The C.D. Dodd Perth Thunder have moved into third place on the AIHL ladder with two weekends remaining in the regular season.  This coming Saturday the Thunder host the Sydney Bears in a crucial clash in the race to secure third spot overall.

Perth Thunder (13-W/10-L/1-OTW/1-OTL-42 PTS)
Sydney Bears (12-W/10-L/2-OTW/0-OTL-40 PTS)

Marcotte Sets Thunder Single-Game Points Record in Demolition of Ice

Star Thunder import, Louick Marcotte, set a Perth Thunder single-game points record with nine points (5G-4A) as the Thunder rolled to a 9-3 victory over the Melbourne Ice this past Sunday at Perth Ice Arena.  Marcotte was unstoppable in leading the Thunder to a crucial victory that vaulted them into third place on the AIHL ladder, two points clear of the fourth placed Sydney Bears and three points clear of the Melbourne Mustangs.  Marcotte has now scored 18 goals and 35 assists for a total of 53 points in 22 games played, currently good for 5th in AIHL scoring.

Not to be overshadowed by Marcotte’s big day out was a career day for Thunder winger Kieren Webster who tallied six points (2G-4A).  Webster’s break-outcampaign continued as he moved into the Top 15 overall in AIHL scoring with the performance. Keven Veilleux got in on the first-line dominance as well tallying four points (1G-3A).  Overall, a 19-point night from the Thunder’s top line!

Race For Finals Positions Remains Tight

The race for qualifying positions across the AIHL remains tight.  The CBR Brave have clinched top-spot overall and have set a new AIHL record with 76 points on the season.  The Newcastle Northstars are on the verge of clinching second spot, having 49 points with three games remaining.  After that it gets real interesting as three teams are locked in a battle for the remaining two Finals positions.  The Thunder have moved into third position on the ladder with 42 points, followed closely by the Bears on 40 points.  Melbourne Mustangs remain in touch in fifth position with 39 points.  Every game from here on out will be fought with Finals intensity for those three sides as none can afford to drop points if they hope to make the trip to Newcastle for the AIHL Finals series.

Massive Clash With Bears Looming This Saturday

We’ve been saying it every weekend for two months now, but undoubtedly this Saturday’s home game against the Sydney Bears sets up to be the biggest contest of the season for the Thunder.  If Perth hopes to finish third (and they do!), the clash with the Bears this weekend is a must win game.  The Bears currently have a game in hand on the Thunder, and two of their final three games will come against the bottom of the table, Adelaide Adrenaline.  It will be crucial for the Thunder to bank all three points on home ice against the Bears in order to control their own destiny in the race for third spot.  Regular readers of this piece will know that third spot will allow the Thunder to avoid a semi-final match-up against the record-breaking, regular season point-holder, CBR Brave.

Evan Bowater Makes First AIHL Appearance For Thunder

C.D. Dodd Perth Thunder back-up goaltender, Evan Bowater, made his AIHL debut this past Sunday as he relieved import starter, Nico Viksten with 7:36 remaining in the third period and the Thunder leading the Melbourne Ice, 8-2.  Our un-official tally from the press box had Bowater stopping the first five shots he faced including an outstanding right pad save before surrendering a lone goal in his relief appearance.  The popular back-up net-minder received a rousing ovation from Thunder fans and was also acknowledged by opposing Melbourne Ice, and fellow Australian local goaltender, Tom Munro, with a stick tap as Bowater entered the game.  Bowater was recognised by his teammates as their player of the game in the aftermath of the Thunder victory.  (Better get that 10th point next time, Louick)  Congratulations Evan!

Final Thunder Home Game of 2019!

The massive battle for third place this coming Saturday, 17th August, will be the final home game of the 2019 AIHL season for the C.D. Dodd Perth Thunder.    The Thunder need your support and are counting on a raucous atmosphere as they complete the home portion of their schedule and look to keep the Bears at bay.  Don’t miss this opportunity to show your appreciation and give the team a tremendous send off as they will travel to Melbourne the following weekend to complete their season with a pair of road games against the Ice, hopefully to be followed by a trip to the AIHL Finals series in Newcastle.

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