Mustangs veterans star in ten-goal drubbing of Central Coast

Photo: Phil Taylor

The Melbourne Mustangs have jumped to a dream start, opening their 2025 AIHL season with an emphatic 10-1 win over the Central Coast Rhinos.

The win was headlined by hattricks from two of Melbourne’s seasoned veterans, Ty Wishart and Scott Timmins, as they continue to prove that age is just a number.

The energy in O’Brien Icehouse was palpable as the inaugural puck was dropped, both sides eager to showcase their physicality early.

Central Coast’s Alex Gauthier immediately laid the body to set the tone, however picked up a boarding penalty as a result. That early advantage was all Melbourne needed to find their rhythm, pinning the Rhinos in their defensive zone with extended puck possession. The powerplay failed to capitalise, but Ty Wishart netted one shortly after, bursting into the slot to rip a wrist shot behind Rhinos goaltender Anand Oberoi.

The Mustangs first period dominance was accentuated by their rush play, exiting their defensive zone with stretch passes to their wingers through the neutral zone. It put the Rhinos defence on its heels, creating a number of clean offensive zone entries at speed for Melbourne.


Photo: Phil Taylor

While Oberoi stood tall in the ensuing minutes, facing countless A-grade opportunities, his efforts couldn’t prevent two wristers in quick succession from the Mustangs top line, with Timmins and Wishart scoring the second and third goals of the game just 40 seconds apart.

The second period featured much of the same intensity from the Mustangs. Timmins put away his second of the night just 34 seconds into the period to extend the Mustangs lead to four, and while the Rhinos returned serve with a flurry of chances, largely created by Ivan Kuleshov and Tomas Landa, it was to no avail. Even with an early penalty kill Melbourne hardly faltered, with Timmins scoring his third shorthanded with silky mitts, sliding the puck through Oberoi’s five-hole as he lunged for the poke check.

Melbourne mounted simultaneous offensive zone entries to close out the second, punishing accordingly with another three goals to enter the final intermission up 8-1. Even with Rhino Dimitri Kuleshov finding the back of the net with a one-timer at the crease, the Mustangs' Jordan Warren responded with one of his own just 11 seconds later.

Tempers flared early in the third period, as Melbourne’s Tyrell Clare and Central Coast’s Patrick Dittrich having to be separated by the referees. The scuffle stirred some energy for the Rhinos, with Tyler Kubara producing a couple of chances in tight shortly after but the lead was insurmountable, with the Mustangs cruising to victory.

Mustangs' assistant coach Michael Flaherty highlighted the effort from all four lines, allowing for their which enabled Melbourne’s veteran stars to damage the scoreboard.

“Our other lines were able to build pressure on the opposition, which allowed Scotty [Timmins] and Ty [Wishart] to have an impact on the game at their best,” Flaherty said. “Their experience and knowledge of the game is unbelievable, so they’re able to take advantage when the opportunity comes.”

“One of the things I talked about in the room [pre-game] was taking the pressure right from the start and trying to build from that. Keep the feet moving, things we want to do throughout the season, start it right from the beginning and not halfway through the game.”

While Timmins’ 6-point and Wishart’s 5-point night will lead the headlines, Canadian import Zack Phillips was quietly elite on debut, finishing the game with a goal and three assists. Flaherty spoke highly of his immediate impact since arriving at the club.

“[Zack’s] been fantastic. He’s really fit well with the boys and is enjoying it, which helps when you’ve moved from the other side of the world, and you fit in with the group. We’ve got a good locker room, a bunch of guys that are going to work hard this year and get along really well.”


Photo: Phil Taylor

Despite being handed down a reality check, the Rhinos' budding brotherly duo provided plenty of promise as Ivan and Dmitri Kuleshov were excellent in their season debut, with Dimitri scoring the Rhinos' sole goal. Head coach Ron Kuprowsky lauded their connection and creativity on the ice, in spite of the loss.

“The boys have an automatic connection, obviously as brothers playing together, they click… When they click together, you’re going to see some really good passing and shooting from them,” Kuprowsky said post-game.

Looking ahead to their matchup with grand finalists Melbourne Ice, Kuprowsky highlighted defensive improvements as the key to a stronger performance. Looking ahead to their matchup with 2024 grand finalists Melbourne Ice, Kuprowsky highlighted defensive improvements as the key to a stronger performance.

“We have to tighten things up in our own zone,” Kuprowsky said. ”We have to stop giving up grade As, because guys like [Wishart] and Timmins don’t miss those chance. If we tighten up a little bit more defensively, go over the tape and see what we did wrong and what we can clean up, we’ll live to fight another day.”

The Rhinos will face the Melbourne Ice at 2pm on Sunday, while the Mustangs will wait for next week to take on the Brisbane Lightning at the Icehouse.