Hockey Town: Superfans

[Originally published December 14, 2019]

We had the pleasure of connecting with Brian Brown, Laurel Rigney, and Melissa Belli, who might just be some of the Adirondack Thunder’s biggest fans! With a whole room at their house dedicated to Thunder memorabilia, they’d be tough to beat! Read on to find out how they caught the hockey bug, what they love most about going to the games, how their awesome “Thunder Room” came to be, and how a heartwarming surprise played out…right at the rink!

Brian Brown, Laurel Rigney, and Melissa Belli in their Thunder Room (Photo by Andy Camp)

Tell us a bit about yourselves!

Brian: I’m a Veteran of the Navy and moved back to the area after I retired and got into the glass business. That’s how I met my now fiance Laurel and her daughter Melissa.

What do you love about living here in Glens Falls?

Laurel: Living in Glens Falls is awesome. We love it here. We enjoy going to Rauls, Davidson’s, DownTown City Tavern, and The Bullpen, to name a few. Sometimes we’ll go to the Ambrosia Diner after a game as well!

Brian: One of our favorite things (other than hockey) is to take motorcycle rides on the trike I have. We will take rides all over the place and then stop for dinner or lunch. I'll take Laurel and then the next time I take Melissa. When Laurel’s son Eric Belli comes up on his bike we take rides as a family.

On nice days we like to barbecue on the deck with family and friends and play cornhole on our custom Adirondack Thunder cornhole boards. I usually play Laurel’s brother Bobby and usually lose [laughs].

We also love to spend time with my sister Bonnie Sindel and her husband at their camp at Galway Lake.

Brian Brown (Photo by Andy Camp)

How did you become big fans of the team?

Melissa: Growing up in Glens Falls, I went to almost every Red Wings game with my best friend - it was either that or Skateland! Over time, my friend moved away and I wanted to find someone to go to games with since it’s more fun that way. That was when got my mom involved.

Laurel: All my life, my brother and my dad were into sports, but I was never really a big sports fan. Then one night, Melissa just said, “Why don't you go with me to a game?”. And that was it!

Melissa: I remember the first night we were walking to the Cool Insuring Arena and she asked me, “What do I do?” and I said, “It’s simple, you just sit and watch.” And that night, there was a fight on the ice and my mother jumped up and started shouting at the opposing player - it totally shocked me!

Laurel: The opposing player hit our guy in the face and it really upset me! I didn’t even realize until I heard myself shouting, and that was it - I’ve been hooked ever since.

Photo by Andy Camp

What’s your favorite thing about going to a Thunder game?

Laurel: That we do it as a family. And that it started with Missy loving hockey as a kid, and now we all go together. It’s really awesome, we all love it.

Melissa: I love the fast paced energy. We always sit in the same spot, so we’ve made a lot of new friends and they’ve become like our hockey family. And as a whole, the hockey players are just the best to their fans.

Brian: The players are always very engaging and friendly. They’re approachable, and they don’t mind talking with you, which is great. They’re also really great with the kids.

Do you all have favorite players?

Brian: We do! Melissa's is Shane Conacher #19, Laurel's is Mike Szmatula #91, and mine is Connor Riley #44.

Photo by Andy Camp

How did the Thunder Room come about?

Melissa: We had gotten the back to back Division Championship banner, and I jokingly mentioned that we should hang it in the living room! My mom of course said no, so I said, “How about the spare bedroom?”. She finally agreed - anywhere but the living room!

Brian: Since my kids are grown, following hockey turned into a nice hobby and something I really enjoy and can share with others. I became a hockey fan over time and as we began going to more games, it became more understandable. And it’s fun to support the home team. As far as the Thunder Room, I was an aircraft mechanic in the Navy and I’m pretty mechanically inclined, so it’s been fun to do the renovations.

Brian Brown, Laurel Rigney, and Melissa Belli in their Thunder Room (Photo by Andy Camp)

We’d love to hear some of the details on the room!

Brian: It’s been a collection over time - player sticks, pucks, gloves, etc. There’s always an end of the year sale after the final game where you can find a lot of items. I own every hat they have. Also, there’s auctions for good causes that I’ve found a lot of great things at, like jerseys and helmets and such. I’ve been able to use some of the jackets that were no longer in use for the team and customize them with patches and names. I’ve had some of Andy Camp’s photos (the team photographer) put on canvas to hang..with permission, of course! I’ve got to give a big thanks to Andy for all the pictures. It wouldn't be what it is if it weren't for his talents.

We keep all of our winning game tickets in a Thunder cup and the losing ones are ripped up and thrown out, except of course for the night we got engaged!

It’s really a comfortable space. I did the painting and customization with frames. Laurel helped with finding matching items on Wayfair like the curtains and the carpeting.

Laurel: My grandkids really love this room… it’s lots of fun. They started going to the games as well! They didn’t really think they would like hockey at first until they came to a game. It was a really good game with lots of excitement, great energy in the crowd, and fun music - they were taken with it at that point and really love it now.

