Grebennikov re-signs with Thunderbirds

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.- Proud members of the Federal Prospects Hockey League and defending league champions, the Carolina Thunderbirds announced Tuesday Viktor Grebennikov will be returning to the roster for the 2020-2021 season.

“We’re excited to have Viktor back in the lineup. He is a fan-favorite and one of the most well-known players off the ice,” said general manager Kelly Curl.

Grebennikov logged a career-high 31 games last season for Carolina, notching three goals and matching his single-season career-high 10 assists. In February and March, Grebennikov showed versatility being able to play on the blue line as well as his traditional forward position.

“He can be used as either a forward or defenseman and we’re excited to watch him develop,” said Curl.

Hailing from Magnitogorsk, RUS, Grebennikov is the player who plays furthest from home on the roster.

“He is a great guy to be around and is a guy that is sure to give you his best,” remarked head coach Andre Niec.

Grebennikov scored in the third game of the season, a 7-2 drubbing of the Delaware Thunder and would add another November’s 14-1 historic win over the Battle Creek Rumble Bees before an injury sidelined him through the end of the calendar year.

After returning, Grebennikov would tally 8 of his season’s 13 points in the final 19 games of the season. He set his single-game, career-high point mark on Feb. 29 in Watertown, scoring a goal and adding three assists in a 9-6 win.

Grebennikov and the rest of the Thunderbirds are thrilled for year four of professional hockey in Winston-Salem. Season tickets for the 2020-2021 campaign are available now by using the online interest form on the team website.

The Winston-Salem Fairgrounds box office and the Carolina Thunderbirds office remains closed at this time. News on any re-openings will be made via the official team website and social media channels.