2025-26 Season Preview: Thunder Hockey Club
The 2025-26 National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC) season previews will provide an in-depth look at every team as they gear up for the year ahead. Leading up to opening night, a different team will be spotlighted each day. Each preview will include insights from the head coach, sharing expectations and outlooks for the upcoming season.
Thunder Hockey Club
Division: New England East
Location: Exeter, NH | JFK Memorial Coliseum 
2024–25 Regular Season Record: 20-31-0-3 | 43 points
After missing the playoffs last season, the Thunder are aiming for a bounce-back year, bolstered by a much deeper and more balanced roster under Head Coach Dan Hodge.
Hodge is emphasizing discipline this season and with a stronger presence up front, the team looks to be a consistent scoring threat.
“This season we have built a roster that has more speed and skill than in year’s past,” said Hodge. “We will be deeper up front and believe that any line will be a threat to score on any given night. The Thunder have historically had an identity of being strong in our own end, we have gotten away from that in recent years. We will return to being a lot better and more disciplined in the defensive zone this season.”
A solid work ethic has been the core message Hodge has been preaching to his team throughout training camp and that playing in the NCDC comes with a lot of opportunities.
“In training camp, we have been stressing the importance of work ethic and accountability,” said Hodge. “It’s a new season and we are excited about the new players and what they bring to the organization. Playing in the NCDC is a great opportunity for these players and we make sure these players understand the importance of not taking it for granted.”
Whether on the road or playing in front of their home crowd, the Thunder promise to bring a fun high-energy game with a strong competitive edge.
“This year we will play with great speed and skill with a physical edge,” said Hodge. “The team will be exciting to watch either at home or on the road.”
With the new season just days away, the Thunder are eager to get out there and show what they can do.
“The staff is excited about this group of players and we are working hard to reestablish the Thunder’s team first identity and relentless work ethic,” said Hodge.