Weekend Preview: Thunder in NSW

The CD Dodd Perth Thunder return to the road again this coming weekend as the team heads to New South Wales to take on the Newcastle Northstars and Sydney Bears this weekend.

Photo by Corey Lunt

The clash against the Northstars will be the third between the two teams, while Sunday's match against the Bears will be the last of the season series.

Here's what you need to know.

THUNDER
After splitting two shootout results against the Bears last weekend, the Thunder will be looking to rebound with two regulation wins. Late goals proved costly in both games for the Thunder, as the Bears overcame a two goal deficit Saturday and a one goal deficit on Sunday, both in the final 90 seconds, to force two shootouts.
The Thunder will travel with a near full-strength line-up, with Christian Ouellet joining the team for his Thunder debut, while Andrew Cox the only regular still missing through injury. Stalwarts Sam Wilson and Jordy Kyros have both been left out of the travelling squad.

Photo by Corey Lunt

NORTHSTARS
The Northstars recorded just their second regulation win of the season last Sunday against the Sydney Ice Dogs, and will look to continue that good form against the Thunder. Zane Jones is making an impact as a power forward with scoring touch, while defenceman Felix-Antoine Poulin and forward Matt Marantz are equal leading scorers in the AIHL, making the Northstars a dangerous match-up.

BEARS
The Bears have had the better of the Thunder this season through three shootout results, winning twice. The play of Anthony Kimlin in net has been stellar for the Bears, but forwards Jackson Brewer, Tomas Landa and Michael Schlamp have been threatening. Expect another tight match.

WHO & WHEN: Saturday vs Northstars 3pm, Sunday vs Bears 3pm
WHERE: Saturday Hunter Ice Skating Stadium. Newcastle. Sunday Macquarie Ice Rink Sydney.
STREAM: Saturday: http://aihl.net/2qyHkuc (no stream Sunday)