Jay Kenney Returns to Thunderbirds

Winston-Salem, NC - The Carolina Thunderbirds are happy to announce the re-signing of forward Jay Kenney for the 2018-19 season.

Kenney, 28, is a native of Boston, MA who came to the Thunderbirds via dispersal draft last season from the Cornwall Nationals. He skated in 12 games with Carolina last season, registering 4 assists, 48 penalty minutes, and a +3 rating. “It’s truly an honor to be part of this team, organization, and community.” Kenney said. “The people of Winston-Salem and the Thunderbirds have changed my life in more ways than one. It is my mission to proudly represent my team as well as my newly adopted hometown.”

Kenney is entering his fourth year in the FHL, after starting with Port Huron in the 2015-16 season. Prior to his professional career, he played two years of junior hockey and four years of NCAA Division III college hockey; two years with Elmira College before transferring to SUNY-Cortland for his last two years.

Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Andre Niec commented: “I’m excited to have Kenney back. When I was coaching in Berlin, I was disappointed that we couldn’t work out a deal to acquire him, so when he became available through the [dispersal] draft, I didn’t hesitate to grab him. He’s a great team guy and good in the locker room, he sticks up for his teammates, and plays his heart out.”

Kenney also made headlines last season giving to charities. He had grown out his hair over the last few years and late last season got rid of his signature mullet style for the Locks of Love charity, which creates wigs for children with cancer across the United States and Canada. In leading up to the cut, Kenney rallied his supporters under the “Kenney’s Kurlz” brand with a GoFundMe page set up to donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. That campaign brought in over $2,000 for the cause.


The Carolina Thunderbirds are proud members of the Federal Hockey League, now in its ninth season. Carolina will be starting its second season of play, looking to build on the success of its inaugural season where the Thunderbirds posted an 87-point season with a record of 25-24-5-2 (W-L-OTW-OTL). The Thunderbirds also set an FHL record with over 65,000 fans through the doors in their first season and six sellout crowds. Season and group tickets are on sale now by calling (336) 774-GOAL(4625).