National Senior Team 2005 Silver Medallists

After a disappointing and controversial loss to Team Croatia, and what was to be the determining game for the Gold Medal and advancement to Division-I, the Australian National Senior Team completed the IIHF 2005 World Division II Group A Championships as Silver Medallists outscoring their opponents 35 - 5.

Australia opened the Championships with a 20 -1 win over Turkey and 4 - 0 win over arch rivals the New Zealand Ice Blacks. Wins by Croatia over Bulgaria and New Zealand placed both Australia and Croatia in a game anticipated to be the determining game for the Gold Medal and advancement to Division - I.

With Croatia leading 2-1 and 3:19 remaining in the game, Croatia received a two minute double minor for a high stick to Greg Oddy's nose which later resulted in six stiches. As the penalty took place behind the play, and without the knowledge of the referee, the incident was brought to the attention of the game referee by the linesman. In place of the required five minute major, which would have seen Croatia shorthanded for the remainder of the game, the error in allocating the two minute double minor became a huge determining factor. Attempts by Australia to reconsider and correct the call was dismissed by the referee and play was allowed to continue.

Australia tied the game within the the first two minute minor allowing the second minor to immediately commence. With less than a minute left in the game, the penalised Croatian player completed his second minor and with Australia on the attack, the penalised Croatian player returned to the ice, intercepted a pass high in Croatia's end and took the puck deep into Australia's end. placing Australia on the defence and the score tied 2 - 2. With one second remaining in the game, a desperation shot glanced off a defender's skate and entered the net.

With his back to the clock and his concentration on the play, the referee signalled a goal. However, Australia immediately protested that the goal judge did not indicate the goal as he was unable to activate the signal for the goal because the clock had run out indicating the goal was scored after completion of regular play. During the ensuing discussions, the timekeeper adjusted the clock back one second to indicate 19:59 on the clock.

It became increasingly obvious, no amount of protesting or discussion was going to change the outcome of the game. This was later confirmed when discussion took place with the IIHF Game and Referee Supervisors. The score 3 -2 was allowed to stand. The outcome of the Croatian game now placed increased importance on the remaining two games - Korea and Bulgaria and the final game between Croatia and Korea.

Australia shutout Korea 4 - 0 in a fast and intense game on goals from Trevor Walsh, Greg Oddy, Chris Sekura and Luke Thilthorpe. Mid-way into the second period concern took place when Matt Ezzy, MVP Goaltender for the Championships, suffered an extensive shoulder injury forcing him from the game and further play for the remainder of the championships. Stu Denman, who played the first two games against New Zealand and Turkey, replaced Ezzy. Denman was quickly tested and rose to the task completing the shutout for the team.

With Denman in net and an exhausted team, Australia met Bulgaria for the final game of their series. Bulgaria struck first scoring on a power play goal 8:06 into the first period. Five minutes later Trevor Walsh and Greg Oddy combined to level the score 1 - 1.

Both teams remained scoreless for the second period.

At 5:32 in the third, the leg-weary Australians took the lead on a goal from Chris Brlecic. Four minutes later Joey Hughes, scored on a power play. Ben Thilthorpe completed the scoring on an unassisted goal with less than seven minutes remaining. Australia held off the Bulgarians for the remainder of the game for the recorded 4 - 1 win.

For any hope of a Gold Medal to Australia, Korea needed to outscore Croatia by one goal. In an evenly contested game, Croatia led Korea 2 -1 after completion of the first period. Korea tied the game after the second setting up the third and final period of the game and championships as the determining factor for final placing. Early in the third, Croatia intercepted two Korean passes high in Korea's slot area scoring at will and taking the game to 4 - 2. With minutes remaining, Korea pulled their goaltender. Croatia won the face-off and scored on a clearing shot to the open net. Final score 5 - 2.

Australia's MVPs for the Championships were Matt Ezzy for the Championships Best Goaltender and Trevor Walsh for Team MVP. A Croatian forward was voted as the Championships Best Forward over Australia's Greg Oddy.

Overall this was an outstanding performance and effort by Australia. The level of play, skating speed and playing system has signalled Australia has strong potential for advancement to Division I. The team officials and players are looking forward to 2006.

Australia Dealt A Controversial Call At IIHF World Championships

When a team's play is determined to be a "North American" style against a European team, do not expect to have a controversial call made in your favour.

This was never more evident than Australia's last night encounter against host team Croatia. Despite a high number of minor penalties, and at times a few double minor, Australia dominated overall.

In the dying "SECOND" and final shot of the game, a deflected puck slid past Australia's outstanding goaltender, Matt Ezzy, and MVP for the game, to give Croatia a 3 - 2 win over the Mighty Roos. Whether the puck crossed the line during regulation play remains highly questionable.