Photo by Andy Camp

We hear you got engaged recently at a Thunder game - congratulations! We’d love to hear more about how it happened.

Brian: The engagement was a month in the making. I had Melissa go with me to help pick out the ring. I decided to ask Laurel to marry me at a Thunder game for obvious reasons. So I reached out to Alexis Macy of the Thunder to see if they would do it for me. She immediately agreed and we got the details worked out. I was going to ask her at the second intermission of the game during the Kiss Cam. I was so nervous because there were so many people there that night, but I did it. Everyone from the Thunder wouldn’t look at me so they wouldn't give it away. It was a great night and Dan Miner did an awesome job with the commentary as always.

Laurel: It was the biggest surprise ever pulled off because all of our friends, and the people that worked there - everyone around me knew what was going on and I knew nothing! The process was very thoughtful and sweet...he had asked my whole family for permission like a true gentleman.

Brian: I’m actually not that good at surprises, so it was fun to pull this off. I kept telling her that I had a big surprise for her for the house since we’ve been planning lots of projects.

Laurel: I had no idea the surprise was going to be the engagement! He threw me off since he told me the surprise was going to be delivered to the house on the 9th, but then he proposed on the 8th!

Photo by Andy Camp

Any plans for the wedding?

Brian: I told her we should get married in our Thunder jerseys, but she doesn’t like that idea.

Melissa: But you might be able to compromise with red, white, and black as the colors for your wedding!

Photo by Andy Camp

Hockey Town: Aisha Visram

We recently had the pleasure to catch up with Aisha Visram, the Head Athletic Trainer and Strength Conditioning Coach for the Adirondack Thunder. Now on her third season with the team, read on to learn more about what inspired her to get into the field, what a typical day with the Thunder is like, and some advice for anyone looking to become an athletic trainer.

On Hockey Life

I’m from Toronto, and like all other stereotypical Canadians, I watched Hockey Night in Canada every weekend, cheering on the Toronto Maple Leafs.  My brother and I both started playing rec hockey when we were young and our love for the game grew from there.  I do still cheer for the Leafs – they’ll always be my team.

On Becoming an Athletic Trainer

What inspired you to enter the realm of healthcare?

My favorite subjects in school were the sciences - I liked biology and kinesiology. I wanted to help people and to feel like I was contributing to something. But I didn’t really know much about sports medicine or athletic training until high school. I remember the exact moment when I knew what I wanted to do - I was watching a Leafs game, and one of the players got hurt during play and stayed down. I had never really paid attention to what the people behind the bench do before. The camera followed the athletic trainer as they ran out on to the ice to attend to the player, showed them helping the player up, and then followed them coming back to the bench together. And I just thought that looked like the coolest job ever! After looking into it, it all added up - athletic training was the perfect combination of my love for sport and my interest in healthcare and kinesiology. 

My parents are both pharmacists and my mom has a degree in nutrition as well, so a passion for science and healthcare is something I share with them.

Where did you study and train?

I did my undergraduate degree in Canada at the University of Guelph in Human Kinetics, and then an Advanced Certificate in Athletic Therapy at Mount Royal University in Calgary, Alberta. One of the things that I like most about athletic training is the hands-on aspect…but I love learning and really wanted the experience of conducting research. I got my Masters of Science degree at the University of Massachusetts Amherst in Exercise Psychology and did my thesis on mental toughness. Throughout all of this I did various internships - trained at clinics, covered various sports, and worked with different teams. Hockey was always my first love though – my dream from the start was to work in professional hockey.  After graduating from UMass I was fortunate enough to get a job in hockey right away – I started at St Lawrence University working with Womens Hockey along with some other sports, and then transitioned to working with Mens Hockey.  But again – my goal was always professional hockey, and when I got the opportunity to move up and join the Thunder I was thrilled!

Any mentors that helped you along the way? 

I’ve been very lucky to have had great supervisors and mentors all through school and early in my professional career.  There are too many to name, but all were instrumental in helping guide me along the way.  

What do you love the most about being an Athletic Trainer? 

Being able to help athletes play the game they love safely and making a difference in people’s lives every day. It’s a very rewarding and challenging position – there’s definitely a routine but every day is different, and it really keeps you on your toes, which I find exciting. The team aspect is also really great - you get depended on for a lot, and it’s very satisfying to know that you contribute to the success of the group.  Athletic training is constantly evolving, there’s always something to learn – new treatment techniques, nutrition and diet recommendations are always changing – lifelong learning is important to be good at your job.

Photo: Andy Camp

On Working with the Thunder

What do you enjoy most about being the team's athletic trainer? How's it been going?

