I love to battle hard, play physical and never give up, all while staying calm – by David Kudla
I’m excited to share the next instalment in ThunderTalk’sMeet the Players series — this time, the focus is on our beloved defenceman, David Kudla!
Let’s Start with a Bang
My current most outstanding moment occurred during the 2025 – most recent – AIHL finals, when I scored the game-winning goal against Melbourne Mustangs in the quarter-final.
This goal was memorable because it gave us our first-ever Melbourne finals win and was my second game-winning goal in finals for the Perth Thunder.
Oz Hockey Media Instagram – David Kudla’s Game-Winning Goal
David Kudla **scored the game-winning goal in the first preliminary final (often effectively the first semi-final) for Perth Thunder against the Melbourne Mustangs in the 2025 AIHL Finals Series. He scored to put Perth ahead late in the second period of that game, which Perth won 5–2, advancing them further in the playoffs. theaihl.com
In that Preliminary Final 1 on August 29, 2025, his goal broke a 2–2 tie and was the decisive strike in the victory over the Mustangs. theaihl.com
From Inline to Ice
I was about 10 years old when I started skating, and my career in ice hockey began when I was 11.
I got into inline hockey first, after a childhood friend told me to come play at the local rec centre. From there, I met more serious inline hockey players who also played ice hockey and ended up playing both growing up.
Coming from inline skating, I loved the speed of being on the ice and the added challenge of the edge work you have with ice skating.
Some of my early memories of starting out in ice hockey involve playing for the WA state team and going on interstate trips – those were always a highlight of every season.
Journey Highlights
I started out playing locally at the old Cockburn Ice Arena for the Black Hawks, while representing the WA state team along the way.
I did this up until I was 17, then went overseas to Finland and played for 4 seasons over there.
That’s where I made the change from forward to defence.
While in Finland, I made the Australian team for the first time and had a great tournament. Moved back to Perth, and it happened to be just as the Thunder joined the AIHL.
I’ve played for the Thunder since then and have made the Australian men’s team a couple of times along the way.
Special Achievements
Earlier in my career, my most significant achievement was representing Australia.
Specifically, the World Junior Championships, where I won a gold medal for Australia. I got the game-winning goal in double overtime that tournament in the semifinal and won best defenseman of the tournament.
More recently, my biggest achievement was cracking the 250-game mark with the Thunder.
Overcoming Challenges
Over the last couple of years, I’ve had multiple injuries in my left elbow and wrist. I’m right-handed, so it’s my top hand, and it does most of the work when you have the puck.
It took a lot of work to get back to a point where I could shoot and handle the puck properly again.
Other than that, it is challenging to adjust my play style to be more defensive so that I can continue to make an impact for the team.
The Heart of a Veteran
My role inside the team would be to provide veteran leadership. I like to set a good example by pushing myself on and off the ice, and I feel like that helps my teammates do the same.
Off the ice, I help my Dad with skate sharpening and maintenance for the whole team.
On the ice, I enjoy the role of shutdown defenseman. I love the challenge of stopping opponents’ best players from scoring. Along with this, is stepping up in the big moments when it’s needed.
In ice hockey, a shutdown defenseman is a defense-first blueliner whose primary job is to neutralize the opponent’s best offensive players rather than to score points.
Their success often shows up in what doesn’t happen — fewer shots, fewer chances, frustrated star forwards — rather than on the scoresheet.
What I enjoy most about being a team member is the camaraderie, being able to battle together with some of my best mates for a collective goal and to push each other.
I become stressed when teammates get too emotional or lose their cool… and when Jordy Kyros takes my late-night snacks away from me on road trips.
Perth Thunder on Instagram: “See you in Melbourne 🫡 #aihlfinal…
The Anti-Ritual Ritual, and Other Fun Facts
Hockey players can be very superstitious and are known for having some crazy pre-game rituals. I always found this kind of funny and somehow developed a type of anti-ritual, which I guess is a ritual itself.
I get ready as randomly as possible and just do whatever I’m feeling is right at the time. In my mind, if I do this, I can’t get thrown off my game if something doesn’t go right.
Apart from that, there’s my work ethic and composure while I play. I love to battle hard, play physical and never give up, all while staying calm. I value my consistency and ability to perform under pressure in big moments the most.
When it comes to funny locker room or training moments, there’s just the general absurdity of Rob Haselhurst.
Wrapped in Support
My parents and girlfriend have been extremely supportive throughout my whole career. They come down to every home game and watch every road game on TV.
My father, Andrew, is very involved with the Perth Ice hockey community. He is the go-to guy for skate sharpening and maintenance for a large portion of local players across all levels.
Into the Future!
As an older player, I think I’ve already reached my physical potential; however, you can always improve your mental game.
Whether it’s trying to be more aware of what’s going on around me on the ice, so I can make decisions faster, or controlling my emotions when an opponent is trying to get under my skin, showing that it won’t faze me.
It’s little things like that that I work on each day to try to make the skill set that I’ve already got more effective.
My goal for next season is to keep making the younger boys question their fitness.
Hard work will get you further than natural talent.
If it’s your dream to play in the AIHL, put in the reps and learn to love the process of training. Look at getting 1% better at one thing every single time you step on the ice for training, are messing around in the backyard or are working in the gym.
I think this applies to most skills in life – consistency over a long period will always pay off.
Life Beyond Perth Thunder
When I’m not on the ice, I love to stay active and get outside. I play hockey and go to the gym year-round to maintain my fitness.
I play golf regularly and love going down to the beach with my dog (Ollie).
If you’re having hockey withdrawals now that the highs and lows of the AIHL season are over and summer stretches ahead, hot and endless, you can catch David and some of our other heroes on the ice at Perth Ice Arena.
They play fast, fun Summer League games every Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.
I was born in October. Octo means 8, so I went with number 8… plus, it’s just a good-looking number!
Fan Love
The fans already do more than enough to support us just by showing up. 😊
Every interaction with them is amazing. It’s such an honour that people want to come down to watch and support us.
I really appreciate every interaction and the atmosphere they create at every game. It makes stepping on the ice each time so much fun!
Come down and watch a game if you’re considering it, it’s the best sport in the world to watch live!
We, the fans, wholeheartedly agree with that assessment. There’s nothing like a live hockey game! Thank you so much, David, for giving us a glimpse into the man behind the cool 8. Our young players are fortunate to have veterans like you who are willing to challenge and guide them.
Pirouettes and Body Checks 
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