2023 AIHL season | |
---|---|
League | Australian Ice Hockey League |
Sport | Ice hockey |
Duration | 15 April 2023 – 13 August 2023 |
Regular season | |
H Newman Reid Trophy | CBR Brave (4th title) |
Top scorer | Scott Timmins (82 points) (Melbourne Mustangs) |
Goodall Cup | |
Champions | Melbourne Mustangs (2nd title) |
Runners-up | CBR Brave |
Finals MVP | Liam Hughes (Mustangs) |
The 2023 AIHL season was the 22nd season of the Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL). The season consisted of 130 regular season games from 15 April to 13 August 2023, with the Goodall Cup finals consisting of two play-in matches, two semi-finals, and a grand final, following the regular season on 26–27 August 2023. The CBR Brave and Sydney Bears claimed the Rurak and Hellyer conference trophies for finishing top of their respective conference standings. The CBR Brave also won the Premiership and claimed the H Newman Reid Trophy for a record fourth consecutive time by finishing top of the regular season standings. The Melbourne Mustangs won the Championship and claimed the Goodall Cup for the second time in their history, defeating the Brave in the grand final. The returning Central Coast Rhinos claimed the wooden spoon.
In 2023 the AIHL had 10 teams split into two conferences competing in the league. [1]
Hellyer Conference | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Team | City | Arena | Head Coach | Captain |
Melbourne Ice | Melbourne | O'Brien Icehouse | Kerry Goulet | Mackenzie Caruana |
Melbourne Mustangs | Melbourne | O'Brien Icehouse | Pat McMahon | Brendan McDowell |
Perth Thunder | Perth | Perth Ice Arena | Benjamin Breault | James Woodman |
Sydney Bears | Sydney | Macquarie Ice Rink | Ron Kuprowsky | Ryan Annesley |
Sydney Ice Dogs | Sydney | Macquarie Ice Rink | Jason Kvisle | Daniel Pataky |
Rurak Conference | ||||
Team | City | Arena | Head Coach | Captain |
Adelaide Adrenaline | Adelaide | IceArenA | Stu Henly | Joey MacDougall |
Brisbane Lightning | Brisbane | Boondall Iceworld | Terry Kiliwnik | Damian Bright |
CBR Brave | Canberra | Phillip Ice Skating Centre | Stuart Philps | Kai Miettinen |
Central Coast Rhinos | Central Coast | Erina Ice Arena | Ashley Marsh | Robert Malloy |
Newcastle Northstars | Newcastle | Hunter Ice Skating Stadium | Kevin Noble | Liam Manwarring |
The 2023 regular season fixture list was released publicly by the AIHL on 2 November 2022. [2] The AIHL Finals would be altered from 2022, moving to a two weekend format for the first time in league history. [1] League trophies would continue to be consistent with previous seasons, with the league champion awarded the historic Goodall Cup and league premier awarded the H Newman Reid Trophy. The League confirmed that the Adelaide Adrenaline and Perth Thunder would be returning to the league for 2023, after both teams pulled out of competing in 2022. The Adrenaline had secured a new venue agreement with the IceArenA, paving the way for their return. [3] While Western Australia no longer had any border restrictions, paving the way for the Thunder's return. [4] A new paid subscription streaming service named AIHL.TV was introduced by the AIHL for season 2023. [5] This marked the first time the league had ever brought in a paid streaming service for the regular season. All 130 regular season games and finals would be available live and on demand with yearly, monthly and weekly payment options. [6]
Following a successful 2022 exhibition schedule, the AIHL announced the Brisbane Lightning and Central Coast Rhinos had both been successful in obtaining full AIHL licences and would be officially joining the league and regular season for 2023. [7] [8] The two team expansion increased the league membership to ten teams for the first time, previously the highest membership number was nine teams in 2012. [9]
During pre-season, there had been discussions about the possibility for the Brisbane Rampage to join the league following the collapse of the Pacific Hockey League, [10] however the AIHL season schedule had already been organised and released publicly and season preparation had already advanced past the stage to accommodate a late addition. There was no public mention of exhibition games involving the Rampage and/or a pathway to obtaining a licence for the 2024 season. [11]
In the lead up to Season 2023, eight exhibition games were organised between different AIHL teams. The Mustangs and Ice organised a two game series for February and March 2023. The second of these games doubled as a charity event for The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne. [12] The Mustangs, Ice, O'Brien Icehouse and The District Docklands raised $30,109 for the hospital's Good Friday Appeal. The Brave and Lightning arranged a three game series to replace the missed series in August 2022 when the Brave pulled out due to preparations for the AIHL Finals. Two games would be played in Brisbane and one in Canberra. [13] The Central Coast Rhinos lined up three pre-season games. One against the Sydney Bears at Erina Ice Arena [14] and two against the Newcastle Northstars, one at Erina and one in Newcastle. [15] [16] In addition to the eight games, on 4 March 2023, the Melbourne Mustangs organised a delayed 10 year team anniversary reunion tournament involving current and former players, staff and supporters. The event saw 3 teams play in a round-robin tournament at O'Brien Icehouse. [17]
