The pace was set early with both teams looking to establish the tempo of the game early on. However, the Suns seemed to settle into their groove early with Chris Roach opening the scoring for the South. Clearly with the upper hand in the first, the floodgates soon opened for the Suns with a scoring frenzy taking place. Jamie Woodman split the North defence before Liam Jeffries and Captain Andrew Cox added to their own tallies, putting the Suns 4-0 up at the first break after a stunning period.

Things settled down a little for the North in the second, as they found their rhythm. However, the Suns picked up from where they left off with Liam Jeffries scoring his second for the night, bringing the score to 5-0 in favour of the Southerners. Not content with accepting defeat, the Northern Stars soon found the spark they needed, with Bryan Maybee finding the back of the net. After some neat passages of play, Jono Bremner soon found an opening and the North had two on the board at the final break.

After some end to end hockey for the first half of the third period, Liam Jeffries got the Suns rolling once again, completing his hat trick for the night and giving the Suns a four goal lead with 10 minutes remaining. A late timeout by the Stars was not enough to claw back the deficit and the Suns celebrated at the siren, taking the game 6-2 and sealing a 2-1 series win!

The 2016 Ultimate Ice Hockey series was a huge success and special thanks to John Caputo for making it all possible as well as all the sponsors, volunteers, officials, players and fans for supporting this fantastic initiative for Telethon. Until next year!

The post Suns Take Series and 2016 Championship! appeared first on Ultimate Ice Hockey Championship - Australia.

With the Northern Stars taking the first game in the series, the Southern Suns were out to even things up.

Goals proved hard to come by at both ends of the ice with a brother vs brother battle between Steven and Mark McCann proving to be an entertaining affair. A scoreless first period set the tone for a fast and furious second and the vocal crowd were not disappointed.

Both teams pushed to break the deadlock, yet still no team broke through for the majority of the second period. A chink in the armour of Steve McCann came when the Suns’ Chris Roach rifled one past him in the second, giving the Southerners a 1-0 lead. The momentum remained with the Suns as tournament director John Caputo roofed one on a backhand to give the South a 2-0 lead heading into the final intermission

Not content with lying down and accepting defeat, the North Stars came out hard and fast in the third period, pulling it back to a one goal game early in the period.

The pace of the game lifted even further when Jordan Grover drew the Northeners level midway through the second, setting up a fast and furious finish to Game 2.

With 5 minutes remaining in the showdown, Southern Suns captain Andrew Cox took things into his own hands, with a beautiful play resulting in another goal for the Suns. In a last itch effort to pull things to within striking distance, Steve McCann headed to the bench for the Stars, giving them the sixth man. However, it was not to be with the Suns taking their first victory ever in the UIHC, claiming a 3-2 win.

This sets up what is set to be a blockbuster decider at Cockburn Ice Arena on Saturday 29th October. The winner will claim the 2016 Ultimate Ice Hockey Championship title.

The post Suns Even Series and Set Up Blockbuster Decider! appeared first on Ultimate Ice Hockey Championship - Australia.

This may have been a game all in the name of charity, but pride and bragging rights were also on the line with both teams coming out hard and fast early. The first period saw a scoring frenzy with David Kudla putting the Suns on the board first with a rocket sent over the shoulder pads of Stars goaltender Dathan Pleiter. The Suns’ offensive start was soon answered as the Northern Stars got on a roll, scoring three unanswered goals, two from Dylan MacDonald and one from Tomek Sak. This gave the Stars a 3-1 lead heading into the first period break.

The second period saw more action with little scoring but plenty of physical play. Goals were hard to come by however penalties came thick and fast including a 5 minute and game misconduct for boarding to Stars defensemen Jamie Campbell. The lone goal of the period came from the stick of Rob Haselhurst, pulling the Suns up to within one at the final break.

The final period proved to be another penalty laden affair with both teams providing big opportunities with both Pleiter and Savage coming up big in net at both ends of the ice. The lone goal for the period belonged to Jamie Campbell, giving the Northern Stars a 4-2 win and a 1-0 series lead.

Game 2 will be played at Perth Ice Arena on Saturday 22nd October with the action kicking off from 5:30pm!

The post Stars Take Series Lead in Sold Out Opener appeared first on Ultimate Ice Hockey Championship - Australia.

