AIHL Week 4 Wrap

James Lane

The AIHL delivered another electric weekend of action in Week 4, highlighted by explosive first periods, a 12-goal statement from Melbourne Ice, and a standout individual performance from Brandon McNally.

Lightning and Thunder Split Points

Saturday opened with fireworks in Boondall, where the Perth Thunder and Brisbane Lightning combined for seven first-period goals in a chaotic 20 minutes that ended 4-3 in Brisbane’s favour. The Lightning would hold on for a 6–5 win, handing Perth a rare defeat despite their offensive pressure.

On Sunday, the Thunder struck back. A lower-scoring affair saw them edge Brisbane 3–2 in the rematch, reinforcing their position at the top of the table. With the weekend split, the Thunder now sit at 5–3 with 15 points, enough to stay clear at the summit.

Yu Hikosaka remains a key cog in the Thunder’s attack and continues to lead the league in scoring with 14 points.

Newcastle Slump, McNally Delivers for Brave

The Newcastle Northstars were on the wrong end of two very different results. Saturday’s thriller against Canberra ended in heartbreak, with the Brave pulling off a 7–6 win after another seven-goal opening period. Brandon McNally starred for Canberra with a hat-trick and still leads the league in assists with 14.

Unfortunately for Newcastle, Sunday brought no relief. The Central Coast Rhinos hammered them 7–1, leaving the Northstars stuck on just four points from seven games. It’s been a sluggish start for the Northstars, whose defensive issues were laid bare again this weekend.

The Brave, meanwhile, continue to show flashes of danger, but sit mid-table with 10 points and plenty to prove.

Melbourne Ice Run Riot Over Winless Adrenaline

It was a weekend to remember for Melbourne Ice and one to forget for Adelaide Adrenaline. The Ice racked up a stunning 12–2 win on Saturday, fuelled by a six-goal third period and hat-tricks from both Mackenzie Caruana and Kolton Shindle. It was a clinic in offensive execution and left Adelaide reeling.

Sunday’s rematch was closer, but the Ice still claimed a 4–2 victory to make it a perfect weekend. With 14 points, the Ice leapfrog their Melbourne rivals Mustangs, who didn't play this week, and take second place on the ladder.

Adelaide, meanwhile, remain the league’s only winless side, their solitary point coming via an overtime loss.

League Table Snapshot

Not playing this week, the Melbourne Mustangs slip to third with 11 points, just ahead of the Lightning and Brave, who are tied on 10. The Rhinos’ Sunday win pushes them to 7 points, ahead of Newcastle and Adelaide at the bottom.

The ladder remains tight, with one big weekend enough to shake up the standings. For the Thunder, it’s business as usual at the top. For others, especially Newcastle and Adelaide, time is running out to turn things around.