2023 AIHL exhibition games | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Date | Time | Away | Score | Home | Location | Recap |
25 Feb 2023 | 17:00 | Melbourne Ice | 3–1 | Melbourne Mustangs | O'Brien Icehouse | Ref |
4 Mar 2023 | 17:30 | CBR Brave | 5–4 | Brisbane Lightning | Boondall Iceworld | Ref |
5 Mar 2023 | 16:30 | CBR Brave | 6–0 | Brisbane Lightning | Boondall Iceworld | Ref |
25 Mar 2023 | 15:30 | Sydney Bears | 12–0 | Central Coast Rhinos | Erina Ice Arena | Ref |
31 Mar 2023 | 19:30 | Melbourne Mustangs | 6–2 | Melbourne Ice | O'Brien Icehouse | Ref |
1 Apr 2023 | 17:15 | Brisbane Lightning | 5–6 | CBR Brave | Phillip Ice Skating Centre | Ref |
1 Apr 2023 | 15:30 | Newcastle Northstars | 6–4 | Central Coast Rhinos | Erina Ice Arena | Ref |
2 Apr 2023 | 16:00 | Central Coast Rhinos | 3–10 | Newcastle Northstars | Hunter Ice Skating Stadium | Ref |
2023 team staff and coaching changes included: Sydney Ice Dogs appointing a new head coach, Jason Kvisle, and associate coach, Jimmy Dufour, after letting Czech coach, Ondrej Cervenka, leave the team. [18] [19] Melbourne Ice had a number of ins, outs and role changes at the team. Canadian Kerry Goulet was appointed head coach. [20] Sandy Gardner moved from head coach to assistant coach and is joined by Michael Flaherty and the rejoining Brent Laver. [21] Keira Dunwoody joins the Ice from the Melbourne Ducks and rounds out the coaching department. [21] In other team position changes at the Ice, Marie-Bernadette La Rose left her role as marketing manager after four years with the team, [22] while Erin Tempest and Trevor Dickson were appointed to the roles of Director Secretariate and Director of Hockey Operations respectively. [23] [24] Melbourne Mustangs confirmed last season's head coach, Canadian Chris Lawrence would be returning to the team in 2023, but on the playing roster, so the Mustangs replaced Lawrence with American Pat McMahon, who had previous experience with Victorian junior teams and the Melbourne Ducks in the PHL in 2022. [25] Brisbane Lightning's admission into the AIHL brought with it early pre-season changes at the team. Peter Holmes joined the Lightning as general manager and governor, replacing the outgoing Josh Labrie (GM) and Matthew Meyer (governor). [26] Ash Jackson was then brought into the team in December 2022 as the new Director of Marketing, Media and Publicity. Ash has previous marketing campaign experience with the 2022 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup and overseen projects with the AFL, FIFA and the ICC. [27] Melbourne Mustangs and head coach Patrick McMahon parted ways in July 2023 due to unforeseen circumstances that required him to travel home to America. [28]
All player transfers by the ten AIHL teams for season 2023. [29] [30] [31] [32] [33] [34] [35] [36] [37] [38]
New signings
| Players lost
|
The 2023 regular season consists of 130 games that are scheduled to run from 15 April 2023 to 13 August 2023. For the first time since 2012, the AIHL regular season sees teams split into two conferences. Teams will play a total of 26 regular season games, playing each team in their conference four times (two at home and two away) and playing teams outside their conference twice. [39] In May 2023, the game between Brisbane Lightning and Newcastle Northstars, scheduled for Hunter Ice Skating Stadium, had to be postponed due to luggage issues with the airline. [40] In June 2023, the Sydney Bears were found to have accidentally breached the AIHL player cap regulations and penalised three competition points. [41] The postponed Northstars vs Lightning game from May was rescheduled for 30 July 2023. [42]
April | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Game # | Date | Time | Away | Score | Home | Location | Recap |
1 | 15 Apr 2023 | 15:30 | Brisbane Lightning | 17–0 | Central Coast Rhinos | Erina Ice Arena | |
2 | 15 Apr 2023 | 16:30 | Adelaide Adrenaline | 2–6 | Perth Thunder | Perth Ice Arena | |
3 | 15 Apr 2023 | 17:00 | Newcastle Northstars | 0–11 | Melbourne Mustangs | O’Brien Icehouse | |
4 | 15 Apr 2023 | 17:00 | Sydney Bears | 6–3 | Sydney Ice Dogs | Macquarie Ice Rink | |
5 | 16 Apr 2023 | 14:00 | Newcastle Northstars | 4–8 | Melbourne Ice | O’Brien Icehouse | |
6 | 16 Apr 2023 | 15:30 | CBR Brave | 5–3 | Central Coast Rhinos | Erina Ice Arena | |
7 | 16 Apr 2023 | 17:00 | Brisbane Lightning | 5–8 | Sydney Ice Dogs | Macquarie Ice Rink | |
