Bears @ Thunder [G1: 2-0 Loss]

In a tight but at times controversial game, Sydney Bears lost 2-0 against Perth Thunder at Perth Ice Arena on Saturday 13 August on day 1 of the double header weekend. 

Traveling across the country with a short bench was never going to be easy compared to having a full squad at home however it is a fact of life in the AIHL. Also a fact of life this season have been very close battles between the two teams and this game was no exception. 

Bears goalie Anthony Kimlin was under fire from early on and has been a major factor in the closeness of games between the two teams in all their match ups. A controversial penalty awarded against the Bears with 7 seconds left in period 1 saw the Thunder score 5 seconds later.

Early in the second period saw another Thunder goal after an unfortunate rebound crossed the goal line and gave Thunder a 2-0 lead. Penalties rather than goals dominated the second period while Thunder consistantly outshot Bears who spent long periods short handed.

The remaining 32 minutes of play saw no goals to either team despite their efforts. Kimlin and his defence had a lot of work to do, saving 42/44 shots compared to the 19 shots Bears fired. Penalties continued to mount in the second half of the third period and the Thunder ground out a 2-0 victory.

Both teams would return for Sunday's match to complete the Perth road trip for the Bears.

Story: Eric Brook

Photo: via AIHL