staff has brought in the stocky 6’4, 216 pounder for the pre-season. Moe definitely brings in that change MacArthur was look for with size up-front, the 23 year old is looking to begin his first full year pro at the ECHL level fighting for a roster spot as product of Adrian College where in his collegiate career posted in 91 games after four years, 5 goals and 39 assists. It was no secret he was able to find a home with the Pensacola Ice Flyers getting a cup of coffee in the SPHL last season, skating in six games, recording a two goals in the regular season and the playoffs. It looks like if Moe doesn’t make this team it looks like he’ll be reporting back to the SPHL or if he has an impressive two pre-season games could be snatched by another ECHL team, and we haven’t ever seen that have we?!
Rex Moe is familiar with net-minder Mareks Mitens have facing him college with their colleges being rivals.
The Thunder have relied on Pensacola in years past grabbing players such as Nick Ford, Chris Lijdsman, Alex Sakellaropoulos, Drew Fielding, Paul Rodriguez, Garrett Bartus and Peter Di Salvo.
Goalscorer and playmaker Tyler Barrow will be looking to make an impact as the Massapequa, NY native has already secured a roster spot in the SPHL with the Fayetteville Marksmen. He will be looking to begin his first professional season after the Thunder camp, whenever that’s in the ECHL or the SPHL. It’s another solid in-season option for MacArthur if bodies become a bit thin around the league. Barrow comes off four seasons at Wilkes University. Posting a college career line of 88 games, 52 goals and 80 assists for a total of 132. Helping his stat line is a very solid senior season, where he put up 15 goals and 25 assists for 40 points in 24 games. That helped earn a few games in the SPHL with Fayetteville; where he took off right where he finished scoring a goal in three contests. The 5’9 172 pounder should keep his phone on as he will be a phone-call away from this team at any given moment.
Matthew Barron is different, entering his first professional season after University. Barron is looking to break in at the professional level after spending one season North of the border for the Ontario Tech Univ. posting 16 points in 17 games. (4G 12A). Prior to University, Barron spent five seasons, being captain in his final year with the Yarmouth Mariners of the MJAHL. He won the championship their in 2018-19, was part of 2015-16 Rookie All Star team, also was playoff MVP. In addition the 23 year old walked away with Rookie of the year and an All Star selection at Ontario Tech.
Where, When and How to Watch/Listen
Time: 7 PM
Where: Cool Insuring Arena
Watch: FloSports
Radio: N/A
Live Stream: N/A