Pittsburgh – On Friday, May 2nd at Highmark Stadium, the Pittsburgh Thunderbirds will face a very familiar opponent for the 22nd time in organizational history. The Indianapolis AlleyCats, who have been thwarted by the Thunderbirds in key moments and games throughout the UFA's history, have also been a massive thorn in the Thunderbirds side over the 10-year existence of the team.
The Thunderbirds own an unimpressive 8-13 all-time record against the AlleyCats, but this current version of the Thunderbirds is unbothered by scores of UFA past.
The Thunderbirds are returning several faces from last years squad, including team offensive rookie of the year Anil Driehuys, o-line stand outs Jimmy Towle, Will Hoffenkamp, Jon Mast, Marcel Oliart and Carl Johnson (who is only a season removed from a 45 goal season). Defensive stars Charlie Vukovic, Anson Reppermund, Chris Graber, and Michael Dillard. Late additions last season like Aiden Landis immediately proved to be a perfect fit, which also sees him return to the field. The roster turnover from 2024 was minimal, with the Thunderbirds losing only a handful of key players. Defensive break-out player Zac Byrnes left for Carolina, Kenny Furdella moved to Texas, and Max Sheppard took his talents to New York.
The UFA All-Star and franchise legend Sheppard won't be suiting up for the Thunderbirds for the first time in team history. Sheppard was the first player in Thunderbirds history to record 50 goals and 50 assists in the same season. His name is also littered in the Thunderbirds record books. Most assists in a career with 292, most goals in a career with 269, most points played in a career with 2,215, most assists in a single playoff game with 8, and most assists in a single playoff season with 13.
Yet there was a ray of hope for the Thunderbirds last season as the team was forced to compete without Sheppard’s services due to a hip injury Sheppard occurred in the middle of his game against the Detroit Mechanix on May 24th, 2024.
After the injury, the Thunderbirds proceeded to demolish the Indianapolis AlleyCats 26-18 while committing a League record 5 turnovers in the game. The one week later, the Thunderbirds shocked the League on June 2nd, 2024, upsetting the Chicago Union in Chicago by a score of 17-12.
The takeaway from Sheppard’s absence was less about any perceived negative impact that Sheppard possessed on the team, and more a testament to the current Thunderbirds resolve. From 2015 – 2024, Sheppard had been an instrumental and driving force, yet the Thunderbirds in 2024 found a way to win key games in key moments.
In the midst of a playoff berth last season, the Thunderbirds dropped their final 3 games all by a single goal. On July 6th, 2024, they lost to the Madison Radicals at in Madison 21-20. On July 14th, they lost to the Indianapolis AlleyCats in Pittsburgh 21-20. On July 20th, they lost to the Philadelphia Phoenix in Philadelphia 18-17. The losses ensured the Thunderbirds would miss the play-offs for the 4th consecutive year.
It's a story-line that has defined the organization since inception. From 2015-2017, the Thunderbirds we’re a divisional power-house. Three straight trip to the divisional championship game saw the Thunderbirds face off against the Madison Radicals. The Thunderbirds record in those games: 0-3. In 2019, the Thunderbirds once again returned to the divisional championship game – but we’re bested by their divisional rival AlleyCats.
Since 2019, the Thunderbirds have yet to return to national relevancy. UFA pundits have routinely predicted the Thunderbirds to finish outside the post-season qualification line. The spirit of the players though have remained unwavered. Being just one goal away lends the thought – we’re just one catch away, one throw away, one block away.
This mentality has shifted and manifested itself at every Thunderbirds practice. It’s become one more sprint, one more rep, one more chalkboard lesson.
When the AlleyCats and Thunderbirds match-up, there is a different aura in the air. Although ultimate frisbee is a non-contact sport, the physicality ratches up. Despite the mutual respect for the each other off the field, on the field tells a different story. Head-to-head match-ups between Nick Hutton, Travis Carpenter, and Cameron Brock of the AlleyCats and Tyler DeGirolamo, Patrick Earles, and David Vatz of the Pittsburgh Thunderbirds would create some contentious sparks. One thing for sure – it made for an entertaining show.
Today, the AlleyCats may be without the likes of Brock (Atlanta), Carpenter (retired), and Hutton (retired), and the Thunderbirds may be without the likes of DeGirolamo (asst coach for Philadelphia), Earles (ex-Atlanta player), Vatz (Thunderbirds color commentator) – but the fuel that fed that rivalry fire still burns bright.
Thunderbirds rookie Jay Wherry will be making his UFA debut tonight, the only rookie on the active roster for the Thunderbirds Home Opener. Meanwhile, the AlleyCats who suffered major turnover, will be seeing several players making their UFA debuts.
While some fans may remember the heartbreak or the close calls, the players on the current squad aren’t dwelling on any of it. 2025 is a new year.
The Thunderbirds Home Opener against the AlleyCats will be Alumni Night, featuring 22 alumni from Thunderbirds’ past. The game will feature $1.00 hot dogs until half-time, and $1.00 12oz IC Light beers from 6-7pm.
Tickets can be purchased here.
