Each week I will highlight things that have caught my attention, got me on the edge of my seat or shifted the needle in the Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL).
Many would remember my Five Things or Five for Writing articles from recent years, well it’s back with a fresh name. In the Blue Paint.
This week we had a landmark rink reveal, goaltender turning back the clock, big bodies causing havoc, and a team picks up that important first win.
All In the Blue Paint articles can be found at andrewkmacdougall.com.au
The rink of dreams
It was a ‘where were you when’ moment in the nation’s capital as the Canberra Brave opened AIS Arena for the first time.
An AIHL first, fans were greeted to a full bowl ice hockey rink experience in what has changed the game in how we view Australia’s elite competition.
There were 2,964 people through the turnstiles on Saturday, giving a stunning atmosphere as the Brave settled into their new home.
The Brave moving to AIS Arena permanently has been the biggest rink decision since O’Brien Icehouse was opened in Melbourne in 2010.
From what we saw across the two days, AIS Arena looks like a hot ticket item for the rest of the season.
Full blooded Adrenaline
Adelaide Adrenaline picked up their first win of the season after playing spoiler for the opening game at AIS Arena.
A Ryan Foll goal during the second period proved the winner as the Adrenaline held on as the Brave pushed for the late equaliser.
Furthermore, giving up 6.50 goals per game this season, the Adrenaline were able to keep the Brave to two throughout 60 minutes.
Slowly piecing things together the Saturday result will be a building block for the Adrenaline who will hopefully start to get their season going.
Let’s get physical
All the concerns I wrote about during Week 6 of In the Blue Paint were totally crushed by the Melbourne Mustangs at the end of Week 7.
The return of Hayden Dawes, and Bradley Apps coming back from suspension, gave the Mustangs extra bite and grunt as they entered derby number two on Friday night.
It was an overtime win for the ages as Mac Roy sealed the deal, then followed by a 6-2 thumping of the Central Coast Rhinos on Saturday.
With two big bodies back in Dawes and Apps, the Mustangs were a lot more physical on the forecheck and open ice.
Getting things back on track the Mustangs now sit second on the AIHL standings.
Last ones standing
The only team in the AIHL that hasn’t lost a game in regulation this season. Sitting on top of the standings are the Melbourne Ice.
Losing the Friday derby in overtime they returned to winning ways with a 3-1 win over the Rhinos of Sunday.
Sebastian Bergholt has impressed on the backend since arriving, the Danish international is just under a point per game and creating a strong presence in front of Tatsu Ishida in net.
However, it’s the ability for the team to rally and push games into extra time which is impressive.
Ice will now travel north to face the Rhinos and an in form Newcastle Northstars who will be sure to test out the regulation loss record.
Turning back the clock
I wasn’t sure how things would go when Anthony Kimlin was signed by the Mustangs from the Sydney Bears in the off season.
Personally, I didn’t think he was a starter, however, the veteran has won seven of all nine games played and is looking solid between the pipes.
With a .913 save percentage and 2.98 goals against average, the 35-year-old is turning back the clock keeping the Mustangs in games.
Familiar faces from the Bears Brody Lindal and Tyerell Clare making the move easier to settle in, Kimlin has been outstanding.
The Mustangs team was stacked entering the season and for many were Goodall Cup favourites.
Kimlin will be the most important piece of the puzzle if the orange and black are to return to cup glory.
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