Sydney Bears

Last updated

Sydney Bears
Sydney Bears logo.png
City Macquarie Park, New South Wales
League Australian Ice Hockey League
ConferenceHellyer
Founded1 July 1982(42 years ago) (1982-07-01)
Home arena Macquarie Ice Rink
ColoursRed, black, white
   
General managerNathan Graham
Head coachVladimir Rubes
CaptainRyan Annesley
AffiliatesSydney Bears IHC (IHNSW)
Penrith Raptors (ECSL)
Sydney Sting (ECSL)
Sydney Bombers (ECSL)
Reach Rebels (ECSL)
Website bearsden.com.au
Franchise history
1982–1997Macquarie Bears
1997–2007Sydney Bears
2007–2009AIHL Bears
2010–presentSydney Bears
Championships
Conference titles2 (2023, 2024)
H Newman Reid Trophies 4 (2000, 2002, 2008, 2024)
Goodall Cups 3 (2002, 2007, 2019)
Hockey current event.svg Current season

The Sydney Bears (formerly Macquarie Bears) is an Australian semi-professional ice hockey team from Sydney, New South Wales. Established in 1982, the Bears are the only remaining founding member of the Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL) still operating. The Bears are based at Macquarie Ice Rink, within the Macquarie Centre, in the northern suburbs of Sydney. The Sydney Bears are three time Goodall Cup champions and four time H Newman Reid Trophy premiers.

Contents

History

Prior to AIHL

The Sydney Bears was founded on 1 July 1982 as the Macquarie Bears Ice Hockey Club Incorporated. The team was formed concurrently to the non-incorporated local ice hockey club sharing the same name. [1] The Bears were based out of the Macquarie Ice Rink. The club competed in the NSW Super League (NSWSL) and then the East Coast Super League (ECSL). [2] In 1989 the Bears claimed the NSWSL championship with star defenceman Glen Foll claiming top points scorer for the season. [3] In 1997 the club decided to change its name to the Sydney Bears Ice Hockey Club in preparation for a new national competition. [4] In September 1999, the Bears won the East Coast Super League after defeating the Canberra Knights in a two match grand final series held at Phillip Ice Skating Centre, Canberra. In game one, on 18 September, the Bears fought their way to a close a 6–5 victory over the hosts. In game two, on 19 September, Sydney's goalkeeper Alan Becken claimed a shutout as the Bears won 5–0. [5]

AIHL era

2000–10

Logo used from 2000 to 2007. Changed when the Bears moved to Penrith Sydney Bears team logo.jpg
Logo used from 2000 to 2007. Changed when the Bears moved to Penrith

In 2000, the Australian Ice Hockey league (AIHL) was established. [6] The league adopted a franchise arrangement for competing teams so the Sydney Bears set up their incorporation as The Bears AIHL Inc. and were granted an AIHL licence. [7]

The Sydney Bears claimed the inaugural AIHL season premiership by finishing top of the round-robin season involving the Bears, Adelaide Avalanche and Canberra Knights. The Bears were defeated by the Avalanche, 6–5 in a shootout in the single match championship final. [8]

The Sydney Bears backed up this performance and made the championship final in 2001. They were again defeated by the Adelaide Avalanche, 10–7. [9] The Bears did find success in the Goodall Cup tournament in 2001. Held in Newcastle, it was the last Goodall Cup tournament held independently to the AIHL. [7]

In 2002, the Bears had a breakout AIHL season. The team left Macquarie and moved to the new Sydney Ice Arena in Baulkham Hills. The league doubled in size to six teams and the Bears finished the season first in the table to claim their second premiership. They faced a familiar foe, Adelaide Avalanche, in the first Goodall Cup Final for the AIHL. [6] In Blacktown Ice Arena, the Bears defeated Adelaide 5–4 in a shootout to clinch the Goodall Cup and claim their first AIHL Championship. [10]

In 2003, the AIHL adopted a new finals format that involved the top four teams from the regular season. [6] The Sydney Bears were involved in and won the one and only third place play-off in an AIHL finals weekend. The Bears continued their rivalry with Adelaide and defeated them 10–5 in the match to claim third. From 2004 the AIHL tweaked the finals format to remove this match. [11]

