To Albert Lea Thunder Junior A hockey team owner Barry Soskin, staff , coaches, players and fans:

It was a tough first year for everyone. Your support was strong win or lose. You kept the team moving forward win or lose.

To the players who are on this team from the start of the season and didn’t quit, win or lose. You guys are the real champs for not quitting the team and playing to the end.

As I have watched or followed your game stats all year and in your last 10 games of the season, I think you played your best hockey toward the end of your season. From your first few games to your last few games I have noticed some big team improvements. The team worked hard and never gave up win or lose.

As I watched your last game of the season verses the North Iowa Outlaws on Sunday, March 29, I thought that the team was going to show frustration from a tough first year with a lot of anger and fighting.

Kudos to the players and coaching staff for going out with good sportsmanship and class. You showed alot of class by playing hard, win or lose.

I wish the best for the Thunder and I hope they can build up the program in the off-season and get more wins next year.

Mark C. Carlson

“Hockey Nut”

Albert Lea