The organization here as a whole is amazing – there are a lot of hard working, committed people doing whatever they can to keep hockey in Glens Falls. Everyone has a different role, but we all work hard to do our part to give the team the best chance to succeed. The staff has always focused on bringing in great hockey players that are also good people – team culture is very important to us and that is one of the best aspects of working with the Thunder.  I have great support on the medical side as well - we have great team physicians and other healthcare providers that are involved in maintaining the health and wellness of our players.  It’s great to be surrounded by such wonderful people who genuinely care about them as people, not just as athletes. 

Are there any particular challenges that come with the role?

Sometimes it’s challenging to be both the athletic trainer and strength coach – it can be a little overwhelming some days if there are a lot of injuries and treatments to do, and then trying to find time to plan the workouts for the team.  But I have great interns and helpers who do whatever they can to take some tasks off my plate so I can focus on the important stuff. Our players are also awesome – they understand that everyone in our organization wears many hats, and they are great about being patient and letting you prioritize what needs to be done first.

The travel in this league can also be very exhausting at times. We all do our best to stay positive and balance work and rest but I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t challenging! Lots of late nights and naps on the bus when we can.

We understand that you're one of two female athletic trainers in the ECHL. We think that's awesome! What are your thoughts on that?

Tara Guilliland-Smith with Brampton and I are the 2 female athletic trainers in our league. While it still may not be a common thing to see female athletic trainers working with mens professional teams, it’s been really positive to see female Athletic Trainers in the other big sporting leagues recently –the NFL, MLB and NBA all have teams that have had female Athletic Trainers on staff. The number of women getting into athletic training now outnumbers men, so things will have to change based solely on the math. As cliché as it may sound, I think you just have to do the work - work hard, do your job well, and show that women can do just as great a job as men can. That’s the only way for us to prove that we belong and open doors for other women to get opportunities as well. 

I’ve been very fortunate – every team and organization that I have worked with has treated me just like any staff member regardless of gender. There are some awkward situations that arise, but we’re all professionals and when the players trust you and know you’re going to do the right thing by them I don’t think they really care what gender you are – they just want someone who does a good job, knows their stuff, and cares.

What are some of the most frequent injuries that you encounter? 

Tons of contusions from blocking shots and body contact. We see a lot of lacerations as well. Shoulders, hips, and wrists are very common areas for hockey injuries. It’s a long season and a physical league, so there are a lot of wear and tear type injuries that build up over time too.

Any advice you would offer anyone aspiring to be an athletic trainer? 

Always be prepared- you’ll save yourself a lot of angst if you make sure you have what you need, and appearing efficient just makes you look good. 

Regardless of what sport you think you want to work in, work as many different sports as you can when you’re a student. You’ll see a variety of different injuries and that makes you a more well-rounded healthcare professional.  

Sometimes in this role you have to make difficult decisions that aren’t always easy to make, and you can’t please everyone. But you’ll never regret doing the right thing. If you can look at yourself in the mirror each night and know you did what was best for your athletes – you’re on the right track. 

It’s also really important to remember that your needs matter too – those of us that spend our lives caring for others need to remember that. I always start my day with a workout before the players arrive – when things get challenging and you get pulled in different directions, it’s a good feeling to know that you did something for yourself first. 

On a Typical Day with the Thunder

A typical practice or home game day for me starts pretty early. I’m usually the first one to get to the arena around 6:30am so I can get a workout in before our staff meeting at 7:30am. The coaches, equipment manager Alex Mann and I meet most days to go over the injury report, the line ups, roadtrips – basically just making sure the staff is on the same page. After that, I spend my time getting ready for practice and the day before the players arrive – I put workouts on the board for the team, prepare for treatments, set the bench up for practice. I have interns that help us with the preparations as well. If we are hosting a visiting team, Alex and I will get their locker rooms set up and make sure they have all the supplies they need. I’ll do treatments both before and after practice depending on what injuries we have going on and where players are at in their recovery. During practice you’ll find me on the bench making sure everyone is safe.  After practice I’ll wrap up treatments, check in with our physicians and provide any updates they may need, set up any appointments for players that need to be made, injury documenting and workers compensation updates, and then clean-up for the next day.  

If it’s a gameday, we’ll take a break for a couple of hours and come back in the afternoon for another round of set up and treatments before the game. I’m on the bench for warms ups and during the game to take care of any injuries that occur, and during intermissions we stay ready for anything the players may need. 

On the road, the routine can change a lot depending on our travel schedule – there’s less set up and more heavy lifting. But for me, it still centers around treatments and making sure the players get what they need to be ready for the game. 

Photo: Andy Camp

On Glens Falls

Glens Falls and the surrounding areas are a really great place to live. The downtown Glens Falls area isn’t overwhelming but has plenty of restaurants and coffee shops and bars – it’s not difficult to find fun things to do. I really enjoy Craft on 9 and Farmacy, and The Bullpen is one of our go-to spots for happy hour or after game drinks. 

In the late summer and fall before the season starts we go up to Lake George quite a bit. I really enjoy hiking and this area is great for that – I’ve done most of the easy to moderate trails and the views of the lake and mountains are amazing. Kayaking in this area is also great!