The Bears next found success in 2007 and 2008. In 2007, the Sydney Bears changed their name to the AIHL Bears (or simply the Bears) as the team left Sydney for Penrith. [12] The team played out of the Penrith Ice Palace. The Bears won their second championship and Goodall Cup by defeating the Newcastle North Stars 3–2 in overtime in the final. [13] The Bears also won the inaugural Wilson Cup in 2007. [14] In 2008, the Bears claimed the H Newman Reid Trophy for the first time by finishing top of the league table ahead of the Western Sydney Ice Dogs. [15] The Bears also claimed back-to-back Wilson Cups after defeating the Ice Dogs in the pre-season tournament's final 6–4. [14]

2010–20

To start the new decade, in 2010, the team rebranded and changed their name back to the Sydney Bears. [12] The team switched between Penrith and Sydney Ice Arena over the course of seven seasons. [16] [17] In 2017, Macquarie Ice Rink, at a cost of $3 million, had been upgraded to AIHL standards providing the Bears the opportunity to return to their spiritual home. [1] The Bears, along with the Ice Dogs, moved into the newly renovated arena located within the Macquarie Centre. [18] The upgrade of Macquarie Ice Rink also brought back the Sydney Bears (IHNSW) club to Macquarie. Since the move in 2017, the AIHL team and the IHNSW club have increased cooperation and support between the two clubs. Ex AIHL Bear's players have been taking up coaching roles within the IHNSW club while the IHNSW Bears provides the AIHL team a pathway for local players. [19] In 2018, prior to the season starting, the Bears unveiled a new team logo to signify their return home to Macquarie. [20]

On the ice, the Bears struggled to find form. The team spent seven consecutive seasons failing to reach the AIHL finals weekend between 2011 and 2017. In 2018 the team's fortunes began to improve. The Bears finished second in the league and made their first appearance in the Goodall Cup final in eleven years. [21] They were defeated 4–3 in overtime by the CBR Brave but their display and spirit was praised. [22] In 2019, the Sydney Bears surprised many and went one better and clinched their third Goodall Cup. It was their second Cup success after finishing the regular season in fourth place. The Bears defeated the Perth Thunder, 5–2 in the final. [23]

Season-by-season results

Sydney Bears all-time record
SeasonRegular seasonFinalsWilson CupTop points scorer
PWTLOWOLGFGAGDPtsFinishPWLGFGAResultPreliminary FinalSemi FinalGoodall Cup FinalNamePoints
2000 Information not available1st10156Runner-upLost 5–6 (SO) (Avalanche)Information not available
2001 167187074−4152nd11107Runner-upLost 7–10 (Avalanche)Information not available
2002 20161312669+57331st1110ChampionWon 5–4 (SO) (Avalanche) Flag of Australia (converted).svg Murray Wand27
2003 [lower-alpha 1] 201288472+12263rd2111412Third [lower-alpha 2] Lost 4–7 (North Stars) Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Vladimir Rubes14
2004 20816146871−3313rd1145Semi-finalistLost 4–5 (Ice Dogs) Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Trent Ulmer24
2005 2611122196100−4384th1136Semi-finalistLost 3–6 (Avalanche) Flag of the United States.svg Andy Luhovy33
2006 28151111133101+32485th Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Vladan Stransky57
2007 281484211284+2849 [lower-alpha 3] 4th2273ChampionWon 4–1 (Avalanche)Won 3–2 (OT) (North Stars)Winner Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Tomas Landa62
2008 282071134118+16611st1157Semi-finalistLost 5–7 (North Stars)Winner Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Vladan Stransky63
2009 24120366140−7497thGroup Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Vladimir Rubes36
2010 24128138290−8413rd1112Semi-finalistLost 1–2 (Ice) Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Vladimir Rubes34
2011 282212383151−68138th Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Michael Schlamp45
2012 24912219293−1326th Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Tomas Landa58
2013 28720173120−47227th Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Tomas Landa33
2014 2861 [lower-alpha 4] 191188125−57228thGroup Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Hamilton Steen31
2015 28111412110110+0377thRunner-up Flag of the United States.svg Joe Harcharik52
2016 28515537795−18286thWinner Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Tomas Landa33
2017 2861433101121−20336thWinner Flag of the United States.svg Jackson Brewer45
2018 281573310472+32542nd21164Runner-upWon 3–0 (Thunder)Lost 3–4 (OT) (Brave)Runner-up Flag of the United States.svg Charlie Adams54
2019 2815112121102+19494th220116ChampionWon 6–4 (Brave)Won 5–2) (Thunder)Winner Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Danick Gauthier53
2020 2020 and 2021 AIHL seasons were cancelled and not contested
2021
2022 20108210593+12343rd211107Prelim-finalistWon 7–3 (Mustangs)Lost 3–4 (OT) (Northstars) [lower-alpha 5] Winner Flag of Australia (converted).svg Tomas Landa38
2023 2621513281+5160 [lower-alpha 6] 2nd10104Semi-finalistLost 0–4 (Mustangs)Winner Flag of the United States.svg Ace Cowans33
2024 3023511166103+63721st10125Semi-finalistLost 2–5 (Brave)Winner Flag of the United States.svg Adam Kadlec70
2025
Totals5582464242343022232185+38199107974