8 | 22 Apr 2023 | 16:30 | Central Coast Rhinos | 0–15 | Brisbane Lightning | Iceworld Boondall | |
9 | 22 Apr 2023 | 16:30 | Sydney Bears | 6–3 | Adelaide Adrenaline | IceArenA | |
10 | 22 Apr 2023 | 17:00 | Perth Thunder | 4–2 | Melbourne Ice | O’Brien Icehouse | |
11 | 22 Apr 2023 | 17:30 | Sydney Ice Dogs | 2–3 (OT) | CBR Brave | Phillip Ice Skating Centre | |
12 | 23 Apr 2023 | 14:00 | Perth Thunder | 4–5 | Melbourne Mustangs | O’Brien Icehouse | |
13 | 23 Apr 2023 | 16:30 | Central Coast Rhinos | 0–6 | Brisbane Lightning | Iceworld Boondall | |
14 | 23 Apr 2023 | 17:00 | CBR Brave | 2–8 | Sydney Bears | Macquarie Ice Rink | |
15 | 28 Apr 2023 | 19:30 | Melbourne Ice | 1–7 | Melbourne Mustangs | O’Brien Icehouse | |
16 | 29 Apr 2023 | 15:30 | Adelaide Adrenaline | 9–3 | Central Coast Rhinos | Erina Ice Arena | |
17 | 29 Apr 2023 | 16:30 | Brisbane Lightning | 2–5 | Perth Thunder | Perth Ice Arena | |
18 | 29 Apr 2023 | 17:00 | Newcastle Northstars | 3–2 | Sydney Bears | Macquarie Ice Rink | |
19 | 29 Apr 2023 | 17:00 | CBR Brave | 7–1 | Melbourne Ice | O’Brien Icehouse | |
20 | 30 Apr 2023 | 14:00 | CBR Brave | 2–3 (SO) | Melbourne Mustangs | O’Brien Icehouse | |
21 | 30 Apr 2023 | 15:30 | Adelaide Adrenaline | 7–2 | Central Coast Rhinos | Erina Ice Arena | |
May | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Game # | Date | Time | Away | Score | Home | Location | Recap |
22 | 5 May 2023 | 19:30 | Sydney Ice Dogs | 2–6 | Sydney Bears | Macquarie Ice Rink | |
23 | 6 May 2023 | 16:30 | Melbourne Mustangs | 2–1 | Perth Thunder | Perth Ice Arena | |
24 | 6 May 2023 | 16:30 | Adelaide Adrenaline | 3–8 | Brisbane Lightning | Iceworld Boondall | |
25 | 6 May 2023 | 17:00 | Melbourne Ice | 4–7 | Sydney Bears | Macquarie Ice Rink | |
26 | 6 May 2023 | 17:30 | Newcastle Northstars | 3–4 | CBR Brave | Phillip Ice Skating Centre | |
27 | 7 May 2023 | 16:00 | Central Coast Rhinos | 3–13 | Newcastle Northstars | Hunter Ice Skating Stadium | |
28 | 7 May 2023 | 16:30 | Melbourne Mustangs | 4–5 | Perth Thunder | Perth Ice Arena | |
29 | 7 May 2023 | 16:30 | Adelaide Adrenaline | 2–5 | Brisbane Lightning | Iceworld Boondall | |
30 | 7 May 2023 | 17:00 | Melbourne Ice | 5–3 | Sydney Ice Dogs | Macquarie Ice Rink | |
31 | 13 May 2023 | 15:30 | CBR Brave | 9–1 | Central Coast Rhinos | Erina Ice Arena | |
32 | 13 May 2023 | 16:30 | Newcastle Northstars | 4–2 | Perth Thunder | Perth Ice Arena | |
33 | 13 May 2023 | 16:30 | Sydney Ice Dogs | 5–4 | Adelaide Adrenaline | IceArenA | |
34 | 13 May 2023 | 17:00 | Brisbane Lightning | 3–8 | Melbourne Mustangs | O’Brien Icehouse | |
35 | 14 May 2023 | 14:00 | Brisbane Lightning | 6–2 | Melbourne Ice | O’Brien Icehouse | |
36 | 14 May 2023 | 17:00 | Central Coast Rhinos | 2–5 | Sydney Bears | Macquarie Ice Rink | |
37 | 20 May 2023 | 16:30 | Perth Thunder | 6–7 (SO) | Brisbane Lightning | Iceworld Boondall | |
38 | 20 May 2023 | 17:00 | Sydney Bears | 7–3 | Melbourne Ice | O’Brien Icehouse | |
39 | 20 May 2023 | 17:00 | CBR Brave | 4–1 | Sydney Ice Dogs | Macquarie Ice Rink | |
40 | 20 May 2023 | 17:00 | Central Coast Rhinos | 4–8 | Newcastle Northstars | Hunter Ice Skating Stadium | |
41 | 21 May 2023 | 14:00 | Sydney Bears | 3–1 | Melbourne Mustangs | O’Brien Icehouse | |
42 | 26 May 2023 | 19:30 | Melbourne Mustangs | 9–2 | Melbourne Ice | O’Brien Icehouse | |
43 | 27 May 2023 | 16:30 | Melbourne Ice | 11–3 | Adelaide Adrenaline | IceArenA | |
44 | 27 May 2023 | 17:00 | Perth Thunder | 4–9 | Melbourne Mustangs | O’Brien Icehouse | |
45 | 27 May 2023 | 17:00 | Central Coast Rhinos | 4–6 | Sydney Ice Dogs | Macquarie Ice Rink | |
– | 27 May 2023 | 17:00 | Brisbane Lightning | Postponed | Newcastle Northstars | Hunter Ice Skating Stadium | |
47 | 27 May 2023 | 17:30 | Sydney Bears | 3–2 | CBR Brave | Phillip Ice Skating Centre | |
48 | 28 May 2023 | 14:00 | Perth Thunder | 6–2 | Melbourne Ice | O’Brien Icehouse | |
49 | 28 May 2023 | 15:00 | Brisbane Lightning | 5–8 | Newcastle Northstars | Hunter Ice Skating Stadium | |
June | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Game # | Date | Time | Away | Score | Home | Location | Recap |
50 | 3 Jun 2023 | 16:30 | Central Coast Rhinos | 2–7 | Perth Thunder | Perth Ice Arena | |
51 | 3 Jun 2023 | 17:00 | Sydney ice Dogs | 5–9 | Melbourne Ice | O’Brien Icehouse | |
52 | 3 Jun 2023 | 17:00 | Adelaide Adrenaline | 2–6 | Sydney Bears | Macquarie Ice Rink | |
53 | 3 Jun 2023 | 17:30 | Brisbane Lightning | 5–9 | CBR Brave | Phillip Ice Skating Centre | |
54 | 4 Jun 2023 | 14:00 | Sydney Ice Dogs | 8–9 (OT) | Melbourne Mustangs | O’Brien Icehouse | |
55 | 4 Jun 2023 | 15:00 | Adelaide Adrenaline | 5–6 | Newcastle Northstars | Hunter Ice Skating Stadium | |
56 | 4 Jun 2023 | 16:00 | Brisbane Lightning | 2–7 | CBR Brave | Phillip Ice Skating Centre | |
57 | 10 Jun 2023 | 16:30 | Melbourne Ice | 11–9 | Brisbane Lightning | Iceworld Boondall | |
