Thunder Rolling Back to Relevance: Adirondack’s 2025-26 Season Restored Belief in Glens Falls

The 2025-26 season for the Adirondack Thunder felt like a return to relevance. After finishing at the bottom of the North Division the year prior, Adirondack re-established itself as a competitive, hard-working club that rediscovered both its identity and its connection with the Glens Falls fanbase. What began as a season centered around transition and new leadership evolved into one of the better turnaround stories in the ECHL.

The Thunder entered the season with plenty of uncertainty. A disappointing 2024-25 campaign led to organizational changes behind the bench and throughout the roster. Veteran departures forced younger players into larger roles, while the affiliation pipeline with the New Jersey Devils and Utica Comets became increasingly important throughout the year.

Instead of collapsing under that pressure, Adirondack developed into a resilient group that played with structure, speed, and confidence. The Thunder spent much of the season battling inside a crowded North Division playoff race and eventually secured a Kelly Cup Playoff berth in April with a dramatic 4-3 victory over the Trois-Rivières Lions.

Photo Credit: Adirondack Thunder

A major part of Adirondack’s success came from its offensive depth. Players like Brannon McManus became central pieces of the attack, helping drive scoring while setting the emotional tone for the lineup. The Thunder were at their best when they played aggressively off the rush and created sustained offensive-zone pressure. Their ability to generate offense from multiple lines made them difficult to match up against late in the season.

Goaltending stability also became a strength as the year progressed. Adirondack often relied on timely saves in tight games, particularly during the playoff push, where several one-goal contests helped define the team’s season. The Thunder developed a reputation for staying composed in chaotic moments, something that repeatedly showed up in comeback wins and overtime performances down the stretch.

By the time the Kelly Cup Playoffs arrived, the Thunder put up a fight and came in third with a 37-24-10-1 record with 85 points on the season. Adirondack entered the postseason carrying momentum and confidence, opening a competitive first-round series against the Maine Mariners that went to seven games. The series reflected the identity Adirondack built all season: physical hockey, emotional swings, tight checking, and dramatic finishes.