Notes:

  1. 2003 AIHL season statistics are unofficial. The AIHL has not published official statistics on www.theaihl.com. Data has been collected from web archives of the Newcastle Northstars and Ice Hockey Australia game reports.
  2. 2003 was the one and only season where a third place play-off was contested as part of the finals format for the AIHL. The Sydney Bears defeated the Adelaide Avalanche 10–5 in the third place play-off to clinch third.
  3. The Bears were penalised 3 competition points for icing players that had not been officially cleared to play by the IIHF and IHA.
  4. As of the 2006 AIHL season, all games have a winner, which eliminated the tie from the league. In 2014 due to the cancellation of a game against Adelaide Adrenaline, the AIHL declared the result a tie.
  5. In 2022, the preliminary Final was the second game of the Finals format rather than the first, as it was in following seasons. The Bears qualified for the preliminary-final after winning the minor semi-final and played the loser of the major semi-final for a spot in the grand final.
  6. The Bears were penalised 3 competition points on 26 July 2023 for breaching import player rules under the AIHL's player points policy. The Bears accidentally had more than the allowed import players on their active roster at a single time.

Notes References: [24] [25] [26] [27] [28] [29]

ChampionsRunners-upThird place

Championships

Gold medal icon.svgChampions (3): 2002, 2007, 2019
Silver medal icon.svg Runners-Up (3): 2000, 2001, 2018
Gold medal icon.svgPremiers (2): 2008, 2024
Silver medal icon.svg Runners-Up (2): 2018, 2023
Gold medal icon.svgWinners (2): 2023, 2024
Gold medal icon.svgWinners (8): 2007, 2008, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024
Silver medal icon.svg Runners-Up (2): 2015, 2018
Gold medal icon.svgPremiers (2): 2000, 2002
Silver medal icon.svg Runners-Up (1): 2001
Gold medal icon.svgChampions (1): 1999
Gold medal icon.svgChampions (1): 1989
1This list includes Premierships prior to the first trophy for Premiers in 2004.

Players

Current roster

Team roster for the 2024 AIHL season. [30] [31]

Active RosterInactive RosterCoaching staff
Goaltenders
  • 33 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Dane Brumm (I)
  • 31 Flag of Australia (converted).svg James Downie
  • 28 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Anthony Kimlin
  • 55 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Gabriel Robledo

Defencemen

  • 16 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Ryan Annesley (C)
  • 97 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Tyerell Clare
  • 95 Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Richard Crowe (I)
  •  2 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Brian Funes (A)
  • 13 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Joey Gunner
  • 18 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Kenshin Hayashi
  • 52 Flag of Japan.svg Kenta Matsukane (I)
  • 44 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Nathan Moncrieff
  • 25 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Geoff O'Hara
  • 88 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Tyrone Oxlade
  • 41 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Mac Tutton
Forwards
  • 91 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Jeremy Brücker
  • 96 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Scott Clemie
  • 43 Flag of New Zealand.svg Chris Eaden
  • 84 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Adrian Esposito
  • 23 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Jeremy Granger
  • 54 Flag of the United States.svg Lucas Herrmann (I)
  •  6 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Eugene Ju
  • 80 Flag of the United States.svg Adam Kadlec (I)
  •  7 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Chris Kushneriuk (I)
  • 24 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Tomas Landa
  • 21 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Brody Lindal
  • 37 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Carson Miller (I)
  • 19 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Noah Moncrieff
  •  8 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Thomas Moncrieff
  • 77 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Tim Newmark
  • 10 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Taegan Rippon
  • 11 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Michael Schlamp (A)
  • 93 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Colby Shumak
  • -- Flag of Australia (converted).svg Greg Davis(G)(EBUG)
  • -- Flag of Australia (converted).svg Samuel Poole(G)(EBUG)
  • -- Flag of Australia (converted).svg Max Portnov(F)(DNP)
  • -- Flag of Australia (converted).svg Jake Riley(F)(DL)
  • -- Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Shawn Rooke(F)(I)(DL)
  • -- Flag of Finland.svg Samuli Vainionpää(F)(I)(DL)
Head Coach
  • Flag of Australia (converted).svg Vladimir Rubes (Jul-Aug)
  • Flag of the United States.svg Tyler Huberty (Apr-Jun)