58 | 10 Jun 2023 | 16:30 | Central Coast Rhinos | 6–3 | Adelaide Adrenaline | IceArenA | |
59 | 10 Jun 2023 | 17:00 | Perth Thunder | 3–1 | Sydney Bears | Macquarie Ice Rink | |
60 | 10 Jun 2023 | 17:00 | Melbourne Mustangs | 2–5 | Newcastle Northstars | Hunter Ice Skating Stadium | |
61 | 11 Jun 2023 | 12:30 | Central Coast Rhinos | 6–5 (OT) | Adelaide Adrenaline | IceArenA | |
62 | 11 Jun 2023 | 15:00 | Perth Thunder | 5–6 | Newcastle Northstars | Hunter Ice Skating Stadium | |
63 | 11 Jun 2023 | 16:00 | Melbourne Mustangs | 2–8 | CBR Brave | Phillip Ice Skating Centre | |
64 | 11 Jun 2023 | 17:00 | Melbourne Ice | 4–8 | Sydney Ice Dogs | Macquarie Ice Rink | |
65 | 17 Jun 2023 | 15:30 | Melbourne Ice | 14–8 | Central Coast Rhinos | Erina Ice Arena | |
66 | 17 Jun 2023 | 16:30 | Brisbane Lightning | 0–4 | Adelaide Adrenaline | IceArenA | |
67 | 17 Jun 2023 | 17:00 | Perth Thunder | 6–1 | Sydney Ice Dogs | Macquarie Ice Rink | |
68 | 17 Jun 2023 | 17:30 | Newcastle Northstars | 4–5 | CBR Brave | Phillip Ice Skating Centre | |
69 | 18 Jun 2023 | 12:30 | Brisbane Lightning | 7–4 | Adelaide Adrenaline | IceArenA | |
70 | 18 Jun 2023 | 15:30 | Newcastle Northstars | 6–2 | Central Coast Rhinos | Erina Ice Arena | |
71 | 18 Jun 2023 | 16:00 | Melbourne Ice | 7–9 | CBR Brave | Phillip Ice Skating Centre | |
72 | 18 Jun 2023 | 17:00 | Perth Thunder | 6–5 | Sydney Bears | Macquarie Ice Rink | |
73 | 23 Jun 2023 | 19:30 | Melbourne Ice | 3–6 | Melbourne Mustangs | O’Brien Icehouse | |
74 | 24 Jun 2023 | 16:30 | CBR Brave | 7–4 | Perth Thunder | Perth Ice Arena | |
75 | 24 Jun 2023 | 16:30 | Sydney Bears | 4–2 | Brisbane Lightning | Iceworld Boondall | |
76 | 24 Jun 2023 | 17:00 | Central Coast Rhinos | 4–11 | Melbourne Ice | O’Brien Icehouse | |
77 | 24 Jun 2023 | 17:00 | Adelaide Adrenaline | 2–5 | Sydney Ice Dogs | Macquarie Ice Rink | |
78 | 25 Jun 2023 | 14:00 | Central Coast Rhinos | 3–4 | Melbourne Mustangs | O’Brien Icehouse | |
79 | 25 Jun 2023 | 15:00 | Adelaide Adrenaline | 2–11 | Newcastle Northstars | Hunter Ice Skating Stadium | |
July | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Game # | Date | Time | Away | Score | Home | Location | Recap |
80 | 1 Jul 2023 | 15:30 | Melbourne Mustangs | 9–7 | Central Coast Rhinos | Erina Ice Arena | |
81 | 1 Jul 2023 | 16:30 | CBR Brave | 7–3 | Brisbane Lightning | Iceworld Boondall | |
82 | 1 Jul 2023 | 16:30 | Perth Thunder | 6–2 | Adelaide Adrenaline | IceArenA | |
83 | 1 Jul 2023 | 17:00 | Melbourne Ice | 2–6 | Sydney Bears | Macquarie Ice Rink | |
84 | 1 Jul 2023 | 17:00 | Sydney Ice Dogs | 2–8 | Newcastle Northstars | Hunter Ice Skating Stadium | |
85 | 2 Jul 2023 | 15:00 | Melbourne Ice | 3–4 | Newcastle Northstars | Hunter Ice Skating Stadium | |
86 | 2 Jul 2023 | 15:30 | Sydney Ice Dogs | 9–5 | Central Coast Rhinos | Erina Ice Arena | |
87 | 2 Jul 2023 | 16:30 | CBR Brave | 9–2 | Brisbane Lightning | Iceworld Boondall | |
88 | 2 Jul 2023 | 17:00 | Melbourne Mustangs | 3–8 | Sydney Bears | Macquarie Ice Rink | |
89 | 8 Jul 2023 | 16:30 | Melbourne Ice | 4–5 | Perth Thunder | Perth Ice Arena | |
90 | 8 Jul 2023 | 16:30 | Melbourne Mustangs | 6–1 | Brisbane Lightning | Iceworld Boondall | |
91 | 8 Jul 2023 | 17:00 | Newcastle Northstars | 5–1 | Sydney Ice Dogs | Macquarie Ice Rink | |
92 | 8 Jul 2023 | 17:30 | Adelaide Adrenaline | 3–8 | CBR Brave | Phillip Ice Skating Centre | |
93 | 9 Jul 2023 | 16:00 | Adelaide Adrenaline | 1–8 | CBR Brave | Phillip Ice Skating Centre | |
94 | 9 Jul 2023 | 16:30 | Melbourne Ice | 7–5 | Perth Thunder | Perth Ice Arena | |
95 | 9 Jul 2023 | 17:00 | Melbourne Mustangs | 9–2 | Sydney Ice Dogs | Macquarie Ice Rink | |
96 | 14 Jul 2023 | 19:30 | Sydney Bears | 7–1 | Sydney Ice Dogs | Macquarie Ice Rink | |
97 | 15 Jul 2023 | 16:30 | Newcastle Northstars | 9–5 | Adelaide Adrenaline | IceArenA | |
98 | 15 Jul 2023 | 17:00 | Melbourne Mustangs | 6–4 | Sydney Bears | Macquarie Ice Rink | |
99 | 15 Jul 2023 | 17:30 | Perth Thunder | 4–3 | CBR Brave | Phillip Ice Skating Centre | |
100 | 16 Jul 2023 | 12:30 | Newcastle Northstars | 5–2 | Adelaide Adrenaline | IceArenA | |
101 | 16 Jul 2023 | 17:00 | Melbourne Mustangs | 5–2 | Sydney Ice Dogs | Macquarie Ice Rink | |
102 | 21 Jul 2023 | 19:30 | Melbourne Mustangs | 11–4 | Melbourne Ice | O’Brien Icehouse | |
103 | 22 Jul 2023 | 16:30 | Sydney Ice Dogs | 2–11 | Perth Thunder | Perth Ice Arena | |
104 | 22 Jul 2023 | 16:30 | Newcastle Northstars | 5–8 | Brisbane Lightning | Iceworld Boondall | |
105 | 22 Jul 2023 | 17:00 | Sydney Bears | 4–2 | Melbourne Mustangs | O’Brien Icehouse | |
106 | 23 Jul 2023 | 14:00 | Sydney Bears | 9–7 | Melbourne Ice | O’Brien Icehouse | |
107 | 23 Jul 2023 | 16:00 | Central Coast Rhinos | 0–10 | CBR Brave | Phillip Ice Skating Centre | |
108 | 23 Jul 2023 | 16:30 | Sydney Ice Dogs | 2–7 | Perth Thunder | Perth Ice Arena | |
109 | 23 Jul 2023 | 16:30 | Newcastle Northstars | 6–5 (SO) | Brisbane Lightning | Iceworld Boondall | |
