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Thread: Thunderchild leaves the Hawks

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
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    Default Thunderchild leaves the Hawks

    Winter Hawks Defenseman Leaves Team
    Dean Vrooman - September 15, 2006


    Defenseman Lenny Thunderchild has elected to leave the Portland Winter Hawks and return home to Alberta.





    “There is a high level of commitment required to play hockey at this level and Lenny was not prepared to make that commitment at this time,” said Portland Coach Mike Williamson. “Last year, when he came in, he had a long way to go and Lenny made a very big commitment to work his tail off on and off the ice. He earned a regular shift and he made tremendous strides in his education. Lenny has a strong sense of family and felt that he needed to go home.”

    Thunderchild, 18, who was acquired last season in a trade with Lethbridge, was one of ten defensemen on the Hawks’ roster.

    Portland now has 9 defensemen, 14 forwards and 2 goaltenders on its 2006-07 roster.
    Kristi
    ---------------------------------

  2. #2

    Default

    It was a disagreement with coaches and management.He didn't like what was being said..he took it to heart and bolted.Same thing happened with Collins.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
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    Default Too bad...

    I liked Thunderchild, and thought/think that he has a lot of potential.

    This "going back home" thing seems to be a growing trend in recent years, at least with WHL players, which is unfortunate.
    Redwic

  4. #4
    Rsthelen Guest

    Default Thunderchild

    Thanks for going home.... he was horrible ... how do you show up for camp 30 pounds over weight and in the same breath say you care.....
    Last edited by Tipped Off; 09-17-2006 at 09:22 PM. Reason: personal attack on a player

  5. #5

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Redwic
    I liked Thunderchild, and thought/think that he has a lot of potential.

    This "going back home" thing seems to be a growing trend in recent years, at least with WHL players, which is unfortunate.
    On one hand there is a ton of pressure on these kids, moreso than before, some just want to have fun. On the other hand, unless a certain level of committment is reached, step aside and let someone who wants it more take your spot.

  6. #6
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    Default agreed

    I don't see what the problem is. Better he realize he doesn't want to play now and go hame than make the team, suit up for a few games, cause someone to miss out on a roster spot and then quit. I think one thing we have to keep in mind is Thunderchild was the "other" player who was helped off the ice last year against Seattle in the playoffs in the game Portland came back o win incredibly. Perhaps after a Summer to think about the hits and the fights he just decided it wasn't for him. After all, this is a developmental league in which very few players will ever reach the NHL. It is very hard to realize at some point you aren't going to make it. Perhaps he came to that realization and decided to get on with his life.
    _____________________
    Tipped Off

  7. #7

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Rsthelen
    Thanks for going home.... he was horrible ... how do you show up for camp 30 pounds over weight and in the same breath say you care.....

    Must have enjoyed a lot of "pops" as Don Cherry would say..over the summer or maybe BIG MACS. 30 lbs as a teenage is rediculous. I wouldn't have let him on the ice!

  8. #8
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    Default

    I was going through the Alberta Junior Hockey League rosters/stats and found Thunderchild. He's listed as a trim 6'2 215lbs.

    He seems to be adjusting alright... In 6 games with the Lloydminster Bobcats he has 1G & 4A for 5PTS (as of Oct. 17)

    http://www.ajhl.ab.ca/leagues/roster...layerID=246412

  9. #9
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    Default

    its too bad players like this can't seem to get to that level maturity and understanding. I still find this a disturbing trend. Had Portland known that he would bolt they never would have traded for him so now they get nothing for what went to Lethbridge.

    -- I actually am finding this a little ridiculous. I know these are kids but really do you want to be a pro or not -- if not then you are just taking up a roster spot and you should be up-front about that from the get-go. Was he just "having fun" in Lethbridge but it was okay cause he was close to home?

    Because that's not the kind of attitude these players should have, they need to be/and need to learn to be responsible to the team and their teammates and understand its not just about them.

    I see this selfish streak in a lot of young kids these days, new to the work-force and wanting to just coast through - thinking a hard day of work is beneath them. There's a pervasive attitude going on here and its not just about hockey its about lack of accountability from a lot of young people who have not been brought up with a sense of what it takes to excel and not just get by, and pride in being part of something and the willingness to make it happen.
    My Vancouver Giants focused Blog

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  10. #10

    Default

    dondo dondo dondo

    I'm going to try and avoid turning this into the thread that you and I have already had on this topic ... that being said, why are we killing a kid for going home?

    Chad Scharff was picked up by the Bruins but decided to retire and spend time with his family. Where's the thread ripping him for wanting to be with his family? From the Portland coverage it appears that Thunderchild was more interested in being with his family. Another thing to keep in mind is that he is aboriginal and we've all seen the stories on the Tootoo brothers and how much harder it was for them. I'm not sure about his home life, but he did leave home at 13. That's a young age to leave home, for anybody.

    At 18 he's still got a chance to get his education and make something of himself outside of hockey.

    He was acquired EARLY last year from Lethbridge. He played 47 games with the Hawks and another 8 in the playoffs. You're making it sound like they acquired him and he said 'screw you' and left them high and dry.

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