Coaches

  • Flag of Australia (converted).svg Ryan Annesley (AC)
  • Flag of Australia (converted).svg Gabriel Robledo (AC)
  • Flag of Australia (converted).svg Logan Russell (AC)
  • Flag of Australia (converted).svg Rhye Kolodynski (TM)
  • Flag of Australia (converted).svg Lee Moncrieff (EM)



Legend
(C) Captain
(A) Alternate Captain
(I) Import player



Statistics
Average age: 28.9
Average height: 181.8 cm
Average weight: 85.2 kg
Locals: 26
Imports: 7

Last updated on: 25 June 2022
Elite Prospects

Player records

These are the top-ten all-time player records in franchise history for the following categories: Appearances, [32] Goals, [33] Assists, [34] Points, [35] Penalty minutes [36]
(Figures are updated after each completed AIHL regular season)

As of 2024 AIHL Season
All-time Appearances
#NamePosGP
1 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Adrian EspositoF327
2 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Vladimir RubesF299
3 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Michael SchlampD291
4 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Brett Nelson-BondF270
5 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Tomas LandaF194
6 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Tyerell ClareD194
7 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Paul ShumakF187
8 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Murray WandD180
9 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Brian FunesD178
10 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Steven AdamsD151
All-time Goals
#NamePosG
1 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Vladimir RubesF176
2 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Tomas LandaF142
3 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Michael SchlampD128
4 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Vladan StranskyF101
5 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Murray WandD77
6 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Brett Nelson-BondF54
7 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Roberto FranchiniF43
8 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Thomas StevenF37
9 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Cameron ToddF36
10 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Paul ShumakF34
All-time Assists
#NamePosA
1 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Vladimir RubesF270
2 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Tomas LandaF212
3 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Michael SchlampD196
4 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Vladan StranskyF154
5 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Ryan AnnesleyF122
6 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Murray WandD84
7 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Brett Nelson-BondF63
8 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Tyerell ClareD60
9 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Jeremy BrückerF55
10 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Roberto FranchiniF53
All-time Points
#NamePosPts
1 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Vladimir RubesF446
2 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Tomas LandaF354
3 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Michael SchlampD324
4 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Vladan StranskyF255
5 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Murray WandD161
6 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Ryan AnnesleyD153
7 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Brett Nelson-BondF117
8 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Roberto FranchiniF96
9 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Jeremy BrückerF83
10 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Cameron ToddF82
All-time Penalties
#NamePosPIM
1 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Spencer AustinD578
2 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Michael SchlampD527
3 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Brett Nelson-BondF469
4 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Tyerell ClareD418
5 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Vladimir RubesF351
6 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Vladan StranskyF304
7 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Brian FunesD273
8 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Murray WandD263
9 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Paul ShumakF235
10 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Jeremy BrückerF232

Legend:

Current Bears player

Staff

Current as of 2024 AIHL season. [37] [31] [38] [39]

Bears staff
RoleName
Head coach Flag of Australia (converted).svg Vladimir Rubes (Jul-Aug)
Head coach Flag of the United States.svg Tyler Huberty (Apr-Jun)
Assistant coach Flag of Australia (converted).svg Ryan Annesley
Assistant coach Flag of Australia (converted).svg Gabriel Robledo
Assistant coach Flag of Australia (converted).svg Logan Russell
Analytics coach Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Shawn Rooke
Team manager Flag of Australia (converted).svg Rhye Kolodynski
Equipment manager Flag of Australia (converted).svg Lee Moncrieff
Medic Flag of Australia (converted).svg Kasey Arkinstall
Trainer Flag of Australia (converted).svg Hayley Rawson
Governor Flag of Australia (converted).svg Nathan Graham
President Flag of Australia (converted).svg Andrew Bourne
Secretary Flag of Australia (converted).svg Marlon Dionisio
Treasurer Flag of Australia (converted).svg Scott Graham