Over the last fortnight, a fierce rivalry has been disputed. The Southern Suns entered the ice for game two knowing the speed and physical nature of their northern opponent is what stood between them and a series tied heading into the final installment.

At the other blue-line, a team who was looking to secure a series win in game two, and the ultimate bragging rights in the inaugural Ultimate Ice Hockey Championship.

The animosity was not lost in between game one and two with both teams looking to send a message early in the first period.

However it was the Stars who capitalised first, and put their southern rivals on the backfoot.

Another Goal before the end of the first had promised a tough finish for the Suns who stepped up the physical play early in the second period. However the Stars physical defenseman were eager to up the ante, as both teams exchanged big hits in the corners at both ends.

Another solid performance from Stars Goalie Dan Wilkinson, this time in the form of a shutout, put pressure on the Suns offense, who were finding it hard to set up in their offensive zone.

With both teams competing for the title of West Coast champions, the heat began to pick up as a big scrum in front of the suns net managed to spark up the big crowd in attendance.

However no punches were exchanged in the altercation, leaving plenty of hostility remaining between these two bitter rivals heading into game three.

With the series now sealed after the impressive 5-0 victory from the Stars, these two rivals are now looking to settle any scores that may be left riding over from the previous two games.

The Suns however will be looking to prevent a series sweep, if they can manage to crack Wilkinson in between the pipes.

Game three will look to start where game two finished for both these teams, and any friendships these cross town rivals have heading into the final contest will be left in the lockerooms as the series comes to a close this Saturday the 31st at Xtreme Ice Arena.

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After months of preparation and anticipation, the 2015 Ultimate Ice Hockey Championship kicked off on Saturday 17th October at Xtreme Ice Arena. The action began with a dazzling showcase from the National Syncronised Skating Senior Infusion team and there was no doubt why these girls were National Champions and international representatives with their stunning on-ice display. The Northern Stars and Southern Suns were then welcomed to the ice for the very first time and before the game action kicked off, Stars players Rob Haselhurst, Andrew Cox and John Caputo along with Suns Tom Sak, Paul Graham and Kyle Dolling lined up for the Most Creative Penalty Shot Competition. There were some smooth moves and crazy dangles from all players as they wowed the packed Xtreme Ice Arena crowd. Stars forward Rob Haselhurst was the only skater to score in the shootout.

In Game One of the Series, it was the Northern Stars who defeated the Southern Suns 5-2, giving the Northeners a 1-0 series lead.

Local favourite Rob Haselhurst and former Swedish professional player Daniel Gorannsson were stand outs for the Northern Stars with Haselhurst being awarded the Game 1 MVP and Gorannsson sniping two goals for the Stars. Suns captain Greg Hyde threw some big shots on net and the game saw Suns goals from David Kudla and Paul Graham.

The Stars came out hard in the first period and the Suns did not have an answer for their quick offence and puck movement through the neutral zone. As the game progressed however, the Suns’ systems began to gel and the last period and a half was a real tussle in what was a very physical game.

The first of three UIHC evenings also saw some beautiful Elementary figure skating from local girls Kourtney Cummings and Nakita King during the second intermission which kept the large crowd entertained.

Game 2 of the Ultimate Ice Hockey Championship will be at Xtreme Ice Arena this Saturday 24th October with the Northern Stars looking to seal the series and the Suns seeking to tie things up leading into Game 3.

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Rivalry has always been a big part of hockey. During the earliest days of the sport, the National Hockey League was limited strictly to Central Canada, and all cities in the league were in close proximity, making for bitter rivalries all around.

Fast forward a hundred years or so, and this passion and hatred that stemmed from cultural and geographical oppositions has become a huge part of what makes hockey what it is today.

In Western Australia, rivalry has forged its borders between the north and south. A bitter feud which developed in the AFL over many years has now drawn up its battle lines on the ice.

The first game saw the North take a commanding lead in the series, with an impressive performance from Defenseman Daniel Goransson on the night with two goals and an assist.

A physical game quickly saw these two teams begin to sink in to what will be a bitter series between the two cross town rivals.

With both squads harbouring big physical defenseman, as well as a host of quick forwards who are willing to battle on the fore-check to win pucks down low, the series has the potential to see the animosity between these two teams begin to grow as they head into the second and third games.

