The definition of a leader as defined by the Merriam Webster Dictionary is, “Something that leads.” Gotta say, Charlie Pens Jr. is that player for the Delaware Thunder, and he just so happens to be the Captain of the ship.
A new hockey team in the small town of slower-lower Delaware, in Harrington, was founded by Charlie’s dad, Charlie Pens Sr. Talk about pressure, playing for one of your loved ones that just so happens to be the Head Coach of the team, as well. Charlie Pens Jr. is trying to rally the troops of the 3-13 Thunder team, and for his efforts he has grown into a leader his teammates have so craved, “For me being a leader, I will put the work in just like everyone else on this team,” Pens Jr. told me following Friday night’s 4-3 victory against the Danville Dashers, “Anything I’m going to ask another player to do, including picking up the trash (Moving players), I’m going to do that, as well.”
Pens Jr. has really matured into a solid, reliable defenceman for the Thunder. As team Captain, he has been instrumental in the Thunder’s own zone, but Pens Jr. just so happens to be a great Penalty Killer, as well, to which his team really feeds off this success, “I just do whatever the team needs,” Pens Jr said, “My game starts in the defensive zone, and spreads out. I’m strongest in the Defensive zone, and on the Penalty Kill.”
The 31-year-old reliable defenceman in Pens Jr. won’t kill you with his offensive stats (1g, 2a), but he’s gosh darn good defensively, to include sticking up for his teammates. Pens Jr. sustained a broken nose earlier this season, while sticking up for one of his teammates. He’s a team first guy, who leads by example, “I was standing up for my teammate to be honest,” Pens Jr. said following a fight this past Friday night against the Dashers, “Tesoriero tapped me, right before the play before, he just wasn’t ready I guess. It’s hockey, you swing your stick like that, then you know the rest.“
The neat thing about this Thunder group is their relationship they have built with the fans. The majority of Thunder players stay hours following the games, greeting the fans, signing autographs, shaking hands, cheering with them as some fans are jingling cow bells. It’s really quite unique, “The fans are amazing,” Pens Jr. said, “They are loud. I think we exceeded expectations, especially from a fans standpoint. They are amazing.” Well, Pens Jr., you sir are an inspiration for younger hockey fans, as one fan told me following the game on Friday night. That is exactly what this Thunder team is all about.
Photo Credit: The Barn Creative
