AIHL Review: Ice Dogs close on top spot as Rhinos split chaotic weekend

James Lane

Week 9 was a shorter slate of games, but it still managed to shake up the standings. The Ice Dogs continued their surge with a statement win over the league-leading Northstars, Canberra kept building momentum, and Central Coast experienced one of the strangest weekends of the season, losing a thriller before winning an even crazier one.

Melbourne Ice 7 – 6 Central Coast Rhinos

Saturday opened with a heartbreaking result for the Rhinos, who twice held the lead but couldn’t finish the job.

Central Coast led 3–2 after the first period and 5–4 after the second, only for Melbourne Ice to storm home and steal a one-goal victory.

Bryan Sautereau was heavily involved for the Rhinos, recording a goal and three assists, but Melbourne found enough offence late to turn the game around.

Sydney Bears 4 – 3 Melbourne Mustangs

The Bears and Mustangs produced a contest that swung dramatically from period to period.

After a balanced 1–1 opening frame, Sydney took complete control with a dominant 3–0 second period. Melbourne responded strongly in the third, scoring twice and threatening a remarkable comeback, but the Bears held their nerve to secure an important win.

Canberra Brave 5 – 0 Adelaide Adrenaline

Canberra delivered one of their most comfortable performances of the season, shutting out Adelaide in a one-sided affair.

The Brave never allowed the Adrenaline into the contest and cruised to a five-goal victory, continuing Adelaide’s difficult campaign.

Central Coast Rhinos 8 – 5 Melbourne Mustangs

If Saturday’s game was frustrating for the Rhinos, Sunday’s response was emphatic.

Central Coast raced to a 2–0 lead in the first period before Melbourne clawed their way back to level the scores at 2–2 after the second.

Then the game exploded.

The teams combined for nine goals in the final period, with the Rhinos winning the shootout 6–3 to secure an entertaining 8–5 victory. Raphael Bastille was outstanding, finishing with two goals and three assists.

Sydney Ice Dogs 6 – 3 Newcastle Northstars

The result that may have the biggest implications for the ladder came in Sydney.

The Ice Dogs handed Newcastle another defeat and continued their remarkable rise up the standings. It was tight throughout, locked 1–1 after the first period and 2–2 after the second before Sydney finally broke clear.

Kale Costa led the way with three goals and an assist as the Ice Dogs once again showed they belong among the league’s elite.

Canberra Brave 6 – 4 Adelaide Adrenaline

Adelaide showed more fight on Sunday than they had the previous day, but the result was ultimately the same.

The Brave jumped out to a 3–1 first-period lead and, despite several Adelaide pushes, never surrendered control of the contest. Canberra completed a six-point weekend and continued their steady climb up the table.

Standings

Newcastle remain top on 29 points, but the gap is rapidly disappearing. Perth Thunder and the Ice Dogs are now level on 27 points, just two behind the leaders, and both have every reason to believe first place is within reach.

The Mustangs and Rhinos sit together on 23 points, while the Bears and Brave are now level on 21. Canberra in particular have quietly become one of the form teams of the competition, collecting four wins from their last five games.

Melbourne Ice continue their resurgence and move to 19 points, Brisbane remain on 16, and Adelaide stay anchored to the bottom on 4 points.