Australian Ice Hockey League

I'm going to update regulary here about how the Australian Ice Hockey League Season is going. Season starts 14th of April and I'll put the updates up as soon as possible with team rosters if Anyone's interested.

Post away my pretties!

ahhah really?!!>!?! when i was in Perth in Dec. 03 I went to a rink there, i heard there was 2 in Perth. I sure hope i was at the ****** one...the paint was running and the ice was brown. oh, does perth have a team? and whats the website?

I've never been to the rinks in perth, having never actually been to perth but they do not have an ice team as far as I'm aware.

Being so far away from the rest of the country, the AIHL are not sure whether it would be a possibility to put a team there without great loss.

Maybe in the future.

sasky

Good to see a couple of new teams in there this year. Here's the Sydney Bears lineup:

http://www.sydneybears.com.au/bears2005/team/frame.htm

Their starting goaltender, Kenric Exner (http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php3?pid=45151) , played a few games for the Worcester Icecats in the AHL in '99-'00.

Forward Trent Ulmer (http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php3?pid=77903) was a NCAA player.

haha kewl keep it updated!
this is sure to be a popular thread.. :shakehead

anyway go ICE DOGS! :handclap:

By the way, in Australian National Team news, apparently they were robbed big time in a key match up against the host nation, Croatia. Croatia were credited with a third period goal even though time had elapsed. The goal judge did not signal a goal, but the referee did. The referee did not consult the time keeper or the goal judge after Australia questioned the goal. The goal stood, and Australia ended up losing 3-2 as a result, and were very much so on track for a gold medal and promotion to Division I B. And after the whistle, the timekeeper reset the clock back one second to indicate 19:59 instead of 20:00. With Croatia being the host nation, this seems incredibly suspicious to me.

They beat Korea today 4-0, and will be guaranteed silver if they beat Bulgaria on Saturday. If Korea beats Croatia, however they're in with a shot for the gold. But then it would come down to goal differential, and Croatia has them beat in that regard at the moment, which makes that 'goal' so frustrating. If the game ended in a tie, and the aforemention scenario were to transpire, Australia would finish the tournament 4-1-0 for 9pts, Croatia 3-1-1 for 7 points, giving them Gold.

anyway go ICE DOGS! :handclap:

I'm a Bears man myself, but the Ice Dogs look pretty good. They have some really talented young players out there, guys like Alex D'Jamirze and Scott and Todd Stephenson. D'Jamirze was a star for Australia when they won the gold at the World Juniors in Bulgaria in 2003. Scott Stephenson was there as well.

Go Canberra Knights!!

I havent been to one of their games in ages but im looking forward to seeing some this year. Canberra Knights used to be awesome!

Matt Lehoczky on Canberra played for a Jr B team in Vancouver! I actually may have seen him played, b/c I used to go to alot of those Jr B games!

Adrian Esposito of the Bears has played Jr B in Edmonton (Edmonton Royals and Beaumont Chiefs) and Jr. A in Ontario (Georgetown Raiders).

Matt Lehoczky on Canberra played for a Jr B team in Vancouver! I actually may have seen him played, b/c I used to go to alot of those Jr B games!

Yeh my brother plays in-line hockey with Matt and says he's awesome, probably the best in-line player in aus, could be wrong.

Anyone here heard of Oliver (Ollie) Rosdartz? I used to play in-line with him and he was awesome, heard he was the captain of the Australian under 18's ice hockey team a few years back

is there a young australian who might make the NHL one day? how long you think it'll take before a hockey prodigy a la Anze Kopitar comes out of Australia? Since watching the Sydney Olympics I've been impressed with how important sports are to Australian culture.

There was an australlian goalie who played for my local Jr B. team. The London Nationals.

I totally forget his name though.

I think there will be an Australian in the NHL one day, its one of the fastest growing sports in Aus, but it is very small. Its just hard to get people out there because no one really knows about ice hockey, i mean we dont get any on T.V and also its really expensive if you want to start playing.

Australia is a very sporting country. With the Olympics we come like 5th and we only have just over 20 million people here!

Excellent work boys and girls, lets try and get Aussie hockey in the spotlight.