A stellar performance from northern goaltender Dan Wilkinson gave his team the opportunity to take the series lead 2-0, and win it this Saturday in game 2.

Despite trailing by a game, their southern rivals will surely be looking to step it up in the second game to keep the series alive heading into the final instalment.

The suns however will need to find their offensive feet if they are to stand up to the stars forward lines, which have shown a lot of speed through the neutral zone in Game 1.

Game 2 will be played at Xtreme Ice Arena in Mirrabooka this Saturday the 24^th where the North will look to seal the series with a second straight win.

The post Western Rivalry Re-Ignited appeared first on Ultimate Ice Hockey Championship - Australia.

Greg Hyde began his playing career in his native country of Scotland, playing for 10 years with the Paisley Hockey Club. Hyde then spent 2 years honing his skills in Canada with the Nippisinng Alouettes and Elliot Lake Bobcats before relocating to Perth, Australia. For the past 10 years, Hyde
has established himself as an elite player in Perth and Australia by playing for the Cockburn Hawks, Northern Vikings and the last four seasons with the Perth Thunder. Hyde considers one of his key career highlights as having represented Australia on the National Men’s Team. When it comes to the NHL, it is former Detroit Red Wing Steve Yzerman whom Hyde considers to be “one of the all time greats who could not be touched”. Hyde will captain the Southern Suns for the 2015 Ultimate Ice Hockey Championship series.

JAMIE WOODMAN (ALTERNATE CAPTAIN)
DOB: 08/1994
Height: 189cm
Weight 86kg
Position: D

Jamie Woodman began his hockey career with the Cockburn Hawks, with whom he played for until 2011. He then experienced the Banff Hockey Academy in Canada, playing for the academy until 2013. From 2012-2014, Woodman played as part of the Australian Youth Team as well as lining up for the Palm Beach Hawks in the USA. Woodman was nominated for AIHL Rookie of the Year as part of the Perth Thunder in 2014 and represented the Australian Junior Team in Jaca, Spain in the same year. Woodman considers making the AIHL finals with the Thunder in 2015 to be a career highlight. In the NHL, Woodman considers the Tampa Bay Lightning’s Viktor Hedman to be his favourite player. “He’s a good defenceman who can rush the puck and plays in the offensive zone” Woodman said. Woodman will act as Alternate Captain for the Southern Suns for the 2015 Ultimate Ice Hockey Championship series. 

TOMAS MICHALEK
DOB: 06/1992
Height: 180cm
Weight 85kg
Position: RW

Coming from 7 years of hockey experience in WA, Tomas Michalek
comes to the 2015 Southern Suns roster with some solid experience and a lot of firepower in offence. His favourite NHL player is the New York Rangers’
Mats Zucarello. “Who can hate the guy, he’s the best passer in the league” Michalek says.

PAUL GRAHAM
DOB: 05/1983
Height: 175cm
Weight: 80kg
Position: F

Paul Graham grew up playing hockey in the UK, playing in the Elite League and English Premier League for the Telford Tigers. Moving to Perth in 2007, Graham has played as part of the Cockburn Hawks Ice Hockey Club ever since. When asked about his favourite NHL player, Graham identifies former Detroit Red Wing Steve Yzerman.
“He was a solid player on NHLPHA Hockey 93 on the Sega Megadrive” Graham said.

JAKUB CHUDY
DOB: 11/1987
Height: 183cm
Weight: 77kg
Position: F and Team Physio

Growing up with a Slovakian pro-hockey playing father, Jakub Chudy spent many hours in and around the ice rink. Coming from more of a soccer background, Chudy focussed on hockey once again, joining the Cockburn Hawks Ice Hockey club in Perth several years ago. Chudy works now as a physiotherapist at Life Ready Physio in South Perth. Working extensively within the Perth sporting community at both National and
International level, Chudy acted as the Physio and Medic for
the 2014 WA Brown State Ice Hockey Team. Chudy considers Dominic Hasek as his favourite NHL player. “He is the best goalkeeper of all time and played mostly for my favourite team the Buffalo Sabres when I was a kid” Chudy said.

