THUNDER BAY – Sports – The Thunder Bay Chill prepare for the arrival of the St. Louis Lions, and a two game series on Friday and Saturday. This series will be crucial as St. Louis come into the weekend trailing the Chill by one point in the standings. Thunder Bay has dominated St. Louis since the Lions joined the PDL in 2006 with an all time record of 10-3-1. The one tie was the result of the last game St. Louis played in Thunder Bay on July 11, 2009. The last two seasons the Chill have taken three victories all on the road.
The Lions (2-2-2) are making their second trip to Canada in three weeks as they played to a 0-0 draw and lost 2-1 when they visited WSA Winnipeg on the May long weekend.
Chill strikers Sullivan Silva and Juan Velez look to continue their scoring trend as both sit with 9 points in the PDL scoring race. Although Velez scored twice for the Chill on the road last weekend against Real Colorado Foxes, it is Silva who has 4 goals in 4 games along with one assist to his credit.
After splitting on the road last weekend, the Chill is looking for six points this weekend against St. Louis. “It’s critical that we get two wins this weekend”’ said head coach Tony Colistro, “we know that with Silva and Velez we have the ability to score, so it’s a matter of staying organized defensively and keep them off the board giving Paterson the opportunity to earn his third shutout of the season”.
Paterson who earned 8 shutouts in 12 games in 2011 was named PDL Goalkeeper of the year in 2011 and is on his way to trying to match that feat again this year.
The Chronicle Journal and McDonalds are the two game sponsors for Friday and Saturday’s matches respectively. Tickets may be purchased in advance at Central Car Wash, and at The Sports Dome (Tuesdays and Thursday from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm).
The Thunder Bay Chill plays in the Premier Development League which is comprised of 73 teams throughout North America and is in their 13 season of play.