Adrenaline Face Big Test at Home Against Thunder

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The Adelaide Adrenaline, proudly presented by Hards Transport are gearing up for two big clashes against the second place Perth Thunder this weekend in Adelaide.
 
After taking maximum points against the Sydney Ice Dogs on their opening home weekend of the 2016 AIHL season, the Adrenaline hope that momentum continues against a tough Thunder outfit.
 
Despite the two wins against the Ice Dogs, the Adrenaline know this weekend presents a much tougher challenge in the form of a Perth side that has won four straight games and recorded only one loss on the season.
 
Perth's wins have come against high-quality opposition too, with a clean sweep last weekend against a CBR Brave outfit many saw as favourites to win the Goodall Cup, cementing their place as legitimate contenders in 2016.
 
However, the wins against the Brave came at a cost for the Thunder, losing captain Sam Wilson for six weeks with a broken arm and rookie defenceman Per Daniel Goransson with a muscle tear for the trip to Adelaide.
 
The Adrenaline will not be resting on their laurels, as they too will be missing star power in the form of suspended import, forward TJ Battani.
 
The 26-year old Michigan native, who has four goals and seven points in four appearances for the Adrenaline, has been suspended for both this weekend's games under league rules, following a fight during last Sunday's fiery encounter with the Ice Dogs.
 
Adrenaline Head Coach, Trevor Walsh was disappointed about the loss of Battani but anticipates others will step up in his place.
 
"It’s going to be a stretch but we have good depth, we have three lines, and it gives us a good chance to look at some guys who haven’t had much ice-time yet" Walsh said.
 
The Adrenaline defense will need to be ready to play against a Perth side that has netted 18 goals in its past three games, including a four-goal performance last Sunday from former NHL draftee, Benjamin Breault.
 
Walsh is adamant if his side can consistently play its best hockey, there is no team in the league they can't beat.
 
"Perth are a team that works, hard and they have a couple good imports.
 
We worked on a set game-plan this week and if we can do that for the whole game we shouldn’t have any problems" Walsh said.
 
The Adrenaline are constantly are constantly improving under Walsh, as the squad gets more game and practice time under the belt following the limited on-ice preparations during the off-season.
 
"[consistnecy] is a combination of a lot of things; the more we get out on the ice, the more games we play, the more practice we get, we'll be able to play a full game," Walsh said.
 
The Adrenaline and Thunder face-off for two games this weekend. Puck drop 4.30PM Saturday and 4PM Sunday.
 
Tickets are selling fast so get in quick to avoid disappointment. It was a sell-out last weekend and a big crowd is expected again. Purchase your tickets online to avoid the queue and for a discount on door prices. Tickets available via TryBooking: http://www.trybooking.com/LCOZ