The Sydney Ice Dogs are on an extended streak this season, while it’s only a two game stretch signs are starting to show that the defending champions are getting back to their 2013 form.
Two wins by five goals each over the Melbourne Mustangs and Sydney Bears in their past two Australian Ice Hockey League matchups has the Ice Dogs moving in an upward trend.
“The group is starting to feel confident again,” said Sydney Ice Dogs captain Robert Malloy.
“We are scoring goals and starting to click. We knew it was only a matter of time.”
A slow start to the season would see off ice incidents take the headlines as the Sydney Ice Dogs would go through early season personnel changes, with coaching staff lead by Ron Kuprowsky stepping down.
Midseason coaching staff changes is not the perfect situation for any hockey club, but something that has helped the group come together to form a stronger bond.
“I’m not going to lie and say it wasn’t a distraction – however I’m not one to point fingers,” continued Malloy.
“We have gone through a bit of adversity but I think it has also helped us come together as a group. Our job is to step on the ice and perform – we will leave the off ice stuff alone.”
While the Sydney Ice Dogs would struggle to put wins on the board, their offence has been clicking all season. The top four points leaders in the league all coming from the Dogs, it was their defence which didn’t start off as was hoped.
With things starting to fall into place defensively and Malloy now part of the defensive unit at the Ice Dogs, results are turning with opposition teams finding it harder to score.
“We struggled a bit early in the season, but we were all to blame not just the defensive men. I’ve been playing defence and will probably stay back there for the remainder of my career in the league.”
Tim Noting the import goaltender is starting to find his footing in the AIHL, which is boosting the entire roster.
“Tim is playing with confidence – and we are confident in him. It adds a completely different element to our game knowing he will shut the door behind us.”
With an improving defensive setup, solid goaltending between the pipes from Noting, the Ice Dogs have seen an improvement in their special teams.
The Sydney Ice Dogs penalty killing unit has always been good and this season is no exception as they continue to shut down teams each week. While allowing teams to get on the man advantage is something they would like to limit going forward, being able to kill off an opposition powerplay is important.
“We have always been good on the penalty kill. Its a good thing because it seems we are always parading to the box,” said Malloy.
“We gave up 10 powerplays last game – it is unacceptable and it can’t happen again, especially against better teams.”
A slow start to the Sydney Ice Dogs season and surprises from teams not in the AIHL finals picture in 2013, all eyes have been on the Ice Dogs and when they would hit their championship winning form.
With two impressive back to back wins the Ice Dogs are – according to Robert Malloy – back to last year’s form.
“I think we all feel that we are back to last year’s form.
“We lost a few key guys but I think we have the ability and personnel to be better than last year.
“There is no reason we can’t go on a run and retain the cup. Especially with this playoff format, anything can happen. The main focus at this point is getting back to .500 – then we worry about playoffs.”
That focus of getting back to .500 starts this weekend when the Ice Dogs travel to Adelaide in a double header weekend against the Adrenaline, two games which could push Sydney back towards the top half of the standings.
“The focus is .500. We flew home from our last road trip without any points which can’t happen again.
“We know it won’t be easy and we can’t take a shift off. Six points this weekend would sling shot us right to where we want to be.”
A slow start to the season and only two points off fourth spot in the AIHL, the Sydney Ice Dogs are starting to put some bite back into their bark.
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