Thunderbirds Announce Training Camp

Winston-Salem, NC - The Carolina Thunderbirds are proud to announce their 2018-19 training camp taking place at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Annex from Friday, October 19th to Thursday October 25th.

Additionally, the Thunderbirds are announcing three inter-squad scrimmages that will take place between October 18th-20th. All scrimmages are free to the public, with a donation drive going on during the Saturday night scrimmage to “stock the locker room”. Cash and toiletry donations are encouraged but not required. All scrimmages will be played at 7 PM.

“We’re keeping our promise to keep our hockey business in the Triad and we’re very excited to be following through with that in year two.” said team President and General Manager Scott Brand.

The first scrimmage will take place in the middle of the Thunderbirds Winston-Salem free agent camp. Once that camp concludes, the second scrimmage will kick off the official training camp for the 2018-19 season. There will be a third scrimmage on Saturday night to close out the preseason scrimmage series.

“Once we get the first couple of days behind us, that’s when the real work begins.” said Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Andre Niec. “We’ll probably have our hardest practices of the season after these scrimmages to get guys in game shape and ready for the new season.”

Coach Niec said he is planning on having his team selected by the 24th, allowing him to have a full practice day on the 25th with the 2018-19 Thunderbirds before the Port Huron Prowlers come into the Annex on the 26th to begin the season.


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).