THUNDER BAY – Sports – As the Thunder Bay Chill prepare for their final two-game series of the 2011 season, against Real Colorado Foxes, the team reflects on a weekend that will be significant for more reasons than just the action on the field.
The weekend marks the finish of the twelfth season for Thunder Bay with Tony Colistro as Head Coach. He holds a 98-84-12 overall record with the Chill, who won the league crown in 2008 and finished second to the Portland Timbers U23s a year ago. The franchise and Colistro are two wins away from their one-hundredth win, a feat that could be reached this weekend with two wins against Real Colorado.
The Chill have only allowed six goals against this season, the lowest total among the entire Premier Development League. The feat can be largely attributed to goalkeeper Steven Paterson’s eight shutouts, and league leading .302 GAA (Goals Against Average). Brandon Swartzendruber leads the team with eleven goals, and twenty-four points, and currently sits two goals behind the league leader.
The Chill’s season record against Real Colorado is one win (4-1), and one tie (0-0), and the weekend results will weigh heavy on the playoff race. If the Chill wins one of the two games, they are assured a playoff spot. If the team wins both games, the Chill will lock up their fourth Heartland Division Title. With two wins, the Chill could potentially knock Real Colorado out of the playoffs, depending on the result of Des Moines Menace’s weekend.
Games will take place on July, 22nd and 23rd at Chapples Park, Thunder Bay. Games will kick-off at 7:30 p.m. (EDT).
THIS WEEKEND’S PROMOTIONS: Friday night’s game, presented by McDonald’s, features a free fry coupon to the 1st 200 kids and $1.00 off Coupons on any McCafe products to the 1st 500 adults. Saturday night is fan appreciation night and souvenir programs will sell for half price. Players will have an autograph session at the end of the game.
