Fans famished for Thunder action

Micheline and Justine Chiefson had last Friday circled on their calendar at home for quite a while.
The sisters are two die-hard fans of the Borderland Thunder who saw their countdown to the start of a new SIJHL season finally end when the Thunder Bay KC Bulldogs came to town to take on the defending league champs.
“I like the fighting, and when they score,” said Micheline, 14, whose favourite player is hard-hitting defenceman Clayton Windigo. “He plays a really tough style of game.”
Justine, 12, has no question about the possibility of a repeat of last year’s title-winning season by her hometown heroes.
“I think they’ll definitely win the championship,” exhorted a confident Justine, who added she and her sister never miss a home game.
The Ice for Kids Arena is the perfect venue to bring the noise, which Sarah Freeman and her cousin, Ashley Golnick, do on a regular basis.
“I love the game, and I love to blow my horn,” said Freeman, sounding a pronounced blast from her bright yellow noise producer to back up her point.
The rough stuff also appeals to Golnick, 13, who considers fellow International Falls residents Drew and Derek Fisher the Thunder players to watch.
“I’ve known them both for a while,” she explained.
Ernie McKelvie was a season ticket-holder last year and has plans to renew his pass once again.
“I’ve seen every game,” professed McKelvie, who enjoys watching the on-ice exploits of Kevin Webb and Ian Lockman. “Webb’s a terrific all-around player, and Lockman’s a tough player, but a good one, too.”
For Borderland Racing Association president Dave Allen, Thunder hockey makes for a pleasant and affordable recreational escape after a long season winds up out at the Emo Speedway.
“It’s good entertainment at good prices,” said Allen, who still proclaims a loyalty to the track over the ice. “There’s a little more energy in the house at the track, with the fans and the cars combined.
“It’s pretty quiet in here.”