Thunder Bay Chill News Release -- www.thunderbaychill.com
Friday, June 22, 2012
THUNDER BAY, Ontario – Coming off a weekend sweep of WSA Winnipeg, the Thunder Bay Chill return home this weekend for what could be a crucial weekend in deciding who will win the Heartland Division title this season. The Chill will host the Des Moines Menace for two games on Friday and Saturday night at Chapples Park. Kickoff for both games is set for 7:30 p.m.
The Chill go into Friday's game leading the Heartland Division with 21 points in eight games, three points ahead of the Real Colorado Foxes, who have played 11 games, and four points ahead of rivals Des Moines Menace, who have played 10 games, and the Springfield Demize, who have played 11.
The Chill have had the better of Des Moines since 2007 with a 10-5-3 record, but since 2003 the record is as tight as it gets with each team winning 15 times with three games ending in a deadlock. Head coach Tony Colistro is cautiously optimistic about this weekend’s series.
“Des Moines is well coached, they are always organized and have always seem to have a strong team, so it is always tough to play against them” Colistro said. “Our goal is to continue to keep goals out of our net.”
In the first half of the season the Chill have scored 21 goals in eight games and only conceded twice. Colistro’s goal is to continue on that pace.
“If you keep goals out of your net, you only need to score one to take three points” Colistro said. This past weekend was a perfect example, where the Chill easily manhandled WSA Winnipeg on Saturday night, winning 4-0, but peppered goalkeeper Tyson Farago with 20 shots on Sunday and only escaped with a 1-0 victory on the heroics of a last minute free kick by midfielder Jose Altamirano.
Thunder Bay’s midfield will be without Australian Mat Luak, who broke his ankle in training last week. Luak had to have surgery and will be out for the remainder of the season.
“It is unfortunate that he sustained this injury, and we will miss Mat’s presence for sure” said Colistro.
Tickets for both games are available in advance at Central Car Wash or by calling 623-5911. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. both nights.
Friday’s game will be supported by Fort William Historical Park where Park staff will be in attendance and costumes to provide additional entertainment to the game. Saturday will be Tbaytel night where the first 300 fans will receive a seat cushion.