Preview: Bears @ Thunder

Sydney Bears head to Perth this weekend (13/14 August) for their final road trip of the season and their final two games of the season against Perth Thunder. This late season road trip is one that the team have been looking forward to on and off the ice. Recently, Bears have a good record in Perth after winning both games last year.

A long weekend of travel from coast to coast is the Bears' longest road trip of the year but it is a way of life in the AIHL for Thunder. The top 4 teams are now confirmed for the AIHL Finals (Ice, Thunder, North Stars, Brave) however the final regular season games could decide the Finals match ups. 

Last weekend, Thunder traveled to NSW with a 4-3 (SO) win on Saturday against the Newcastle North Stars and a 4-3 regulation win against the Bears on Sunday at Penrith Ice Palace. That loss by the Bears was the Bears only game of the weekend and turned out to be an exciting finish with the Bears on the charge towards the end of the game.

In 2016, Thunder have defeated Bears in their two meetings at Penrith Ice Palace. The final two games of the series this weekend is the last time that the Thunder will be at home in 2016 as they spend the following two weekends in Melbourne for the last weekend of the regular season and then the Finals. After this weekend, Bears return home for their final weekend with a home double header against Melbourne Mustangs (Saturday August 20) and Adelaide Adrenaline (Sunday August 21).

Both teams have played 24 games out of 28 in the regular season. Thunder (13-6-4-1) are currently in 2nd position on 48 points. Bears are on 25 points (4-12-5-3) in 6th place. They are currently 7 points behind Melbourne Mustangs in 5th place. 

With Finals secured for Thunder, they will be looking to keep winning before their two weeks in Melbourne. Bears are looking to take home as many points as possible in the final 4 games with their best case scenario being 5th on the ladder with 12 competition points being available. 

Both games start at 6.30pm Sydney time. Saturday's game is a Fox Sports Game Of The Week (no live stream) while Sunday's game will be audio streamed by Thunder Radio.

Story: Eric Brook