This Article proudly brought to you by: Skaters Network

The Pelicans were looking for revenge in the West and they got it defeating the Sharks 3-1 Saturday night. Pelicans Jordan Grover capitalized on the power play in the first period to get his team ahead by one. The Sharks Connor Knapman managed to level the scores early in the second period, but that would be as close as Sharks would get. Jordan Williams notched what would be the the game winner minutes later as Lyndon Lodge buried the insurance marker with less than minute remaining in the third to keep the Pelicans in third place.

Over in the East, a scoreless first period suggested another close battle between the Sydney Sabres and Sydney Wolf Pack on Sunday night. The Sabres managed to kill off three penalties, providing them a momentum boost going into the second.

Ellesse Carini opened the Sabres account in the second period followed by Liam Manwarring and Aiden Silato, who extended the lead out to 3-0.

The Wolf Pack couldn’t work out a way to get past Mendoza-Kehlet until Dylan Lavery closed the lead 3-1 early in the third. But Mendoza-Kehlett shut the door thereafter allowing veteran forwards Saxon Air and Cian O’Reilly to further cement a 5-1 finish.

Next weekend the Sharks and Pelicans are at it again Saturday 6:30pm at XIA. Be sure to catch the action or follow the AJIHL Facebook page for score updates.

This Article proudly brought to you by: Skaters Network

After a convincing 5-1 victory over an undefeated Sydney Wolf Pack Sunday Night the Melbourne Glaciers sit atop the AJIHL standings. Thanks to the stick of Caleb Butler (10G,2A)who managed consecutive hat-tricks over the weekend and solid net minding from Jack Hayes the Glaciers also find themselves on a hot streak winning their last 3 in a row.

The Sydney Sabres got their first win of the season over the Melbourne Whalers 3-0 Sunday night. Sabres rookie Dale Tilstead sealed his first AJIHL shutout as his team managed to get back to their winning ways.

The Whalers will want to put this week behind them and get back to playing the style of hockey they put on show against the Glaciers opening night.

Despite a 5-1 loss to the Glaciers the Wolf Pack have started the season strong thanks to secondary scoring with goals coming from 9 different players on the team so far.

Over in the west the Home Derby continued as the Sharks fought back from being a goal behind the Perth Pelicans to tie up the game with 40 seconds to go in the game and force a shootout.

Sharks goaltender Mark McCann saved both shots from the Pelicans shooters while Ben Stolze and Tomek Sak scored in the shootout to give the Sharks the 3-2 SO win.

Next weekend the Pelicans will be looking for payback against the Sharks as the Sabres will be looking to get on a roll. Game Details are below.

Saturday 14 Nov – Sharks V Pelicans 6.30pm, XIA
Sunday 15 Nov – Sabres V Wolf Pack 8.00pm, Penrith

The fourth AJIHL season is just around the corner! The league has spawned some of the AIHL’s up and coming talent in the past and is a great way to see them in action before they hit the top level. If you are in need of a hockey fix and some cheap thrills then the AJIHL is the answer. As the countdown to the season approaches it is only fitting we bring you a preview of what each team can bring. The Pelicans fell one game short of claiming the AJIHL championship last year and the experience should make them a threat this season. They still have their top two point producers in Lyndon Lodge (9G, 17A, 26P in 14 games) and Kieren Webster (12G,9A, 21P in 15 games). Returning after an injury riddled year, is Jordan Grover who will captain the side. Supporting him as assistant captains are National Representatives Jordan Williams and David Mahood. Mahood and Williams also suffered injuries last season spoiling the Pelicans championship push. Anchoring the team in goal for a third season will be Stephen McCann and Dathan Pleiter. The play of these two goalies has given the coaches options and confidence between the pipes. “The Pelicans ethos has been built around taking individual responsibility of their play in all parts of the ice, and more importantly in their role and support of the greater team… there is no room for individualism.” Says coach Darin Bryce. Bryce is also excited by the personnel behind the bench as well as he will be assisted by Perth Thunder Head Coach Dave Kenway. The Pelicans are determined to bring home the first AJIHL championship to WA. With a healthy squad, past experience and buying into the system the Pelicans can do just that. 2014-2015 season ranking = 5th 2014-2015 final ranking = 2nd Additions: Jordan Grover Stuart Raine Ben Willcocks Lachlan Dwyer Brenden Parker Subtractions: Rhys Dumpleton Ryan Smith Anthony Barnes Jordan Millen Blake Georgeff Tom Smail Andrew Barrass Forwards: Jonathan Spalding Jordan Grover Alistair Lambers Kieren Webster Lyndon Lodge Stuart Raine Jordan Williams Joshua Santana Ben Willcocks Gabe Deveraux-Smith Defence: David Mahood Zac Hickey Craig Houston Brenden Parker Lachlan Dwyer Goal Dathan Pleiter (GK) Stephen McCann (GK)

The fourth AJIHL season is just around the corner! The league has spawned some of the AIHL’s up and coming talent in the past and is a great way to see them in action before they hit the top level. If you are in need of a hockey fix and some cheap thrills then the AJIHL is the answer. As the countdown to the season approaches it is only fitting we bring you a preview of what each team can bring.

The Perth Sharks finished in first place last season but this success didn’t translate in the playoffs. The Sharks had a break out year (from last place in 2013-2014) led by the leagues highest point scorer Tomek Sak (23G,12A,35P in 13 games). Both Sak and the Sharks tripled their production from the year before. This season is about continuing on what they built up last year.

“We are focusing on secondary scoring this year” says coach Dave Ruck. “We also have some holes to fill on the blue line so there are opportunities for some of the guys to step up and take responsibility”.

The Sharks might have lost D-man James Woodman but National Junior Team player and Perth Thunder prospect Alistair Punler looks to be capable and touted to have a break out year in the AJIHL.

Ruck likes the look of this years team and describes the unit as having a fun, hard working culture with the right team attitude. “The guys just get it. That for us to take it to the next level, the team comes first”

2014-2015 season ranking = 1st
2014-2015 final ranking = 4th

Additions:
Adam Sheppard, Oscar Zhu, Adam Bridge, Kevin Mateiu, Benjamin Kelly

Subtractions:
James Woodman (Age), William Moffatt (overseas), Dominic Carlson (age), Ivan Ageev (overseas), Rowan Sobey(injured), Corey Pudner

Forwards:
Tomek Sak
Brad Campbell
Ben Stolze
Bruno Stolze
Harry Tanner
Benjamin Kelly
Oscar Zhu
Charlie Tennant
Kevin Mateiu

Defence:
Connor Knapman
Alastair Punler
Sean McLean
Adam Sheppard
Adam Bridge
Kym White

Goal
Mark McCann
Hayden Stobbs

The Sharks have lost some scoring with Woodman and a few other subtractions, but with a focus on secondary scoring Bradley Campbell, Benedik and Bruno Stolze will be worth watching this season as they could follow Saks lead.