Team facilities

Macquarie Ice Rink, The Bears spiritual home and current home barn since 2017 Macquarie Ice Rink photo.png
Macquarie Ice Rink, The Bears spiritual home and current home barn since 2017

The Sydney Bears' current home venue is the Macquarie Ice Rink, located within the Macquarie Shopping Centre in Macquarie, Sydney. The Macquarie facility consists of an Olympic sized rink (60m x 30m) with seating for approximately 2,000 people. [40]

Macquarie is the spiritual home of the Bears, as the team called Macquarie home from foundation in 1982 till 2002. In 2002 the team moved to the recently constructed Sydney Ice Arena in Baulkham Hills, Sydney. After five years the team moved out of Sydney and into the Penrith Ice Palace, Penrith, New South Wales, out west of the city. [41] In 2012 the Bears returned to Sydney and to the Sydney Ice Arena. In late 2013 / early 2014 it was announced that the ownership of the Sydney Ice Arena, Hillsong, had lodged a development application with the NSW Government to re-develop the site into a residential complex, removing the twelve year old ice rink. [42] [43] The Bears moved back to Penrith for the 2015 and 2016 AIHL seasons. [44] In 2017 it was announced that the Bears would return home to Macquarie to play out of the newly upgraded Macquarie Ice Rink, which now met AIHL standards. [45] [46]

Stadium history
RinkLocationTerm
Macquarie Ice Rink Macquarie 1982–01
Sydney Ice Arena Baulkham Hills 2002–06
Penrith Ice Palace Penrith 2007–11
Sydney Ice Arena Baulkham Hills 2012–14
Penrith Ice Palace Penrith 2015–16
Macquarie Ice Rink Macquarie 2017–Present

Leaders

Team captains

The Bears have had seven captains in the team's known history. [47]

No.NameTerm
1 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Tyler Lovering2001
2 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Don Burke2002
3 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Tyler Lovering2003–04
4 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Murray Wand2005–08
5 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Vladimir Rubes2009–10
6 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Michael Schlamp2010–19
7 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Brian Funes2022
8 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Ryan Annesley2023–Present

References: [48] [49] [50] [51] [52] [53] [54] [55]

Head coaches

The Bears have had four head coaches in the team's known history, with Vladimir Rubes taking the position in three stints. [56]

No.NameTerm
1 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Vladimir Rubes2001–05
2 Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Kelly Lovering2006
3 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Vladimir Rubes2007–15
4 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Ron Kuprowsky2016–23
5 Flag of the United States.svg Tyler Huberty2024
6 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Vladimir Rubes2024–Present

References: [57] [58] [59] [60] [61] [62]

General managers

The Bears have had three general managers in the team's known history. [56]

No.NameTerm
1 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Wayne Hellyer2000–19
2 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Matthew Burrell2020–21
3 Flag of Australia (converted).svg Nathan Graham2022–Present

References: [63] [64] [65]

Broadcasting

Current:

Former:

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Australian Ice Hockey League</span> Australias top-level ice hockey league

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 2024, are the Canberra Brave.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Melbourne Ice</span> Ice hockey team in Melbourne, Victoria

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Newcastle Northstars</span> Ice hockey team in Newcastle, NSW

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adelaide Adrenaline</span> Ice hockey team in Adelaide, South Australia

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sydney Ice Dogs</span> Ice hockey team in Sydney

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Central Coast Rhinos</span> Ice hockey team in Erina, New South Wales

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 2010 AIHL season was the 11th season of the Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL). It also marked the 10th Anniversary since the league’s inception in 2000. The league ran from 24 April 2010 until 22 August 2010, with the Goodall Cup finals following on 28 and 29 August 2010. The Newcastle North Stars won the H Newman Reid Trophy after finishing the regular season first in the league standings. Melbourne Ice won the Goodall Cup for the first time by defeating the defending champions Adelaide Adrenaline in the final.

