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 8^th 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
Follow us on Twitter @prohockeynews

ADELAIDE, South Australia – The final weekend of AIHL regulation hockey is just about upon us here in the land Down Under and with a high anticipation of the finals just over a week away.
Last weekend saw some exciting action and results, as the Melbourne Ice split the points with the Perth Thunder in Perth. Melbourne’s win on Sunday meant they secured themselves the Eastern Conference title, while the Adelaide Adrenaline put the final piece of the finals puzzle together, sweeping the Melbourne Mustangs and securing second position in the Eastern Conference.
The makeup of the finals is now set with the Newcastle North Stars taking on the Adelaide Adrenaline and the Melbourne Ice will do battle with the uncompromising West Sydney Ice Dogs. Both games are to be held on Saturday, the 1st of September, with the Grand Final held Sunday, the 2nd. All three games will be held in Newcastle at the Hunter Skating Stadium.
Newcastle last hosted the AIHL finals in 2009, finishing as runners up to the Adelaide Adrenaline and there will be no love loss this time around in front of the passionate Newcastle faithful. Adelaide has held the upper hand in two finals encounters in the last four years, but while they split their series in 2012, home ice must hold some advantage for Newcastle.
Newcastle, Adelaide and West Sydney will ultimately be chasing the back-to-back champions, the Melbourne Ice. Melbourne also included the inaugural Trans-Tasman Champions League trophy back on the 7th and 8th of July, undoubtedly becoming the benchmark in Australian hockey.
But that was then, this is now and Melbourne will be the first to tell us that the last two years mean nothing.
Before we get too far ahead, there is a weekend of hockey still to be played and for most this will be start of their 2013 tilt for the coveted prize that is the Goodall Cup.
The final round started Thursday night (23rd August), with the Melbourne Ice hosting the Gold Coast Blue Tongues at the Icehouse. For the Ice, this was their final warm-up to next weekend, defeating Gold Coast 5-3 and finishing their regulation season off on a positive note. Lliam Webster the hero with his hat trick for Melbourne.
Games for Saturday, the 25th and Sunday, the 26th will see Gold Coast head over the border to an awaiting Adelaide Adrenaline, for a double header at the IceArenA. The Perth Thunder will make the long journey to the other side of the country, hoping to finish off their inaugural season in winning style against Newcastle and West Sydney.   The Melbourne Mustangs hope to put a disappointing season behind them with a road trip to Canberra and Sydney. The Canberra Knights are always tough competition at home, coupling that with an inform Sydney Bears, this will be a tough trip for the Mustangs.

The recap from last weekend (18th and 19th) as previously mentioned, saw Adelaide sweep the Mustangs 1-0 and 6-4. The Melbourne Ice split the weekend honors with Perth although being outscored. Perth took Saturday’s game 4-0 and Melbourne dug deep on Sunday to take a 5-3 win.
Newcastle needed a shootout to defeat a determined Knights outfit 7-6 in Canberra, then went goalless back at home the following day and the Sydney Bears clawed their way to a 4-0 victory. Mixed fortunes for the West Sydney Ice Dogs as they their trip to the Gold Coast on the Friday was no holiday, falling 4-5 to the Blue Tongues. Sunday saw the Ice Dogs back home in Liverpool, but had to work hard to fend off the Canberra knights. Sixteen goals were scored in their 9-7 hard-fought win, with two hat tricks scored in the goal feast – John Kennedy, Jr. for the Knights and Billy Cliff for the Ice Dogs.     Contact the writer at michael.rozleja@prohockeynews.com Follow us on Twitter (@prohockeynews)

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.
 

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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
Contact Michael.Rozleja@prohockeynews.com
Follow us on twitter @prohockeynews

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA – The scene is now set for the remainder of the season in the Eastern Conference, Perth Thunder now sit only one game behind Adelaide Adrenaline for second position. 10 points out of a possible 12 from their last four games on the road, leaving Perth’s Head Coach Stan Scott happy with their position and his team’s progression in their inaugural season.
 
I had the privilege to speak with Stan by phone to get a perspective from where he sits right now.
 
“Yeah I’m pretty happy with the way we played on the road, I think it’s more of the case towards the end our systems have started to work a lot better for us. Being a new team it just doesn’t just all happen in ten minutes.”
 
“The guys need experience more than anything, particularly at this level of hockey whether it be home or away.”
 
Perth’s early season form was erratic, struggling to find the consistency that would be expected to play at this level. A defining weekend at home gave the fledgling club the belief and as a result has turned their season around.
 
16th and 17th June saw an inform Adelaide Adrenaline head over to Perth, full of confidence they would be bringing home six points. Instead found themselves out played by a more determined Perth seeking the clubs first ever back to back victories at home.
 

