Mustangs v Thunder Preview

When one thinks of Canada, they think of ice hockey. It was through a climate that lends itself to skating on frozen ponds, that the basis for the game we love was formed. This weekend, as Canada celebrates its national day, the MOAT: Melbourne Mustangs will pay homage to the contribution Canadians have made to promote their national sport around the world. 

Many of the volunteers, both here at the Mustangs and throughout the AIHL, have brought their passion for the game back from Canada. Whether growing up there or just spending some time there it is easy to become captivated by such a unique sport and then feel a desire to bring it to a wider audience.  

The latest in a string of Canadian imports to star for the Mustangs, James Isaacs and Eric Louis-Seize, will be looking for big games this weekend as they go up against the Perth Thunder in the last home double header for the season. The Thunder also have some very talented Canadians leading the way for their team in top scorer Benjamin Breault, Jessyko Bernard and goaltender Thomas Heemskerk.

It was Heemskerk who frustrated the Mustangs in their previous double header against the Thunder early in the season. A 37 save shutout in the first leg was backed up with another 35 saves from 36 shots the following night to deny the Mustangs any chance of victory. We can expect a similar display in net this week, so the Mustangs are going to have to have their work cut out trying to find a way to score.

The Mustangs head into these games following a good win over the Sydney Bears, a team who also prides themselves on defence and goaltending. They know what is required and have the confidence to put this into action. The Mustangs fought back from a two goal deficit and took the lead in the third period, after goals to Isaacs and Jamie Bourke. They maintained composure in the final minutes as their opponents went off the rails to claim a vital home win.

The Thunder had a bye last week and have only played a handful of games over the past month, but prior to that they were playing some incredible hockey. They won nine consecutive games, starting with the double over the Mustangs and included sweeps on the road in both Canberra and Adelaide. Travel doesn’t seem to faze them and the long preparation for this trip, means they will be more than ready to challenge the Mustangs. Looking to cement their position in the top four, the Thunder will come out firing and with their season on the line the Mustangs will need to be at their best to answer the challenge.

It is anticipated that this weekend will feature two great games celebrating all that is good about the nation that developed this amazing sport. The Mustangs are still very much in need of wins and obtaining those wins is always easier with the support of a vocal crowd, so get down to O’Brien Group Arena this weekend, and unleash your inner Canadian.