Sydney Ice Dogs (4^th) @ Perth Thunder (3^rd), 24-25/06/17
Season Series: Thunder 1-0-0-0 - Ice 0-1-0-0

The Perth Thunder will look to build on their win from last Sunday against the Melbourne Ice when they take on the Sydney Ice Dogs in their two game series at home at Perth Ice Arena this weekend.

This is only the second meeting between these two teams this season; the Thunder took the first clash 4-1 in Sydney in April.

This weekend’s double header will see the Ice Dog’s try to attempt to overtake the Perth squad in the league standings after coming off an impressive 7-2 victory against Newcastle last Friday.

Players to Watch

Thunder: Jessyko Bernard (RW) (11 Games - 8 Goals - 8 Assists - 16 Points)

After Continuing last year’s successful season for the Thunder, Bernard has continued to provide for the team, leading the way in offense again this season. After scoring two timely goals last Sunday against the Ice, Bernard has found some chemistry alongside import line mates Breault and Ouellet.

At 6’2” and coming in around 100 kg’s, Bernard has the ability to establish himself physically along the boards, and isn’t afraid to crash the net and use his size to cause a bit of chaos in the opposing crease, which will be an important factor against a gritty ice dogs side.

Ice Dogs: Rory Rawlyk (D) (9 Games – 4 Goals - 9 Assists - 13 Points)

This year’s Ice Dogs team is full of experience; however Rory Rawlyk could be the veteran talent essential to the Ice Dogs success in 2017.

Coming in at over 6’5”, and 33 years of age, the big Defenseman from Edmonton Alberta has tallied up games and points in over 10 of the top rated international professional leagues around the globe Including seasons playing in the AHL for both the Blackhawks and Senators affiliate organisations.

Rawlyk has already entrenched himself as the Ice Dogs top Defenseman, bringing elite leadership as well as establishing a presence in both ends of the Ice this season. 

Sitting second in points for the team, Rawlyk will surely be a crucial aspect to any wins the Ice Dogs are hunting this weekend, and may even prove to be a thorn in the side of both the offensive and defensive units for the Thunder over the weekends play.

Keys To Success:

Grind it out – The Ice dogs have always been known as a gritty team to play against, and two games back to back this weekend will surely introduce the Perth squad to that style of play.

Both teams will need to maintain physical pressure as they look to wear each other down and expose defensive holes over the course of the two games.

If the thunder can withstand the physical nature of the Ice Dog’s play, then they should be able to create some offense against a team that has been known to be able to produce high scoring games, as well as shut down the oppositions offensive openings.