Cardiac Cane
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Taking A Look At The Carolina Thunderbirds Of The FPHL

By Chris Baker

LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND - FEBRUARY 14: TopScorer Jiri Sekac #92 of Lausanne HC scores a goal in empty net during the National League match between Lausanne HC and HC Lugano at Vaudoise Arena on February 14, 2023 in Lausanne, Switzerland. (Photo by RvS.Media/Monika Majer/Getty Images)
LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND - FEBRUARY 14: TopScorer Jiri Sekac #92 of Lausanne HC scores a goal in empty net during the National League match between Lausanne HC and HC Lugano at Vaudoise Arena on February 14, 2023 in Lausanne, Switzerland. (Photo by RvS.Media/Monika Majer/Getty Images) /
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If ever there is a time for you to take a look at the Carolina Thunderbirds of the FPHL it is right now! They have been playing lights-out hockey in Winston-Salem. If you love offensive hockey than you need to be making you way to Winston-Salem to see this time. Since it is hockey, and hockey in North Carolina, we thought we would show the Thunderbirds some Cardiac Cane love.

Carolina is currently second in the Continental Division at 69 points, 13 points behind the Columbus River Dragons who are in 1st place. The T’birds are 8 points up on the Port Huron Prowlers at 61. With a record of 24-8-2 Carolina holds the 4th best record in the league.

As a team, Carolina has 7 players at +20 or better. They have a player (or more) in the league’s top ten in Goals, assists, PPG, PIM, S%, PPG, GWG, +/-, and SOG. GFA sets at 5.5. Their GD is +77. Carolina’s PP% is a respectable 21% (the only time I will every type that this year) and their PK is 88%.

Offensively, there is not a skater on the ice in the FPHL better than Kalib (Gus) Ford. Ford leads the league in Goals (32), Assists (46), Points (78), PPG (2.3), Power Play Goals (8) and is +53. He is tied for second in Game Winning goals (4), and 4th in SOG (170).

And, he will absolutely drop the gloves when he has to!

Just like late night infomercials, BUT WAIT…THERE’S MORE.

Lucas Rowe has been putting up numbers that would make most NHLers blush. +33, 25 Goals,29 Assist, and is playing a a point and a half clip over 32 games for the Thunderbirds.

Joseph Kennedy leads the Thunderbirds defensively with 31 Points, six of those Goals, and is +25. Jiri Pestuka has lit the lamp in Camel City 13 times and is the second highest defensemen in points (23) and 6th on the team at +28

Maybe the most unique thing about the Carolina Thunderbirds is their goalie situation. Of the 34 games the Thunderbirds have played, according to FCPHL stats, both goalies (Boris Babik and Mario Cavaliere) have appeared in 33….each.

And neither has shown the other up.

Cavaliere has appeared in one more game than Babik. He has just four wins more Babik and more ice time (1190:19) than his netmate (Babik has 867:55) Both have the same number of losses (4), SV% (.904) and number of OTL (1). Babik, on the other hand has a lower GGA of 3.04 to Cavaliere’s 3.18. He has has let fewer pass him, but seen fewer shots (44:456) than Cavaliere’ 63 (GA) and 653 (SA). Babik also has 17 PIM and one assist to his tally sheet.

Cavaliere is tied for second in the league with the most wins at 14. Both are tied for the fewest losses and overtime losses. Babik and Cavaliere sit fourth and fifth in the league in GAA respectively.

Including the absolutely zannie goalie set up (which must be working), and the lights out offense, the Carolina Thunderbirds have got to be one of the most interesting shows on ice. If you are close to Winston-Salem, give them a look. You are bound to see a offensive bonanza and playoff brand hockey every night. If you aren’t, you can check them out on Youtube.

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