JONATHAN SPALDING
DOB: 04/1996
Height: 180cm
Weight: 65kg
Position: F

Currently in his fourth season of hockey, Jonathan Spalding comes into the UIHC series with 2 years of experience with the AJIHL team the Perth Pelicans, having won bronze and silver medals with the squad. In 2014, Spalding also lined up for the U18 WA Tange Team, winning gold in the tournament and has played as part of the Cockburn Hawks Ice Hockey Club for 4 years. In the NHL, Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane is Spalding’s favourite player. “He has amazing puck handling
skills and an astonishing vision of the game” Spalding said.

KYLE MACPHAIL
DOB: 04/1990
Height: 189cm
Weight: 86kg
Position: F

The majority of Kyle MacPhail’s hockey career has been based in Scotland. Beginning in the Scottish National League with St John’s, MacPhail has also player at Triple A level for Michigan Kalamazoo in the SWMHL. His career highlights have included ‘winning the treble twice (Scottish Cup, League and Spring Cup) as well as representing Scotland at U16 and U19 levels. MacPhail considers current NHL veteran Jaromir Jagr to be his favourite NHL player. “He is still gunning at 43 and is a creative and hard working player which I admire” MacPhail said.

DAVID KUDLA
DOB: 10/1990
Height: 175cm
Weight: 75kg
Position: D

David Kudla has developed an impressive and varied hockey resume over his career. Representing Australia on several occasions in both the Junior and Men’s team, Kudla also played Division II level hockey in Finland from 2007-2011. In 2012, he joined the AIHL’s Perth Thunder and has been on the squad’s roster for the past four seasons. Winning both the Gold Medal and the title of Best Defenceman at the
2010 World Junior Championships was a career highlight for Kudla. When it comes to NHL stars, Kudla can’t go past Dallas Star’s gun forward Tyler Seguin. “He’s a natural goal scorer and really
entertaining to watch” Kudla said.

JORDAN GROVER
DOB: 06/1995
Height: 173cm
Weight: 73kg
Position: F/D

First lacing up the boots in 2008 with the Cockburn Hawks, Jordan Grover has since represented his state and country in Ice Hockey. Grover played in several national tournaments and skated as part of the Perth Thunder for one season before needing shoulder surgery. Now, in his words, Grover is “cruising along and playing the game for fun”. Grover considers playing for a year in Canada as a highlight as well as representing his country overseas. In the NHL, Grover has always been impressed by the skills of the Chicago Blackhawks’ Patrick Kane. “He has been my favourite player ever since I started playing hockey, mainly because of his scoring ability” Grover said.

MARKO SALMELA
DOB: 10/1985
Height: 173cm
Weight: 75kg
Position: F

Marko Salmela moved to Perth from Finland in 2014. Having been
brought up on the ice in Europe, Salmela took an extended break from Hockey. However, in his words “I started playing again in Australia once it got too hot at the beach”.Salmela will bring his international experience and knowledge of the
game to the Southern Suns roster. 

KADEN GOULDS
DOB: 03/1992
Height: 188cm
Weight: 80kg
Position: D

Kaden Goulds was born and raised in Perth and has been playing hockey for his whole life, starting with inline and transitioning to ice. Goulds has represented State teams and has represented Australia in inline
hockey since 2010 in both Junior and Senior Teams. “Getting to travel the world and play hockey” is great experience” he said. Most recently, he has also played ice hockey for the Cockburn Hawks in Superleague. Goulds considers the San Jose Sharks’ Joe Thornton to be his favourite NHL player. “He is a great physical player and one of the smartest players in the league” he said.

Hailing from France, Camille Dicquemare started playing hockey in 2001 for the Le Havre Athletics Club. In 2006, the team placed third at the French National Midget Championships and won the Gold medal the following year after coming up against teams from Lyon, Bordeaux and Dunkerque. After seven years in the Division 3 French Men’s League, Dicquemare travelled to Perth, Australia, joining the Northern Vikings this season. He has enjoyed “making good mates and plenty of beers” with the Vikings. “I don’t really have a favourite NHL player” he said. “I like all great players, especially the passionate and agressive ones” he continued.

JASON McMAHON
DOB: 08/1993
Height: 175cm
Weight: 70kg
Position: RW

Originally from New Zealand, Jason McMahon started playing inline
hockey at aged ten in his home country. In 2013, McMahon relocated to Perth and transitioned to playing Ice Hockey. McMahon considers playing as
part of the 2013 FIRS Inline Hockey World Championships as a career highlight and admires former Detroit Red Wing Niklas Lidstrom as his
favourite NHL player.

