Ice and Mustangs enjoy early success

By Robert Bremner
Melbourne’s ice hockey sides have had a pleasing start to the 2014 AIHL season.  

A depleted Melbourne Ice went down to the reigning Goodall Cup champions Sydney Ice Dogs 9-2. Melbourne Mustangs however had no problem with the Ice Dogs scoring an upset 6-3 victory in style.

The Ice bounced back in the second week edging the Mustangs in a shootout 3-2. In front of a sold-out home crowd, Ice held up a vastly-improved Mustangs outfit with both teams signalling their intentions at taking out the 2014 Goodall Cup.

The Mustangs had the greater amount of opportunities in the nail-biting match having 38-29 shots but were unable to convert their chances.

While the Mustangs had the following week off, Ice was finding its best form. Melbourne travelled to Perth to take on the Thunder and left WA with another two wins under its belt.

They accounted for the Thunder with ease 3-0, before repeating that exact same score line again the next day.

This was the first time in six years that Melbourne Ice had kept a side goalless at their home arena. Ice joined Sydney Ice Dogs and Newcastle North Stars as the only side to have kept the Thunder goalless in a match.

Following their bye, Melbourne Mustangs clashed with the Ice Dogs. Once again, Melbourne came away with the points after a dominant 4-2 victory.  Ice also found success against the Ice Dogs with their victory  firmly placing Melbourne Ice at the top of the ladder, two points clear of the second placed Adrenaline.

The 5-2 breakthrough win was never in doubt with the Ice scoring the first four goals. Melbourne’s win is a welcome relief after they lost all five matches against Sydney last season including the semi final.

All teams were missing players in the first round due to international competition with the Roos currently at the International Ice Hockey Federation Division 2 World Championships in Serbia.

The season continues with both the Mustangs and the Ice engaging in a rematch at the Icehouse.