The Excrement has hit the Ventilator in Albert Lea - **Updated**

To begin with, I realize it has been almost a month since I have updated the blog. Quite honestly, I have become really bored with the whole process, and there really hasn't been anything worth writing about...................Until last night!!

First of all, read the following articles to get up to speed:

http://www.albertleatribune.com/news/2009/nov/19/league-finds-albert-lea-thunder-allowed-pay--play/

http://www.americanjuniorhockey.com/2009/11/minnesota-meltdown-nahl-roster-spots.html

There have been whispers of improprieties swirling around the Thunder franchise since their inception early in the summer of 2008. Anybody that was paying attention knew that something wasn't right with our neighbors to the south. So, it's not a surprise that this happened, but what is a surprise is the NAHL's response. The league is throwing the book at the Thunder, and I would speculate the future of the franchise is in grave danger.

This story broke less than 24 hours ago, so I'm sure plenty more details will come out in the coming days.


My take: I just don't see a scenario where this gets resolved in a way that keeps the Thunder in Albert Lea. I hope I am wrong, but I think it's just a matter of time until the team folds. Do they make it through the rest of this season, or have we seen the last of the Thunder??

By the way, the Express are scheduled to play the Thunder Saturday night in Albert Lea. Should be an interesting night at the rink.


The article from the Albert Lea Tribune has been updated with a bunch more information, so click on the link above and re-read the article. It names the players involved, and the parents who blew the whistle to the league officials.

I am not sure what was more idiotic, instituting a pay-for-play system, or actually putting it in writing in the form of a contract. I am not a lawyer, nor do I play one on TV, but this looks like a pretty cut and dried case.

We have had a lot of fun at the Thunder's expense over the last year and a half, but I really feel bad for everyone not directly involved in this scandal: The fans of the Thunder, the people of Albert Lea, Coach Brad Zangs, and the players who earned their spot the correct way. You deserved much better than this. If the hammer falls, and the Thunder fold, feel free to jump on the Express bandwagon, we'll make room. Wouldn't it be nice to root for a winning team for a change, plus we have one big thing in common: a dislike for the North Iowa Outlaws.

I hope to see the Express get a win Saturday night in Albert Lea, but I will be disappointed if any of the pay-for play guys are in uniform.

--BK