The bells are ringing in the city of churches as the Adelaide Adrenaline are starting to get going in the Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL).
Losing their first eight games of the season the Adrenaline looked at bay, struggling to generate offence and unable to keep the puck out of the net.
However, winning four of their past six games the Adrenaline are one of the inform teams in the AIHL.
Adelaide hasn’t seen AIHL Finals action since the 2012 season, back when it was a Bauer and Easton conference system.
A few seasons with the wooden spoon and some close finishes for a final’s appearance, it’s been 13 years in the wilderness for the Adrenaline and their loyal fans.
When looking at the Adrenaline team and their recent form, I wonder if the 2025 season will be the year they finally clinch finals?
My heart tells me the one-time Goodall Cup champions will get across the line, but my head says history will repeat with heartache.
On the contrary, a few things have stood out for me as the Adrenaline make their late season surge.
Latvian sniper adds scoring punch
The arrival of Romans Nekludovs has been massive for the Adrenaline, it has added much needed scoring punch to the lineup.
Making the week 9 In the Blue Paint, Nekludovs found the back of the net three times against the Central Coast Rhinos.
From just four games played the Latvian sits third among Adrenaline points leaders, highlighting how dire the early season scoring was.
Sitting two points out of the top six and a finals berth, Adrenaline will need Nekludovs to continue his scoring touch if they are to make an AIHL Finals appearance.
All hail Cale
Cale Dolan is the number one goaltender in Adelaide, the Canadian arrived and hopes were high among Adrenaline fans that they had finally found their netminder.
Struggling early in the season Dolan found form against the Rhinos during week 9, with save percentages above .900 across the two games.
It is only the third time this has happened with Dolan in net, the other being a 32 save and .941 save percentage against Canberra in a 3-2 win.
Giving up only three goals throughout the weekend it was a showcase series for Dolan, who might be finding form at the right time.
Dolan will be a key cog for the Adrenaline at the back half of the season, maybe the BC native is starting to settle into AIHL life.
Another Adelaide rookie turning heads
I recently had a chat with a friend talking about Dominic Trnka, and how it is weird seeing the Trnka name pop up as an out player.
Many would know Dominic’s older brother – Lightning goaltender Matus Trnka, but the young Adrenaline rookie is starting to show some great signs.
Playing all 14 games and sitting inside the Adrenaline top 10 for points, Trnka has been terrific with the rise in team form correlating with Trnka hitting the score sheet.
Scoring his first goal in the AIHL against the Rhinos during week 9, Trnka has five points from the Adrenalines past six games.
Furthermore, to be successful in the AIHL teams need depth, getting production from rookies like Trnka is a perfect recipe for success.
Can the Adelaide Adrenaline break their finals drought?
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