Locals Start Strong

The CD Dodd Perth Thunder had a win in the opening game of the season on Sunday, and while Ben Breault produced a three-point game, it was a strong game from some local talent that was the biggest bright spot.

Tomek Sak scored a goal and found himself alongside Breault and Andrew Cox, who both also scored goals, on the top line, but it was a newly-crafted youth line that raised the most eyebrows, with Kieren Webster centring a line between Lynden Lodge and debutante Jake Ruck.

The trio seemed to worry the defending champions with their speed, and speaking to theaihl.com post-game, head coach Dave Ruck spoke of how pleased he was with their game.

“I was happy with what I saw from them, they were buzzing,” Ruck said. “I think our speed really surprised them tonight; we might not match up size wise against some of the teams this year, but I think with the wheels this team has, that will be the key to our success.”

Captain Jamie Woodman was pleased with the play of the locals as well, with the team missing two imports to start the season.

“We’ve been given the opportunity to show off our local skill here, and tonight it was great to have a lot of local guys step up and start us off with a win,” Woodman said.

The youthful Thunder side will travel to Sydney this coming weekend to take on the Bears and Ice Dogs.