“We had dug ourselves a bit of a hole before that, one of the advantages was we knew we were the underdogs after Adelaide had previously beaten us twice. I talked to the players saying we had nothing to lose and a playoff spot was still within reach.”
 
“I reminded them this was the team we would be competing against for that spot, losing another six points puts them further and further away so we needed to play these games like Grand Finals.”
 
Perth easily took the six points that weekend, but was it worth more than just six-point weekend?
 
“For us it was really a twelve point weekend, stopping them (Adelaide) from taking those points away and pulling six back to better our position in the league.”
 
Perth from this point have found greater stability with the club, consistency on the ice and developed more maturity. This is also evident in a turn around with time spent in the penalty box, which hurt the team’s performance and ultimately their early season results.
 
“I think at the start it was a refereeing change from local to this level of competition, playing with referees in other states you don’t know and we had to adjust to their game as opposed to them adjusting to ours.”
 
Perth were suffering on their penalty killing and needed to find the right personnel for the job. This was a difficult for Stan finding the right chemistry that could ultimately save you games.
 
“Our biggest problems were stick penalties and it’s hard taking that out of the guys. Our penalty kill in the first half of the season was terrible and we’re a lot better at that now. We just couldn’t cope with it and was very hard trying to find the best guys for it.”
 
“You try the skilled guys thinking that they will just do the job, but ultimately as the season developed we found some of our less skilled guys were better at it. They had the better work ethic and were able to get the puck out of your end zone.”
 
With six regulation games left to play for Perth, there is a real confidence building they can take that elusive second position and fulfill the goal they had at the start of the season.
 
“We let ourselves down at the beginning of the season, but the opportunity is there now and this opportunity could bring out the best in the players, knowing the season isn’t dead but well and truly alive.”
 
“The pressure is on Adelaide’s shoulders not ours, I think we have the self belief that we can win this weekend and it’s going to go down right to the last game of the season.”
 
Adelaide have a tough weekend coming up all be it at home, facing Sydney Bears on Saturday and Newcastle North Stars on Sunday (11-12 August).
 
“I believe out of all the teams we played this season, they are the most under achieved team and will give Adelaide a real run. They’re (Bears) are a real good hockey team, wherever they turn up, they don’t like to lose and they won’t fly halfway across the country to lose a game.”
 
In a recent interview with Andrew McDougall, Perth’s Phil Ginand attributes their second line to the rise in form and the all Australian line has also added to Perth’s goal scoring potential.
 
“I totally agree with that, at the beginning of the season every teams imports will always perform the tasks put before them and it’s combining a second line of locals. A line that can play as good as other import lines and compete.”
 
“At the beginning of the season our lines weren’t quite balanced, it took a bit of experimentation to find three forwards especially who could stick to the system 100%. It’s a selfless task as you take away your own scoring opportunities and you actually take one for the team. As any coach will do, you put your most skilled players on the second line.”
 
“Our second line has gone six games for three goals so for an Australian line, that’s pretty good.”
 
Perth’s main club target at the beginning of the season, was to bring in good talented locals and be able to bring them into this level of hockey and give them good experience.
 
“We’re probably one of the few teams that have ran three lines, it was to bring them some experience for next year so no matter what imports we bring in, they’re up to the standard.”
 
Not since 1983 had Western Australia won a National championship (coached by Stan Scott) and last August (2011) they broke that drought, winning the Jim Brown (for 17 years and over) tournament in Adelaide. With six players from that championship representing the Thunder, you would have to a lot of contribute that success to wear Perth are at right now.
 
“It has contributed a lot, we knew the Thunder was coming and prior to that tournament I said to some of the twenty year olds if you want to be a part of this Thunder thing, you have to step up now.”
 
Eight years leading into the Browns Stan was coaching director of Western Australian hockey, with the help support of his coaching team, can hold their heads up high bringing hockey in their state to the level and professionalism it is right now.
 
“With the development in ice hockey in Western Australia and if you look at our National championships over the last two years, we have also won Gold in the Defris this year, Silver in Tange and the Thunder has had part towards that. Winning that Brown gives the kids the belief we can win tournaments and with the Thunder coming also gives the kids something to strive for.”
 
“I think WA hockey has taken a large step forward and I think we will see some good things come out of this state in 3 to 4 years.”
 
Stan Scott is an extremely modest and humble gentleman, so how does Stan rate his own performance to date?
 
“I would probably say I could have done a bit better at moments, I would like to say I’ve done some good things, finished games and made decisions that have gone our way. There has been a lot of pressure on me (especially at the beginning), but there is a lot of room for improvement. I have also taken a level 3 course this year but I needed experience coaching at this level too.”
 
Stan has a stern record in their local league with 12 championships in 18 years.
 