With his back to the clock and his concentration on the play at hand, the referee could not be faulted for calling the goal. What remains questionable is:

Why the goal judge did not or could not indicate the goal;

Was the green light on prior to the puck crossing the line signalling end of regular play;

Why the timekeeper reset the clock back "one" second to indicate 19:59 instead of 20:00 after the whistle;

Why the referee refused to consult the timekeeper and goal judge when Australia questioned the goal.

Neither the World Championship's On-ice Officiating Supervisor nor the Championship Supervisor is forthcoming or willing with answers to these questions.

Australia opened the scoring at 1:29 into the game when Trevor Walsh stole the puck and broke in all alone for an unassisted goal. Australia held Croatia scoreless for the remainder of the period despite being accessed five minor penalties and at one time giving Croatia a two-man advantage.

Croatia levelled the game 3:29 into the second period on an Australia defensive error when clearing the puck on a breakout. The Croatian player broke in all alone blasting a shot over Matt Ezzy's glove hand.

With minutes remaining in the game and Australia on the attack, Croatia's high centerman picked up a loose puck when an Australian defenceman and a Croatian defender got tangled up and fell to the ice, and broke down the ice to beat Ezzy to take Croatia out in front 2 - 1 and what appeared to be the game winning goal.

With 16:41 remaining in the game Croatia was served a double minor penalty for high-sticking. The action resulted in four stiches to Australia's Greg Oddy. It is now questioned should have the double minor been called as an automatic five minute major because the penalty was called by the linesman and the ensuing action resulted in the player bleeding from the face. According to the rules, this is not a discretionary call. This would have given Australia a man advantage for the remainder of the game.

With 1:30 remaining in the game, Greg Oddy won a face-off to Anthony Wilson who blasted a low level shot on the Croatian net. Joey Hughes picked up the rebound and slid the puck under the Croatian goaltender to level the score 2 - 2.

As the seconds ticked away, it appeared the score would remain 2 - 2 and setting up for an all important encounter by both teams against Korea. The controversial call put a final end to these anticipations.

Australia is now in preparation for their second important game against Korea tonight. A win could see Australia remain in the running for Gold pending the results of the final game between Korea and Croatia on Saturday night. Should Australia win their next two games they will be assured of Silver.

Australia Continues Winning Streak At IIHF World Championships

Australia continued their winning performance with a 20-1 win against Turkey.

The Aussies accounted for 76 shots against Turkey's 14.

Greg Oddy led with 4 goals and 2 assists. Hat tricks went to Vladi Rubes with 1 assist and Trevor Walsh with 4 assists.

MVP for Australia - Chris Brlecic counted for 1 goal and 4 assists.

Australia Opens World Championships With 4-0 Win Over New Zealand

Australia started the IIHF Division-11, Group A World Championships with a 4-0 win over archrivals New Zealand.

With an impressive 71-13 shots over the Iced Blacks, Australia's 4 goals were shared between Greg Oddy - IHSA, Chris Sekura - IHNSW, Lliam Webster & Joey Hughes - IHV. Stu Denman, in his first world championship game, had the shut out against New Zealand.

Australia meets Turkey in their 2nd game of the Championship on Monday 11.04.05. Turkey lost to Korea 13-0 in their 1st game.

Australia is seeking to increase their momentum for the all important game against host team Croatia on Wed 13.04.05. Locals are pitting the encounter as the Gold Medal game for the Championship.

MVP for Australia - Greg Oddy.

Ice Hockey Australia National Senior Team In Final Preparations For World Championships

Ice Hockey Australia National Senior Team are in the final stages of preparing for their participation in the IIHF's Division II Group A World Championships scheduled for in Zagreb, Croatia from the 10 - 16 April 2005.

Australia meet arch rivals, New Zealand in the first game followed by Turkey the next day. The Aussies believe their toughest game will be against host Team Croatia.

IHA 2005 Team Members are:

Goaltenders
Matt Ezzy - IHNSW
Stewart Denman - IHV

Defence
Anthony Wilson - IHNSW
Glen Foll - IHSA
Peter Matus - IHV
Mark Rummukainen - IHACT
Danny George - IHSA
Don Burke - IHQ
Gavin Davies - IHWA

Forwards
Vladi Rubes - IHNSW
Joey Hughes - IHV
Alex Djamirze - IHNSW
Trevor Walsh - IHSA
Greg Oddy - IHSA
Chris Sekura - IHNSW
Chris Brlecic - IHSA
Andrew White - IHNSW
Luke Thilthorpe - IHSA
Brett Nelson-Bond - IHNSW
Ben Thilthorpe - IHSA
Lliam Webster - IHV

Team Officials
Don Rurak - Team Leader
Fred Stevenson - Team Manager
Robert Barnes - Technical Coaching Adviser
Don Champagne - Team Coach
Ian Webster - Sports-Med Officer
Ray Sheffield - Equipment Officer