Albert Lea Thunder
| Albert Lea Thunder | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| City | Albert Lea, Minnesota |
| League | NAHL |
| Division | Central |
| Operated | 2008-2010 |
| Home arena | Albert Lea Ice Arena |
| Colors | Navy Blue and Tan |
| Owner(s) | NAHL |
| Franchise history | |
| 2008-2010 | Albert Lea Thunder |
| 2010-present | Amarillo Bulls |
The Albert Lea Thunder was a Tier II Junior A ice hockey team in the North American Hockey League's Central Division. The team was an expansion franchise for the 2008-2009 season and played their home games at the Albert Lea Ice Arena in Albert Lea, Minnesota.
The Franchise joined the North American Hockey League for the 2008-2009 season with Chicago businessman Jim Perkins and Barry Soskin as owners. Soskin is the owner of NJHL independent Junior teams the Findlay Grrrowl and defunct Pittsburgh Cougars, as well as the former owner of the ECHL Toledo Storm and CHL Nashville Nighthawks.
On November 18, 2009, reports came out that the Thunder were engaging in "pay to play," or taking money to guarantee players' spots on the team. A total of 8 players where named. The organization was facing a $400,000 fine from the NAHL
On December 7, 2009, the NAHL issued following statement:
Despite the scandal, the Thunder mounted a late-season comeback and made the playoffs for the first time in team history in 2010.
On May 11, 2010, it was reported that the team had found new owners and would relocate to Texas for the 2010-2011 season. Their roster was officially sold to the expansion Amarillo, TX franchise, the Amarillo Bulls, on May 26, 2010.
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