The Thunder are home again on Tuesday, March 10 at 7pm - grab tickets here!

Hockey Town: Dan Miner

If you’ve been a hockey fan in these parts over the past few decades, you’ve heard this iconic voice introduce every hockey team that has taken to the ice at the Civic Center, and now Cool Insuring Arena, including The Adirondack Red Wings, Ice Hawks, Frostbite, Phantoms, Flames, and now our Adirondack Thunder! We had an amazing time catching up with Dan Miner, the public address announcer for the Adirondack Thunder and local radio personality on WCKM 98.5 FM. He’ll be inducted into the Adirondack Hockey Hall of Fame this weekend and we were fortunate to spend some time with him and learn what inspired him to get into radio, his favorite announcers growing up, what it’s like to be the voice of an entire arena and more! 

Photo: Andy Camp

ON THE HALL OF FAME

Congratulations on being inducted into the Adirondack Hockey Hall of Fame! 

Thank you! It’s a little odd for me… I’m not used to people complimenting me and saying congratulations, I’m used to being on the other side. It’s just very humbling to be recognized for all the years of service and great to be recognized alongside such talented people and friends. It’s like getting the band back together! [Sylvain Cloutier, Frank Littlejohn and the late H. Douglas “Doug” Burch will also be inducted.]

ON THE PAST 

How did you get started in radio? 

When I was a little kid, I just loved radio. I got the bug early. When I was growing up in Troy, my grandparents lived down the street from the WTRY studios so you could go down and the disc jockeys would let you watch and see what was going on. And right next to the school I went to was WRPI so after school I could sneak over to the college radio station and check things out. As a little kid, it just fascinated me. I never had a back-up plan, this is all I ever wanted to do. 

Did you have any mentors along the way? 

My radio instructor at SUNY Adirondack, Ron Pesha, was awesome. He had been there and done that, worked in the smallest of small markets and the biggest. Just real-life experience. When I first got started in radio, there were some people that took me under their wing. Glenn Britton was another one of those guys with an amazing voice and he was just so cool - he helped me out a lot early on. I’m still great friends with him today. 

Who were some of your favorite radio announcers growing up? 

Boom Boom Brannigan when I was a kid growing up in Troy. He was just awesome. He made everything so big. Of course Wolf Man Jack, I was fortunate enough to interview him and he was one of those guys that I really looked up to. Rick Knight, who I ended up working with later - he’s a Glens Falls / South Glens Falls guy. I went to work with him in the 90’s when he was at Fly 92. He was one of those guys that I just absolutely loved. And then there was Dave Strader who I got to know later on in my career. Being a kid from Whitehall, listening to the hockey games when they started in ‘79, he was the guy who painted the picture. Dave did a game so perfectly. 

How about your all-time favorite sports announcer? 

Dave Strader definitely. He had a way of painting a picture, and even when he moved to TV, I could lay on my couch, close my eyes and still know what was going on with the game just by listening to Dave. Not the hype, not the hyperbole, and not the show - Dave really called the game and that’s what I loved about him. He was just great at what he did. To do what he did from his radio beginnings through national and international feeds was just incredible. 

Photo: Andy Camp

ON GAME NIGHT 

What’s it like to be the voice of an arena? 

Things have changed over the years, it’s much more of an entertaining experience. There’s also a alot going on including announcing the officiating, advertising, etc. We’ve got a great team up here. Video, officials, cameramen, staff from the team, etc. That took a while to figure out. It’s humbling, when you have people come up to you and they say you were announcing my first hockey game and they’re 40-something years old. I’m like Geez, I'm old! The team in the office is amazing as well. They’re local people who care.

We’d love to hear some of your favorite moments. 

Any opening night is exciting, the playoff opening nights of course are awesome. Shoot outs aren’t  There’s so many. Then one time on my second night of announcing, one of my best friends was shooting to win a car on the ice. And he did it! That was just awesome.

What’s your favorite battle cry to get the crowd going? 

Probably the Rick Flair “Whoooooo!”. That came about one night when the music went down right when the crowd needed a punch. So I just got on the mic and did it. Sometimes the best stuff is accidental!

What’s your biggest challenge being an arena announcer? 

Trying to get all the names correct - it’s a sign of respect. I always want to be sure to get everything right. 

Thoughts on the team this year? 

We’ve got a great group that will always play hard and give their best every night. Most importantly, they are good, kind people. It starts with James Henry right on down. And that’s a testament to coaching and front office.

We must know - what’s your favorite thing to eat at the arena? 

Pretzel! Gotta keep it simple during game time.

Photo: Andy Camp

ON GLENS FALLS 

What are your thoughts on Glens Falls these days? 

The city has a whole new energy. It really starts with the Coalition. It gave everybody hope. It’s like even back with the Red Wings. It was more like an event happening. You had to be there and I think they’ve done that here with The Thunder. I credit guys like Jeff Mead as well, a local guy that’s been there and done that and gets what it takes to make it work. It’s great to be in a hockey town!

