Perth Thunder (0-3-0) vs Sydney Bears (1-3-0)
Sydney Ice Arena – Baulkham Hills – 13:30 WST
No online or radio feeds – @sydneybears for game updates
Perth Thunder concludes the first away game weekend with a match against the Sydney Bears.
After the devastating 13-2 loss to the Newcastle North Stars, Perth Thunder heads southwards to Sydney Ice Arena to take on the Sydney Bears. The Bears, fresh off their first win of the season against the Canberra Knights yesterday, will be looking to continue their winning ways against the languishing Thunder.
Yesterday’s defeat raised a lot of questions about this years Thunder team. While the fans are confident that the duo of Michael Forney and Kenny Rolph can get the offense firing, questions remain about the teams depth at the back end. Ric Del Basso is the team’s most experienced Australian defenseman and will likely continue to be paired with Brad Young. While Young has a great physical presence on the ice, his transition from forward to defence this season is yet to show the rewards that Coach Stan Scott is looking for. On the second pairing, newcomers Aaron Hoffman and Cameron Walsh have good vision on the ice, but lack the size and physicality required at this level.
Perhaps the biggest concern going forward is the goalie tandem of Michael Smart and Ayden Millward. Smart, who played 15 game for the Sydney Bears last season, has let in 21 goals in three games and was pulled for back-up Millward in yesterday’s game. Millward in turn let in six goals and has yet to prove his ability at an AIHL level. Smart will most likely start today’s game, and after yesterday’s performance, he’ll have something to prove.
GO THUNDER