"I needed a bigger locker room, and they’re building me a locker room that I believe the rest of the league will be jealous of. This new locker room will be a huge asset in the recruitment of players," added Soskin. "How many teams have a players’ lounge with cable TV and room to hang out?"

The team will also have a medical room and an equipment room, and will play in an arena that will sit 2,000 when renovations are completed before the start of the 2009-10 season.

Albert Lea itself is home to about 20,000 residents - former St. Cloud State coach Craig Dahl (1987-2006) grew up there - and the Thunder see a great market starving for highlevel hockey.

"We are seeing nothing but pure excitement from the citizens of Albert Lea," said Strasheim. "Many local business leaders have expressed an interest in getting involved and supporting the team, many families are inquiring about housing players - the list goes on and on.

"When we step out on the ice this fall, I expect visiting teams to be met by a full house of rowdy fans. There truly is a storm building here in Albert Lea."

There also exist the makings of some great rivalries for the Thunder.

"The North Iowa Outlaws are about 45 minutes away - I can be home from a game there and in bed by midnight," said Soskin.

The Alexandria Blizzard is also about an hour-and-a-half drive away from Albert Lea. A new NAHL team is starting up in Owatonna, Minn., just 35 minutes to the north.

The league has welcomed the Albert Lea Thunder with open arms.

"We’re excited to welcome the Thunder to our league," Frankenfeld said. "Albert Lea is a great addition to our Central Division footprint and, behind a sound ownership group committed to both the local community and player development, the Thunder represents everything the NAHL stands for."

Subscribe Now!