This week, the Thursday Thunder Player of the Week is 21-year-old Tanner Chapman.
Born and raised in Airdrie, Chapman has been playing hockey in Airdrie for most of his life. He spent his younger years playing for teams like the Airdrie Lightning and U15 AA, AC Avalanche U16 AAA and Airdrie CFR Bisons U18 AAA.
This is the second time this season Chapman has been named Thursday Thunder Player of the Week.
"Chappy has continued to lead by example on the ice and only knows one speed….full out every shift! Chappy continues to build this team with his leadership skills and we are starting to see the results," stated Thunder General Manager Shaun Guest.
The Thunder hosted the Cannex Cochrane Generals last Friday, a team with just two losses this year and tied for second in the South Division. The Generals proved to be too much for the Thunder to handle as they scored a 5 - 2 win at the Ron Ebbesen Arena. The loss leaves the Thunder at 3-11-1, sixth in the North Division.
So far this season, Chapman leads the Thunder in points, having 13 in 15 games, four goals and nine assists.
"We had a really tough start, it took a while for the boys to get to know one another, and it correlates to the ice. Hopefully, we turn to a new chapter by getting a couple of new guys in the room."
Chapman mentioned they had a team dinner last week and he hopes it was able to pull the team together to help turn around the season.
"The work ethic needs to be there, we can't take any more games off. So every game we need to be focused and ready to play and have the heart to win."
Two games are on the agenda for the team this weekend. Friday night they'll face the High River Brewing Company Flyers at 8:00 pm in Ron Ebbesen. On Saturday the Thunder are in Ponoka to face the Stampeders who have just one win this season.
With this being his final year of junior hockey, Chapman stated he plans on helping out as much as he can off the ice while continuing to work and make a living.
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