ECHL: Takeaways From Adirondack Thunder’s Final Two Regular Season Games

Originally posted on Inside The Rink
By Armand Klisivitch | Last updated Apr 19, 2026 11:18 PM ET

The Adirondack Thunder wrapped up their regular-season slate this weekend with two games at the DCU Center vs Worcester Railers. It wasn’t the regular lineup for the final two games as Sylvain Cloutier looked to give everyone one final audition before the Kelly Cup Playoffs Rosters are due tomorrow at 3 pm. Jeremy Hanzel, Brannon McManus, and Ryan Wheeler became the first trio of players to play in all 72 games in a single season. Blake Thompson was the last Thunder player to play in all 72 games during the 2018-19 season prior to this season.

Depth Players Making An Impact

Brian Carrabes- The 24-year-old forward returned to the Thunder lineup on Friday after missing two games with an undisclosed injury. Carrabes wouldn’t miss a beat as he picked up an assist on the game-tying goal, extending his point streak to four games, as he also has points in five of his last six games. He’s been a sneaky piece for the Thunder and has a lot of speed down the wing, and could be a really solid bottom-six piece for Adirondack in the playoffs.

Grant Loven- The 28-year-old forward was a big piece for the Thunder last season, but has been limited to just 55 games this season after missing time earlier this year with an upper-body injury. Loven made his case for the playoff roster as he found the back of the net with just over two minutes to go on as he tied the game on Saturday, which was enough to send it to OT and lock up a date with the Maine Mariners in the opening round. I do think Loven will make his way onto the playoff roster, but may be one of the odd men out to begin the opening round.

Henry Welsch Gets His Second Start Of The Season

Henry Welsch made just his second start of the season on Sunday afternoon as he looked for his first win since April 11th vs Maine Mariners. Despite giving up the game’s opening goal, the Thunder looked promising to get Welsch the win before blowing a two-goal lead in the third period. It’s uncertain what the future holds for the Lakeville, Minnesota, native, but expect some changes in net for Adirondack next season with Tyler Brennan currently on an expiring deal with New Jersey.

Third Period Comebacks

Prior to this weekend, Adirondack was 2-21-3 when trailing after two periods, but in both games against the Railers, they came back to at least earn a point despite back-to-back OT losses. This is a huge confidence boost for a team that has struggled to get back into games in the final 20 minutes. However, the Thunder have had issues keeping leads and keeping the momentum as of late, and this will need to be addressed heading into the playoffs.