Thunderbirds set for Halloween showdown against Moccasins

MONROE, LA. –The Twin City Thunderbirds return to the ice tonight looking to complete a two-game weekend sweep of the Monroe Moccasins at the Monroe Civic Center. Twin City remained undefeated to begin the 2026-2027 season with a thrilling 4-3 shootout victory over Monroe on Friday night, overcoming a two-goal deficit during the 3rd period to earn its third consecutive victory. Tonight's contest is the second meeting between the teams this season, with puck drop scheduled for 8:05pm ET.

Twin City (3-0-0) enters tonight's matchup following Friday's come-from-behind victory, which saw the Thunderbirds erase a 3-1 deficit during the final period. Jacob Schnapp opened the scoring for Twin City late in the 1st period after Monroe established an early 2-0 advantage. The Moccasins extended their lead to 3-1 during the 2nd period before Zach Papapetros brought the Thunderbirds to within one with a powerplay goal just fifty-four seconds into the 3rd period. Dominic Dumas tied the game at 12:56 of the final period, sending the matchup into overtime. Neither team scored during the five-minute extra period, forcing a shootout. Dumas converted on Twin City's opening attempt before Captain Zach White scored in the third round to secure the 4-3 victory.

Ayvin Eidsness delivered a standout performance in net for the Thunderbirds, stopping fifty-three of fifty-six shots during Friday's victory. Eidsness held Monroe scoreless over the final twenty minutes of regulation and throughout overtime, allowing Twin City to complete its comeback. Jacob Schnapp collected a goal and two assists for three points, while Dumas recorded a goal and an assist in addition to his successful shootout attempt. Jack Johansen added two assists, and White collected an assist on Papapetros' powerplay goal. White leads Twin City with eight points through three games, recording two goals and six assists. Dumas has registered three goals and three assists for six points, while the Thunderbirds have converted on five of seventeen powerplay opportunities to begin the season.

Monroe (2-4-1) enters tonight's rematch looking to end a five-game losing streak following Friday's shootout defeat. The Moccasins jumped out to an early advantage behind 1st period goals from Jared Christy and Blake Keller, before Bradley Richardson extended the lead during the 2nd period. Monroe carried a 3-1 advantage into the final period but was unable to hold off the Thunderbirds' comeback. Bryn Sommerfeldt made thirty-one saves in his first start of the season for the Moccasins. Monroe opened the 2026-2027 campaign with consecutive victories over the Mid-South Monarchs but has dropped five straight games since, including four consecutive regulation losses before Friday's shootout defeat.

Friday's victory improved the Thunderbirds' all-time regular season record against Monroe to 7-1-0 through eight meetings between the organizations. Twin City has now opened its tenth season in franchise history with three consecutive road victories under Head Coach Jon Buttitta, who is in his first regular season behind the Thunderbirds bench. Tonight's matchup presents Twin City with an opportunity to complete its second consecutive weekend sweep and begin the season with four straight victories.

Following tonight's contest, the Thunderbirds will conclude their season-opening five-game road stretch against the Blue Ridge Bobcats on Friday, November 6th. Twin City will then welcome Blue Ridge to the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Arena for its Home Opener on Saturday, November 7th, with puck drop scheduled for 6:05pm ET.

Single game tickets for all Twin City Thunderbirds regular season home games at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Arena are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased online at tcbirds.com, wsfairgrounds.com, ticketmaster.com, or by calling the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Arena Box Office at (336) 774-8880. For Season Ticket and Group Ticket information, contact Holli Carmin at (336) 774-8882 or hcarmin@tcbirds.hockey.