Weekend Preview: Thunder v Adrenaline

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After breaking for the AIHL All-Star festivities last weekend, the action returns to Perth Ice Arena this Saturday and Sunday as the Perth Thunder do battle with Adelaide Adrenaline.
 
The two teams met for a weekend series in Adelaide just four weeks ago, with the Thunder winning both games by a single goal, 3-2 on the Saturday and 4-3 on the Sunday.
 
The Thunder had their nine-game winning streak snapped at the hands of the Newcastle North Stars before the All-Star break; succumbing 3-2 to the defending champions one day after a stirring comeback win over the Sydney Ice Dogs.
 
The depth of scoring among Thunder forwards was what kept them afloat during the road trip, with Kieren Webster scoring three points (2G, 1A), while Jonathon Bremner also found the back of the net.
 
Thunder’s top-line forwards showed their scoring prowess in the All-Star game, netting 11 of the 19 total goals scored in the game, led by Michael Dorr (5, later voted Most Valuable Player), Ben Breault (4) and Andrew Cox (2).
 
Thomas Heemskerk continued his outstanding form in net, and now leads the league in both wins (nine) and save percentage (.931).
 
The Adrenaline currently sit at the foot of the AIHL table, but hold three games in hand on their top-four rivals as they look to ascend up the ladder.
 
The Adrenaline are on a six-game losing streak since their 6-3 win over the Sydney Ice Dogs on May 15, but five of their losses on the season have been by one goal, a trend they’re no doubt hoping to reverse.
 
The Adrenaline are led in scoring by Australian international Wehebe Darge, who has 18 points (10G, 8A) on the season, while Greg Oddy has continued his good scoring form with 12 points (3G, 9A) on the year.
 
Peter King has been manning the net for the Adrenaline, post a 3.83 goals against average with a .891 save percentage.
 
The Adrenaline have also changed coach during the week, with forward Graham Charbonneau named interim coach for the weekend after incumbent Trevor Walsh left the club.
 
Puck drop time for Saturday is earlier than usual, 3.30pm, to accommodate those hoping to attend both the Thunder and the USA v Canada clash at Perth Arena, while Sunday remains a 4.30pm start.

Match Information
When: Saturday 3.30pm, Sunday 4.30pm
Where: Perth Ice Arena, Marshall Road, Malaga
Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/KMDV
Stream: http://mixlr.com/perththunder