Brandy Lietz has the LMRL Thunder off to a fast start in the National Ringette League.
The 24-year-old from Ladner has five goals and one assist as the Thunder have opened the season with three straight victories.
Despite being an expansion team, the Thunder have plenty of experience with a number of players on their roster from the now-defunct Fraser Valley Avalanche, including Lietz, who is a former NRL rookie-of-theyear finalist.
The Delta Ringette product had 26 points, including nine goals, with the Avalanche last season. She also played two years for the B.C. Reign.
When she is not on the ice, Lietz is busy studying at UBC where she is enrolled in human kinetics.
The Thunder are a member of the 19-team NRL and is operated by the Lower Mainland Ringette League, a group of nine local associations, including Delta Ringette. The 2012 Canadian Ringette Championships are taking place next April in Burnaby and the Thunder are the first team to qualify for the event as host in the NRL Division.
Other notable players in the Thunder lineup include Calgary's Stacy Johnson, Ottawa native Alannah Radburn and Finnish import Salla Kyhala.
"In this group we have a strong mix of speed and skill, with many players having experience at the national and international level, representing British Columbia and many countries, including Canada, USA and Finland," said coach Chris Wakefield.
In fact, Salla, Jenn Wakefield (Canada) and Kacy Hannesson (USA) all played against each other at the 2010 World Ringette Championships, with Finland capturing gold over Canada.
"The strong base of returning players has allowed the newcomers to step in seamlessly, creating a competitive environment that is vital for growth throughout the season."
Next action for the Thunder is this weekend on the road against the Winnipeg Prairie Thunder for a three-game series.
