Thunder Progress to Goodall Cup Final

For the first time in our eight-year history, the CD Dod Perth Thunder have progressed to the Goodall Cup Final after a thrilling 3-2 win over the Newcastle Northstars at Hunter Ice Skating Stadium on Saturday night.

Two goals from Ben Breault propelled the Thunder to their first ever semi-final victory as the visitors held on in a dramatic finish.

Shaun Tobin also scored for the Thunder, while Rob Haselhurst, Louick Marcotte, Nico Viksten and Andrew Cox all registered assists, while Viksten made 25 saves in a stellar performance.

The night started poorly for the Thunder, with Richie Tesarik pouncing on a lose puck in the crease to get Newcastle on he board just 57 seconds in to the game.

The Thunder then wrested momentum back in the game after a good start from Newcastle, and Ben Breault capitalised on the power play with a wicked snipe beating Dayne Davis’ blocker to level the scores at 1-1.

It took until a little over five minutes in to the second period to break the deadlock, but it was Shaun Tobin who placed a backhand shot from the slot in the roof of the net, handing the Thunder a 2-1 lead heading in to the third period.

The third period was an arm wrestle, with both sides finding good chances tough to create, and the Thunder were forced to kill back-to-back penalties.

Breault then wrote himself in to Thunder lore, as he pounced on a brilliant indirect pass from Nico Viksten to move in on a breakaway, before slotting one by Davis to give the Thunder a 3-1 lead in the final five minutes.

A late Tesarik goal gave the Thunder a few nervous moments, but they were able to wipe the remaining seconds of the clock to seal an historic 3-2 win.

The Thunder now take on the Sydney Bears, who upset the juggernaut CBR Brave, for the Goodall Cup on Sunday at 1.30pm. You can watch the game here