Thunder sweep Ice Dogs to tie with CBR Brave

The Perth Thunder have swept the Ice Dogs in a double-header at home in Perth with a 2-0 win on Sunday afternoon at Perth Ice Arena to draw level in points with CBR Brave at the top of the ladder. Over a low-scoring weekend that showcased goal-tending talent, the Thunder claimed the total six points on offer with a big weekend in net for Peter Di Salvo and strong offensive streak by Jessyko Bernard.

With Perth taking home the W in front of their fans on Saturday the Ice Dogs were hoping they could battle back and split the series with an effort not too dissimilar to their performance on Saturday night.

Perth Thunder continued their top form with a two game sweep of the Ice Dogs that ties them in points with CBR Brave. Photo: Richard Sak.

Ice Dogs Coach Christopher Blagg said after the first game he was happy his team played a competitive game against a solid Thunder squad at home.

“We had some good chances in the game (on Saturday), and both goalies were solid, but really it was a result that could have gone either way,” said Blagg.

On Sunday he admitted he was disappointed with the outcome, however commented again on how close the two games had been.

“Perth Played well to their credit in both games, and once again like last night their goalie game up big in a game that could have been won by either team,” Blagg said.

The first period on Sunday was a scoreless affair: the Thunder started with the momentum gained from Saturday’s win, taking early offensive opportunities. The Ice Dogs seemed to find their feet as the period went on, with both teams exchanging scoring chances by the end of the first.

The physical play also carried over from Saturday, with the Thunder trying to establish their presence at home against the big Sydney squad.

The second period saw the game open up a little with a goal from Jessyko Bernard – the only scorer in the previous matchup – netting his third of the weekend, and giving Perth the 1-0 lead.

The goal upped the ante for both sides with play fluctuating from frantic to calm and collected. Finally, a mad scramble in front of the net credited a Power Play goal to Rob Haselhurst, who managed to bash one through Damien Ketlo’s crease. The Thunder held their two-goal lead into the second intermission.

Thunder's Rob Haselhurst celebrates his power play goal in the second period. Photo: Richard Sak.

The third period saw no change in the score, although the final twenty minutes weren’t lacking excitement with the Ice Dogs eagerly hunting a comeback, working their physical game, a style that has brought them success in the past.

The push however was fought off by Peter Di Salvo in net: preventing the Sydney team from finding the scoreboard, securing his team a six point weekend and registering a shutout for himself during the process.

Thunder Coach Dave Ruck was happy with his team’s performance over the weekend and felt his squad showed a more complete three periods in Sundays win.

Strat Allen back in the line up for the Ice Dogs kept up the pressure on Perth Thunder but could not convert against Di Salvo. Photo: Corey Lunt.

“The boys really stuck to the game plan for the whole game today,” he said.

“We held our defensive structure late in the game when we needed to, and even when they hit back and got going we just focused on closing the game out.”

With two of the league’s highest rated goaltenders on display, it was no surprise that only five goals were scored over the span of the weekends.

With two wins the Thunder now their sights set on top of the ladder, hoping to roll this momentum into Sydney when they take on the Ice Dogs yet again on Saturday at Macquarie Ice Rink – against a home team that will be focused on a win for the Matt Clarke Shield.

See who’s taking top spots on the AIHL ladder.