ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA – It was nearly three weeks ago (28-29 July) a confident Adelaide Adrenaline travelled to New South Wales. They had the Newcastle North Stars and Sydney Bears in their sights, but returned home with no points after consecutive 2-5 losses.
Photo courtesy of Frank Kutsche %40 Sticks & Stones
Last weekend of the 11th and 12th August, Adelaide returned the favour and put a halt to the Sydney Bears hopes of featuring in this year’s finals weekend. Adelaide defeated the Bears 5-1 on Saturday in a dominant display, then backing that result up with a gutsy 4-2 win over league leaders Newcastle on Sunday.
Five unanswered goals in the 5-1 scoreline would suggest a dominant display from Adelaide Adrenaline, it was far from that and the Sydney Bears were certainly here to play. Adelaide out shot the Bears 46 to 34 in a fast and open contest.
Brett Liscomb once again leading Adelaide’s charge with two second period goals and three points for the night. Captain Greg Oddy with a third period goal, also chalking up a three point game in one of Greg’s best seasons in recent years.
Sean Greer and Aaron Widger also finding the back of the net in the third and for Widger this was his first AIHL goal.
Photo courtesy of Frank Kutsche %40 Sticks & Stones
Bears Tomas Landa got his side off to the perfect start with a power play goal with just over five minutes left in the first. The Bears looked slightly the better side throughout the first and carried their momentum into the second. Adelaide looked somewhat hesitant at times, not capitalizing on their opportunities. Although Adelaide worked tirelessly along the boards and their physical presence was outstanding when needed.
Adelaide had needed its D-men to apply more puck pressure at the net, particularly when on the power play and the message was heard. Sean Greer, David Huxley, Josh Harding, Ben Gebert and Nick Clark were the catalysts behind Adelaide’s win. Swift puck movement, punishing body checks with a Greer goal and two assists.
Adelaide eventually took control midway through the second, dominating all over the ice with Greg Oddy and Wehebe Darge continuously cutting the Bears to pieces through neutral ice.
The first five to six minutes of the third, saw the Bears held in their own zone as Adelaide completely took over the game. But this was an unusual and intriguing contest, as Carson Sinclair and Vlad Rubes were sent to the box on minor roughing calls, the momentum once again shifted.
Photo courtesy of Frank Kutsche %40 Sticks & Stones
The Bears, finishing off the stronger, dominating Adelaide’s zone with enormous puck and physical pressure. Adelaide net-minder Aaron Barton feeling the heat in the final five minutes, ensuring the Bears charge towards a finals position was over.
Adelaide ensured themselves maximum points the following day (Sunday) against Newcastle, extending a buffer between themselves, Perth Thunder and Gold Coast as they split their points in Perth.
Brett Liscomb and partner Captain Greg Oddy continue their outstanding work for Adelaide, with four and three point games respectively. Three goals combined and Mike Werner was Adelaide’s other goal scorer.
Newcastle’s Beau Taylor opened the night’s proceedings, with his power play goal deep into the first and giving his side the lead going into the second. But Newcastle’s second didn’t come until the third, a minute and a half in Jeremy Boyer let one fly from the point. At this stage the visitors trailed by one, but that was to be as close as they would get.
Adelaide’s work rate was relentless made even harder, not just from quality opposition but enduring 22 penalty minutes (opposed to Newcastle’s 12) and being scrutinised on every play. Both teams feeling the frustration with Adelaide’s game having to compensate and their penalty killing working overtime. Adelaide’s penalty kill only allowing the one Newcastle goal on eleven attempts.
This is a gritty working class club and this weekend was no exception as Adelaide let it be known, come September they’re up to the task.
Putting this weekend into perspective, Adelaide now dressing only two imports after sending home Dan Nicholls and Mitch Morgan. Losing the services of Josef Rezek through a season ending knee injury, natives Cass Delsar and James Keane can also be added to this list. Adelaide have had no hand outs given to them, working tirelessly to keep the group focused on the ultimate prize.
Adding to this, the recent news David Manning has also played his last game of the season. But despite the constant personnel change, reduced number of imports it’s business as usual. No excuses from Adelaide it’s all about just getting the job done.
In other results around the league:
Gold Coast stun Perth 3-2 in regulation on Saturday, but may not have turned up on Sunday as Perth read the riot act in a comprehensive 4-0 turnaround.
Newcastle had to contend with Melbourne Ice in Melbourne before heading over the border to Adelaide. Newcastle recorded their first ever win at the Icehouse against the Ice 5-3 and taking the series win from Melbourne.
While in Canberra the West Sydney Ice Dogs sealed second position in the Bauer Conference defeating the Knights 3-2.
On Sunday the Melbourne Ice regrouped to beat the Sydney Bears 4-3 in a shootout in Melbourne.
Thirteen games remain in the regular season, only one more position to be filled for the first weekend’s finals action to be held in Newcastle. Adelaide, Perth and Gold Coast are all in contention and this could very well come down to the final game of the season.
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