A side plate for a heat exchanger, a heat exchanger and a method for making a heat exchanger are provided. The side plate, which may be incorporated into the heat exchanger, includes a first body piece having a first edge and a second body piece having a second edge. The first and second edges are separated by an opening except for point connections. After the heat exchanger is assembled the point connections may be sheared to permit the side plate to expand and contract as a result of positive and negative stresses.