With three regulation wins after eight rounds it hasn’t been the 2025/26 Australian Women’s Ice Hockey League (AWIHL) season the Adelaide Rush envisioned.
Finishing on top of the standings in the 2024/25 season – with 10 wins in regulation, expectations were high for a Rush team stacked with talent.
However, two big wins on home ice to kick start 2026 and the flame of finding their groove and game is flickering.
“It’s tough to label it as getting in the groove considering we’ve played two games in the last month and a half,” Rush head coach Jeremy Freiderich told andrewkmacdougall.com.au
“But a lot of work has gone into further solidifying our identity and getting us ready for the home stretch.
“We really liked our performances against the Ducks at home and felt that despite dropping both in Perth last year [Round 7], they were some of our most complete games all season.”
Home ice winning feeling
Prior to January 10 Adelaide hadn’t been able to pick up any points one home ice, going 0-4 against the Melbourne Ice and Brisbane Lightning.
Compared to the 2024/25 season where the Rush went 6-2 at their home rink, wins have been difficult to come by.
A weekend sweep against the Melbourne Ducks to open their home account for the season, might be the shot in the arm Adelaide needs.
“Yeah, it was great for the group,” continued Friederich.
“The crowd hit some pretty high numbers both games and it really created a good atmosphere for the girls to go out there and play the way we did.”
Learning on the fly
Friederich, who has taken charge of the Rush as a first-time head coach, has also grown together with the group.
A new voice inside the locker room can come with an adjustment period, as each player finds connection to the new boss.
Furthermore, with some curveballs thrown in along the way learning on the fly has been the recipe for Friederich to this point.
“I’ve definitely learnt a lot so far,” said Friederich.
“Despite having been with the group for the last few seasons, there has definitely been some learning curves.
“That being said, I am lucky enough to be well supported by a strong staff and a great group of players.
“So, it’s been a really fun experience so far.”
Electric forward thriving
A shining light for the Rush this season has been the improvement of forward Torie Cybulski who continues to impress.
Cybulski, is having a career season in the AWIHL with 18 points (four goals, 14 assits) from 12 games played.
Uniquely, the 19-year-old who seems to have been around the AWIHL forever, has taken on new responsibilities while rounding out her game.
Being challenged by Friederich and the coaching staff to not only be that electric forward driving play, but working hard without the puck to create opportunities.
“It’s been great to see Torie start to round out her game this season,” continued Friederich.
“She’s always been an electric player who uses her speed to really break the game open.
“We’ve challenged her this year to use her speed and puck skills to open up the ice more for her teammates and create offence away from the puck and it’s materialised into a career high in assists already.
“She’s also put in a lot of work to expand her understanding of the game through watching more hockey and it’s really showing on the ice.”
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