With the home opener just around the corner, the Airdrie Techmation Thunder are still in the process of making releases to finalize their team. 

Shaun Guest, the General Manager for the Thunder mentioned they are coming to the end of their camp. 

“We have been running for about a week and a half now, we played three exhibition games on the weekend against Cochrane and Okotoks.” 

They had one more practice on Thursday night before they play back-to-back exhibition games against the Mountain View Colts, one tonight and one on Saturday. Tonight is their home game against the Colts. It is at 8 p.m. at the Ron Ebbesen Arena. 

“We should have our team pretty much ready to go by Monday.”  

With many veteran players returning this year, Guest is excited to see how the season turns out. 

“Any holes that we had to fill; we've actually brought in some really exciting players in every position, so, it's looking really good. It's going to be nice to see the guys practice and play together as a team. I know that the atmosphere around the room and around the arena is strong.” 

While still having around four to six players to release, Guest mentioned they always make sure those players have a place to play. 

“The big thing for me is, if we are going to release somebody, we do our best to get them placed somewhere else so that they're playing hockey and give them enough notice that they can actually find another opportunity.” 

Some of the crucial plans for this year's team, according to Guest, is having a fast electric team that's obviously going to play well together. This year they also have some expectations off ice. 

“We're looking to become highly involved in the community. I'm a firm believer of giving back to minor hockey and our community that supports us, so the boys will be involved around Airdrie.” 

Although the Colts and Thunder play tonight in an exhibition match, the regular season kicks off for the Thunder next Friday at home against the Mountainview Colts at the Ron Ebbesen Arena at 8 pm. 

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