Cox ready to thrill again

---

As the Australian Ice Hockey League season approaches the halfway mark, all teams break this weekend for the second annual AIHL All-Star fixture. Perththunder.com.au will this week take a look at each of the Thunder’s four All-Star representatives.
 
It may only be the second ever AIHL All-Star game, but already Perth Thunder forward and alternate captain Andrew Cox has a reputation to live up to in the upcoming All-Star weekend.
 
Cox caused a stir, and video of his performance in the breakaway challenge went viral last year, after he dressed up as a minion, you know, the small yellow characters from the Despicable Me movies and a more recent self-titled origin story, Minions. (you can check out the video below)
 
Cox seems to think the man-sized minion outfit is the reason he got invited back, and hinted that maybe he’ll be able to live up to his new-found reputation again this year.
 
“I think the antics from last year dressing up as a minion is one of the reasons I got another invite,” Cox said.  “Hopefully I can pull something out of the hat.”
 
Aside from his lighter side, Cox can rest assured he’s been selected on merit as well, as he’s compiling another terrific season, tallying five goals and four assists through 10 games to lead the Thunder locals in scoring, as well as wearing the Captain’s ‘C’ on his jersey in the absence of Sam Wilson.
 
Cox is treating the weekend as a chance to test his skills up against the best the AIHL has to offer.
 
“It means a lot to be selected and it’s a great way meet and play with your usual rivals,” Cox said. “It’s a fun and enjoyable weekend not just for the fans but the players as well. The league does a really good job of setting everything up and the weekend is run extremely well.”
 
Cox will be a part of Team Armstrong, captained by Melbourne Ice forward Matt Armstrong, and will go up against Ben Breault, who will suit up for Team Schlamp, and suiting up against usual teammates is something Cox is becoming accustomed to.
 
“It's something I’m beginning to get used to after playing against the Perth Thunder in the New Zealand/Thunder series and also playing against the Australian team this year,” Cox said. “But it’s something I enjoy.”
 
The All-Star weekend is this Saturday and Sunday, June 11 and 12, at Penrith Ice Palace, west of Sydney. Saturday will be comprised of the skills competitions (click here for more information), while Sunday will stage the All-Star game between Team Schlamp and Team Armstrong.
 
Below is a clip of Cox’s Minion shootout attempt from the 2015 All-Star weekend, and while the 2016 event isn’t televised live, a 90-minute special presentation will air on Fox Sports on Thursday, June 16 (check your local guide for times).