Thunderbirds Announce Free Agent Camp in Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem, NC - The Carolina Thunderbirds are announcing their second free agent camp for prospective FHL players, taking place Wednesday, October 17th through Friday, October 19th at the Thunderbirds' home rink, the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Annex.

“This could be the start of a big chance for any kind of player to come in and make this team” Head Coach Andre Niec said. “We know we are going to have spots available and depending on how many players are able to crack squads above ours [ECHL], we could have maybe seven or eight places up for grabs in camp.”

The camp will feature four ice sessions beginning on Wednesday evening and the last ice session wraps up on Friday morning. There are also off-ice training sessions that prospective players will take part in. Camp will cost $250 per skater and jerseys will be provided. After the camp concludes, the Thunderbirds’ coaching staff will announce if any player(s) will be moving on with an invite to training camp, which begins the same day as this tryout camp ends.

“Last free agent camp we had in Virginia, there were two guys picked up [to training camp]” Niec said. “I fully expect at least two more guys will be invited to training camp out of this one.”

A special hotel rate has been granted to players who sign up for the camp at the Quality Inn and Suites at Hanes Mall.

Check in for the camp will be from 3-4 PM on the 17th at the Annex, with the first skate beginning at 7 PM.

Sign up for the camp here, and a Thunderbirds representative will confirm your sign-up within a couple of days.


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).