NEWCASTLE, NSW – Undoubtedly the two premier clubs of the AIHL,
Newcastle in their ninth consecutive finals series and only missing a grand final once in 2010. Melbourne Ice have become the pinnacle of the AIHL, three championships straight and also adding the inaugural Trans Tasman Champions League title to their name.On Sunday 2nd of September, Melbourne defeated the Newcastle North Stars 4-3 at the Hunter Ice Skating Stadium in a repeat of the 2011 final in Melbourne.
Goal scorers for Melbourne were Matt Armstrong, Jason Baclig and Lliam Webster with two and what would be the championship goal. Jeremy Boyer, Brian Bales and Kevin Day found a way past Stu Denman in what was believed to be his farewell game.
It was a late goal in the first after conceding the first two, then a 2-0 second that set up Melbourne’s third straight Goodall Cup. Melbourne weathered Newcastle’s early storm and took control as their opposition were clearly fatiguing early in the game.
The third was simply a battle of two prize fighting heavy weights, Lliam Webster the difference between the two and delivering the knockout blow in a fight to the death. Both Melbourne and Newcastle had contrasting semi-final games the day before, which ultimately played some significance in the final outcome on grand final day.
Newcastle met an Adelaide Adrenaline outfit with a lot of determination and belief. Also boosted with the return of star import Dan Nicholls, who previously had to return to Toronto for personal reasons in late June.
While Newcastle took the first semi-final 5-4 in regulation, Adelaide left the home side bruised, battered and exhausted in one of the most exciting games seen. This high intensity game would leave little time for Newcastle to recover from.
Melbourne by contrast tore the West Sydney Ice Dogs apart, in the most controlled and brutal fashion seen for some time. Melbourne set about tearing the Ice Dogs apart in the second semi-final and the tone was set with the first Melbourne goal coming in the opening fourteen seconds of the game.
Before West Sydney could compose themselves, they were looking at a 0-4 deficit early in the second and ultimately submitting a 2-6 game to Melbourne.
A season where Melbourne found themselves embroiled in controversy, playing a style of game seen by many to be bullish, more focused on the player rather than the puck. But this weekend the focus was on one thing only, the “3-peat.”
Melbourne displayed determination and calmness about their games, which you just couldn’t help but to simply admire and no one could argue this team was truly deserving of their history making feat. This also caps off the clubs ten year celebration and at this stage it’s difficult to see when these celebrations will be spoilt.
Across the Tasman, the Canterbury Red Devils have claimed the Birgel Cup, defeating minor premiers the Southern Stampede 6-5 (SO) in Queenstown on 8th September.
This is Canterbury’s second title, the last coming in 2009 against the Stampede after taking the minor premiership on that occasion.
Twice in the first Canterbury would give up a two goal lead, ending the first 3-2 leaders and being kept scoreless in the second allowing the Stampede to level proceedings at 3. It took until nearly the seven minute mark of an amazingly tense third for the Stampede to find the back of the net, going one up and for the first time Canterbury have to chase. But the Canterbury would score the next two and with two minutes remaining lead 5-4. Stampede would tie the game at 5 with 24 seconds left in the game, sending it to overtime.
A scoreless 4 on 4 five minute overtime would now see this epic battle sorted out with a good old fashioned shoot out.
Canterbury only needing two successful shots as the Stampede failed at their first attempt. Canterbury’s Valery Konev slotted the winning goal in controversial style, attempting a spin shot which was deemed good as the puck had not lost forward momentum.
Since 2007, Canterbury now have claimed two championships, two runners up and three minor premierships branding them as a true force in New Zealand hockey.
Contact the writer at Michael.Rozleja@prohockeynews.com
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