The C.D. Dodd Perth Thunder will seek to consolidate their position as an AIHL Finals contender with a weekend road trip to South Australia for a pair of games against the Adelaide Adrenaline.

Saturday 6th July and Sunday 7th July
Adelaide Adrenaline (0-W/15-L/0-OTW/1-OTL-1PTS)
Perth Thunder (5-W/7-L/1-OTW/1-OTL-18 PTS)
 

Successful Home Weekend

The C.D. Dodd Perth Thunder defeated Adelaide on Saturday, 29th June by a score of 7-3, led by a six-point game from import forward Louick Marcotte.  The Perth power-play had its finest game of the season to date scoring four times in as many opportunities to help break open a close contest in the third period.  The teams had entered the final frame locked at two goals apiece before the Thunder exploded for five goals to close out the game 7-3 victors.  

Sunday saw a similar story line play itself out as the game was once again deadlocked at two through the second period before Perth struck for three unanswered goals to win by a score of 5-2.   Perth were paced by a pair of goals from Rob Haselhurst as they once again put the Adrenaline away with a strong third period.  Over the two games, the Thunder outscored Adelaide 8-1 in the third period.
 

Back in the Hunt

The C.D. Dodd Perth Thunder have placed themselves squarely back into AIHL Finals contention following thesweep of two home games over the Adelaide Adrenaline at Perth Ice Arena this past weekend.  By gaining the maximum six -points that were on offer, the Thunder have climbed from 7th position on the AIHL ladder, into a tie for the 4th and final qualifying position for Finals play.  The Thunder have survived a difficult first-half schedule to remain in contention as they embark on their charge towards a spot in the Finals in the second half of the AIHL season.

The log-jam in the standings sees the Thunder one of three teams tied on 18-points (along with the Sydney Ice Dogs and Melbourne Mustangs).  The Melbourne Ice also sit just one point back on 17 points.  The four teams are separated by a single point in the race for the fourth and final qualifying spot.  Perth will look to consolidate their hold on that position when they visit Adelaide for a pair of games this coming weekend.
 

Gilmour Contributes in Thunder Debut

It was announced last week that the Thunder had signed 22-year-old Canadian winger Jake Gilmour, and he made his AIHL debut in Perth’s victory over Adelaide on Sunday.  Jake is the son of Hockey Hall-of-Fame member and NHL legend, Doug Gilmour.  Jake’s talents were on full display on Sunday as he looked comfortable in his new surroundings contributing an assist in his first AIHL game.  

The addition of a fifth import is expected to create increased competition for game time among the five imports as AIHL rules only permit four to dress for games.  On Sunday veteran import Ben Breault was the odd-man out despite having perhaps his best game of the season on Saturday when he found the back of the net twice in Perth’s critical win over Adelaide.  It remains to be seen how Coach Dave Ruck handles the playing time dilemma from here to the end of the season, but the added talent and insurance provided by a fifth import is a problem the Thunder Head Coach is happy to have.

This Week’s Games

The C.D. Dodd Perth Thunder and Adelaide Adrenaline will renew acquaintances this coming weekend with a pair of games in Adelaide at the IceArenA.  

Game time for both Saturday and Sunday is 3:00 pm Perth time.  Check our social feeds for updates on availability of live streams.   We will share that information once it becomes available.

The Thunder will be seeking to continue their winning ways and will view the six points on offer as absolutely required to keep pace in the Finals race.  The Adrenaline on the other hand are still seeking their first win of the season but will have gained confidence from some aspects of their performance in Perth and will believe they have what it takes to pull an upset and steal at least one game from the Thunder on Adelaide ice.
 

AIHL Finals Series Shifting to Newcastle

The AIHL announced early Monday morning that the 2019 AIHL Finals Series will be played in Newcastle at Hunter Ice Skating Stadium on the 31st August and 1stSeptember.  This will mark the 5th occasion that Newcastle will host the AIHL Finals series and Goodall Cup Championship having hosted previously in 2005, 2008, 2009, and 2012.  Any Thunder supporters interested in travelling to this year’s Finals Series are advised that tickets go on sale this Thursday 4th July,2019.  
 

Next Thunder Home Game

Following this coming weekend’s Adelaide road trip, the Thunder will once again hit the road the following weekend with a two-game set against the Mustangs in Melbourne on the 13th and 14th July.  

Perth’s next action on home ice will take place on the weekend of 20th and 21st July when they host the Sydney Ice Dogs for a two game series that is bound to have major implications on the race to the Finals!  Be sure to book your tickets early for these massive games, as the Thunder will be looking for the support of a raucous home crowd.

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