About Us

Perth Thunder, members of the Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL) are a semi-professional ice hockey team based at the Perth Ice Arena in Western Australia.

Perth Thunder were founded in 2010. On 28 November 2010, Perth Thunder were granted a provisional license with the AIHL for the 2011 season, with the intention of entering the league to compete as the ninth team in the 2012 AIHL season.

In 2011 the Thunder played a number of exhibition games against several AIHL teams. In May the Thunder traveled to Adelaide to compete in two games against the Adelaide Adrenaline. They drew the first game 2–2 and won the second 3–o. In June, Melbourne Ice traveled to Perth to compete in two games against the Thunder at the Cockburn Ice Arena. The Ice won the first game 4–3 and lost the second game 3–6 after letting in six goals to none in the final period. In September the Newcastle North Stars travelled to Perth to play the Thunder in a two game series. Thunder won both games 4–2. On 16 October 2011 the AIHL voted to include the Perth Thunder as the ninth team to join the league.

In 2012, Thunder played in their inaugural season in the AIHL and finished fourth in the Easton conference, missing out on the Goodall Cup playoffs. Following the end of the season the 2012 club awards were announced. Ken Rolph was named MVP, Aaron Wilson was named best defenceman, Samuel Wilson best local player and David Kudla won the most improved award. Adding to this, Ken Rolph was nominated for AIHL MVP and David Kudla was nominated for AIHL Rookie of the Year.

Year 2, season 2013 saw Perth Thunder enter their sophomore season. Again coached by the experienced Stan Scott, Perth Thunder hoped to improve on their inaugural season results … and that we certainly did.

Season 2013 had more than it’s share of ups & downs but against all the odds, some sceptics & a few team rebuilds during the season, Perth Thunder finished a gallant 3rd on the AIHL ladder. This performance rewarded Thunder with a first ever finals appearance in only our 2nd year. Beaten by Newcastle North Stars in this historic 1st final, the experience & belief garnished from this 1st ever finals campaign will undoubtedly galvanise the new management & team for season 2014.

Team veteran Ken Rolph was again nominated for the coveted AIHL MVP player.