Baulkham Hills, NSW – You could forgive fans for thinking it was Groundhog Day, when for the second time in a row, the Thunder strolled in the Bear’s lair after a loss and stole three points.
The last time we recapped a win over the Bears, the feeling was jubilant relief. The Thunder finally had their first win of the season, the duck was off their back and it was on to bigger and better things. This time, it still feels great, but with the taste of victory comes a hunger for more.
After the tough loss to the Ice Dogs the night before, the Thunder, who were scoreless in that game, were eager to create more offense and get pucks on net. As the game opened, it was clear just how evenly matched these sides are, with both teams trading chances early.
With less than four minutes played in the 1st period, the Thunder drew a penalty and were on the Powerplay, when Bears import, Thomas Landa (33), got a stick on the puck and was able to score a shorthanded goal. For a team hoping to generate a lot more offense, it was not the start they were looking for.
The period continued at a fast pace and by the end, both teams had combined for 19 shots on goal; more than double what the Thunder had generated in the previous game. Both teams were assessed two minor penalties, the only result being Landa’s shorthanded goal.
The second period opened and again the Thunder conceded a quick goal, with Vlad Rubes (20) scoring just 8 seconds into the period. These early period goals have become something of a trademark for the Thunder this season and something that Coach Scott needs to address. The rest of the period would see both teams trading chances and Thunder putting up 17 shots. Kazanovs looked great in net and was keeping the Bears lead intact until Jonathon Bremner (16) was finally able to snipe one past the keeper with less than four minutes remaining in the period. A great feed from Forney (7) was all Bremner needed to tally his fourth goal in two games against the Bears.
Still down 2-1, the Thunder didn’t stop pushing and with only 8 seconds left in the period, Joe Tolles (27) threw a puck on net and beat Kazanovs. The import defenseman, in only his second AIHL game, tied the game heading into the final period.
The Thunder were only assessed one minor penalty in the second period, and once again proved, that when playing a disciplined game, they are a tough side to stop.
The final term would be an important period of Hockey for Both Teams. The Thunder were chasing another three points to stay even with the bottom half of the Ladder, and the Bears were eager to improve on their two-game winning streak.
The third opened and the first minute was scoreless. It took until the second minute for the tie to be broken, and it was Thunder that would strike first. After a hooking minor to Rubes, the Thunder had a powerplay opportunity. Michael Forney, the much-hyped ECHL all-star received a great pass from Tolles and didn’t waste anytime filling the net. It was Forney’s first AIHL goal and his third point of the night, after picking up helpers on the two previous goals. The powerplay goal would lift the Thunder into their first lead of the game at 3-2.
The game was a stalemate in the six minutes that followed. Thunder didn’t slow and continued to throw pucks at Kazanovs. At the other end of the ice, the Bears were consistently finding scoring chances, and with a little over 12 minutes remaining in the period, Branden Stobbs (94) was able to find some space and score, tying the game at 3-3.
Over the course of the next 10 minutes, the teams traded penalties and you could sense the Bears becoming increasingly desperate as they tried to find the winning goal. After a check from behind, Landa, was given a minor penalty and misconduct, finishing his game for the night. The Thunder couldn’t convert on the powerplay opportunity.
Forney would strike again with only 1:44 left on the clock. His second goal and fourth point of the night would be the final nail in the bear’s coffin. Jordy Kyros (23) was assessed a roughing penalty following the goal, and in an attempt to tie the game, Kazanovs was pulled from goal, giving the Bears a 6-on-4 man advantage.
It wouldn’t be enough though, as Smart was able to hold the fort and steal the win for the Thunder.
In a game where both teams could have come out on top, Thunder managed to claw back from a 2-0 deficit and win. With the final shots being 25-41 in Thunder’s favour, it was obvious that Coach Scott had stressed the importance of offense.
Michael Smart continues to improve each game and the young goaltender shows a lot of promise. His SV% was 8.66 over the weekend, which is good enough to place him 4th best of goaltenders that have started at least four games this season.
Whilst Michael Forney’s impact was highlighted across the league with 2 goals and 2 assists, special mention must be given to Kenny Rolph, who quietly picked up four points, assisting on every Thunder goal. The 2012 AIHL MVP nominee continues to show great form and is proving to have some excellent chemistry with Forney.
Bremner, Forney and Rolph lead the team with 7 points each.
The Thunder returned home last night and are already preparing for the double header against the Ice Dogs this weekend at Perth Ice Arena.
© Photos: William Stewart