Thunder 1 - Brave 5

Sunday’s home game against the CBR Brave ended in a 5-1 loss for the CD Dodd Perth Thunder, with a questionable referee’s call leaving AIHL fans stunned.

With time expiring in the second period, an official blew a whistle to signal the end of the period before the Brave put the puck in the net, but after a lengthy conference a controversial goal was awarded, despite conclusive evidence the clock had expired and the play was dead for numerous seconds before the goal was scored.

The first period saw multiple penalties for both teams as Thunder and Brave battled to put a goal on the board. The penalties kicked off at 12.19 when a late hit on Alastair Punler and subsequent retaliation saw players from both teams go to the box.

Thunder were able to net a goal towards the end of the first, with Louick Marcotte earning his first AIHL goal, assisted by Keven Veilleux and Jamie Woodman.

The second period remained locked at 1-0 for the majority, with goaltender Nico Viksten denying 19 shots on goal, but the Brave managed to level the scores with a short-handed goal towards the end of the second, before netting the second goal that caused huge confusion.

Thunder were unable to shake off the disappointment after the late goal, leading to multiple penalties, before Veilleux left the ice with 7.20 remaining in the third after blocking a shot.

The Brave managed to convert three goals on 22 shots in the third period, including two on the power play, bringing the final score to 5-1.

Next weekend sees Thunder on a bye-week, giving them the much-needed opportunity to rest, recover and regroup before taking on the Sydney Bears at home on May 26.