The Australian Ice Hockey League celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2010, entering its second decade since launching in 2000.
Starting from a modest three teams from Canberra, Sydney and Adelaide, the league went to six teams in 2002 and then to eight teams in 2005. Since 2005, the only change is NSW Central Coast Rhinos’ withdrawal to start their own league in 2009.
Following on from the raging success of the sport in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, the AIHL hopes for their best year yet with interest in Australia boosted by the world-class twin Winter Olympic Institute rinks at Melbourne’s Docklands.
Melbourne Ice, who have been finalists in the last four seasons, see big opportunities to capture a tiny slice of the massive sport market in Victoria.
Melbourne have recruited admirably and will have a world-class team to show off in their shiny new rink. Seating 1000 spectators, the rink will be the third in Australia to feature all-around glass, as seen in the NHL and Olympics.
Meanwhile in Adelaide, the 2009 Australian Champions are stirring.
The Adrenaline snatched the title from 2008 champions Newcastle in overtime last August.
The Adrenaline boast one of, if not the best, line-up of Australian-born players, including Wahebe Dharge, who recently went from top-scorer for the Aussie U18 team to one of the top scorers for the Aussie Men’s team.
In Sydney, two wounded foes are stirring.
For the first time ever, both Sydney teams were absent from the AIHL finals last season. Ice Dogs finished fifth from seven teams, while the Bears, 2008 minor premier, claimed that bottom rung.
Both Sydney teams have good local players, and some strong recruiting by the Bears should have both of these teams fighting over a finals berth.
The Gold Coast Blue Tongues had their first ever finals tournament in 2009. The Blue Tongues had import Brad Smulders to thank, his record-setting scoring making the Blue Tongues dangerous in any game. While the Tongues struggle to match the depth of the other teams, they have recruited some high-class import players and will be a danger team throughout the season.
In Newcastle the 2009 Minor Premier North Stars are going through a period of change with the loss of Captain Ray Sheffield and Alt Captain Bob Lajeunesse. Some young players will get a chance, while some excellent imports and a team defence literally out of the Australian men’s team makes them contenders.
Finally, there is Canberra Knights. Canberra Knights are always strong with Aussie talent and take great pride in their development.
Despite feeding from just the one modest-size club, the Knights always manage to field a fairly competitive team, with fairly good imports. It’s hard to expect the Knights will make the finals in 2010, but they are sure to give any team a lesson in humility that takes them lightly.
The AIHL season begins this weekend, on Saturday the 24th of April with two games, and one game on ANZAC day.
On Saturday evening the North Stars host the Melbourne Ice, while the Bears are in Canberra playing the Knights. On Sunday the Ice travel to Penrith to play the Bears, the second game of the weekend for both teams.
The rest of the AIHL teams begin their season on the following weekend.
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