And one of the smallest hockey towns, correct? 

We’re the smallest market in all of the ECHL, if not all of professional hockey. I never lose sight of that. It’s one of those things that I hope people don't take for granted since hockey has been here since 1979. The fact that we have the Adirondack Civic Center Coalition made up of people who are great at what they do and then to come together with great energy and knowledge to help keep hockey here is amazing. 

When you’re not enjoying a pretzel at the arena, where are your favorite places to grab a bite to eat? 

I enjoy the Bullpen, Jack’s American Bistro, Talk of the Town, and Massies. For breakfast - Sam’s and Coaches Corner. 

ON THE FUTURE

What kind of advice would you offer someone who wanted to get into the radio business now? 

Diversify. Learn everything. There are no more one trick ponies any more. So if you want to be on the air, you better know how to operate computers, do production, engineering, and all sorts of things. The job that I have now, seven people used to do. 

Thanks Dan! And Congratulations!

—————

Hockey Town: Family Night

It doesn't take long to notice that every night is family night at an Adirondack Thunder game. Always a fun, family-friendly place to be! We were excited to catch up with Marc Monahan and his family recently to learn more about what draws them to our home town arena to root for our home team! Read on to learn a bit more about this great family and what they love about spending some quality time at the rink!

Tell us about your family! 

My wife Desiree and I live in Queensbury with our two kids Evan (8) and Reese (5). I grew up in Hudson Falls and have lived in the area for most of my life, other than attending SUNY Oswego for college. My wife is from the Albany area and graduated from Columbia High School in East Greenbush. I’ve been in the banking industry for my entire career and am currently the Regional Executive for NBT Bank. I love working downtown and everything our area has to offer. Being 15-20 minutes to either Saratoga or Lake George is amazing. Seeing the transformation of downtown Glens Falls for the past 15 years has been awesome. We have so much to enjoy with all of the restaurants and culture our city has to offer.

On Local Hockey 

I grew up around hockey and can remember most of my childhood attending the Adirondack Red Wings games with my family. At one time I think our family had an entire row of season tickets in section O. When hockey came back to the area (when the Phantoms came to town) I was beyond excited. My wife and I enjoy going to the games with the kids and they seem to love it too. My son has been playing AYHA hockey since he was 3 and I think having local hockey has been a huge part of it. He gets to skate with all of his buddies and then they all hang out at the Thunder games. We have met so many families through hockey. 

On Community 

I have been lucky to be involved with the organization that runs the arena and the team as well. Currently I sit as the President of the Civic Center Foundation and the Treasurer of the Coalition that owns the building and team. It has been amazing to see the success of the building and the impact that it has on downtown. There are some amazing volunteers that spend a lot of time making sure the arena is a success. In large part, the endeavor has been successful due to the efforts of Jeff Mead and his outstanding staff. 

The Monahan Family with Thunder forward Shane Conacher (Photo: Andy Camp)

On Game Night

Most of our family trips to the arena are running from hockey practice or a kids activity. If we have time, we love to stop into Talk of the Town for a pizza before the game. Once we get to the game, there are usually some snacks for the kids and a stop in to the store to see if there is any new Thunder gear. We typically see a lot of family and friends at the games and have fun, win or lose. My son loves to watch the games and my daughter loves to dance when the music is playing and trying to find Gunnar in the arena. The entire night at the game is a great family event. We have some passionate fans and they really get behind the guys. 

One for the Kids

What do you like most about coming to the games? 

Evan: I like it when they fight!

Reese: I like to go and get nachos!

—————

Thanks Marc, Desiree, Evan and Reese!

The Thunder are home tonight (Saturday, January 25) - grab tickets here!

Hockey Town: Alex Carrier

We're all so lucky to have a professional hockey team right in our backyard with a roster full of enthusiasm and heart, and a great group of fans that support them. It's been a blast learning a bit more about some of our hometown team members and hearing about their journeys. We recently had the pleasure of catching up with Adirondack Thunder forward Alexandre Carrier, a true leader on and off the ice. Read on to learn about who inspired him to play the game, advice he'd offer younger players, and what he loves most about Glens Falls.  

Photo: Andy Camp

On the Past

Where are you from originally and what inspired you to begin playing hockey?

I come from a really small town in Canada, just 30 minutes south of Quebec City called Saint-Elzear. Growing up in a small town, there isn’t always much to do, especially in the colder winter months. I believe this is why hockey is such a large part of my town’s identity. Growing up, hockey was just something you did, it felt no different than deciding to go to school. Ultimately, it was my dad who pushed me to pursue the game past our local rink. 

Who have been some of your most important mentors along the way?

