Delaware Thunder
The Delaware Thunder are a professional ice hockey team based in Harrington, Delaware. The team is a member of the Federal Prospects Hockey League and played at the Centre Ice Rink. They are currently in the process of potentially building and playing in the planned Dover Civic Arena. [2] Currently, the Thunder are deciding between electing dormancy until the arena can be built, or a temporary relocation. The Thunder were the first professional sports team to play in Harrington.[1]
Delaware Thunder | |
---|---|
![]() | |
City | Harrington, Delaware |
League | Federal Prospects Hockey League |
Division | Empire |
Founded | 2019 |
Home arena | Centre Ice Rink |
Owner(s) | Delaware Pro Hockey LLC[1] |
General manager | Charles Pens Sr.[1] |
Head coach | Lou Santini |
Website | DelawareThunder.com |
Franchise history | |
2019–present | Delaware Thunder |
History
The Delaware Thunder were announced as a member of the Federal Prospects Hockey League on May 29, 2019.[3] The Thunder are owned by Delaware Pro Hockey LLC, an investment group led by Charlie Pens, who also serves as the president and general manager of the team.[1] Former Danville Dasher Ryan Marker was the first signing in team history.[4] They play out of the Centre Ice Rink on the Delaware State Fairgrounds. To accommodate the team's arrival, the rink's seating capacity was expanded to approximately 700 for the 2019–20 season.[5]
In the 2022-23 Season, the Delaware Thunder went on a professional hockey record 28-game losing streak ranging from November 5 to February 11th when the Thunder beat the Elmira Mammoth 5-2. The Thunder broke the streak previously held by the Battle Creek Rumble Bees which was 24 games.
Following the 2022-23 season, the Thunder would not get a new lease from the Delaware State Fair and announced plans for a potential new arena in Dover. The Thunder would decide between either electing dormancy until an arena could be built or relocating temporarily. [6]
References
- "Professional hockey is coming to Delaware, meet the Delaware Thunder". Delaware Online. May 29, 2019. Retrieved June 5, 2019.
- "Delaware Thunder Dreams Big with Plans for Dover Civic Arena". WBOC TV. Retrieved 2023-05-15.
- "Delaware Thunder Press Conference". delawarethunder.com. May 26, 2019. Retrieved June 5, 2019.
- "Ryan Marker signs with the Thunder". delawarethunder.com. June 4, 2019. Retrieved June 5, 2019.
- "Professional hockey is coming to Delaware, meet the Delaware Thunder". DelawareOnline. May 29, 2019.
- "Fans clamor for Delaware pro ice hockey team to stay as state fair says 'See ya'". The News Journal. Retrieved 2023-05-15.