They say that too much turkey can make you sleepy.  Apparently, the Airdrie Thunder didn't consume much over the holidays as they showed no rust from their two week Christmas break last night (January 5).

The Thunder built up an 8 - 0 lead 13 seconds into the third period then cruised to an 8 - 2 victory over the Ponoka Stampeders at the Ron Ebbesen Arena.

Clay Murray was the offensive star for the Thunder, scoring three times and adding two assists.  Andre McLennan had a pair for Airdrie with Jared Bainbridge, Jacob MacDonald, and Matt Thomson adding singles.

The win keeps Airdrie one point ahead of Red Deer in the battle for first place in the Heritage Junior Hockey League's Northern Division as the Vipers also won last night, beating Three Hills 3 - 2.  

Meanwhile, in Cochrane, the Coaldale Copperheads scored four times in the third period to beat the Generals 5 - 2.  

The Generals have another home encounter tonight against the Medicine Hat Cubs in the Spray Lakes Sawmill Family Sports Centre.  The puck drops at 7:30 pm.

Also tonight, the Mountainview Colts entertain the Three Hills Thrashers in a 7:30 pm game at the Didsbury Recreation Complex.

Tomorrow afternoon in Okotoks, the league breaks for its annual All-Star Game at 1:15 pm in the Murray Arena.

Four members of the Thunder will play on the North team, Clay Murray, Dante Raposo, Rylan Plante-Crough and Benjamin Orde.  

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