Thunder’s opener at home March 27

The Thunder will play three new opponents during their 2009 schedule in af2.

STAFF REPORT

YOUNGSTOWN — The Mahoning Valley Thunder will open their third season in af2 with a home game against division rival Albany March 27 on Cortland Banks Field in the Chevrolet Centre.

The Thunder’s 2009 schedule was announced Tuesday.

The Thunder, who finished 3-13 last season, will play three new opponents, including the expansion Milwaukee Iron in week 2 of the season, April 4, at the Chevrolet Centre.

Mahoning Valley will also play 2007 af2 champion Tulsa twice in a three week span, April 11 and April 25, the second game being at the Chevrolet Centre.

The other new opponent for the Thunder is Peoria of the Midwest Division, which will play host to Mahoning Valley July 11.

The Thunder remain in the East Division with Albany (which has changed its nickname from Conquest to Firebirds), Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and Manchester (N.H.). The Thunder will play those teams three times each.

“This is both an exciting and a challenging schedule,” said Thunder coach Mike Hold. “In 2009 we have the opportunity to compete against top tier teams such as Wilkes-Barre and Tulsa on more than one occasion.

“The additions of Milwaukee, Peoria and Tulsa give fans a chance to see some different faces than they are accustomed to. And once again we’ll have the opportunity to control our destiny with nine divisional games. We look forward to challenging for the East Division title.”

The Thunder will play 10 Saturday games and six on Fridays. Of the eight home games, three will be played on Friday nights.

On July 25 the Thunder will close out the regular season with a home game against the Green Bay Blizzard for the third straight season.

Season tickets are on sale at a 10 percent discount through the end of November and can be reserved by calling (330) 758-4232.