The Australian Mighty Roos squad has been announced by Ice Hockey Australia, with all players having AIHL experience.
The squad will play in the 2016 IIHF Division 2 Group B World Championships in Mexico City Mexico on April 9-15, 2016 with the Australians (36
th in the world) coming up against Bulgaria (39
th), Israel (33
rd), New Zealand (37
th), North Korea (42
nd) and hosts Mexico (32
nd).
It’s a strong, experienced team with players such as Mark Rummukainen, Michael Schlamp, Sean Jones and Darren Corstens returning to the team after missing selection last season.
There are four debutants selected in the squad in the Bears’ Richard Tesarik, Mustangs’ Matt Stringer, Thunder’s Rob Haselhurst and North Stars’ Mat Lindsay.
Mighty Roos Coach Brad Vigon told IHA the mix felt right for the campaign as Australia aim to claim gold in Mexico.
“I think we have a great mix of guys that have had many years in the National team, such as Lliam, Huxley, Rummu as well as a few guys that have had a bit of experience, one or two tournaments and those that are getting their first crack as well,” Vigon said.
“The older guys will be expected to help to mentor our younger guys and really take them under their wing. I know most of the guys pretty well, and have had great feedback about the others and feel that each player will fit into what myself and Matti are trying to do.”
Vigon claimed one of the biggest difficulties for the team will be adjusting to the altitude with Mexico City sitting over 2km above sea level.
However, Vigon feels the players should be itching to get out on the ice after a long off-season.
“As a group we need to make sure we are in peak condition going into the tournament,” Vigon told IHA. “We will do a lot of work getting the guys comfortable with the systems we will use so that when we get there everyone will already have a pretty good idea of where they need to be in different situations.”
Vigon admits there will be some tricky games as Australia hope to gain promotion to Division 2 Group A.
“Mexico will be tough especially at home, and Israel is a bit of a wild card,” Vigon said. “You never really know what to expect from them year to year. New Zealand is always a tough, hard fought game and because of the rivalry it is always close.”
The full Mighty Roos squad for the 2016 Division 2 Group B World Championships is:
Name | Position | Club |
Darren Corstens | F | Adelaide Adrenaline |
David Huxley | D | Adelaide Adrenaline |
Wehebe Darge | F | Adelaide Adrenaline |
James Byers | D | CBR Brave |
Mark Rummukainen | D | CBR Brave |
Austin McKenzie | F | Melbourne Ice |
Lliam Webster | F | Melbourne Ice |
Mitch Humphries | F | Melbourne Ice |
Paul Baranzelli | D | Melbourne Ice |
Thomas Powell | F | Melbourne Ice |
Fraser Carson | GK | Melbourne Mustangs |
Matt Stringer | F | Melbourne Mustangs |
Sean Jones | F | Melbourne Mustangs |
Mat Lindsay | D | Newcastle North Stars |
Robert Malloy | D | Newcastle North Stars |
Jordan Kyros | F | Perth Thunder |
Robert Haselhurst | D | Perth Thunder |
Cameron Todd | F | Sydney Bears |
Michael Schlamp | F | Sydney Bears |
Richard Tesarik | F | Sydney Bears |
Anthony Kimlin | GK | Whitby Dunlops (Allen Cup) |
Head Coach | Brad Vigon |
Assistant Coach | Matti Luoma |
Manager | Ian Webster |
Chef de Mission | Steve Ransome |
Team Doctor/Physio | Danny George |
Equipment Manager | Joey Rezek |