110 | 29 Jul 2023 | 15:30 | Perth Thunder | 13–1 | Central Coast Rhinos | Erina Ice Arena | |
111 | 29 Jul 2023 | 17:00 | Adelaide Adrenaline | 2–5 | Melbourne Mustangs | O’Brien Icehouse | |
112 | 29 Jul 2023 | 17:00 | Sydney Ice Dogs | 3–5 | Sydney Bears | Macquarie Ice Rink | |
113 | 29 Jul 2023 | 17:00 | CBR Brave | 6–2 | Newcastle Northstars | Hunter Ice Skating Stadium | |
114 | 30 Jul 2023 | 14:00 | Adelaide Adrenaline | 5–7 | Melbourne Ice | O’Brien Icehouse | |
46 | 30 Jul 2023 | 15:00 | Brisbane Lightning | 4–7 | Newcastle Northstars | Hunter Ice Skating Stadium | |
115 | 30 Jul 2023 | 15:30 | Sydney Bears | 4–2 | Central Coast Rhinos | Erina Ice Arena | |
116 | 30 Jul 2023 | 17:00 | Perth Thunder | 8–4 | Sydney Ice Dogs | Macquarie Ice Rink | |
August | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Game # | Date | Time | Away | Score | Home | Location | Recap |
117 | 5 Aug 2023 | 15:30 | Brisbane Lightning | 20–1 | Central Coast Rhinos | Erina Ice Arena | |
118 | 5 Aug 2023 | 16:30 | CBR Brave | 13–3 | Adelaide Adrenaline | IceArenA | |
119 | 5 Aug 2023 | 17:00 | Sydney Ice Dogs | 8–10 | Melbourne Ice | O’Brien Icehouse | |
120 | 5 Aug 2023 | 17:00 | Sydney Bears | 6–5 | Newcastle Northstars | Hunter Ice Skating Stadium | |
121 | 6 Aug 2023 | 12:30 | CBR Brave | 6–2 | Adelaide Adrenaline | IceArenA | |
122 | 6 Aug 2023 | 14:00 | Sydney Ice Dogs | 3–7 | Melbourne Mustangs | O’Brien Icehouse | |
123 | 6 Aug 2023 | 15:30 | Newcastle Northstars | 18–5 | Central Coast Rhinos | Erina Ice Arena | |
124 | 6 Aug 2023 | 17:00 | Brisbane Lightning | 4–6 | Sydney Bears | Macquarie Ice Rink | |
125 | 12 Aug 2023 | 16:30 | Sydney Bears | 3–2 | Perth Thunder | Perth Ice Arena | |
126 | 12 Aug 2023 | 16:30 | Sydney Ice Dogs | 8–5 | Brisbane Lightning | Iceworld Boondall | |
127 | 12 Aug 2023 | 16:30 | Melbourne Mustangs | 2–5 | Adelaide Adrenaline | IceArenA | |
128 | 12 Aug 2023 | 17:30 | Central Coast Rhinos | 1–12 | CBR Brave | Phillip Ice Skating Centre | |
129 | 13 Aug 2023 | 16:00 | CBR Brave | 5–7 | Newcastle Northstars | Hunter Ice Skating Stadium | |
130 | 13 Aug 2023 | 16:30 | Sydney Bears | 1–6 | Perth Thunder | Perth Ice Arena | |
Key:
Winner |
Pos | Team | Pld | W | OTW | OTL | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification or relegation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | CBR Brave (P) | 26 | 20 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 170 | 77 | +93 | 63 | 2023 Goodall Cup Finals |
2 | Sydney Bears | 26 | 21 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 132 | 81 | +51 | 60 | |
3 | Newcastle Northstars | 26 | 18 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 162 | 112 | +50 | 56 | |
4 | Melbourne Mustangs | 26 | 17 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 147 | 94 | +53 | 55 | |
5 | Perth Thunder | 26 | 17 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 141 | 90 | +51 | 52 | |
6 | Melbourne Ice | 26 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 16 | 144 | 165 | −21 | 30 | |
7 | Brisbane Lightning | 26 | 9 | 1 | 1 | 15 | 156 | 136 | +20 | 30 | 2023 Goodall Cup Finals |
8 | Sydney Ice Dogs | 26 | 7 | 0 | 2 | 17 | 104 | 159 | −55 | 23 | |
9 | Adelaide Adrenaline | 26 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 21 | 90 | 162 | −72 | 13 | |
10 | Central Coast Rhinos | 26 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 24 | 75 | 245 | −170 | 5 |
Pos | Team | Pld | W | OTW | OTL | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification or relegation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Sydney Bears | 26 | 21 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 132 | 81 | +51 | 60 | 2023 Goodall Cup Finals |
2 | Melbourne Mustangs | 26 | 17 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 147 | 94 | +53 | 55 | |
3 | Perth Thunder | 26 | 17 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 141 | 90 | +51 | 52 | |
4 | Melbourne Ice | 26 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 16 | 144 | 165 | −21 | 30 | |
5 | Sydney Ice Dogs | 26 | 7 | 0 | 2 | 17 | 104 | 159 | −55 | 23 |
Pos | Team | Pld | W | OTW | OTL | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification or relegation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | CBR Brave | 26 | 20 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 170 | 77 | +93 | 63 | 2023 Goodall Cup Finals |
2 | Newcastle Northstars | 26 | 18 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 162 | 112 | +50 | 56 | |
3 | Brisbane Lightning | 26 | 9 | 1 | 1 | 15 | 156 | 136 | +20 | 30 | |
4 | Adelaide Adrenaline | 26 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 21 | 90 | 162 | −72 | 13 | |
5 | Central Coast Rhinos | 26 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 24 | 75 | 245 | −170 | 5 |
2023 AIHL season top-ten skater statistics for points, goals, assists and penalty minutes. [43]