As for the AIHL I can wait to get behind my cellar dwelling Melbourne Ice

How many games during the regular season? Who will win the scoring race, and how many points will he get appx? :)

Trent Ulmer (http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php3?pid=77903) was a NCAA player.
Any relation to Jason Ulmer?

Probably not. I don't know.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the AIHL have signed its first NHL player....


Steve McKenna (yeah I know.....but still) will play for the Adelaide Avalanche.

Thanks for the info clefty! :handclap:

I see his first game is here in canberra on saturday night! YEEHA im there for sure! :yo:

haha wow i wonder what this will do for his offensive ability. he could become the premier power forward of the league.. :biglaugh:

nah i cant wait till he comes upto sydney..see how he dishes out some hits

haha wow i wonder what this will do for his offensive ability. he could become the premier power forward of the league.. :biglaugh:

See the thing is....he will be. :snide:

Plus, I have to say, for all the shortcomings of his NHL game (and there are alot of them) I do remember him having a pretty hard slap shot, even at the NHL level. I think he'll be able to beat a few of the local guys pretty frequently.

And you know what? So what if its only Steve McKenna. I mean, if you can play 373 NHL games, even if you are one of the worst in the NHL, you're in one of the top percentiles of hockey players in the world. And who knows? McKenna may go home at the end of the season and convince a few of his NHL pals to head over and play in Australia as well. This can only be good for the development of the game in Australia, even if it is only Steve McKenna.

BTW, Boz, the Avalanche play the Bears this Sunday at the Sydney Ice Arena in Baulkham Hills. I'm going to try and make it donning my Pens jersey.

Nabbing a real live NHLer is certainly a suprise.

I just saw a a piece on Steve McKenna's signing on the national news. I don't know about you guys but that is the first time I've seen Australian Ice Hockey make the news. Great for the game.

And you know what, McKenna's not a bad guy either. He had a quick interview, he was well spoken, humble and talked openly about his reasons for playing in Australia.

Cheers all round I say

yeah i saw the report aswell on tv last night, was kinda funny how they dubbed him a 'superstar' of the game but true he will be good for the game here..i seem to remember sports tonight also ran a story before australia went to their champs but thats been about it on ice hockey besides NHL big hits and fighting in the highlights... but neway was a good piece on mckenna shows hes not locked out for the money.

hey clefty, yeah i would be there too but somehow i scored a private box to watch the swans game so wont be able to get there before 4 30. update us on how he plays. u could prob have a chat with him after the game when he spots u in the jersey!?

Hey guys, im off to the game now in Canberra, ill let you know how McKenna played and what have you. should be good! im excited! first time ive ever seen an NHL player!! WHL hockey is the best ive seen in person, its nothing to sneeze at though.

Anyways ill give u a report on how McKenna played soon...

well i just got back form the game. It was a really good game with the Canberra Knights and the Adelaide Avalanche tieing 2-2. The Avalanche dominated the first period scoring 2 goals and having a third dissallowed. The Knights came out hard in the 2nd period and controled the play only to hit the post on numerous occasions. The Avalanche also had another goal dissallowed. In the third the Knights were again dominant and scored in the first 5 minutes of the period to set up an exciting finish. With 8 minutes remaining a Knights player scored a neat wrap around goal to tie it, much to the excitment of the crowd. Both teams then had good scoring chances but were unable to convert them. In OT Steve McKenna had a golden chance to win it in a goal mouth scramble but was denied in spectacular fashion by the Knights goalie and it ended 2-2.

Now onto Steve McKenna. How big is this guy!!! :eek: He had a solid game but you could tell he was a bit rusty. It also seemed like he was holding back a lot. He didnt play much in the first period but he racked up the ice time during the rest of the game, he must've been on for atleast 4 and a half minutes in OT!! In OT he was used to screen the goalie every time the Avalanche were attacking. Overall he had a pretty decent game, didnt make any mistakes.

Make sure you tell us how he played when you guys see him.

Well I"m back ... sorry got sick but went and saw my first AIHL! games on the weekend...

The Brisbane Bluetongues beat the Newcastle north stars (both team i follow) in two very very close games...

