Liverpool, NSW – In the first clash of the 2013 AIHL season between the Thunder and Ice Dogs, it was a good old fashion battle of goal-tending that would decide the game.
Back in Sydney for the second time in as many weeks, the Thunder traveled to the LCC Sports Complex to take on the Sydney Ice Dogs. Riding a two-game win streak and being led by an All-Australian goaltender, the Ice Dogs are legitimate challengers this season and continue to impress. For the first time this season, the Thunder boast a full roster, with the recent additions of imports Joe Tolles and Matt Strueby. With a full roster of imports and some great local talent, Coach Stan Scott was finally able to take advantage of the teams depth and balance the ice time between players.
The first period saw neither team giving an inch. Early chances to both teams had goaltenders, Smart and Kimlin, making big saves, with the blue line players for each team working hard to block shots and neutralize the opposing attackers. Both teams had two attempts on the powerplay, but neither could convert, on what would become a penalty-heavy game. Over the first 15 minutes of play, a total of only nine shots were taken and both teams went back to their respective locker rooms tied 0-0.
Tolles (27) looked strong on defense and his confidence controlling the puck and leading the breakout was evident. Forney (7) looked more comfortable leading the rushes in his third game with the Thunder. In an effort to stymie Forney’s speed, the Ice Dog’s strategy seemed to be leaving the neutral zone open and trying to stop the ECHL all-star as he would enter their zone, resembling a 1-2-2 trap system. It had the required effect, as Forney, along with the rest of the team would remain scoreless over the 50-minute game.
At the start of the second, both teams upped their tempo and it was clear that the game had transitioned into a more ‘run and gun’ style of play. A focus on offense meant that both teams saw odd man rushes and put the pressure on their goaltenders to come up big at important times.
Four minutes into the period, import player, Matt Puntureri, would score for the Ice Dogs. The even strength goal would be the only tally in the period, as Thunder continued to battle hard and lean on goaltender Michael Smart, who was playing his best game of the season between the pipes. The teams continued to swap penalties, with two minor penalties a piece, however neither team could convert. A late period misconduct to Tolles would see him leave the game for 10 minutes.
At the end of the second period, the game remained a tight battle, with both teams balancing their offensive and defensive efforts. While the Ice Dogs had managed to get a tally on the board, the Thunder players didn’t lose focus and continued to play a hard, fast game.
The game changed 53 seconds into the 3rd Period. Canadian Import, Simon Barg, would score the first of two back-to-back goals to give the Ice Dogs a secure 3-0 lead. His second tally would come less than 3 minutes later. The period would become a battle of special teams as each team collected five minor penalties over the remainder for the final term.
With seven minutes remaining in the game, Brad Young and Billy Cliff dropped their gloves after taking simultaneous cross-checking and slashing minors. The vicious fight was the first for both players this season and they didn’t waste any time, swapping blows and spilling blood on the ice. As per IIHF rules, both players were ejected from the game and received 20-minute misconducts. Young will not play tomorrow.
The Thunder continued to push, but could not find a way past All-Australian goaltender Kimlin. A late breakaway by Forney was stopped, as were a number of other good opportunities. As the period came to a close, Kimlin recorded his first shutout of the 2013 season and lead the ice dogs to their third win in a row.
While the loss is disappointing for the players and fans, the Thunder can take away a few positives from the game. The undisciplined play of the team reduced their scoring chances, however as the penalties were fairly even (if high in number), it can’t be highlighted as the only reason for the loss.
At the end of the day, both goaltenders played excellent games, with Kimlin coming out just ahead of Smart. The team is still adjusting to the ever-changing roster, and once coach Stan Scott can find the right pairings, the chemistry will develop quickly. Coach Scott worked magic by juggling the lines two weeks ago to find the best defensive options for the team, now it seems he needs to work that same magic with the forwards.
The team remain in Sydney tonight and play the Sydney Bears tomorrow.