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2023 AIHL season top-ten1 goaltender statistics for goals against average and save percentage. [44]
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Each week the AIHL, through sponsorship, names a player of the week. [45]
The award is based on the following criteria:
Round | Awarded to | Pos | Ref |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Jordan McTaggart | F | Ref |
2 | Michael Schlamp | F | Ref |
3 | Charlie Smart | G | Ref |
4 | Alexandre Tetreault | G | Ref |
5 | Strat Allen | F | Ref |
6 | Thomas Steven | F | Ref |
7 | Vadim Virjassov | F | Ref |
8 | Casey Kubara | F | Ref |
9 | Robert Malloy | D | Ref |
10 | Chris Schutz | F | Ref |
11 | Sebastian Woodlands | G | Ref |
12 | Wehebe Darge | F | Ref |
13 | Thomas Flack | F | Ref |
14 | Riley Klugerman | F | Ref |
15 | Jordan Kyros | F | Ref |
16 | Benjamin Breault | F | Ref |
Below lists the 2023 AIHL regular season award winners. [46] With no official local player award for 2023, AIHL Fans conducted a community poll on Facebook and awarded Perth Thunder's Jordan Kyros AIHL Fans Local Player of the Year award for 2023. Kyros claimed 15% of all votes after a breakout season where he scored 36 points in 26 games. [47]
Award | Name | Team |
---|---|---|
MVP | Scott Timmins | Melbourne Mustangs |
Goaltender | Andrew Masters | Central Coast Rhinos |
Defenceman | Ty Wishart | Melbourne Mustangs |
Local | Not awarded | |
Rookie | Riley Klugerman | Newcastle Northstars |
Coach | Benjamin Breault | Perth Thunder |
For season 2023, the AIHL adopted a new two weekend Finals format. [39] The new format involved two play-in finals games during the first weekend and then two semi-finals and grand final in the second weekend. The new format involved single elimination games, with the losing team eliminated and winning team advancing to the next round. Participating teams in the AIHL Finals increased from four to six for the first time in league history. Qualification for Finals involved the highest three ranking teams from each AIHL regular season conference (Hellyer and Rurak). The top ranked teams from each conference would automatically qualify for the semi-finals, with the second and third ranked teams entering Finals at the play-in stage with a conference cross-over. The winner of Finals would continue to be named AIHL Champions and lift the historic Goodall Cup, just as it has been in previous seasons. [48]
Melbourne's O'Brien Icehouse and Newcastle's Hunter Ice Skating Stadium were selected as host venues for the 2023 AIHL Finals. Newcastle hosting one of the play-in games and Melbourne hosting the other play-in as well as the second weekend. Following the conclusion of the 2023 AIHL regular season, the CBR Brave and Sydney Bears finished top of their respective conferences to directly qualify for the semi-finals in Melbourne in week two. The Melbourne Mustangs, Newcastle Northstars, Perth Thunder and Brisbane Lightning qualified for the play-ins in week one. The Northstars would play the Thunder in Newcastle and the Mustangs would play the Lightning in Melbourne. [48] In week one, the Mustangs and Thunder won their respective play-in finals to advance to the semi-finals in week two. In week two, on Saturday, the Mustangs shutout the Bears in semi-final one to cause an upset, the Brave then eventually defeated the Thunder in semi-final two, after a lengthy player injury delay in the second period. On Sunday, the Brave faced-off with the hometown team the Mustangs in the grand final for the Goodall Cup. In a tightly contested game, the Mustangs prevailed and won 1–0, their second Finals shutout in a row. It was the Mustangs second ever Championship title and their first in nine years, since 2014 when they last won. [49] The Brave missed out on going back-to-back. Following the grand final, Melbourne Mustangs' Canadian gaoltender, Liam Hughes, was named Finals MVP for his heroic two shutouts. [50]
Play-ins | Semi-finals | Grand final | |||||||||||
26 August – Melbourne | |||||||||||||
20 August – Melbourne | 1 | Sydney Bears | 0 | ||||||||||
3 | Melbourne Mustangs | 8 | Melbourne Mustangs | 4 | 27 August – Melbourne | ||||||||
6 | Brisbane Lightning | 3 | Melbourne Mustangs | 1 | |||||||||
26 August – Melbourne | CBR Brave | 0 | |||||||||||
19 August – Newcastle | 2 | CBR Brave | 4 | ||||||||||
4 | Newcastle Northstars | 1 | Perth Thunder | 1 | |||||||||
5 | Perth Thunder | 4 | |||||||||||
All times are UTC+10:00
19 August 2023 17:00 | Newcastle Northstars | 1–4 (0–1, 1–0, 0–3) | Perth Thunder | Hunter Ice Skating Stadium |
Game reference | |||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Charles Smart | Goalies | Kristian Stead | Referees: Kent Unwin Mark Peruzzo Linesmen: Hayden Rogers Luke Power | ||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||
8 min | Penalties | 4 min | |||||||||||||||
47 | Shots | 39 |
