2023-2024 Record: 10-8, 6th place, Lost to Albany in Playoff Quarterfinals
New Faces: F Thomas Hoggarth, F Jason Knox, D Carter McKenzie, D Curtis Romanchych, D Alex Kew, D Austin Blumbergs
Key Losses: F Ryan Benesch, D Luc Magnan, F Austin Shanks, F Eric Fannell, D David Brock
It’s year #6 in the Maritimes, but despite the immense overall success since 2019 for owner/general manager Curt Styres and head coach Mike Accursi, the Thunderbirds have also seemingly been stuck in the same cycle year after year. They start strong, survive an inexplicable mid-season slump, surge into the playoffs, then lose in the first round. Hoping to break that cycle, Halifax has infused more youth into their lineup for 2024-2025.
Offense
Returnees among the lefty group include captain Cody Jamieson, Dawson Theede, and Wake:Riat Bowhunter, along with Jason Knox, who was selected in the Panther City dispersal draft. Cole Kirst and Mike Robinson are also competing for a spot among the lefties. Gone are future Hall-of Famer Ryan Benesch (thought to be retiring but signing with San Diego as a free agent) and Eric Fannell (traded to Albany). The right side sees the departure of Austin Shanks (signing with Saskatchewan), but a trade with Calgary puts Thomas Hoggarth alongside Randy Staats, Clarke Petterson, and Aaron Woods, who had a standout rookie season last year.
It’s Showtime in Halifax⚡️
Your 2024-2025 Thunderbirds schedule has arrived
Full Schedule Details
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Defense
Backstopping the Thunderbirds is Warren Hill, who is coming off a second consecutive Mann Cup title with Six Nations, as well as a Bronze medal showing for the Haudenosaunee at the World Box Lacrosse Championships in September. Backing up Hill will be Drew Hutchison and Gowah Abrams, who had a great showing of his own at Worlds, minding the net for the United States as they secured a Silver medal.
Luc Magnan (signed with Ottawa) and David Brock (also thought to be retiring but signing with Las Vegas) have departed. Nonkon Thompson and Ryan Terefenko are currently on the PUP list. However, a solid defensive core remains, anchored by three-time Defensive Player of the Year Graeme Hossack and one of the top faceoff men in the league in Jake Withers. The transition game remains potent despite the absence of Thompson and Terefenko, with Tyson Bell and Colton Armstrong being lethal scoring options on the fast break. Johnny Pearson, Trevor Smyth, and Max Wilson also return to the team. Look for offseason pickups Carter McKenzie, Curtis Romanchych, and Jordan Trottier to make an impact as well.
The biggest Achilles’ Heel for this defense will ultimately be overcoming lapses in discipline. Part of the Thunderbirds’ continued seasonal cycle is directly attributable to their penchant for committing unnecessary penalties at the most inopportune times during games. If the coaching staff can find a way to keep Halifax from being at or near the top of the league in penalty minutes, the sky truly is the limit for this team, and they can finally break the cycle of first-round playoff exits on their way to the first ever NLL title for the Maritimes.