The stars looked strong in the second but after a dodgy goal the team had a minor collapse and ended up loosing in OT.

Matt Ezzy their goalie, played Junior... b in canada.. for the welland candians and the london nationals... He was hammered during the game stood up to it really well. He was also the AUstralian goalkeeper.

The standings as of the 9th of may so exluding the weekends games are...

AIHL Standings as of 9 May 2005
GP W L T OTW OTL Pts GF GA GD

Adelaide Avalanche 5 4 0 0 0 1 13 22 15 +7

Melbourne Ice 7 3 3 0 1 0 11 23 16 +7

Newcastle Northstars 5 3 1 0 0 1 9 20 12 +8

Canberra Knights 5 3 2 0 0 0 9 26 22 +4

Sydney Bears 7 2 4 0 1 0 8 25 25 0

Brisbane Blue Tongues 4 2 1 1 0 0 7 28 18 +10

West Sydney Ice Dogs 7 2 4 1 0 0 7 22 35 -13

Central Coast Blue Haven Rhinos 4 0 4 0 0 0 0 4 27 -23

Adrian Esposito of the Bears has played Jr B in Edmonton (Edmonton Royals and Beaumont Chiefs) and Jr. A in Ontario (Georgetown Raiders).

I actually was down in Australia acouple years ago playing some hockey witha team from Canada for a month and stayed with Adriane when we were in Sydney...One of the better players i saw in the country while i was there

Re-opened due to popular demand.

Big win yesterday at the Ice House, looking good so far this season.

Will probably fold in finals, again.

I was curious if anyone knew the level of play in Australia comparative to Canada. I have a friend in the WHL (20 years old) and a couple friends who play Junior A (both 19) that were interested in going somewhere overseas to play hockey for the expreience. All have 1 year left on their contracts and were looking to join a league in the pring/summer of 2011. If players of this caliber were able to play in this league what type of compensation would they recieve? Room and board? Travel expenses? Would getting a job be relatively easy for these Canadians so they could work while playing hockey? Thanks in advance for any help.

I was curious if anyone knew the level of play in Australia comparative to Canada. I have a friend in the WHL (20 years old) and a couple friends who play Junior A (both 19) that were interested in going somewhere overseas to play hockey for the expreience. All have 1 year left on their contracts and were looking to join a league in the pring/summer of 2011. If players of this caliber were able to play in this league what type of compensation would they recieve? Room and board? Travel expenses? Would getting a job be relatively easy for these Canadians so they could work while playing hockey? Thanks in advance for any help.


in australia, probably no room and board, probably low/if any pay.

Please post your question on forums.internationalhockey.net for a more thorough answer to your question..

I was curious if anyone knew the level of play in Australia comparative to Canada. I have a friend in the WHL (20 years old) and a couple friends who play Junior A (both 19) that were interested in going somewhere overseas to play hockey for the expreience. All have 1 year left on their contracts and were looking to join a league in the pring/summer of 2011. If players of this caliber were able to play in this league what type of compensation would they recieve? Room and board? Travel expenses? Would getting a job be relatively easy for these Canadians so they could work while playing hockey? Thanks in advance for any help.

It's not bad quality.

Melbourne Ice recently acquired Jason Baclig, who was playing Nijmegen Devils in the Netherlands. And he is absolutely ripping the league to pieces, you can find clips of the league on youtube.

Newcastle North Stars Forever!

Go Bears Go!!!

I think i might purchase a season ticket for the new Melbourne Mustangs next season.

How much do these players make? Do pretty much all of them need second jobs?

Its not professional.

The Bears had a great win on Sunday. Boucher played like a beast in net, Stransky scored a pair, and Luako had a wicked shorty. Great win boys!!

Been away from the forum for a while, but the AIHL finals have been completed.

Melbourne Ice were crowned the new AIHL Champions, first time in 28 years the Goodall cup has comeback to Victoria.

http://www.melbourneice.com.au/components/com_fpss/images/IceChamps.jpg

2011 season kicked off on Thursday, with a Melbourne derby to get things going.

Melbourne Mustangs 4-8 Melbourne Ice.

