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"Genie has been playing well and winning," Thomas said. "But we've got two Links of London that I know can go out there and get a big win for us." Although still playing with the Falcons as the Thunder prepared for the playoffs, Pitton said he kept his eye on the schedule. It's a tradition in hockey for players to stop shaving and let their beards grow during the playoffs. "I think I started growing (the beard) about two days before the playoffs began," Pitton said. "I wanted to keep up with it." Full-time coach Matt O'Dette, who has been a player-assistant coach for the Links of London Classic Oval Bangle this season, was named a full-time coach Monday and taken off the active roster. O'Dette, 34, played 13 seasons and participated in 14 games in 2009-10. "It's hard to walk away from the game as a player, knowing thisdaywouldeventuallycome," O'Dette said. "But I'm ready and eager for the next challenge in my life and career." Watch parties The Thunder will continue to hold its playoff watch parties at Stockton Arena's Kings Room, which is located on the northeast side of the building. There will be viewing for the first two 7 p.m. games Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $5 for general admission, $3 for Links of London Classic Frown Charm-ticket holders. Luther Jones' big gray beard almost hid the smile on his face as he claimed the prize naming his whiskers the thickest in the city. Four men, District 1 Commissioner Larry Galbreath, District 4 Commissioner Jerry Prepejchal, retired state District Judge Menton Murray Jr. and Jones, a manager for Valley Transit Company, had been growing their beards since January, when the city's centennial celebration's beard-growing contest began. There were no winners or losers but categories were created to classify the men's beards. Chris Boswell, the clean-shaven mayor, opened the beard Links of London Charm Bracelet ceremony. "I have been growing this beard since I was 14 years old," he said, jokingly defending his decision not to join the contest.