Thunderbirds Shine in USPHL Las Vegas Showcase: A Comprehensive Recap

Las Vegas, NV – Post-Showcase Recap – City National Arena

The Las Vegas Thunderbirds left an indelible mark on the USPHL Las Vegas Showcase, demonstrating their prowess across four high-energy games at the City National Arena. Here’s a detailed recap of their 4 wins with highlighting key players and notable statistics.

Game 1: Thunderbirds vs. Seattle Totems

Result: Las Vegas Thunderbirds 5, Seattle Totems 4

The Thunderbirds kicked off the showcase with a nail-biting 5-4 victory over the Seattle Totems. Despite trailing initially, the team showcased resilience, with Morency leading the charge with a hat trick. Key contributions also came from Cain and Ciolli, while Peterson in goal made crucial saves, turning the tide in favor of the Thunderbirds.

  • Key Player: Morency with a hat trick.
  • Goalie Stats: Peterson with 16 saves on 20 shots.

Game 2: Thunderbirds vs. Vernal Oilers

Result: Las Vegas Thunderbirds 6, Vernal Oilers 0

In a dominant display, the Thunderbirds shut out the Vernal Oilers 6-0. Morency continued his exceptional form with another hat trick, proving to be a relentless force. Cherniak, Ciolli, and Bonaldi provided additional firepower, while Griffith achieved a shutout in goal.

  • Key Player: Morency with back-to-back hat tricks.
  • Goalie Stats: Griffith with a shutout, saving all 23 shots.

Game 3: Thunderbirds vs. Isanti Outlaws

Result: Las Vegas Thunderbirds 3, Isanti Outlaws 1

The Thunderbirds maintained their winning streak with a solid 3-1 victory over the Isanti Outlaws. Walton, Slayback, and Morency each scored, with Morency extending his impressive goal tally. The team’s power play and penalty kill units were effective, contributing to the win.

  • Key Player: Morency with a goal.
  • Goalie Stats: Peterson with 21 saves on 22 shots.

Game 4: Thunderbirds vs. Rogue Valley Royals

Result: Las Vegas Thunderbirds 10, Rogue Valley Royals 1

The Thunderbirds concluded the showcase with a resounding 10-1 triumph over the Rogue Valley Royals. The team’s offensive onslaught was led by Cherniak, Ciolli, Riquinha, and Morency, with each player showcasing their scoring abilities. The defense was equally robust, limiting the Royals to just one goal.

  • Key Players: Cherniak, Ciolli, and Riquinha with multiple points.
  • Goalie Stats: Griffith with 16 saves on 17 shots.

Showcase Summary and Key Statistics

  • Total Goals Scored: The Thunderbirds scored an impressive 24 goals across four games.
  • Power Play Efficiency: The team capitalized on power play opportunities, scoring multiple times with a man advantage.
  • Defensive Strength: The Thunderbirds’ defense, along with goalies Peterson and Griffith, conceded only 6 goals throughout the showcase.
  • Morency’s Performance: With back-to-back hat tricks and consistent scoring, Morency was a standout player for the Thunderbirds.

Game Summaries

  • Vs. Seattle Totems: A thrilling 5-4 comeback win, highlighted by Morency’s hat trick.
  • Vs. Vernal Oilers: A dominant 6-0 victory with Morency’s second consecutive hat trick.
  • Vs. Isanti Outlaws: A solid 3-1 win, featuring goals from Walton, Slayback, and Morency.
  • Vs. Rogue Valley Royals: An overwhelming 10-1 triumph, with multiple players contributing to the scoreline.

Key Players and Statistics

  • Morency: Demonstrated exceptional scoring ability with back-to-back hat tricks.
  • Ciolli, Cherniak, and Riquinha: Consistently contributed to the team’s offensive output.
  • Goalies Peterson and Griffith: Provided strong defense, with Griffith achieving a shutout against the Oilers.

Top Points and Goal Scorers Table

Player Goals Assists Total Points
Morency 8 4 12
Ciolli 4 6 10
Cherniak 3 5 8
Riquinha 3 4 7
Walton 2 3 5
Dufour 1 4 5