AIHL Power Rankings Week 13

James Lane

1. Melbourne Ice (Last Week: 1)

No action this week, but nothing happening elsewhere came close to shaking their grip on the top spot. They’re 18 points clear and continue to be the most complete team in the league.

2. Perth Thunder (Last Week: 2)

Back-to-back 8-goal performances made a loud statement, but let’s not pretend the Rhinos are a proper test. Still, the Thunder showed ruthless execution across all lines, with big contributions from Hikosaka, Tenosalmi, Hamilton, and Breault. They passed Brisbane on the ladder and look like the clearest #2 in both standings and form.

3. Newcastle Northstars (Last Week: 4)

Newcastle’s rise is legit. They took down the Lightning twice in dominant fashion. The offence is humming, and they’re getting production from across the roster. Skachkov, Kubat, Tallberg, and Kubara all hit the scoresheet in a big way. They’re peaking at the right time and climbing fast.

4. Melbourne Ice (Last Week: 3)

Defence is killing them. Despite strong efforts from Tanner Hopps and Alex Campbell, the Lightning got lit up for 15 goals in two nights. Losing both games to the Northstars drops them a spot, not because they’re terrible, but because Newcastle proved they were better.

5. Canberra Brave (Last Week: 6)

Canberra are building real momentum. They were tested by the Mustangs early but stormed home with five unanswered in the third, showing killer instinct. Combined with a 4–0 shutout the night before, this was a complete weekend. Another win or two and they could push even higher.

6. Melbourne Mustangs (Last Week: 5)

This drop wasn’t just about losing, it was about how they lost. Canberra ran them off the ice in the third period Sunday, and the Mustangs were blanked the night before. Their offence has dried up, their defence is scrambling, and they’ve now picked up quick a losing streak. They’re sliding with no clear fix in sight.

7. Adelaide Adrenaline (Last Week: 7)

They didn’t play, but no one around them helped or hurt their case. Still clearly better than the Rhinos.

8. Central Coast Rhinos (Last Week: 8)

Absolutely dismantled. Outscored 16–2 across two games and outshot heavily. There’s no sugar-coating it: this team is in survival mode, and there’s no sign of it getting better.