05/22/2026
Way to go girls!🏒❤️🖤
Meet the 12U Select – Lady Thunderbirds out of Winston-Salem, NC 🏒⚡
Coached by Chris Tutuska and Casey Johanson, these ladies bring the heat every time they hit the ice—playing fast, fearless, and as a true force to be reckoned with.
We caught up with the Lady Thunderbirds to go beyond the game—getting a look at the moments, memories, and inspiration that fuel their team both on and off the ice.
👇 Check out their story below!
Want your team featured in the CAHA Team Spotlight?
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What’s your team known for?
The Lady T-birds are known in the local league for redefining themselves. We went from being the league's underdog in past seasons to becoming a dominant force. But, off the ice, we're also known for our authentic spirit and our quirky, wonderful personalities that make that make this team a family.
What motivates you and the team before a game?
For the girls, motivation comes from their sense of belonging, being together for a shared purpose and for each other. They are driven by each other's successes and the team's increasing potential. Of course, a well-timed, pre-game talk from Coach Chris helps set the tone!
As a coach, it's THEM. Seeing their growth and the way they fiercely support one another fuels my own desire to do whatever I can to give them every tool they need to be successful.
What’s something people don’t see behind the scenes?
Behind the scenes, there is a deep emotional investment in these players that goes far beyond the rink. Coach Chris and I care for and love this team. We do not just talk on hockey strategy and coaching techniques, but on how to support each girl’s personal growth as well as the development and success of the group, of the team. We believe fostering their emotional needs is just as important as coaching their hockey skills. Our team's overall success is made possible by a rock-solid foundation of parent and family support as well as our parent coaches and staff that keeps our team moving forward.
Describe your team in emojis.
❤️🖤🔥 and 🤓🤪🤭🥳
What is the team's current hype song?
"Not Like Us" by Kendrick Lamar or "Gnarly" by Katseye
