It’s an all too familiar feeling for the Melbourne Ice Women as they enter the 2026 Australian Women’s Ice Hockey League (AWIHL) Finals.
For the third consecutive year they will finish the AWIHL regular season sitting in third place on the standings.
Despite the third placed finishes, Ice women have been able to win back-to-back Joan McKowen Trophies while not being the top seed.
However, this time around it is under new head coach Drew Carfrae who moved from assistant under Curtis Klooster into the top position.
“With the competition being as tight as it is, any team can win on any given day,” Ice women captain Stephenie Cochrane told andrewkmacdougall.com.au
“So, while finishing first would be great, it isn’t as important as building into finals to put our best foot forward on finals weekend.
“Obviously need to finish in the top four, but after that anything can happen.”
Personnel changes shift focus
After winning their ninth AWIHL title – most in league history, there were changes across different areas of the club.
New head coach [Carfrae] on board and some senior players moving out for different reasons shifted the landscape.
It was an different approach to the AWIHL season for the Ice, a team and club that has had stability across previous seasons.
Keeping that competitiveness was key for the playing group while new players into the AWIHL had time to adjust.
“This year looked slightly different for us,” said Cochrane.
“We had a few senior players step away for the season for different reasons and brought in some players that had never played an AWIHL game before.
“So, from the beginning, the message was to maintain competitiveness while also introducing the new players to the league.
“Younger players who previously had been “looking up to senior players” are now the players that need to step up and be consistent and lead the team and the league so newer players can also come in.
“The senior players were supporting the new players in how to prepare for a season like the AWIHL and get them comfortable at this level, while also delivering at their own top levels.”
Veteran leading by example
A veteran of the AWIHL, Cochrane has had a storied career across domestic and international levels.
World Championship gold and silver for Australia, and four-time Joan McKowen Trophy winner Cochrane knows what it takes to succeed.
However, it’s the off-ice work that Cochrane takes pride in to lead the Ice women into success.
Separating her play on the ice, showing leadership and hard work outside of gameday to set the example.
“My captaincy I think is completely separate to my play on the ice,” continued Cochrane.
“My leadership style is very much lead by example – put in the hard work consistently, show up with a good mindset, and care for both the players and the league to develop both.
“My play, apart from consistent, I don’t think really factors into my role as captain.
“In this league, there is a lot of reliance on the captains to help not only build our teams, but bridge gaps in the league and grow the game for the future.
“I have never been a goal scorer or point getter for any of my teams growing up.
“I would say the last few years as I have found a consistent game where I rely on my strengths and my points have also maintained a consistent level.
“But on the ice, I’m relied on for composure, consistency, and my passing game more so than for points.”
Goal scoring dynamo
One of the biggest improvers for the Ice women this season is the play from forward Emily Davis-Tope.
The dynamic sniper has elevated her game to a new level, finishing the regular season with 17 goals, 10 more than the previous campaign.
At 24-years-old, EDT – affectionately known, is heading into her prime years in the AWIHL.
While the on-ice highlight reels get flashed across the screen each week, hard work and dedication lay the foundations for Davis-Tope.
Consistently in the gym, looking to improve, get better and bring the rest of the roster along with her.
“EDT is an absolute gem,” said Cochrane.
“This year we have seen her physical game and her mental game marry up and work together as one.
“She is always the hardest worker on and off the ice and this year her confidence in herself and her abilities has matched that.
“It is not a surprise in the slightest to see her starting to dominate and it will only continue as she builds on her game, plays to her strengths and works on the little things that will help her even further.
“Heading into finals, she motivates others to work hard.
“So, when she isn’t getting the bounces or the luck, others are now working just as hard and contributing on the score sheet – a testament to her overall presence on the ice.
“Her ability to lead others and inspire those around her will only make both the Melbourne Ice and the Australian national team better.”
City showing the love
Despite the AWIHL not being covered regularly by mainstream media, interest in the league is continuing to spike.
AWIHL.tv on YouTube gives access to women’s hockey fans around the world first look at the stars of the league.
In Melbourne, crowd support for the Ice women has been something that has continued to grow.
Seats are filled as families get to support the Ice women in their quest for a three-peat.
Furthermore, having finals at O’Brien Icehouse in Melbourne again, there will be loud and passionate Ice women fans in attendance.
“I hope so,” continued Cochrane with excitement.
“I feel like this season the fans have really gotten into it.
“There are more parents bringing their young kids to see female athletes doing their thing and we make sure to take extra time after the game to make sure those young kids get to experience time with the players as well.
“Our Pride game was a massive turnout and that game with Adelaide was an exceptional one to watch.
“Hopefully solidifying some new fans [I know my crew from work that came got really into it].
“I would expect the Heated Rivalry series has also supported the interest in the sport and we aim to deliver an exceptional product to keep them coming!”
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