AIHL Week 19 Wrap

James Lane

The final weekend of the Australian Ice Hockey League regular season produced no shortage of goals, and with Week 19 in the books the playoff picture is now complete.

Ice End Faint Adelaide Hopes

Melbourne Ice capped their league-leading campaign with back-to-back wins over Adelaide Adrenaline, 11–3 on Saturday and 8–3 on Sunday. David Booth led the way with nine goals across the two games, while Joakim Erdugan added seven points of his own. The victories ensured Ice finish clear at the top with 68 points, and they head straight to the semi-finals alongside the second-placed Canberra Brave.

Northstars and Lightning Preview Playoffs

The Newcastle Northstars and Brisbane Lightning split their weekend doubleheader. Newcastle thrashed Lightning 11–1 on Saturday behind hat-tricks from both Kim Tallberg and Wehebe Darge, but the visitors answered the next day with an 8–4 win powered by five goals from Tanner Hopps. The results were enough to lift Lightning into fifth, setting up a rematch with a playoff clash against Newcastle next weekend.

Mustangs Limp to Playoffs

Perth Thunder ended their regular season on a high as they overwhelmed the Melbourne Mustangs twice, 13–4 on Saturday and 11–7 on Sunday. Zane Jones scored six times across the two games, while Kolby Johnson struck for three goals in Saturday’s rout. Nathan Dunkley kept the Mustangs competitive in the rematch with a seven-point night, but Perth’s strong third period saw them claim a sweep and third place on the ladder.

Brave Seal Semi Berth

Elsewhere, Canberra Brave maintained their grip on second with a 6–2 win over Central Coast Rhinos. The Rhinos, already eliminated, closed the season at the foot of the table with 14 points. Adelaide’s twin defeats to Melbourne confirmed their own elimination, despite showing flashes of resistance at home.

Final Standings

1. Melbourne Ice – 68 pts

2. Canberra Brave – 51 pts

3. Perth Thunder – 46 pts*

4. Newcastle Northstars – 45 pts

5. Brisbane Lightning – 40 pts

6. Melbourne Mustangs – 37 pts

7. Adelaide Adrenaline – 32 pts

8. Central Coast Rhinos – 14 pts

   (*includes 3-point deduction)

Playoffs

With the regular season complete, the Ice and Brave receive byes to the semi-finals. The preliminary finals will see Perth Thunder face the Melbourne Mustangs, while Newcastle Northstars take on Brisbane Lightning. The winners will advance to meet the top two seeds in the final four.