Jason Baclig scored 5 for the Ice, looks as though he is in for another big season.

Some photos i took at the Mustangs v Ice Dogs game tonight.

http://i53.tinypic.com/epre5t.jpg
http://i51.tinypic.com/2vtej4z.jpg
http://i55.tinypic.com/313ssup.jpg

What was the attendance? There seems to be quite a few spectators.

I've been to every mustangs game, i always sit in the far right...the only guy with a mustangs jersey in that section haha when melbourne ice and mustangs play the icehouse hits capacity and people have to stand. but usually you can find a seat.

I think there will be an Australian in the NHL one day, its one of the fastest growing sports in Aus, but it is very small. Its just hard to get people out there because no one really knows about ice hockey, i mean we dont get any on T.V and also its really expensive if you want to start playing.

Australia is a very sporting country. With the Olympics we come like 5th and we only have just over 20 million people here!


No one gives two shytes about the soccer and it managed to get a fox contract be good if somehow Melb ice games were on fox.

AFL dominates of course, which I dont mind as I love both. I will be attending my first Melb Ice game soon, dunno when because I have to go alone, you're not wrong when you say no one knows about ice hockey lol...

Anyone know, in the Melbourne West area where i could learn to skate or maybe play? Bit uncoordinated would love to learn how to skate though.

Climate doesnt help here, regularly snows in areas of the USA and Canada, Europe too, Ive seen snow twice in my life. Game is good and can grow though, Nashville a warm climate isnt it?

My initial spark of intest was from the things it has in common with AFL... fast, physical, exciting, suspense etc and it grew from there, as opposed to something like basketball which is alot more stop start and less free flowing.

Perth should be getting their AIHL for next season, will probably get season tickets, only problem is where they are playing is about 30 mins drive from my house, so don't know how many of the games I could go to.

Pretty stoked none the less. Go Thunder! :yo:

What do you guys think about Nathan Walker? Any chance of making the NHL?

What do you guys think about Nathan Walker? Any chance of making the NHL?

Next season will be important for him; if he plays well in a good league (possibly CHL), he'll surely least get drafted. And when you've been drafted, you're a lot closer to being a NHL player.

He's not too big guy, so some teams will get scared of that. Being from Australia might do good for his stock, as he could be the face of some kind of NHL's Australian conquest. :sarcasm:

Just thought i would share a blog i having been trying to keep updated, i haven't been as active as i was early on, but will be looking to post more now.

http://onthefly-icehockey.blogspot.com/

Feedback would be great.

I must say i was surprised to see a thread on here about the AIHL. I only joined HF after Winnipeg got a team again.

Family has been involved with the Adelaide team since the beginning.

A few photos from one of the Melbourne derby's this season, i thought they were pretty cool.

http://i54.tinypic.com/mrpqg9.jpg
http://i54.tinypic.com/25i3b85.jpg
http://i54.tinypic.com/o5cj8h.jpg

qYpMlcamg4w

Really good crowd, what was the attendance?

Really good crowd, what was the attendance?

The final Melbourne derby for the season was on Saturday, it drew over 1,500.

That one in the photos would be around the same.

The final Melbourne derby for the season was on Saturday, it drew over 1,500.

That one in the photos would be around the same.

Woah shame! I definitely would have been in attendance if I knew :(

Any sorts of game coming up soon?

Woah shame! I definitely would have been in attendance if I knew :(

Any sorts of game coming up soon?

Month of July schedule, Link. (http://www.theaihl.com/leagues/schedules.cfm?selectedMonth=7&selectedYear=2011&selectedTeamID=&leagueID=11464&clientID=3856&embedLID=11464&embedCID=3856)

The final Melbourne derby for the season was on Saturday, it drew over 1,500.

That one in the photos would be around the same.
Good to see, solid crowd

Highlights from yesterday's game in Adelaide, went to a shootout.

SiNdLHOePQM

Melbourne Ice star Jason Baclig, spoke to local sports radio today.

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what is the level of play over there? what would it compare to over here?

what is the level of play over there? what would it compare to over here?

