Australia’s National Ice Hockey League Season Begins

While Australia considers how it will tackle the challenge of being a Division I ice hockey nation, the 23 men of the gold-medal winning Division II team have returned to their jobs and their AIHL teams.

The Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL) consists of 6 times Minor Premiers and 2 times AIHL Champions the Adelaide Avalanche, ‘original three’ team and 1998 National Champions the Canberra Knights, the powerful Melbourne Ice, newcomers Central Coast Rhinos, current AIHL Champions ‘The Bears’ from Penrith, new glamour club the Gold Coast Blue Tongues, 2004 National Champions the Western Sydney Ice Dogs, and 3 times National Champions and 1 time Minor Premiers the Newcastle North Stars.

This weekend all eight teams will play in AIHL matches, with three games on Saturday and three on Sunday. On Saturday the Blue Tongues start their season off by travelling to Newcastle on Saturday night, and nearby Central Coast on Sunday. The Canberra Knights also pack their bags, they play in Adelaide on Saturday night and in Melbourne on Sunday night. In Penrith, The Bears will first host the Rhinos from Central Coast on Saturday, and double-up against cross-town rivals the Ice Dogs on Sunday night.

Each team features up to five import players each who are typically professional athletes in their own countries. The games are physical and fast and the action happens just metres away from the spectators.

Ticket prices vary between $12 and $25 for adults, contact your local ice rink for details.

Saturday 19th April 08
Canberra Knights vs. Adelaide Avalanche Adelaide Ice Arena 4.30pm (SA time)
Gold Coast Blue Tongues vs. Newcastle North Stars Hunter Ice Skating Stadium 5.00pm
Central Coast Rhinos vs. The Bears Penrith Ice Palace 5.30pm

Sunday 20th April 08
Canberra Knights vs. Melbourne Ice Oakleigh Olympic Ice 4.15pm
Western Sydney Ice Dogs vs The Bears Penrith Ice Palace 5.00pm
Gold Coast Blue Tongues vs. Central Coast Rhinos Erina Ice Arena 5.45pm