CARL POLLARD
DOB: 04/1986
Height: 180cm
Weight: 79kg
Position: D

Brought up playing minor hockey in Canada, Carl Pollard grew up on and around the ice. A solid defenceman, Pollard identifies “playing on Martin Michalek’s line with the Lone Rangers” as a playing highlight. When it comes to the NHL, Pollard appreciates the playing style of the Chicago Blackhawks’ Jonathan Toews. “I appreciate the way he represents the game on and off the ice for his team and Canada” he said. 

STEPHEN MCCANN
DOB: 06/1997
Height: 180cm
Weight: 69kg
Position: GK

In his short career, Stephen McCann has an impressive hockey background and some outstanding achievements to his name. McCann got his first taste as a goalie with the Cockburn Hawks in 2009. Since then he has played at seven national tournaments along with two seasons in the AJIHL and representing Australia at the 2015 U18 National Tournament. As for career highlights, McCann achieved a silver medal at the 2010 Ginsberg Tournament, Gold at the 2012 De’Fris Tournament, Gold at both the
2014 and 2015 Tange National Tournaments and Silver in the 2014 and
2015 AJIHL seasons. McCann admires Montreal Canadiens net minder
Carey Price for the fact that “he is a great goalie to watch, a great leader and
a real all rounder”. 

ETHAN SAVAGE
DOB: 06/1997
Height: 180cm
Weight: 69kg
Position: GK

Hitting the ice for the first time in 2009, Ethan Savage has experienced a wide range of hockey playing opportunities in Perth and around Australia. Since then, Savage has played at superleague level for both the Cockburn and West Coast Ice Hockey clubs. He has also been a part of the WA Brown Team from 2013-15, winning bronze in 2013 and gold in 2014 with the squad. Savage looks up to current Colorado Avalanche coach and former NHL goaltender Patrick Roy. “He revolutionised the position of goaltending and wanted to win everything” Savage said. “He never quit on a play and competed hard ever game” he said.

KYLE DOLLING (ALTERNATE CAPTAIN)

TOMEK SAK

MARGUS TOODO

The post Meet the 2015 Southern Suns appeared first on Ultimate Ice Hockey Championship - Australia.

Height: 178cm

The hockey community in Perth would be most familiar with Sam Wilson as the Captain of the Perth Thunder. Alongside playing with the AIHL club since their inaugural season, Wilson has represented Australia numerous times and identifies representing his country in the Youth Team at the IIHF World Championships as a career highlight. Wilson achieved a Gold Medal with the National Team in 2003 and is known for his fast, aggressive brand of hockey, identifying the great Wayne Gretzky as his favourite NHL player. He will captain the Northern Stars in the 2015 Ultimate Ice Hockey Championship series.

ANDREW COX (ALTERNATE CAPTAIN)
DOB: 09/1990
Height: 183cm
Weight: 80kg
Position: F

Andrew Cox is a familiar face in the Perth hockey community, having been alternate Captain of the Perth Thunder since 2012. As well as playing in the AIHL, Cox is also the alternate captain for the New Zealand Ice Blacks and has represented his home country in several IIHF world championships. He received Top Player and Top Goal Scorer titles at the 2014 Division II Tournament along with a Bronze Medal. In the NHL, Cox admires the Washington Capitals’ Alex Ovechkin. “He is fast, strong, has a great eye for the goal and a wicked shot” he said. Cox will act as Alternate Captain for the Northern Stars in the 2015 Ultimate Ice Hockey Championship.

DAVE RUCK (ALTERNATE CAPTAIN)
DOB: 06/1969
Height: 170cm
Weight: 92kg
Position: F

A veteran of the Perth Ice Hockey scene, Dave Ruck originally got into hockey in his home country of Canada before relocating to Australia. Since 2009, he has played, coached and managed teams, especially within the West Coast organisation and has played with the WA Superleague since 2009 and Perth Thunder AIHL squad since 2012. Ruck will act as Alternate Captain for the Northern Stars in the 2015 Ultimate Ice Hockey Championship.