My dad was a big mentor for me, from a young age all the way to when I first left the house to go play Midget AAA in Levis. My coach in minors, Clement Hebert, my coach in Midget, Hughes Lebel, and Coach Cail McLean have all impacted me and my game along the way, but there was one coach who had a special role in getting me to where I am now, and I likely wouldn’t still be playing if it weren’t for him. My third year pro, after getting cut from Wheeling, I was seriously questioning if hockey was still for me and was considering hanging up the skates. That’s when I got a call from Jean-Guy Trudel, the coach from Peoria in the SPHL. Not only did he convince me to stick with it, but during my short time with Peoria he also helped shape me into the type of player I am now. Under him, hockey was fun again and I finally got back to loving the game. Thanks to his guidance, I ended up signing with the Albany Devils of the AHL while still in Peoria and got the call up from the ECHL to the AHL just two weeks later. 

Who was your favorite team/hockey player growing up?

Being one of four boys, competition was always present in our household. My dad and brothers were all die hard Montreal Canadiens fans, so naturally I had to bring the rivalry to our home by supporting the Bruins. I don’t recall having a favorite player growing up, but now I really enjoy watching Milan Lucic and Tom Wilson. 

What has been your favorite hockey memory thus far?

There are a lot a of good memories that I have in mind. If I have to choose one, being part of the Salzburg Redbull team that won the European Trophy would top the list. Playing in the Austrian league was an amazing experience. It was my first taste of playing professional hockey and I was lucky enough to be with such a great organization. 

Photo: Andy Camp

On the Ice

What do you like the most about being out on the ice? 

This is going to sound super cheesy, but it’s my happy place! It’s the place where nothing else matters, where I get better every day with twenty of my teammates and friends who have the same mindset as me. It’s where we all push each other to be the best versions of ourselves. 

Any superstitions or regular routines prior to game time?

For home games, I’ve had the same routine in place for the past four or five years. In the mornings I head to the arena and jump on the ice for morning skate. When I get back home, I cook myself some penne alla vodka with ground beef. After eating my pregame meal, I take a nap for and 1h15 minutes. After I wake up, I choose my outfit for the game and drink an espresso before leaving for the rink. Once I am at the rink, I play soccer with some of the guys before getting dressed for warmup. After the national anthem, I have a prayer I always say to help me get ready for the game. 

What is the easiest part about playing hockey? Most difficult?

The easiest part about playing hockey is waking up every morning, knowing that you’re lucky enough to get to go to work playing the best sport on earth. The most difficult part is definitely battling injuries – it’s really tough to be stuck in the stands. 

Off the Ice

What would you be doing if you were not playing hockey?

I have always been good with numbers and have a strong interest in the stock market and the world of finance, so I would say something in that sector.

Favorite hobbies off of the ice? 

Like I mentioned previously, I love to watch and analyze the stock market, and read about it as well. I also love to cook! It is therapeutic for me to cook good, healthy meals and try different recipes that I find on the internet.

‘Tis the season - how do you usually spend the holidays?

For Thanksgiving, I spent it with my wife, Suzanne, and her family. For Thanksgiving we usually stick around Glens Falls and for Christmas we head up to Vermont. I am grateful for my health and the health of my friends and family. I am grateful for my amazing wife and her constant support. I am grateful that I still have the privilege of playing this game and for all the amazing people that I have met along the way.

Photo: Andy Camp

On the Next Generation

Do you have any advice you’d be willing to share for any up-and coming players with dreams of playing professionally?

One piece of advice I would give is to always do more and be disciplined in everything you do and work as hard as you possibly can. The moment you think you have done enough is the moment you need to do more.

If you had to teach someone to ice skate right now, today…what would be the first thing you’d tell them? 

Never give up! No matter how many times you fall, always get up and keep going because one day you will look back and be proud of what you have accomplished.

Photo: Andy Camp

On Glens Falls

You’ve played all over the country… Any differences you’ve noticed? 

In my professional career, I have played for eleven different teams in four different leagues, so there is a lot to compare. While I feel lucky to have been afforded the opportunity to play in all those places, Glens Falls is where I want to be. Obviously, the winters in Texas and Orlando were a bit more pleasant weather-wise, but nothing compares to Glens Falls. Over the years I’ve played with and met many of my closest friends here, and to top it all, Glens Falls is where I met my wife. 

What do you love the most about playing and living in Glens Falls?

It’s really nice to have family so close. My wife has a lot of family in Glens Falls and it’s also the closest place in the ECHL for my family in Quebec to visit. I love the small-town atmosphere and how nice everyone is, it reminds me a lot of home. I admire all the local shops and restaurants around town because they bring their own touch to their craft. 

It’s also a great hockey community to be a part of. I want to give a special thanks to all the Thunder fans and the community for supporting the team day in and day out – you really make this feel like a home away from home for all of us.

What are few of your favorite spots to enjoy in Glens Falls area? Spots to eat? Spots to take the family?

There are quite a few great spots around town but I’ll name the first few that come to mind... For lunch I like Gourmet Café and Sorrentino’s Deli . Downtown City Tavern has always been my go-to postgame spot – I really love their wings. Whenever my family comes into town we always head to the Silo for brunch and then usually spend the day exploring Lake George. 