The 2003 AIHL season was the fourth season of the Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL). It ran from 3 May 2003 until 29 August 2003, with the Goodall Cup finals following on 6 and 7 September 2003. The Adelaide Avalanche won the Premiership after finishing the regular season first in the league standings. The Newcastle North Stars won the Goodall Cup for the first time by defeating the Western Sydney Ice Dogs in the final.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wilson Cup (ice hockey)</span>

The Wilson Cup is an Australian ice hockey trophy first introduced in 2007 and named after John and Carol Wilson. The Cup was awarded to the winner of the New South Wales (NSW) pre-season tournament involving all NSW teams in the Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL) between 2007 and 2016. Since 2017 the Wilson Cup has been awarded to the winner of the regular season four game series between the two Sydney based AIHL teams, the Sydney Bears and Sydney Ice Dogs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Melbourne Mustangs</span> Ice hockey team in Melbourne, Victoria

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Perth Thunder</span> Ice hockey team in Perth, Western Australia

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Australian Women's Ice Hockey League</span> Premier womens ice hockey league in Australia

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 Gower Memorial Shield. The most successful team in AWIHL history is Melbourne Ice, who have claimed seven championship titles. The current champion, from 2022–23, is the Melbourne Ice, who claimed their record eighth title.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">CBR Brave</span> Ice hockey team in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

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 three Goodall Cup championships and four H Newman Reid Trophy premierships.

The 2017 AIHL season was the 18th season of the Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL). It ran from 22 April 2017 until 27 August 2017, with the Goodall Cup finals following on 2 and 3 September. The Melbourne Ice won both the H Newman Reid Trophy for finishing first in the regular season, and the Goodall Cup after defeating the CBR Brave in the final.

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 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brisbane Lightning</span> Ice hockey team in Brisbane, Queensland

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 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.

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 2024 AIHL season was the 23nd season of the Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL). The season consisted of 155 total games, split between 150 regular season games and a 5 game Goodall Cup Finals post-season. The regular season ran from 6 April to 11 August 2024. The Finals ran from 23–25 August 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. The Sydney Bears claimed a conference-Premiership double by winning the Hellyer conference trophy and H Newman Reid Trophy. The Newcastle Northstars claimed the Rurak conference trophy, while the Canberra Brave were crowned AIHL Champions and hoisted the Goodall Cup after defeating the Melbourne Ice in the grand final. The much-improved Central Coast Rhinos picked up the wooden spoon for a second year running.

