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Winston-Salem has so much to offer residents: arts and culture, history, exceptional dining, outdoor activities, family fun, and various festivals. Oh, and let’s not forget sports – Dash Baseball, Cycle Racing, NASCAR Racing, Semi-Pro Soccer, The Deacon Demons!, and the thrilling, fiery, uproarious sport of Professional Ice Hockey.
Photo Source: Twin City Thunderbirds’ website
Ice Hockey is a sport known for its intense, skillful, and aggressive action, as well as the excitement and fervor it generates among fans. A sport filled with passion in both the players and spectators, Professional Ice Hockey has a history in Winston-Salem, and a significant number of fans still enjoy it today.
The Winston-Salem Polar Twins
The first minor league professional ice hockey team was founded in the city in 1973. were The Winston-Salem Polar Twins. They were also a founding member of the Southern Hockey League, which they played in throughout its existence. The Polar Twins had a short run: finishing fourth but losing in the first round of the playoffs in their first season. They came back in their second and third seasons, but still lost in the first round of the playoffs in both. They finished last in their fourth season, and the decision was made in 1977 to shut down the team.
The Original Carolina Thunderbirds
The Carolina Thunderbirds were a professional hockey team founded in 1981 and known as the Winston-Salem Thunderbirds during their first season and their final three seasons, 1989-1992, before the franchise was moved to West Virginia. They played their home games at the – since demolished – Winston-Salem Memorial Coliseum, then moved to the Winston-Salem Fairground Annex. Initially playing for the Atlantic Coast Hockey League (ACHL), then the All-American Hockey League (AAHL), they were one of five teams that played in the inaugural season of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) in 1988. The Carolina Thunderbirds won the first-ever ECHL Championship, earning the Riley Cup in the 1988-89 season.
Championships Won By The Carolina Thunderbirds
The Carolina Thunderbirds performed very well, winning five Regular Season Championships between 1982 and 1990, and four Playoff Championships, including the Riley Cup in the 1988-89 season. Four of the Regular Season Championships were for consecutive years:
- 1982-1983 season
- 1983-1984 season
- 1984-1985 season
- 1985-1986 season
And they were ACHL Playoff Champions two years in a row: 1984-1985 and 1985-1986.
The team produced many All-Star Players and MVP Players, and Scott Knutson was awarded ACHL Rookie of the Year in 1986-1987. Doug Sauter won the John Brady Award, Coach of the Year for the 1991-1992 season. Some notable players from the Carolina Thunderbirds/Winston-Salem Thunderbirds are:
- Frederic Chabot
- Kevin Dahl
- Bill Huard
Average season attendance at the Thunderbirds’ games over the final three seasons, 1989-90, 1990-91, and 1991-92, was over 2,100 fans.
Carolina Thunderbirds Return To Winston-Salem
The Carolina Thunderbirds once again called Winston-Salem home when a minor league professional ice hockey team took the name upon its founding in 2016. They soared back into the city in a spectacular way when they won their first game of the 2017-2018 season in front of a sold-out audience. The new Carolina Thunderbirds’ popularity grew, and they finished their inaugural season with a total attendance of 66,204, breaking the previous single-season Federal Hockey League attendance record by 14,720. The third seed Thunderbirds hosted the playoff semi-finals in 2018 at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Arena. It was the first playoff game played in the Triad in 10 years. They went on to lose the playoffs, but not without a fight. The final game was lost 3-2, but it was thrilling! Going into double overtime, it became the longest game in league history.
In the 2018-2019 season, the Thunderbirds tied the FHL record for the longest running streak with 21 games, and broke the streak record the following night with a 4-3 win. The streak ended at 24 games. The team went on to win their first Regular Season Championship, secure the top seed in the 2019 playoffs, and win the Playoff Championship. In their best year with a record breaking season of most wins (49) and most points (149) and best point percentage (.865) in league history, the team also won 8 league awards for the season including: FHL MVP, Coach of the Year, and Goaltender of the Year, with 30 wins and five shutouts, the most by a goaltender in a single season in league history.
The FHL rebranded as the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL) the following season, which was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 1920-21 season had a delayed start due to the ongoing pandemic, and the Carolina Thunderbirds were one of four teams to play that season. The team reached the Commissioners Cup Finals in the 2022-23 season but lost.
In September of 2025, the team rebranded as the Twin City Thunderbirds, adopting a new name and logo.
Photo source: Twin City Thunderbirds’ website
The Twin City Thunderbirds of Winston-Salem
Welcome the Twin City Thunderbirds, with their electric logo and new ownership. The rebrand reflects not only a modernized look but also the ownership’s long-term commitment to the continued growth of professional hockey in Winston-Salem. The Thunderbirds’ new visual identity will continue to proudly honor the loyalty, unity, and passion of their fan base.
The 2025-2026 Season has started, but the Twin City Thunderbirds lost their home opener against the Icecats. They came back in a rematch to win over the Pee Dee Icecats 5-2. The next two games against the Blue Ridge Bobcats and Athens Rock Lobsters were losses for the Thunderbirds. With plenty of games left to play, the resilient Thunderbirds are determined to come back strong.
Thunderbirds Upcoming Schedule
Some exciting games are coming up for the Twin City Thunderbirds. On November 7 and 8, they face off against the Columbus River Dragons in two home games at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Arena, Friday at 7:30pm and Saturday at 6:05pm. They will be away playing the Blue Ridge Bobcats on November 14, but return home for a second game against them on Saturday, November 15, then play two intense home games on November 21 & 22 against the Pee Dee Icecats. You will want to get your tickets for these games and see the full schedule here. The Twin City Thunderbirds’ season runs through April 11, 2026, with their final home game played on April 10, 2026, against the Blue Ridge Bobcats.
Tickets For The Twin Ciity Thunderbirds
Tickets are available through Ticketmaster for all games, with home single-game tickets priced from $20.65. Visit this website to purchase single-game tickets. Season Tickets and Group Ticket Packages are also available at the Twin City Thunderbirds website. Tickets can also be purchased at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds Arena Box Office, 414 Deacon Blvd, Winston-Salem. The box office is open Monday – Saturday, 10am – 5pm.
Spring Time Sports
Once the ice melts, you can still get your sports fix at the Winston-Salem Dash baseball games at Truist Stadium. Watch some great games and enjoy special events and promotions. Read all about it in our Dash Baseball article.
Will you be going to a Twin City Thunderbirds’ game this year? Tell us about it in the comments.
