Melbourne Ice continues to dominate

By Robert Bremner

Melbourne Ice has taken out the inaugural Trans Tasman championship over the Newcastle North Stars on goal difference during the second weekend of July.

Both sides won their opening matches convincingly and were equal on points. The Ice needed to score more goals than the North Stars did against the Swarm to win and in a fiery clash they managed to outclass the New Zealand side 6-3.

The tournament will alter locations each year with the New Zealand playing host to next season’s championships.

The Mustangs ended June by travelling to Adelaide to take on the Adrenaline. They were annihilated 10-0. However, at the start of July the Mustangs turned the tables on Adelaide and came away with a gritty 3-2 win. The Mustangs then hosted the Bears but were unsuccessful and were well beaten.

Following this, The Mustangs took on the Ice in a sell-out clash at the Icehouse. The Ice ultimately prevailed 4-1. The next day, the Mustangs took on the Bauer conference leaders Newcastle and put in one of their best performances to cause a 5-3 upset.

The Ice started July in style with a 9-1 percentage-boosting win over the Ice Dogs. Following that, Melbourne travelled to Newcastle for the all-important top of the table clash. They were disappointing and were beaten 5-1. The following week they faced the lowly-placed Ice Dogs and barely got over the line winning 4-3.

With only the top two sides from each conference reaching the play-offs, a big final month of ice hockey awaits.

Melbourne Ice is almost certain to make it through, while the Mustangs are out of the race, being currently bottom of the Easton conference. Unfortunately for Melbourne fans, the play-offs will be held in Newcastle, so a NSW holiday is on the cards for those die-hard Ice fans!