Recap: Ice win AIHL season opener 8-0

The Melbourne Ice did not disappoint fans with unstoppable momentum at their home opener. Photo: Matt Wragg.

Just days before the first puck drop of the season, it seemed all attention was on who wouldn’t be suiting up for the Tempur Melbourne Ice this season rather than who would.  However that didn’t stop fans packing the stands for the first game of the 2018 AIHL Season. The atmosphere was electric as a freshly announced squad lined the bench. With many well known faces overseas representing Australia at the IIHF World Championships, it was a chance for some fresh blood to show why they had been selected to represent the reigning champions. And show us they did.

After a quiet few minutes from both teams, Canadian Import Dillon Lawrence scored the opening goal for the Ice with assists from Dylan Anderson and Robert Clark.

Dylan Lawrence #18 gets the puck right under the elbow of Adrenaline goaltender Sebastian Andersson. Photo: Paul Furness.  

As if that wasn’t exciting enough, within 7 minutes Lawrence slotted an additional 2 goals, giving him a hat-trick in his first period of Australian Hockey. Not to be outdone by their import teammates, Cassian Delsar and Scott Corbett each secured late period goals to give the Ice a commanding 5 goal lead into the first break. Goalie Michael James looked strong between the pipes in his second season with the team, whilst Adrenaline Import goalie Sebastian Anderson would watch the remainder of the game from the bench.

A break to regroup did wonders for the Adrenaline as the second period commenced, the influx of goals stopped and the competition evened up. Michael James remained impenetrable in goal and despite an increase in effort from Adelaide, they were unable to get on the scoreboard. Fans were all set for a goalless second period when Cassian Delsar (in vintage form) sailed the puck into the net for his second goal with under 3 minutes to go. This gave Ice  a commanding 6-0 lead with a period left to play.

Nate Flemming #4 and Ales Kratoska #47 battle it out. Photo: Matt Wragg. 

As the puck dropped for the final period, it was clear to see Ice were determined to make a statement. A clear example of Ice’s commitment to promoting youth was provided when 17 year old Mitchell Bonollo scored at the 16 minute mark in his first game for the club, and the league. The victory was secured, and it was a matter of securing the shutout. Club favourite Jayden Pine-Murphy took to the net giving James a well deserved break. As Adrenaline continued to struggle, their frustration became clear and Ales Kratoska secured himself an early shower with a game-misconduct penalty. This power play created opportunity for Rob Clark to secure the 8th and final goal for the game.

Melbourne Ice started their season with an 8-0 smashing, showing their fans they have what it takes to go back-to-back this year. A greater challenge awaits next week, on Saturday 28 April, as they face Perth Thunder at O’Brien Group Arena.

Originally published on ice.theaihl.com