Thunder owners encouraged despite losing record

By John Kovach

YOUNGSTOWN — Despite a losing record for a second straight year and a drop in attendance from the first season, the Mahoning Valley Thunder, along with coach Mike Hold, will return next year for a third season in af2.

“We will be back next season. We love being here,” said Dr. Michael Slyk, one of three co-owners of the team along with Timothy Chesney and Dr. Jon Saadey.

Slyk and Chesney are principal owners of Jilltin Management of Boardman, which owns and manages nursing homes. Saadey is a dentist.

“Although attendance was down [at the Chevrolet Centre], we saw more fan interest and involvement than last year and more appreciation,” said Slyk.

“That very last game is an example, and I was taken aback by how many fans tried to seek me out and thank me for a great season,” he said, referring to the July 26 finale that the Thunder lost, 61-13, to the Green Bay Blizzard.

Slyk said despite a losing record (3-13 after a 7-9 inaugural record in 2007), “The bottom line is a quality entertainment value for the community. We are involved in this because we are from the community and we want to improve the community. We know that this makes a difference in the community because it provides entertainment. The stronger response tells us we are doing the right thing.”