Goodall Cup contenders – that was the preseason predictions many tipped for the Perth Thunder. A strong group of local players, mixed with high calibre imports. The recipe for success has been set for the Western Australians.

Knocking on the Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL) Finals door in recent seasons, belief within the Thunder camp is high.

A big win in Melbourne over the reigning champion Mustangs has firmly etched the Thunder as one of the top teams in the Hellyer Conference.

“We knew coming in here it wasn’t going to be easy – flying in the morning, playing the same day,” Thunder Head Coach Ben Breault told Hockey Hype Australia following the Saturday game.

“You know, we have got three lines, we had to deal with a bit of adversity with the PK [penalty kill] in the second period especially. Found a way to stay in it, kept the lead the whole way through, didn’t have to really crawl our way back into it. So on the road that’s pretty key.

“Guys delivered on the PK and what a stellar performance by our goalie [Léo Bertein] there.”

French Connection

Léo Bertein was a big off-season recruit for the Thunder, the French goaltender has enjoyed a strong career across Europe.

Already a connection with Breault, having played together previously, to win the championship you need strong goaltending.

With teams across the AIHL loading up on import goaltender talent, Bertein will be a key piece in the cog for the Thunder this season. Saving 52 of 54 shots against the Mustangs, Bertein was outstanding.

“That’s what you need to win championships in this league,” continued Breault.

“And now it’s good to have him around. I played with him, it’s been nine years now, but I knew what he could bring to us and it’s nice to see him having fun out there and making some pretty cool saves.”

Finnish Flyer

After being away from hockey for several years, Ville Tenosalmi pulled on the skates for the Thunder during the 2023 AIHL season.

Working his way back into hockey form, Tenosalmi has been electric for the Thunder alongside line mates Jeremiah Addison and Zane Jones.

Tenosalmi finished with 18 points from 24 games in 2023. Across six games this season, the 30-year-old has amassed nine points (five goals, four assists) as he enjoys new line partners.

“He [Tenosalmi] joined us last year and as an import, but he hadn’t played for quite a few years and had to lace them back up,” said Breault.

“I think he struggled a little bit for the first half of the season, but then he did finish strong and then now playing with Zane [Jones] and Jeremiah [Addison], those guys are connecting pretty well.

“They are getting a lot of chances every game. And if it’s not him one game, it’s Jeremiah the other, or Zane, so they connected pretty well. So, it’s good to have him put it in the back of the net and having a good season so far.”

Vibes are High

In 2023 the Thunder continued to make big strides throughout the season, highlighted by a massive play-in victory over the Northstars in Newcastle.

Their 2024 campaign has seen a fresh and new resilience to the Thunder. A roster that is ready to take the next step of reaching the Goodall Cup final.

For Breault it is quite clear, whatever it takes to get to the final game in August.

“We had some good additions in Jeremiah [Addison] as an import, Zane [Jones] as a local coming over from Calgary and JFK [John F. Kennedy] who is not here at the moment,” continued Breault.

“They are really good players, but they are really good people and that’s kind of what we are after in Perth. That’s what we try to find every season.

“I think you know last year was the first year where the guys really start to mesh together, I mean in terms of you know, we have aimed for finals every year that I have been here and we have made them every time.

“I think now the dialogue now is a bit different, we want to play on that Sunday, whatever it takes.

“But we do have a good group of guys and well, you know what, we have one more spot of import open and who knows what’s going to happen. It’s good.”

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