Weekend Preview: Thunder v Ice Dogs

The Perth Thunder enter this weekend seeking some form of redemption against the Sydney Ice Dogs, and there's plenty at stake for both teams ahead of the Thunder's penultimate home weekend of the season.

The Thunder dropped to fourth in the AIHL standings after a 3-1 loss at the hands of the lowly Ice Dogs last Sunday, and are keen to secure six points to move back up towards the top two.

Indeed, should other results fall the way of the Thunder, two regulation wins at the weekend could be enough to clinch a finals berth in season 2016, ensuring the Thunder have plenty to play for.

Defenceman Per Daniel Goransson had a solid weekend on the blue line, tallying a goal and two assists, while the import line continued to impress for the Thunder, with Michael Dorr and Jessyko Bernard each adding four points to their 2016 totals, and Ben Breault three.

Jamie Woodman continued his good form on the blue line, adding another goal to his season tally, but the local forwards will be looking for a reversal in fortunes sooner rather than later, with the well drying up for local forwards of late.

A home weekend series against the last-placed Sydney Ice Dogs could prove to be the tonic for the Thunder's local forwards, and they'll be given a spark as they welcome back Captain Sam Wilson after an eight-week layoff with an arm injury.

The Ice Dogs have plenty to fight for though, with last weekend's victory, their fourth of the season, bringing them within arm's reach of lifting off the bottom of the table.

The 2013 Goodall Cup Champions will be desperate to avoid finishing bottom of the table for a second consecutive season, so despite ladder positioning, this will be far from an easy task for the Thunder.

With plenty at stake for both sides, it should be an exciting weekend at Perth Ice Arena, so make sure you secure your tickets using the link below.

MATCH INFORMATION
WHEN: 4.30pm Saturday and Sunday, July 30-31
WHERE: Perth Ice Arena, Marshall Road, Malaga
TICKETS: https://www.trybooking.com/KMDV
AUDIO STREAM: http://mixlr.com/perththunder