Photo by Brie Cohen

Thunder defenseman Derek Docken helps out Ellen Merkouris with a Wii skiing game while Thunder defenseman Robbie Vannelli wrestles around with Caleb Merkouris at the Merkouris home in rural Conger. Ryan and Janelle Merkouris are a host family to the two defensemen and their children, Caleb and Ellen, love to play with the two hockey players.