Claresholm Junior ‘A’ Thunder open hockey season Friday night

By Rob Vogt
Junior “A” hockey will be making its debut Friday night when the Claresholm Junior “A” Thunder take to the ice against the Vulcan Rampage.
The expansion Thunder are entering their first season in the National Junior Hockey League, and head coach and general manager Jeremy LeBlanc is busy assembling his squad for the home opener.
The roster currently has about 15 players, with five from Kainai, two from Lethbridge, and three or four from Lac La Biche who arrived in a trade.
However, LeBlanc said he believes in having local talent. To that end, he is in discussions with two local players, but is always looking for more.
Anyone interested in more information, or trying out, can contact Jeremy LeBlanc at 1-506-588-6222 or visit https://claresholm.hockeyshift.com/tryouts (no dashes or spaces).
LeBlanc is looking forward to the season and brings a wealth of experience to his new job with the Thunder.
Coaching 15 years, most recently as an assistant coach in the Maritime Junior Hockey League, he has also coached Under-16 AAA, Junior “B”, senior men’s, high school hockey in the United States, hockey academies, and been a skills director in Kitchener, Ontario.
“That all helped me develop as a coach,” LeBlanc said. “It all adds up.”
He will use these skills to develop the players on the Thunder.
LeBlanc stresses the product on the ice Friday night will develop as the season moves along.
He invites everyone to come out to the Claresholm Arena on Friday night, Sept. 27, when the Thunder host the Vulcan Rampage.
“I believe it’s going to be a great community event,” LeBlanc said, adding there will be a bar, activities for children, and entertainment between periods. “We really want to get the community involved.”
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the opening face-off at 7:30 p.m.