References

  1. 1 2 "Our History". sydneybears.com.au. Retrieved 16 February 2020.
  2. Carpenter, Ross. "Hellyer, Wayne(1963 – )". Legends of Australian Ice. Retrieved 16 February 2020.
  3. Carpenter, Ross. "Foll, Glen(1962 – )". Legends of Australian Ice. Retrieved 16 February 2020.
  4. Carpenter, Ross. "Hulme, Tim (1967 – )". Legends of Australian Ice. Retrieved 16 February 2020.
  5. "The Superleague Team". Sydney Bears. Archived from the original on 1 March 2000. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
  6. 1 2 3 "History of the Australian Ice Hockey League". Australian Ice Hockey League . Retrieved 16 February 2020.
  7. 1 2 "About the Bears". Sydney Bears. Retrieved 16 February 2020.
  8. "Adelaide Avalanche: The Franchise that changed Australian hockey forever". Adelaide Adrenaline. 3 August 2017. Retrieved 16 February 2020.
  9. "Championnat d'Australie 2001" (in French). hockeyarchives.info. Retrieved 16 February 2020.
  10. Meltzer, Bill (28 May 2008). "Australia celebrates hockey centennial with gold". National Hockey League . Retrieved 13 February 2020.
  11. "Championnat d'Australie 2003" (in French). hockeyarchives.info. Retrieved 16 February 2020.
  12. 1 2 "Team History". Sydney Bears. Retrieved 16 February 2020.
  13. "2007 AIHL Grand Final Boxscore". theaihl.com. 2 September 2007. Retrieved 25 September 2018.
  14. 1 2 "Hungry Bears have done it again!". AIHL Bears. Archived from the original on 19 July 2008. Retrieved 10 April 2010.
  15. "Minor Premiership an ice hockey curse". theroar.com.au. 2 July 2009. Retrieved 16 February 2020.
  16. Lambert, Peter (19 February 2012). "Bears in the Hills". Australian Ice Hockey League. Archived from the original on 7 May 2012. Retrieved 2 March 2012.
  17. Brook, Eric (8 January 2015). "Sydney Bears Move To Penrith In 2015". Hewitt Sports. Archived from the original on 10 January 2015. Retrieved 10 January 2015.
  18. Musico, Bianca (17 January 2017). "#TheHomecoming: The Bears Finally Return Home to Macquarie Ice Rink". Sydney Bears. Retrieved 17 February 2020.
  19. Darnley, Ryan (22 June 2017). "Bears Mentor Next Generation". Sydney Bears. Retrieved 17 February 2020.
  20. "Bears unveil new logo". icehockeynewsaustralia.com. 26 December 2017. Retrieved 17 February 2020.
  21. "Australian Ice Hockey League 2018 Standings". eliteprospects.com. Retrieved 4 September 2018.
  22. Tiernan, Eamonn (2 September 2018). "Canberra Brave win first Goodall Cup in overtime epic". The Sydney Morning Herald . Retrieved 4 September 2018.
  23. Allen, Trevor (9 September 2019). "Bears shock rivals to claim Goodall Cup". International Ice Hockey Federation . Retrieved 17 February 2020.
  24. "2002 AIHL season: 2002 AIHL Grand Final – Unconfirmed". theaihl.com. Retrieved 19 August 2018.
  25. "Championnat d'Australie 2003 (French)". hockeyarchives.info. Retrieved 30 September 2018.
  26. "AIHL History". hockeywise.com.au. Retrieved 30 September 2018.
  27. McIlroy, Tom (19 July 2014). "Adelaide Adrenaline team bus crashes forcing Canberra ice hockey game to be cancelled". The Canberra Times . Archived from the original on 6 August 2014. Retrieved 24 August 2015.
  28. Mooney, Harrison (1 August 2014). "Australian hockey's CBR Brave upset after game for first place canceled due to bus crash". yahoo.com. Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 24 August 2015.
  29. Collins, Lee (26 June 2023). "Sydney Bears penalised three points over breach of import rule". icehockeynewsaustralia.com. Archived from the original on 6 August 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
  30. "2024 Sydney Bears Team Roster". Elite Prospects. Retrieved 2 October 2024.
  31. 1 2 Collins, Lee (6 April 2024). "Sydney Bears 2024 roster". icehockeynewsaustralia.com. Retrieved 2 October 2024.
  32. "Sydney Bears – All Time Regular Season Player Stats – Games Played". eliteprospects.com. Retrieved 16 February 2020.
  33. "Sydney Bears – All Time Regular Season Player Stats – Goals". eliteprospects.com. Retrieved 16 February 2020.
  34. "Sydney Bears – All Time Regular Season Player Stats – Assists". eliteprospects.com. Retrieved 16 February 2020.
  35. "Sydney Bears – All Time Regular Season Player Stats – Points". eliteprospects.com. Retrieved 16 February 2020.
  36. "Sydney Bears – All Time Regular Season Player Stats – Penalty minutes". eliteprospects.com. Retrieved 16 February 2020.
  37. "Sydney Bears 2023-2024". eliteprospects.com. Retrieved 3 October 2024.
  38. "Bears Off-Ice Staff". Sydney Bears. Retrieved 3 October 2024.
  39. "Sydney Bears managing committee and team officials". Sydney Bears. Archived from the original on 17 August 2024. Retrieved 3 October 2024.
  40. "About Macquarie Ice Rink". macquarieicerink.com.au. Retrieved 24 April 2019.
  41. "Sydney Bears relocate to Penrith Ice Palace". icehockeynewsaustralia.com. 8 January 2015. Retrieved 24 April 2019.
