Melbourne Ice Women’s side complete ‘‘three-peat’’
By Robert Bremner
The Australian Ice Hockey League isn’t far off returning for the 2015 season but that doesn’t mean that there hasn’t been plenty going on in the off season.
The Melbourne Ice Women’s side capped off a terrific summer by taking out the Australian Ice Hockey women’s league grand final last month. The win is their third championship in succession and looked never in doubt after they remained unbeaten all season.
They were far too good for Sydney on the day, running away with a 6-0 victory. The win came after the side overcame Adelaide 5-1 in the quarter finals the previous day.
Sadly, they were unable to continue this success internationally. Taking part in an international ice hockey championships in Spain, Australia managed to scrape two wins from their five matches. The wins allowed them to remain in their group two division with the team below them, Belgium, relegated for next year’s championships.
In the men’s competition, The Melbourne Mustangs will be keen to hit the ice and begin their title defence against the very same team they knocked out in the semi-finals in 2014, the Sydney Ice Dogs, as well as taking on Melbourne Ice the following week in a repeat of last year’s grand final. The Mustangs’ win was their inaugural championship from their four years in the competition.
In preparation for the season, The NSW sides are playing out a pre-season competition – with Newcastle, Sydney Ice Dogs and Sydney Bears all vying for the Wilson Cup. While the Mustangs and Melbourne Ice will play a week before the season starts as part of an exhibition match at the Icehouse.
The season kicks off on ANZAC day with Melbourne Ice taking on the Sydney Ice Dogs in front of a home crowd.
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