JOHN CAPUTO

DOB: 06/1974
Height: 170cm
Weight: 80kg
Position: F

John Caputo has played hockey, ice and inline, at both state and national level. 1991 saw John take his hockey playing abilities to the international stage, being selected for the Australia national youth team in overseas tournaments. John was also selected as the Coca-Cola junior sport star of the year in WA in the same year. John played for the Macquarie Bears (now the AIHL’s Sydney Bears) in 1993, helping them to the NSW Super League Championship. Several more years at Super League level in Perth and a Super League MVP award gave John experience at the elite level before he got the call up in 2000 to represent Australia once again with the Senior Men’s inline squad. The Australian team placed ninth in the world at the tournament which was held in the Czech Republic. In 2015 John was selected for the Perth Thunder AIHL squad, however had to withdraw due to a knee injury.

ALASTAIR PUNLER
DOB: 02/96
Height: 190cm
Weight: 90kg
Position: D

From age 11, Alastair Punler grew up on the ice, playing for the West Coast league right here in Perth. In 2013, he got the exciting opportunity to experience hockey in Banff, Canada before returning to Australia. Punler has represented both WA and Australia and has won Gold and Bronze medals at World Junior and Youth tournaments as well as playing for the Perth Thunder in the AIHL. Punler admires NHL guns Erik Karlsson (Ottawa Senators) because of his quick puck movement and offensive play, along with Jerome Iginla (Calgary Flames) “because I’m a Flames fan and he’s as tough as nails” Punler says.

ANTHONY NOTTLE
DOB: 01/1991
Height: 173cm
Weight: 68kg
Position: D

Anthony Nottle has experienced hockey at local, state and international levels and has a wide and varied hockey resume. Nottle has represented West Coast, NIHA and Hawks clubs here in Perth at Superleague level as well as playing for Australia
in the World Junior Championships in 2010 and 2011 in which he won a Gold Medal in the Division 3 tournament. Nottle has also taken his skills overseas playing Junior A divisions 2 and 3 in Helsinki. Back on home soil, Nottle has represented the Perth Thunder since 2011, playing in all four of their seasons to date. Always up for a laugh, Nottle considers his favourite NHL
player to be the Chicago Blackhawks’ Patrick Kane because in
his words “he’s super cute”.

ROB HASELHURST
DOB: 09/1992
Height: 173cm
Weight: 67kg
Position: D

Rob Haselhurst began his hockey career playing Junior AA in Montreal, Canada and College Hockey at Lynden State College. Haselhurst player a season with the West Coast Flyers in the WA Super league and has played three seasons with the
AIHL’s Perth Thunder, appearing in two AIHL finals series’ in that time. As part of the AIHL, Haselhurst has received a nomination for the league’s top defence man as well as appearing in the 2015 AIHL All Star Game and Skills Competition, taking out the title of AIHL Fastest Skater. Haselhurst considers the Montreal Canadiens’ Brendan Gallagher to be his favourite NHL player because “he always works harder than the bigger guys and wins battles” Haselhurst says.

KIEREN WEBSTER
DOB: 07/1997
Height: 180cm
Weight: 84kg
Position: F

Lacing up the boots for the first time whilst living in Switzerland in 2009, Kieren Webster’s road to elite hockey has been rapid, playing at both state and national level. Webster joined the Perth Thunder in 2014 and after a stellar 2015 season, was awarded the AIHL Rookie of the Year. Webster identifies winning a bronze medal with the Australian National Junior Team earlier this year as one of his career highlights. Sidney Crosby was one of the first NHL players Webster ever saw. “The way he controls the pick around players and basically dictates how others play around him is just awesome” Webster said.

JONATHAN BREMNER
DOB: 09/1990
Height: 187cm
Weight: 86kg
Position: LW

Born and raised in Perth, Jonathan Bremner is another player who has experienced 4 seasons worth of AIHL action with the Perth Thunder, having played 68 games for the club. Bremner’s hockey background also extends to inline, where he has represented Australia on several occasions at the World Championships. When following the NHL, Bremner identifies with Dallas Stars forward Jamie Benn. “He’s a powerful forward with good hands and scoring ability” Bremner said. He also gave a mention to former Detroit Red Wing Steve Yzerman. “He was one of the most complete players ever to play and was part of many great hockey moments” he said.

