Room to grow for Perth ice hockey

A Rockingham ice hockey player believes the sport has great potential to grow in Perth.

New Zealander Steve Huish, who hails from Auckland, plays for the Perth Thunder – a new franchise which joined the nine-team Australian Ice Hockey League in 2011.

Huish said the standard of the league was incredibly high after previously playing in the New Zealand Ice Hockey League.

“It’s (ice hockey) growing, there’s definitely room for expansion as well,” he said.

“There’s quite a lot of publicity, the team’s in its second year and well-established and I can see them in a few years building a bigger arena to cater for the fans. The AIHL is another step-up, it’s very competitive hockey for this part of the world.

“It’s great to be able to play at a good level – Thunder are a growing team and there’s lots to learn.”

A defensive forward, Huish said hand-eye co-ordination, athletic ability and hard work ethic were crucial attributes for ice hockey players.

“It has so many elements like speed, skill and physical contact and strategy, it’s so exciting,” he said.

“Even though it’s a physical game, you don’t have to be the biggest.

“I’m five foot seven and I get by, if you’re a little shorter you have to be a bit faster and more agile.”

The Thunder took out a thrilling 6-5 victory second game victory against Sydney Ice Dogs on Sunday after losing their first bout.

Matt Strueby scored the winner with just 25 seconds left on the clock at the Perth Ice Arena, Malaga.