“It’s not the same but I have really learnt a lot this year but I’m sure I will have a better season as coach and the players will have a better season.”
 
It’s hard to come by the Stan Scotts in the professional world of sport in the modern era and Perth Thunder will certainly benefit in the years to come as they strive for the success at this top level in Australian hockey.
 
 
  Contact Michael.Rozleja@prohockeynews.com
Follow us on twitter @prohockeynews

NEWCASTLE, NSW – We once again look at Adelaide Adrenaline, as they wrap up the second of their back to back road trips to NSW.
 
After their convincing performances against Canberra and West Sydney on 21st and 22nd, they were left as mere spectators on their recent journey. Losing to league leaders Newcastle North Stars 5-2 on Saturday 28th, then again to the in form Sydney Bears on Sunday 29th with the same scoreline.
 
The weekend started on the worst possible note, losing Captain Greg Oddy early in the first of the Newcastle game. Now with the coming weekend off, Adelaide will be hoping Oddy is fully fit for the return clash in Adelaide two weeks from now.
 
Charlie Huber, former NZIHL and Botany Swarm star along with Josh Harding were the two Adrenaline goal scorers. Beau Taylor got proceedings underway four minutes in for Newcastle and Kevin Day five minutes later. Add a late short handed goal and Newcastle were up 3-0 at the end of the first.
 
Newcastle’s Rob Lawrence double in the second and third, put Adelaide out of their misery and Newcastle back on the winners list after their shock loss to Melbourne Mustangs a week ago.
 
If Adelaide were hoping for some better fortune the following day at Baulkham Hills in Sydney, that would be short lived as the in form Bears tore the visitors apart. National team coach Vladimir Rubes with an early first period goal for his Bears.
 
Adelaide’s top points scorer and import Brett Liscomb equalized, only to have the Bears top and league’s second highest points scorer Tomas Landa, put a fortunate rebound past unsuspecting Peter King in net for Adrenaline.
 
Brady Johnston for the Bears and Brett Liscomb (his second) for Adelaide, added to the tally in the second and with the game in the balance Sydney sharpened their claws. Tomas Landa once again finding the back of the net along with Brett Nelson-Bond, putting the game to rest and Adelaide’s weekend with a 5-2 result.
 
What does this now mean for the hot and cold Adrenaline outfit with only a month to go in the regular season?
 
One week ago this team sat comfortably in second position in the Eastern Conference, 13 points clear of now third placed Perth Thunder who now only trail by seven. In a nutshell Adelaide cannot afford to drop a game and rely on other results. They now could find themselves fighting for the finals position right until the last regulation game, as they did last year. Right now Perth also have two games in hand and by the end of the coming weekend Adelaide could see that seven points cut to one.
 
If the Adrenaline were to make the finals this year, they would have to face up to Newcastle on home ice and the possibility of now facing the fast finishing Sydney Bears. The Bears are in a similar situation to Perth as rapidly close in on cross town rivals, West Sydney Ice Dogs for second position in the Bauer Conference.
 
Adelaide’s Head Coach, Ryan O’Handley is still upbeat about his team’s chances stating, “ We still have a good team here and at the beginning of the season, we would have been happy to share the points over the last two weekends which we’ve done.”
 

O’Handley also added, “It has been a tough season, now we just have to worry about us and winning. If we do that we don’t need to worry about what the others are doing, so we just need to keep winning.”
 
Adelaide Adrenaline have faced many adversities and not just this season but this is a club that knows how to survive.
 
In other results around the country, Perth Thunder travelled to Melbourne and surprise all by sweeping the Mustangs 7-2 then 24 hours later conference leaders Melbourne Ice 6-3. Perth are making their charge at Adelaide and not just satisfied to be playing their inaugural season. Could they emulate the amazing efforts of Adelaide Avalanche (now Adrenaline), by winning the championship in their first season?
 
Gold Coast Blue Tongues could not take the polish off the Canberra Knights losing 1-4 in Canberra, but completely turned that result around in Sydney the following day. Shutting out the Ice Dogs at the kennel 4-0. This for the Ice Dogs was on top of a shoot-out loss to the Bears the day before, in the battle of Sydney.
 
To round the weekend off Canberra paid a visit to Newcastle hoping for some ‘Steel City’ hospitality, which came in the form of a 1-9 drumming at the hands of league leaders the North Stars.
 
Newcastle are the only team to now guarantee themselves a place for the finals weekend on the 1st and 2nd of September. The final month promises to be one of the tightest races yet.
 
