Perth Thunder has appointed John Kennedy as its new head coach, bringing a change to the leadership of the Perth-based Australian Ice Hockey League team.

Kennedy takes over from Benjamin Breault, who had held the coaching position since February 2020. Breault will remain involved with Perth Thunder as a player after stepping away from the head-coaching role.

The coaching change comes at an important stage of the 2026 AIHL season. Perth Thunder currently sits fifth on the competition standings and has already qualified for the upcoming Goodall Cup playoffs.

Kennedy brings previous coaching experience at both senior and state levels. Most recently, he served as head coach of the Perth Inferno in the Australian Women's Ice Hockey League. He has also previously coached the Newcastle Northstars and Western Australia's under-15 state team.

His appointment gives Perth Thunder a coach with experience across different levels of Australian ice hockey. The club will now enter the final part of its season under new leadership as it prepares for playoff competition.

Breault leaves the coaching position after recording 70 wins from 117 games. During his time as head coach, he was recognised as the Australian Ice Hockey League's coach of the year in both 2023 and 2025.

Although he is stepping down as coach, Breault will continue contributing to the team on the ice as a player. His continued involvement means the coaching change does not represent a complete departure from the team's current playing group.

For Perth Thunder, the timing of the change is significant because the team has already secured its place in the playoffs. The focus will now be on maintaining preparation and performance as the competition moves towards the Goodall Cup finals.

Kennedy's previous experience with Perth Inferno also gives him familiarity with the Western Australian ice hockey environment. His knowledge of local players, coaches and the broader state hockey community could assist him as he begins working with the Thunder squad.

The coaching change represents one of the latest developments in Perth's sporting community. Ice hockey remains a smaller but established part of Western Australia's sporting landscape, with Perth Thunder representing the city in the national-level AIHL competition.

The club will now work under Kennedy's leadership for the remainder of the 2026 season. The upcoming playoffs will provide his first major opportunity to guide the Thunder in competitive action following his appointment.

The announcement was made on Friday, August 21, 2026. Perth Thunder's position in the standings and qualification for the Goodall Cup playoffs make the appointment particularly relevant as the team enters the decisive part of its season.