20 August 2023 14:00 | Melbourne Mustangs | 8–3 (3–1, 2–2, 3–0) | Brisbane Lightning | O’Brien Icehouse |
Game reference | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Liam Hughes | Goalies | Steve Harris | Referees: Rob Love David Gal Linesmen: Russell Dow David Rehak | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
10 min | Penalties | 20 min | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
33 | Shots | 27 |
26 August 2023 14:00 | Sydney Bears | 0–4 (0–0, 0–1, 0–3) | Melbourne Mustangs | O’Brien Icehouse |
Game reference | ||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Anthony Kimlin | Goalies | Liam Hughes | Referees: David Gal Kent Unwin Linesmen: David Rehak Luke Power | |||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||
4 min | Penalties | 10 min | ||||||||||||
41 | Shots | 39 |
26 August 2023 18:30 | CBR Brave | 4–1 (2–1, 0–0, 2–0) | Perth Thunder | O’Brien Icehouse |
Game reference | |||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Aleksi Toivonen | Goalies | Kristian Stead | Referees: Rob Love Mark Peruzzo Linesmen: Russell Dow Hayden Rogers | ||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||
6 min | Penalties | 4 min | |||||||||||||||
50 | Shots | 39 |
27 August 2023 14:00 | Melbourne Mustangs | 1–0 (0–0, 1–0, 0–0) | CBR Brave | O’Brien Icehouse |
Game reference | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Liam Hughes | Goalies | Aleksi Toivonen | Referees: Kent Unwin David Gal Linesmen: Russell Dow Hayden Rogers | ||
| |||||
2 min | Penalties | 2 min | |||
22 | Shots | 33 |
The Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL) is Australia's top-level men's ice hockey league. Established in 2000, the AIHL is sanctioned by Ice Hockey Australia. The AIHL is a semi-professional league that is contested by ten franchised teams in two conferences spanning six Australian states and territories. AIHL premiers are awarded the H Newman Reid Trophy and AIHL champions are awarded the Goodall Cup, the world's third oldest ice hockey trophy, having been first awarded in 1909. The most successful team in AIHL history is the Newcastle Northstars, having claimed six championship titles. The current champions, from 2023, are the Melbourne Mustangs.
The Melbourne Ice is an Australian semi-professional ice hockey team from Melbourne, Victoria, based at the Icehouse in the Docklands precinct of central Melbourne. Founded in 2000, the Ice have been a member of the Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL) since 2002, and are four-time Goodall Cup champions and H Newman Reid Trophy premiers.
The Newcastle Northstars is an Australian semi-professional ice hockey team from Newcastle, New South Wales. The Northstars are a member of the Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL), joining as an expansion team in 2002. The team is based at the Hunter Ice Skating Stadium in Warners Bay, a suburb of Lake Macquarie, 15 kilometres south-west of Newcastle. The Northstars are affiliated with the ice hockey club of the same name. The team have won six Goodall Cups and five H Newman Reid Trophies, making them the most successful team in AIHL history.
The Adelaide Adrenaline is a semi-professional ice hockey team based in Adelaide, South Australia. The team is a member of the Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL). The team was founded in 2008 as the Adelaide A's to replace the defunct Adelaide Avalanche who folded mid-season. The team plays its home games at the IceArenA, located in the suburb of Thebarton. The Adrenaline are one time Goodall Cup champions from 2009.
The Sydney Ice Dogs is an Australian semi-professional ice hockey team from Sydney. Formed in 2002, the Ice Dogs are a member of the Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL). The Ice Dogs are two time Goodall Cup champions.
The Central Coast Rhinos is a semi-professional ice hockey team based in Erina, New South Wales, Australia. The team is a member of the Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL). The team was founded in 2005 as an expansion AIHL team and played in the league for four seasons between 2005 and 2008 The Rhinos left the league in 2009 and joined the Australian International Ice Hockey Cup, where it competed for four seasons between 2009 and 2012. Central Coast were granted a provisional AIHL licence in 2022 to play exhibitions and were successful in re-joining the AIHL in 2023. The Rhinos home venue is the Erina Ice Arena, located within the Erina Fair Shopping Centre on the New South Wales Central Coast.
The Melbourne Mustangs is an Australian semi-professional ice hockey team from Melbourne, Victoria. Formed in 2010, the Mustangs have been a member of the Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL) since 2011. The Mustangs are based at the O'Brien Icehouse in the Docklands district of Melbourne. The Mustangs are two time Goodall Cup and one time H Newman Reid Trophy winners.
