Sydney Ice Dogs win Goodall Cup

By Robert Bremner

The Sydney Ice Dogs are the 2013 Australian Ice Hockey League champions after accounting for Newcastle North Stars 6-3 to take home the Goodall Cup at the Medibank Icehouse.  

The Ice Dogs finished on top of the ladder at the end of the home and away season and continued their form into the finals where they easily accounted for both Melbourne Ice in the semi-final and Newcastle in the grand final, ending the stranglehold Melbourne had held over the cup in the past few seasons.

The win broke a drought that leads back to 2004 since the Ice Dogs last won a championship which was also over the North Stars.

Todd Stephenson was a standout, scoring a hat trick in the grand final which ultimately helped his side to victory. Goalie Anthony Kimlin’s defensive efforts earned him the award of Most Valuable Player for the finals series.

Sydney burst out of the blocks scoring the first two goals to take a lead heading into the first break.

The North Stars briefly fought back in the second period but they were not able to hold back the Ice Dogs who slammed on the next four goals to put the match beyond doubt early in the final period.

Late goals to Newcastle added some respectability to the scoreboard but it was too little too late.

It was a great day for Sydney but a familiar story for Newcastle who were given the title of the bridesmaid for the third year running. Newcastle had lost to Melbourne Ice in the previous two seasons.  

The North Stars can take pride that while they didn’t win, this year made it 10 of the last 11 seasons that they have reached the play offs.

Both teams reached the grand final after winning their respective semi finals the previous day. The Ice Dogs reached the final after a comprehensive win over local hope Melbourne Ice.

The score line was dead even half way through the second period before Sydney’s class and good form saw them race away to a 4-0 lead. Melbourne fought back courageously but it wasn’t enough losing to the eventual premiers 4-2.

Newcastle’s playoffs experience proved too much for the young Perth Thunder who reached the playoffs in only their second year in the competition dominating their way to a 6-1 victory.