The C.D. Dodd Perth Thunder are ready to roll back into action with a single home game this weekend at Perth Ice Arena, hosting the Sydney Bears on Sunday, May 26 at 4:30pm. 

Perth Thunder (1-W/4-L/1-OTW/0-OTL-5PTS)
Sydney Bears (4-W/2-L/0-OTW/0-OTL-12 Pts)

Perth Thunder Host Sydney Bears

The Thunder will look to keep pace with the pack chasing a spot in the top 4 as they reach the quarter mark of the regular season. Perth currently sit on the outside looking in, seven points adrift of the fourth-place Sydney Bears. Sunday’s game represents an excellent chance for the Thunder to close the gap and announce their intention to begin a run towards the top half of the Ladder in the weeks to come.

Chemistry Building on Import Line

With just one shoot-out win from their first four home games, the Thunder will be looking to re-establish home ice dominance and will look to their veterans and imports to lead the way. After a slow start, first year imports Keven Veilleux and Louick Marcotte have started to find some chemistry with fourth year import Ben Breault on the top line. Veilleux leads the Thunder in scoring with four goals and three assists in the first six games of the season. Marcotte has contributed a goal and five assists while Breault has two goals and three points as he looks to find his scoring touch.

Defenseman Rob Haselhurst and Thunder Captain Jamie Woodman continue to lead the way on the back end but will be looking to tighten things up defensively as the Thunder have given up five goals in three of their first four home games. Woodman has this week been named Captain of the AIHL South All Stars for the upcoming AIHL All Star Game in Sydney on Saturday 15^th June.

Viksten Looks To Bounce Back

C.D Perth Thunder Finnish import goaltender Nico Viksten will be looking to bounce back to his best form as he attempts to backstop the Thunder to victory over the Bears. Viksten has had a solid, but inconsistent start to his AIHL career for Perth. At times he has demonstrated his high pedigree with outstanding play, evidenced in his opening weekend shut-out over the Melbourne Mustangs. Through six games Viksten has posted a 3.62 goals against average and a .907 save percentage and one shut-out.

Thunder look to put Officiating Controversy Behind Them

The Thunder will look to come out of their bye-week refreshed and focused having dealt with and placed the officiating controversy that marred their 5-1 loss to CBR Brave well and truly behind them. A pivotal moment in their last game occurred late in the second period of a 1-1 hockey game when the Brave scored the eventual game-winning goal 2-3 seconds after time had expired on the clock but was not picked up by the officiating referee. After a lengthy delay and discussions between the on ice officials, time keepers, and both teams, the referee awarded the goal in controversial circumstances. The Thunder were clearly disadvantaged by the call on the day, but will now look to turn the page and come together as a team as the focus on working their way back into AIHL Finals contention.

One Game Weekend

Once again, there is just the one home game this weekend as the C.D. Dodd Perth Thunder host the Sydney Bears at Perth Ice Arena at 4:30pm on Sunday 26^th May. Be there to show your support and help the Thunder reach new heights as the 2019 AIHL season continues.