  42. Thomson, Warren (10 December 2013). "Sydney Ice Arena could make way for a 20-storey development". The Daily Telegraph . Sydney. Retrieved 24 April 2019.
  43. Brodie, Will (22 May 2014). "The Australian Ice Hockey League's recurring dilemma". The Sydney Morning Herald . Retrieved 24 April 2019.
  44. Tarbert, Kristine (16 April 2015). "Only way is up for Ice Hockey's Sydney Bears who will play in Penrith this season". The Daily Telegraph . Sydney. Retrieved 24 April 2019.
  45. Stavrinos, Anthony (24 January 2017). "Ice Hockey returns to Macquarie Centre". weeklytimes.com.au. Retrieved 24 April 2019.
  46. "#TheHomecoming: The Bears Finally Return Home to Macquarie Ice Rink". Sydney Bears. 18 January 2017. Retrieved 24 April 2019.
  47. "Sydney Bears - Team Captaincy History". eliteprospects.com. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
  48. "Game Report: Sat 5th May, 20001. (AIHL Game 1)". Sydney Bears. Archived from the original on 16 December 2001. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
  49. "THE SYDNEY BEARS members of the 2002 AIHL Championship winning team". Sydney Bears. Archived from the original on 15 July 2004. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
  50. "THE SYDNEY BEARS 2003 Line-up". Sydney Bears. Archived from the original on 13 September 2004. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
  51. "THE SYDNEY BEARS 2004 Line-up". Sydney Bears. Archived from the original on 16 August 2004. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
  52. "Sydney Bears AIHL 2005". Sydney Bears. Archived from the original on 1 September 2006. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
  53. "The 2006 Sydney Bears: Player Profiles". Sydney Bears. Archived from the original on 27 August 2006. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
  54. Collins, Lee (1 April 2022). "Sydney Bears re-sign Brian Funes". icehockeynewsaustralia.com. Archived from the original on 3 October 2024. Retrieved 3 October 2024.
  55. Collins, Lee (12 April 2023). "Sydney Bears 2023 roster". icehockeynewsaustralia.com. Archived from the original on 13 March 2024. Retrieved 3 October 2024.
  56. 1 2 "Sydney Bears - Team Staff History". eliteprospects.com. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
  57. "Vlad Rubes". Sydney Bears. Archived from the original on 16 July 2010. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
  58. "Lovering to Coach Bears". Sydney Bears. Archived from the original on 16 July 2006. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
  59. "The 2007 Sydney Bears". Sydney Bears. Archived from the original on 30 August 2007. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
  60. Collins, Lee (22 December 2015). "Kuprowsky appointed Bears head coach for 2016". icehockeynewsaustralia.com. Archived from the original on 3 October 2024. Retrieved 3 October 2024.
  61. Goodenough, Gordon (4 April 2024). "Sydney Bears' Head Coach Tyler Huberty: 'I'm expecting our team to have a very successful season'". Hockey Hype Australia. Archived from the original on 26 August 2024. Retrieved 3 October 2024.
  62. Goodenough, Gordon (16 July 2024). "Vlad Rubes returns to Sydney Bears, AIHL". Hockey Hype Australia. Archived from the original on 26 August 2024. Retrieved 3 October 2024.
  63. "Club Information?". Sydney Bears. Archived from the original on 1 March 2000. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
  64. Collins, Lee (21 February 2020). "Burrell appointed Bears general manager". icehockeynewsaustralia.com. Archived from the original on 3 October 2024. Retrieved 3 October 2024.
  65. Collins, Lee (23 February 2022). "Sydney Bears 2022 executive committee announced". icehockeynewsaustralia.com. Archived from the original on 3 October 2024. Retrieved 3 October 2024.
  66. Hartshorne, Peter (2 March 2024). "2024 MEDIA RELEASE #2 – AIJL.TV – March 2" (PDF). Australian Ice Hockey League. Archived (PDF) from the original on 1 April 2024. Retrieved 2 April 2024.
  67. "AIHL.TV Launched". Australian Ice Hockey League. 5 April 2023. Archived from the original on 16 June 2023. Retrieved 16 June 2023.
  68. O'Connor, Sean (18 June 2024). "Review of the New AIHL.TV App". Hockey Hype Australia. Archived from the original on 18 June 2024. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
  69. Collins, Lee (24 March 2022). "AIHL partners with Sportradar". icehockeynewsaustralia.com. Archived from the original on 30 January 2023. Retrieved 30 March 2022.
  70. "2022 season - locked, loaded and ready to play". Australian Ice Hockey League. 12 February 2022. Archived from the original on 6 February 2023. Retrieved 20 March 2022.
  71. Brodie, Will (17 April 2013). "Ice hockey gets pay TV boost". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 2 December 2017. Retrieved 3 October 2024.
  72. "Sydney Bears Game Day Live". mixlr.com. Retrieved 11 June 2018.