Hot start continues as Rock Lobsters dominate Thunderbirds in home opener
Kira Doppel
Oct 26, 2025
The Athens Rock Lobsters defeated the Twin City Thunderbirds 6-2 in a physical home opener to extend their season-opening win streak to four games. All six Rock Lobster goals were double-assisted.
The match started out sloppy, with a couple misplaced passes from the Rock Lobsters, but they were quickly able to find their rhythm when forward Gleb Bandurkin found the back of the net to draw first blood.
Defenseman Michael Greco doubled Athens’ lead a few minutes later with assists from Luke Croucher and Bandurkin.
The Thunderbirds responded 21 seconds later with a solo goal from Kalib Ford just before the conclusion of the first period.
Forward Kayson Gallant scored the Rock Lobsters’ third goal from his knees early in the second period with assists from rookies Jordan Rosenbaum and Joe Mack. Mack earned his first professional point on the play.
In both their season opener and home opener, the Rock Lobsters scored as many goals in the third period as they did in the first and second periods combined.
The third period was full of jawing and dropped gloves, but the Rock Lobsters took advantage of the power plays when forward Filip Virgili scored the fourth goal of the night with assists from Mack and Garrett Milan.
The Rock Lobsters’ power-play percentage currently stands at 39%, while their penalty-kill percentage is at 89%.
The Thunderbirds also took advantage of a power play, as Ford scored their second and final goal with two assists to cut Athens’ lead to 4-2.
The Rock Lobsters’ rookies responded, combining for another goal. Gallant extended their lead to 5-2 with assists from Rosenbaum and Mack.
The final goal of the night followed not too far after from captain Carter Shinkaruk, his first of the season, with assists from Glukharev and Croucher.
This game had a little extra meaning for a couple of reasons. Rock Lobster head coach, Garrett Rutledge, was the coach of the Thunderbirds from 2021-2023.
“It feels great — you always want to beat the team that you formerly coached,” Rutledge said. “It’s good to play against the guys you used to go to war with.”
The game was also about remembrance. Former Rock Lobster, Orca Wiesblatt, died on Sept. 14 in a car accident. The players and fans all took a moment of silence to remember his life before the game.
After the game, Greco lifted Wiesblatt's jersey into the air and Shinkaruk, Virgili and goalie William Lavalliere skated around the rink for their former teammate.
The Rock Lobsters turn their attention back to the Thunderbirds, facing them again on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 at 7:05 p.m. at Akins Ford Arena.