Contact Michael.Rozleja@prohockeynews.com
Follow us at Twitter @prohockeynews

CANBERRA, ACT – Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd, an undermanned Adelaide Adrenaline have sent a strong message, that they are nowhere near done yet. A tough road trip that left the Knights tarnished and the Ice Dogs licking their wounds, Adrenaline piled on 10 goals for the weekend while conceding only the 3 which included only one at even strength.
 

With not having played since 30th June and 1st July, only two imports dressed, down on numbers through illness and undisclosed reasons you would have been forgiven to think that Adelaide would struggle at best.
 
Adelaide’s first assignment was Canberra Knights in Canberra on Saturday night, Brett Liscomb scoring in the first 41 seconds of the game set the tone for the visitors. David Manning chipping for his first goal of the season, Captain Greg Oddy with his second period goal and a hat trick from the star of the night Wehebe Darge gave Adelaide a comprehensive 6-2 victory.
 
Aaron Barton letting just the two goals through from thirty attempts, while Charlie Huber was content to just put a spin on things and making moves that had Canberra dizzy. David Huxley in defense was brilliant, his positioning and poise was the best this season shutting down Canberra’s forwards all night.
 
Canberra didn’t find the back off the net until deep into the third with an even strength 4 on 4 gaol and then a power play goal with under two minutes to play. Adelaide’s penalty killing was at its best this weekend and only allowing the one Canberra goal from 10 attempts. There were 19 penalties in all but having very little influence on the game.
 
Statistics would show this was a close contest but it was Adelaide’s uncompromising, brutal display and use of the puck which tore Canberra apart. The mood in the Adrenaline camp did not change in Liverpool on Sunday against the Sydney Ice Dogs.
 
Aaron Barton got under the home sides skin early and in particular Ice Dogs Matt Monaghan with an altercation in the first which had fur ruffled as he spent some time in the box. As expected there was the usual tension between the conference rivals, but did not spill over as disciplined Adrenaline went about making short work of the Ice Dogs.
 
This was to be Captain Greg Oddy’s night in his best game for the last season or two and continuing his outstanding form this season. Oddy scoring twice and racking up a weekend total 5 points and was backed up by an impressive Brett Liscomb with 2 goals and 4 points for the weekend.
 
While Wehebe Darge did not find the back of the net on Sunday he accumulated an outstanding 6 points. Sean Greer stepping up easily in his best game in defense for the season, like David Huxley the night before starved the Ice Dogs of countless opportunities. Adelaide’s defense only allowing 15 shots on goal and the starved Ice Dogs just didn’t have any answers.
 
Adelaide played the game on their own terms not once compromising what it was they were there to do. They kept the game at a fast pace, the puck moving swiftly never allowing the home side into the game and most importantly against the Ice Dogs won the game in close dominating the boards.
 
This was easily Adelaide’s most impressive performances over the last two years signalling this club is poised to make a full-blooded tilt at the 2012 championship. But they have another big test this coming weekend 28th and 29th July, in Newcastle against the North Stars and back to Sydney to face an inform Bears.
 
For now Adelaide hold firmly in second position in the Eastern Conference 12 points clear of the Gold Coast and now drawing level with the Ice Dogs in third place overall.
 
In other results from around league, Newcastle North Stars make the journey to Perth beating the Thunder 2-0 on Saturday. On Sunday the hot streak comes to an end in Melbourne as the North Stars fall to a resurgent Mustangs outfit 3-5. For the Mustangs this was a massive turnaround in recent form and only 24 hours prior fell 4-1 to their cross town rivals the Melbourne Ice.
 
The Sydney Bears were looking to continue their recent winning form as they were welcomed into the kennel by their cross town rivals the West Sydney Ice Dogs. The Bears went back into hibernation going down in a tight contest 6-4. On Sunday the hungry Bears returned to the winners list defeating the Canberra Knights 4-2 on home ice at Baulkham Hills. For the Bears this win now puts them 10 points clear in third place from the Knights, who still have only the one regulation win for the season.
 
The Bears now sit only 9 points behind their rivals the West Sydney Ice Dogs, which could make the run home to the finals intriguing but the Ice Dogs do have a game in hand over the Bears.
 
Next round on 28th and 29th July, sees the Gold Coast Blue Tongues make the journey down to Canberra (Knights) then Liverpool (Ice Dogs) after a weekend off.   Adelaide Adrenaline head back to the east for the second week running, taking on the North Stars in Newcastle and back to Sydney for the Bears.
 
Perth Thunder make the trip over to Melbourne, where they will surely be warmly welcomed back by the Ice and Mustangs. The Bears also have the chance to square the ledger with the Ice Dogs as the head back to Liverpool on Saturday. The Ice Dogs have a great opportunity to put the Bears charge to rest, with both their weekend games on home ice.  
 
Contact Michael.Rozleja@prohockeynews.com
Follow us at Twitter @prohockeynews