If you could add one thing to Glens Falls, what would it be? 

If I could add one thing to Glens Falls, it would be a Trader Joe’s grocery store. I love everything about Trader Joe’s; they have a huge variety of affordable organic products. The Canadian in me would also love to see a Tim Horton’s in town, I often find myself craving their french vanilla coffee. 

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Thank you, Alex! Let's go Thunder!

The Thunder are home this weekend (and Saturday is 90’s night!)! Grab tickets here. And plan ahead for the game on New Year’s Eve by grabbing 2 tickets for $25 here.

Hockey Town: Conor Riley

Had a blast catching up with and getting to know Adirondack Thunder Forward Conor Riley as we gear up for another couple of home games this weekend. Read on to learn more about his small town beginnings, a unique experience on the ice at Fenway, some great advice from his father, and his thoughts on who's shaping up to be the big competition this year.

Conor Riley (Photo: Andy Camp)

On the Past

What inspired you to play hockey? How’d you get started?

Growing up it was pretty much my father. He had played college hockey actually in Plattsburgh. He went overseas for a little bit, and he played over there. So growing up it was kind of a family thing.


Also, I’m from a small town up north [Massena, NY] where there were a bunch of rinks, so it was a community thing, too. People would always go skating, and it was easy to get on the ice. My dad would take me and my two sisters skating all the time. Actually, it all started as my sisters were in figure skating. My dad put me in that too and said it would be good for hockey down the road. It’s really good for your edge-work.

You played at the University of Maine at Oreno - how was that for you?

I was playing junior hockey in Boston, and I got recruited by a few universities and when I went up to the University of Maine, I just fell in love with it up there. It just had that small community feel and it was a strong hockey team as far as being nationally ranked. So I did an official visit there, left the visit, and called the coach right away to say that I would commit there. It was nice because it’s a good sized university, but it still has that small town feel.

How about the seafood?

Even in our dining halls, every now and then they’d bring in lobster - that was nice!

Conor Riley (Photo: Andy Camp)

Did you have a favorite team growing up?

Growing up I was always a Devils fan. My Dad was a Devils fan, so I just stuck with that. Zack Parise was definitely one of my favorite players growing up.

How about a favorite hockey memory?

I would say one of the coolest moments was my sophomore year at Maine, we played one of those outdoor games at Fenway Park. We used the Red Sox locker room and all. It was a unique experience to play in a stadium like that. And mid-way through the second period we had to stop for a lightning delay. We had to get off the ice in a hurry!

On the Ice

What do you love most about being on the ice?

I think the biggest thing is just being able to go out and compete. You can go out there and it’s just you vs. that other guy. The physicality of it, the speed of the game, I think that’s always something that really drove me to play hockey - it’s just a fast paced game with a lot of contact.

Also, the camaraderie with the guys. It’s easy to get along with the hockey guys. The whole team aspect. It’s a big team game and you never feel like you’re secluded, so that’s what makes hockey pretty fun.

Do you have any superstitions or pre-game routines?

Not really. More just a basic routine. Get to the rink. Cup of coffee. Meeting. Warm up. Play a little soccer with the guys before which is always fun. I say talk to a goalie, they definitely have their superstitions!

Conor Riley (Photo: Andy Camp)

On the Season

Thoughts on this season so far?

Record wise, a good start - we’re tied for first. We’re lucky to have two really good goaltenders that have stolen us a couple of wins. I think we’re still trying to figure out our team identity a little bit - it’s always tough to get into that team chemistry right away. It takes time, and right now we’re in a good spot. It’s always good to have a really good start to the season. To be racking up those wins is huge, but I think we still have room to grow as a team.

Any rivalries this year?

Looks like Worcester is going to be that team this year. With Manchester out of the league, you end up playing your divisional rivals at least four or five more games per year, which adds up. It seems like Worcseter is going to be a team that’s pretty physical and could be a big rivalry.

On the Next Generation

Any advice you’d like to share for up and coming players?

I think people spend time worrying about what team they’re on, what line they’re on, who they’re playing with, how much ice time they get. But I’d say the biggest thing to worry about as a player would be - at the end of the year, if you think you got better, then that was a successful season. Too many people worry about all the ins and outs, but if you’re getting better every year, then you’re going to find yourself where you want to be at the end of the day.

That and the other thing that my dad taught me growing up is that it’s hard for coaches and scouts to cut you if you’re the hardest working guy on the ice. So always work to be the hardest working guy on the ice and make it tough for teams to release you. Everyone recognizes the guy going the hardest.

How about words of wisdom for folks just learning to skate?

I’d say right away - you’re going to get frustrated. You’re going to fall a bunch. You might not last long out there, but it’s like riding a bike, you’ve just gotta get back on until sooner or later you start catching on to it. Skating is a unique thing where you’re definitely going to hurt yourself a couple of times, but you’ve just gotta keep getting back up.