Not sure, as i don't get to watch anything below NHL.

what is the level of play over there? what would it compare to over here?

Spoke with some guys who have played in the AIHL and they said it is similar to low level Canadian Jr.A (think SIJHL) or decent Jr.B (think KIJHL, PIJHL).

Sorry, posted twice some how.

Spoke with some guys who have played in the AIHL and they said it is similar to low level Canadian Jr.A (think SIJHL) or decent Jr.B (think KIJHL, PIJHL).

I saw them play a few times, and I would agree with this.

Hey there,

I know this is kind of random, but I'm curious to find out what the pro players make in AUS. I've always played hockey at high levels, but was never drafted to the CHL, and stopped playing.

I'm 26 now, and better at hockey than ever before.

What do the pros make in terms of salary there?
Do they have open try-outs or anything in the off-season?

Any info would be great, as I'm from Canada, and wouldn't know where to start.

Noto

Hey there,

I know this is kind of random, but I'm curious to find out what the pro players make in AUS. I've always played hockey at high levels, but was never drafted to the CHL, and stopped playing.

I'm 26 now, and better at hockey than ever before.

What do the pros make in terms of salary there?
Do they have open try-outs or anything in the off-season?

Any info would be great, as I'm from Canada, and wouldn't know where to start.

Noto

The teams are semi-professional & none of the local lads actually get paid, they do get discounts/concessions for airfares etc...

I am not 100% sure if the import players actually get paid, i assume they would.

http://www.livestream.com/aihl?utm_source=lsplayer&utm_medium=ui-chat&utm_campaign=aihl&utm_content=aihl

Live stream of GF if anyone is interested

Don't know if any of the Perth posters here went but Thunder beat the North Stars 4-2 this afternoon. Pretty good crowd on hand of around 200ish I'd say. Not bad considering it's a fair drive away for some people.

Don't know if any of the Perth posters here went but Thunder beat the North Stars 4-2 this afternoon. Pretty good crowd on hand of around 200ish I'd say. Not bad considering it's a fair drive away for some people.

Thanks for the update, man.

Not sure if anyone would of seen it byut Last Saturdays Age had a tremendous article about the similarities between AFL and Hockey, new AIHL fans and where they are coming from, the history of the sport in Australia and forcasting of it's future was a great read. Im still searching for a copy online!


Not the article I am talking about but still good: http://www.theage.com.au/sport/for-a-skilful-game-on-ice-these-players-really-get-their-skates-on-20110903-1jrgh.html

http://www.theage.com.au/sport/ice-hockey-shoots-and-scores-20110831-1jkxj.html

Like the rule adaptions I think in the main. Australians are more likely to swing to the 'hard but fair' mantra, especially found when I started watching alot of the cheap hits physicality, initionally annoyed me until I got use to it.

I havent been to any games yet still trying to force a mate along, but might just fly solo next year.

I'm moving to Australia for 6 months beginning this November, and I'm wondering if it's worth bringing my equipment down? Are there casual hockey leagues, and what kind of costs are there to join? I played up to Junior B (but was weak for that level) in Alberta when I was 18, but that was 10 years ago. My play has fallen off now since I've played casually (once every couple weeks) since then, though I'm probably in better shape now (I've shifted more to individual sports). We'll be staying in Melbourne. Also, if there are any ex-pat bars where Canadians congregate, I definitely still plan to follow the NHL/Canucks. Thanks!

Absolutely bring your gear!

I am in Melbourne and there is definitely hockey here. Casually you can do drop-in and stick and puck at the Icehouse (http://www.icehouse.com.au/). There is an amateur league (see IHV (http://www.icehockeyvictoria.org.au/default.asp)) and summer hockey starts this week. If you want to play start contacting teams, lots are pretty full. Not being Canadian I am not sure what your skill level equates to, but for Summer Div 2 is non-checking I believe you might fit there. Costs wise, for summer I think it is about $200 + $120 IHA compulsory registration (insurance).

Bars-wise not sure, there is the Canadian club or whatever, but from Canadian friends here I gather they are a kinda family age group, ie not that great for the 20-30 year olds.