The Perth Thunder is an Australian semi-professional ice hockey team from Perth, Western Australia. Founded in 2010, the Thunder have been a member of the Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL) since 2012. The Thunder are based at the Perth Ice Arena, located in the suburb of Malaga. Perth are one time Goodall Cup runners-up and two time H Newman Reid Trophy runners-up.
The Australian Women's Ice Hockey League (AWIHL) is Australia's top-tier women's ice hockey league. Established in 2005 as Australia's first women's national league, the AWIHL has amateur status and is sanctioned by Ice Hockey Australia. The AWIHL is currently contested by five teams from five Australian states, including South Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australia and Victoria. The league champion is awarded the Joan McKowen Memorial Trophy and the premier is awarded the Stephanie Boxall Trophy. The most successful team in AWIHL history is Melbourne Ice, who have claimed seven championship titles. The current champion, from 2019–20, is the Sydney Sirens, who claimed their second title.
The Canberra Brave is a semi-professional ice hockey team based in Canberra, ACT. The team is a member of the Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL). The team was founded in 2014 to replace the defunct Canberra Knights in the AIHL. Their home venue is the Phillip Ice Skating Centre known as The Brave Cave. The Brave have claimed two Goodall Cup championships and four H Newman Reid Trophy premierships.
The 2020 AIHL season was going to be the 21st season of the Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL). It was originally scheduled to run from 18 April 2020 until 23 August 2020, with the Goodall Cup finals following on 29 August and 30 August 2020. However, on 12 March 2020 the league announced the postponement of the 2020 season to a to be determined date due to COVID-19. Then on 29 July 2020, the AIHL commission's return to play committee announced the official cancellation of the 2020 AIHL season due to July COVID outbreaks on the east coast as well as continued border closures for WA and SA. This marked the first time the Goodall Cup was not awarded since 1993, when the competition was cancelled as a result of financial problems.
The 2014 CBR Brave season was the Brave's 1st season in the Australian Ice Hockey League since being founded in pre-season before the 2014 AIHL season. The season ran from 12 April 2014 to 30 August 2014 for the Brave. CBR finished third in their inaugural regular season behind the Melbourne Mustangs and Melbourne Ice. The Brave qualified for the AIHL Finals in Melbourne and played in semi-final two. Canberra were defeated by the Melbourne Ice, 1–6 in their semi-final match and were knocked out of the finals weekend, ending their season.
The 2021 AIHL season was going to be the 21st season of the Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL), following the cancellation of the 2020 season. However, on 2 February 2021, the AIHL announced the season would not go ahead, citing ongoing border restriction issues between different Australian states as the reason for the cancellation. For the second year in a row, the Goodall Cup would not be contested.
The 2022 AIHL season is the delayed 21st season of the Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL), following the cancellation of the 2020 and 2021 seasons. The season will consist of 60 regular season games and is scheduled to run from 30 April to 28 August 2022, with the Goodall Cup finals, consisting of 2 semi-finals, a preliminary final and a grand final, following the regular season on 2–4 September 2022. The CBR Brave won the double and claimed the H Newman Reid Trophy for a third time and Goodall Cup for a second time in 2022 by finishing top of the regular season standings and winning the AIHL grand final. The Newcastle Northstars were runner's up to both titles and the Sydney Ice Dogs claimed the wooden spoon.
The Brisbane Lightning is a semi-professional ice hockey team based in Brisbane, Queensland. The team is a member of the Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL). The team was founded in 2022 as an expansion AIHL team and are the first team based in Queensland since the Blue Tongues last competed in 2012. The Lightning's home venue is Iceworld Boondall and the team formally entered the AIHL regular season in 2023.
The 2022 CBR Brave season was the Brave's 7th season in the Australian Ice Hockey League since being founded and entering the league in 2014. Canberra completed the double by finishing first in the regular season and winning the grand final in the AIHL Finals, lifting the H Newman Reid Trophy for the third time and Goodall Cup for the second time in franchise history.
The 2022–23 AWIHL season is the 14th season of the Australian Women's Ice Hockey League (AWIHL). It runs from 5 November 2022 until 19 March 2023. Five teams compete in 30 regular season games followed by 4 playoff games, making up the AWIHL Finals weekend. The Sydney Sirens claimed the Joan McKowen Memorial Trophy championship title by winning the grand final. The Melbourne Ice claimed the Stephanie Boxall Trophy premiership title for finishing top of the regular season standings. The Sirens finished runner-up in the regular season and the Adelaide Rush claimed the wooden spoon.
The 2024 AIHL season is the 23nd season of the Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL). The season consists of 155 total games, split between the 150 games regular season and 5 game Goodall Cup Finals post-season. The regular season is scheduled to run from 6 April to 11 August 2024. The Finals are scheduled to run from 23–25 August 2024 in Melbourne, Australia.
The 2023–24 AWIHL season is the 15th season of the Australian Women's Ice Hockey League (AWIHL). It ran from 28 October 2023 until 10 March 2024. Five teams competed in 40 regular season games followed by 4 playoff games, making up the AWIHL Finals weekend. The Perth Inferno claimed the Gower Memorial Shield premiership title, their maiden title, for finishing top of the regular season standings. The Melbourne Ice claimed their eighth Joan McKowen Memorial Trophy championship title by winning the grand final. Perth Inferno collected silver with Adelaide Rush claimed bronze. Defending champions, the Sydney Sirens, claimed the wooden spoon.
The 2023 CBR Brave season was the Brave's 8th season in the Australian Ice Hockey League since being founded and entering the league in 2014. Canberra won a fourth consecutive premiership title and lifted the H Newman Reid Trophy, by finishing top of the regular season standings. The Brave also finished top of the newly formed Rurak Conference and held aloft the inaugural Rurak Conference Cup. Canberra finished second in the AIHL Finals, being beaten by the Melbourne Mustangs in the championship grand final in Melbourne to miss out on the Goodall Cup.