The CD Dodd Perth Thunder started their weekend road trip in heartbreaking fashion, conceding a three-goal lead in the third period before succumbing 5-4 to the Sydney Bears in overtime on Saturday night.

A four-point night from Louick Marcotte and a 38-save performance from Nico Viksten weren’t enough to secure three points for the Thunder, as the Bears erased a 4-1 Thunder lead within the first five minutes of the third period, before securing the extra point with just 25 seconds remaining in overtime.

In a game dominated by special teams, the Bears scored three goals from nine power play chances, including the overtime winner, while the Thunder managed a short-handed goal through Marcotte and two power play goals from five opportunities.

The Thunder started in the ideal fashion with Marcotte opening the scoring on the power play a little under 10 minutes in, before Kieren Webster continued his hot scoring streak, with his sixth goal in the past five games extending the lead to 2-0 at first intermission.

The Bears hit back just over five minutes in to the second period, before the Thunder responded in kind with goals to Marcotte and Andrew Cox extending the lead to 4-1 at the second intermission.

The Bears fought back, with three goals in 4.20 to start the third period, including one on the power play, levelling the scores at 4-4.

Despite a late Bears charge, the Thunder held on for a much-needed point, before penalties proved costly in overtime, with the Bears scoring the winner on the power play with just 25 seconds remaining.

After the final whistle, Louick Marcotte and Andrew Cox were both assessed game misconduct penalties, meaning they’ll both serve a one-game suspension for Sunday’s game against the Newcastle Northstars.