Thunder 2 - Bears 0

Thomas Heemskerk has recorded his second shutout of the season and the Thunder have strengthened their grip on second place in the standings after a 2-0 win over the Sydney Bears at Perth Ice Arena.

In a game riddled with penalties, the Thunder dominated the majority of play, recording a 44-19 advantage in shots on goal, while Ben Breault and Rob Haselhurst continued their outstanding seasons, each recording a goal.

The Thunder waited until late in the first period to get the scoring started, finally finding the back of the Sydney net with just two seconds left on the clock, with Breault connecting on a 5-on-3 power play chance, assisted by Jessyko Bernard and Per Daniel Goransson.

Rob Haselhurst then continued his fine recent form, wristing a shot past the Sydney netminder early in the second period to give the Thunder a 2-0 lead, his 17th point of the season.

Breault assisted on the Haselhurst goal, taking his season tally to 47 points (23G, 24A) to move within three points of a Thunder record for points in a single season, a record held by Phil Ginand after his 50-point 2012 season.

The third period proved to be a grind as both sides battled hard to fashion any decent opportunities in front of goal.

The Bears took a late penalty in the game to kill off any chance they had of getting back in to the contest, and the Thunder defence held strong to help Heemskerk to his second AIHL shutout, continuing his stellar season.

The 2-0 win moves the Thunder to 51 points and outright second position in the AIHL standings, three points clear of the Newcastle North Stars and nine points adrift of the Melbourne Ice with three games remaining.

The Thunder and Bears meet again tomorrow at Perth Ice Arena, with puck drop at 4.30pm. Get your tickets here, or at the door.