Thunder to raise championship banner

Everyone likes a party.

Especially when you're the guest of honour.

The Airdrie Techmation Thunder are throwing an extra-special season-opening bash on Friday night.

Sure, they'll kick off the HJHL season against the visiting Medicine Hat Cubs (8 p.m., Ron Ebbesen Arena).

But before that, they'll celebrate the fruit of their labours from a year ago by raising league and provincial championship banners to the rafters.

Centre Tristan Paquette, who had 56 points in 35 games as the Thunder rolled to the HJHL title after a 35-3 regular season, says he's looking forward to the ceremony.

"I think seeing the banners being raised will be a pretty special moment for all of us," Paquette says. "Everyone that was able to be a part of last years incredible team knows how special it was and for the new guys this year, they will be able to see how special this organization is and what we could do again this year."

After winning the HJHL crown, the Thunder went 5-0 at the provincial tournament, winning the championship in an overtime thriller.

Paquette will centre one the league's most lethal trios this season with HJHL record-setting winger Jordan McConnell on one side and fellow former Junior A player Tyler Petrie on the other.

"I'm really looking forward to having that chance to work with them and lead the way offensively this year for the team," the 6-foot, 195-pounder says.

"The team looks great, a lot of new and younger faces this season but I’m super impressed with how hard these guys work and how much they care. 

"Really good group of veterans coming back as well which will make things a bit easier for the new guys, so overall from top to bottom the teams looking ready to go."