After spending the 2018 Australian Ice Hockey League season on the east coast, the CD Dodd Perth Thunder are thrilled to welcome foundation defenceman Robert “The Mo” Haselhurst back to Perth for season 2019.

26-year-old Haselhurst took a season away last year to experience life over east and play with the Newcastle Northstars, tallying 19 points (six goals, 13 assists) in 26 games, a season after taking out the AIHL’s Defenceman of the Year award.

Haselhurst said he’s excited to take his place on the Thunder blue line for the new season, and to be back in familiar surrounds with long-time teammates and friends.

“It will be great to be back to help the Thunder and our fans get that Goodall Cup,” Haselhurst said. “It was a good time to travel last year and live on the east coast for a while, but coming back (to Perth) was always the plan.”

Thunder General Manager Stan Scott expressed his delight at Haselhurst’s return as the team looks to improve on 2018’s third-placed finish

“Rob brings a lot of experience and energy to the team,” Scott said. “It’s great to have him back so soon.”

“He is a massive player for the Thunder and the fans love him.”

Haselhurst is one of the most recognisable and popular players in the league, having tallied 100 total points (32 goals, 68 assists) and 205 penalty minutes in his 143-game AIHL career, as well as four points (one goal, three assists) in five international games for the Australian Mighty Roos.

You can secure your season tickets to watch The Mo in action by clicking here.