AIHL Week 18 Power Rankings

James Lane

With just one weekend left in the AIHL regular season, the stakes are higher than ever. Adelaide shook things up with a stunning sweep of Perth, while Canberra once again showed why they’re the biggest threat to Melbourne Ice. Here’s how the league stacks up after Week 18.

1. Melbourne Ice (no change)

The Ice may have dropped an overtime heartbreaker to Canberra, but they’re still comfortably perched at the top. One OT loss isn’t enough to budge them from pole position.

2. Canberra Brave (no change)

The Brave split their weekend but looked every bit a title contender. They went toe-to-toe with the Mustangs in a thriller before toppling the Ice in overtime. The gap to first remains, but Canberra are locked in as the league’s No. 2.

3. Newcastle Northstars (up 1)

The Northstars didn’t play, but still climb into third thanks to Perth’s troubles. Sometimes, standing still is enough to rise when your rivals stumble.

4. Perth Thunder (down 1)

It was a nightmare weekend for the Thunder. Two losses to Adelaide were bad enough, but the three-point deduction for a competition breach back in April makes it worse. A damaging slide at the worst possible time.

5. Melbourne Mustangs (no change)

Saturday’s shootout win over the Brave was a statement, and Brody Lindal’s five-point game was electric. Still, the Mustangs haven’t shown the consistency to climb higher just yet.

6. Adelaide Adrenaline (no change)

Playoff hopes are slim, but Adelaide showed tremendous fight by sweeping the Thunder. Josh Adkins was the star of the weekend, and the Adrenaline proved they can still cause headaches.

7. Brisbane Lightning (no change)

A thumping win over Central Coast followed by a shootout loss makes for a mixed weekend. Tanner Hopps’ six-point explosion was the highlight, but they’ll be frustrated not to take full points.

8. Central Coast Rhinos (no change)

The Rhinos showed grit by responding to Saturday’s heavy defeat with a shootout win. Danick Bouchard delivered in the clutch, but overall they still sit bottom of the ladder.