AIHL Grand Final Wrap

James Lane

The Melbourne Ice have reclaimed their spot at the top of Australian ice hockey and claimed their first Championship since 2017, defeating the Canberra Brave 7–3 in Sunday’s AIHL Championship Final. The result not only avenged last year’s loss to the Brave but also confirmed the Ice’s status as the league’s most consistent side after finishing the regular season as the top seed.

The matchup was a rematch of the 2024 final, as well as the 2017 instalment won by the Ice, and marked the fourth straight year the Brave had reached the decider. While Canberra once again found themselves on the sport’s biggest stage, it was the Ice who stamped their authority early, racing to a 3–0 lead in the opening period.

The Brave, true to their name, fought back admirably. With five minutes to play in the second period, they had clawed their way back to 3–3, raising hopes of a fairytale comeback. But momentum swung sharply again just minutes later when Melbourne hit back to restore their lead, taking a 4–3 advantage into the final break.

From there, the Ice showed why they were the league’s benchmark this season. They added two more goals to put the contest beyond doubt, before capping it off in the dying seconds when Canberra pulled their goaltender for an extra attacker. The empty-netter sealed a 7–3 victory and sparked jubilant celebrations on the ice.

Captain Mackenzie Caruana led from the front, netting two goals and adding an assist in a commanding performance. His leadership set the tone for a side that lost just six times all year, and only twice in regulation: both times ironically to the Brave.

For the Brave, it was a case of so near yet so far. After a slow start to the season, they had surged into form over the final third and carried that momentum all the way to another championship game. But this time, the mountain proved too high, and they were unable to claim consecutive titles.

For Melbourne, Sunday’s triumph was about more than just silverware. It was redemption, a statement that last year’s loss still burned, and a reminder that when the Ice are on song, few can match them.