On Glens Falls

Favorite place to grab a bite after a game?

There’s really not a bad spot to eat! We bounce around a lot - Mikado, Downtown City Tavern…

How do you unwind on your days off?

I like to read a lot - it doesn’t matter if it’s non-fiction, fiction. Lately I just like to sit down and read, which is kind of new because in school, the last thing you want to do is read those books. I’ve really started to enjoy reading on my own time.

Also, my sister lives down in Kinderhook, and she has a daughter and newborn son. It’s great because on my days off I can go down there, and that’s a big reason I love playing here. Traveling with hockey, it can be tough to find time to see family, but with my sister and brother in law and two kids nearby, it’s nice to go down there and see them and relax, so that’s a huge bonus of playing here. My whole family is really important to me. I really can’t say enough about them. They’re the reason I’ve been able to play and keep on playing.

Conor Riley (Photo: Andy Camp)

Two games this weekend - Friday and Sunday! Grab tickets here.

P.S. Who wouldn't love to meet a superhero? Join the Thunder for great family fun on Sunday, November 10th at 3pm. The one and only Spiderman will be there for a pre-game meet and greet! Four pack specials are available and you can grab all the details here.

Hockey Town: Casey Pierro-Zabotel

Ahh, October. When Hometown USA transforms into Hockey Town once again. When downtown comes alive in a fresh new way. When dinners out turn into dinner and a game (and maybe dinner, a game, and celebratory drinks after the game). We’re psyched for the Adirondack Thunder’s new season, and what better way to start it off than with a new series on GFL - Hockey Town - and what better way to start said new series than with the newly signed (and two time Kelly Cup Champion) - Casey Pierro-Zabotel (you can call him Zabby). Read on to find out what inspired him to play hockey, his favorite moments on the ice, and what he’s looking forward to this season.

Casey Pierro-Zabotel (Photo: Andy Camp)

Tell us a bit about yourself! Where are you from and how are you settling in to Glens Falls?

My wife Levi and I have been married for 10 years now. We have two children - our son Lane is 10 and our daughter Collins is three. My wife and I are both from the same town called Kamloops in British Columbia, Canada. It's been about a month and it's been really good. Our family is settling in well and we've had the chance to explore around town and it's really nice. We have really enjoyed Glens Falls, and also went to the Great Escape with the family, and a couple trips to Lake George. The people are really friendly here, especially the fans.

(Photo: Andy Camp)

ON THE PAST

What inspired you to play hockey?

I started playing hockey because of my parents. They got me started at age 3, so I really had no choice but to play. My father played junior hockey and I was always at the rink with him - he’s the one that got me started, coached me first, and pushed me to play all the time.

Favorite hockey player / team?

My favorite hockey player is Joe Sakic - he’s an elite goal scorer, and he’s on my favorite team (the Colorado Avalanche), and also from British Columbia near where I live.

(Photo: Andy Camp)

ON THE ICE

What do you love the most about being out on the ice? 

I love competing every day for a chance to win - winning is the reason I love to play hockey.

What has been a favorite moment of your career so far?

My favorite hockey moment so far is winning back to back Kelly Cups - it took me 7 years to win the first one so that was an amazing feeling.

You've led the league in scoring... what's it feel like to score a goal? 

It's amazing, it’s one of the best things about hockey. Everyone wants to score a goal and of course help the team win. And sometimes the opportunities may not come by that easily. Some games, you may not even get a shot on net, then the next it happens all at once. It's a pretty cool feeling to celebrate with your teammates when the fans are going crazy around you. 

Any superstitions or regular routines prior to game time?

No superstitions, but my favorite thing to do before a game is play soccer with the guys - it’s a nice way to get loose prior to the intensity of getting out onto the ice.

(Photo: Andy Camp)

ON THE UPCOMING SEASON

What made you decide to come to Glens Falls?

We decided to come to Glens Falls because we heard so many great things from friends and guys on the team.

We're excited to welcome you and the team on opening night...any extra adrenaline pumping before a home game? 

The first home game of the year is always the best when the fans are all screaming and excited - it gives me a little more energy hearing that. 

Looks like we've got an impressive roster. What are you most excited about in the upcoming season? 

I’m most excited about this team we have - it’s a really well balanced team and should be a real fun year.

ON THE NEXT GENERATION

Any advice you'd be willing to share for up-and coming players with dreams of playing professionally? 

The advice I would give to young kids is to work hard every day in practices and games. Even if you’re not playing, stay at it and most importantly, have fun and just enjoy it.

Casey Pierro-Zabotel (Photo: Andy Camp)

Thanks Zabby! See you at the game on Saturday - Go Thunder!

P.S. If you’re thinking of heading to the game, grab tickets here, or snag an opening night four pack here (it includes four tickets, four souvenir cups, and a $20 gift card to Stewart’s!).