Had a skate around the Icehouse rink today, took this photo.

http://i44.tinypic.com/r75co8.jpg

Lets go Sydney!!!!!!

qYpMlcamg4w

A couple of Canuck jerseys behind the net.

There is an Australian team at the International Pee-Wee tournament in Québec, the New South Wales Blues. They play tomorrow against an Italian team.

So how hyped are the aussies on here for nathan walker?

3 games from the opening weekend sold out, seems interest is growing every year in Oz.

So how hyped are the aussies on here for nathan walker?

Pretty pumped, would be wrapped if he got drafted.

Ice v Thunder game got pretty crazy.

9 minute powerplay for Perth, then another 2 minutes added on halfway through :laugh:

Ice v Thunder game got pretty crazy.

9 minute powerplay for Perth, then another 2 minutes added on halfway through :laugh:

Care to explain that one? :huh:

Does anybody have a graphic or a photo of the Newcastle North Star jersey? I'm curious.

Does anybody have a graphic or a photo of the Newcastle North Star jersey? I'm curious.

http://northstars.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/GF_IcevNorthStars_4Sep_0041.jpg

http://northstars.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/120502_dads_army.jpg

http://northstars.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/GF_IcevNorthStars_4Sep_0041.jpg

http://northstars.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/120502_dads_army.jpg

Thanks. They look almost... RUSSIAN!

Care to explain that one? :huh:

5 minute major + double minor?

Some photos i took from a recent game.

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/467507_393026534067887_100000816329209_1006748_506 232059_o.jpg
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/414153_393026917401182_888662650_o.jpg
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/411616_393026250734582_1400101406_o.jpg

Game day record
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/543631_393004470736760_100000816329209_1006608_211 2994836_n.jpg

Always wondered why there are so many no name foreigners in the league. Would be nice to see less but high calibre imports. Shouldn't be too difficult to get former NHLers to play some games during the summer in Australia.

5 minute major + double minor?

Those penalties would be served concurrently, though, not consecutively.

Always wondered why there are so many no name foreigners in the league. Would be nice to see less but high calibre imports. Shouldn't be too difficult to get former NHLers to play some games during the summer in Australia.

Because it's a semi-professional league. There's no way they could consistently get former NHL and AHL talent with the kind of financial resources available to them.

Anyone here ever play hockey at Skateworld, Bundall, Gold Coast?

My hockey coach plays for Melbourne Ice, never been to a game but wouldn't mind going to one.

A bit of self promotion here.

If you want to keep up with Australian and New Zealand ice hockey news, go to my website ---> www.ontheflyhockey.com

My hockey coach plays for Melbourne Ice, never been to a game but wouldn't mind going to one.

It's a lot of fun. Obviously the skill level isn't the same compared to the American and Euro leagues, but it's a nice atmosphere, a good arena (but not enough seats) and a fairly inexpensive day out.

It's a lot of fun. Obviously the skill level isn't the same compared to the American and Euro leagues, but it's a nice atmosphere, a good arena (but not enough seats) and a fairly inexpensive day out.
I think i might go to one this season. I can't think of any reason why i shouldn't go to one. Besides, i already know half the players.

I think i might go to one this season. I can't think of any reason why i shouldn't go to one. Besides, i already know half the players.

Who's your coach?

Trail game between the Melbourne Mustangs and the Ice on Saturday night at the icehouse Docklands. Tickets available at the icehouse website. Go Stangs.

League started again today. Will keep an eye on it.

Results From the weekend
Saturday 20/4/13
Ice 7 Def Mustangs 2
Knights 3 Def Adrenaline 2
North Stars 6 Def Ice Dogs 2
Sunday 21/4/13
Adrenaline 9 Def Bears 2

Weekend Results
Saturday 27/4/13
Canberra Knights 4 Def. By Melbourne Mustangs 6
Sydney Bears 4 Def By Sydney Ice Dogs 5
Perth Thunder 2 Def By Melbourne Ice 5

Sunday 28/4/13
Sydney Ice Dogs 5 Def. Melbourne Mustangs 4
Newcastle North Stars 2 Def Sydney Bears 1
Perth Thunder 3 Def By Melbourne Ice 9