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, “For me being a leader, I will put the work in just like everyone else on this team,” Pens Jr. told me following a 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. really matured into a solid, reliable defenceman for the Thunder. As team Captain, he was instrumental in the Thunder’s own zone, but Pens Jr. just so happened to be a great Penalty Killer, as well, to which his team really fed off this success. The 31-year-old reliable defenceman in Pens Jr. won’t kill you with his offensive stats (3g, 11a in 43 games played), 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 victory against the Danville 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 was their relationship they 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 from a hockey standpoint, and that is exactly what this Thunder team was all about. Charlie would speak highly of the fans, “They are great, unbelievable.” Well, Charlie the fans not only loved you, but the team in general. Charlie and the Thunder fans are now a match made in heaven, and next season the Cowbells will be ringing, and the Viking hats will be present once again cheering you on Charlie.