SIMON MAGISKAN
DOB: 10/1983
Height: 188cm
Weight: 83kg
Position: D

Simon Magiskan has played hockey from five years old, playing defence for most of his playing career. Playing in Canada until he was 21, Magiskan relocated to Australia and after a short break from the game, began playing in Brisbane in 2008. He then continued to play when he moved to Perth in 2012. Outdoor hockey practices were always a highlight for Magiskan. “You couldn’t stop skating because it was too cold” he said. Another highlight was taking the title of ‘Fastest Slapshot’ in the skills competition in his hometown arena. He also considers former Red Wings and Blackhawks enforcer Bob Probert as his favourite NHL player for one simple reason. “Who’s tougher than Bob” he said.

PER DANIEL GORANSSON
DOB: 01/1986
Height: 186cm
Weight: 84kg
Position: D

Hailing from Sweden, Per Daniel Goransson grew up on the ice from the age of 5. He played with the Swedish State and Regional teams and considers himself to have been very lucky to have been able to play Ice Hockey as his job. At aged 22, Goransson departed from hockey due to injury, however since coming to Australia,
he has found himself back in the game. Goransson grew up
admiring Swedish Detroit Red Wings star Nicklas Lidström. “It is difficult not to like the guy” Goransson said. “He owned both
blue lines, saw the ice like no other and had a killer shot” he said. 

JORDAN WILLIAMS

DOB: 03/1995
Height: 186cm
Weight: 78kg
Position: LW

Playing hockey from the age of 12, Jordan Williams has a varied and impressive hockey resume. Williams has played for and captained WA for several national tournaments and was named MVP on a number of occasions. Williams also got the opportunity to play as
part of the U20 Australian Team that won the Bronze Medal in Jaca,
Spain in 2014. Williams says that when it comes to the NHL, he admires veteran forward and current Florida Panther Jaromir Jagr. “He is
known for his amazing fitness which has lead to his many trophies” Williams said.

LYNDEN LODGE
DOB: 12/1997
Height: 172cm
Weight: 64kg
Position: F

Lynden Lodge has experienced a lot of hockey for a young player. Lodge got a taste for international hockey, playing in Belgium at a young age. He has played for the West Coast Flyers and various state teams since moving to Perth in 2010 and made his
debut as a rookie on the Perth Thunder roster this season. Lodge’s career highlight thus far has been playing for the Australian
Under 18 squad. He considers the Chicago Blackhawks’
Brandon Saad as his favourite NHL player due to “his speed
and great hockey sense”. 

MARK McCANN
DOB: 11/1995
Height: 178cm
Weight: 62kg
Position: GK

Mark McCann started playing hockey at the age of 7 and first put on the goalkeeping pads at aged 9, representing the Cockburn Hawks Ice Hockey Club. McCann has since represented WA since 2005 and stepped up as reserve goaltender for the Australian Youth Ice Hockey Team in 2012. McCann played in the Australian Junior Ice Hockey League in 2013 and 2014 before being selected for the Perth Thunder squad in 2015 as a Rookie Goaltender. Fittingly, McCann identifies legendary NHL goaltender Martin Brodeur as his favourite NHL player.

DAN WILKINSON
DOB: 07/1990
Height: 189cm
Weight: 97kg
Position: GK

Dan Wilkinson began playing hockey as a goalie just 3 years ago and has spent as much time on the ice as possible, improving as much as possible. After posting some good numbers, Wilkinson was selected as part of the WA Brown squad in 2014 and in 2015 has played Superleague with the West Coast Flyers and acted as backup goalie for the Perth Thunder AIHL squad. His career highlights to date have been playing for a Gold Medal in a state tournament, playing in the Brown Squad and travelling with the Perth Thunder this season. When it comes to the NHL, Wilkinson considers several players to be his favourites “for a few different reasons” he said. 

RICHIE LAMB
DOB: 05/71
Height: 175cm
Weight: 82kg
Position: F/D

Richie Lamb began his hockey experience in the British Hockey League in 1989 with the Murrayfield Racers. The following ten years saw Lamb experience hockey in National Leagues across Scotland before joining the Ediburugh Capitals in the Bristish National League in 1999. In 2003, Lamb made his debut in the Western Australian Super Leage competition in Perth, Australia and went on to
play for the Perth Thunder from 2011-2014. In 2015, Lamb remained with the Thunder as Team Manager. Lamb has a wide and varied hockey resume and considers former Pittsburgh Penguin Mario Lemieux as his favourite NHL player.

CHRIS MOFFAT

LIAM JEFFRIES

RIC DEL BASSO

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