Sydney Ice Dogs stun the Melbourne Ice

Curtis Skip solid between the pipes for the Ice Dogs. Photo: Peter Podlaha.

Forward Geordie Wudrick scored a hat trick and the Sydney Ice Dogs clinched a 6-2 win over the Melbourne Ice on Saturday night at the Macquarie Ice rink. The Ice Dogs ran away with the game in the third period, scoring three unanswered goals in front of a vocal home crowd.

The Ice Dogs top line was firing on all cylinders, Wudrick’s hat trick was his second multi-goal game of the season. While line mates Grant Toulmin had a 5 point night (2 goals and 3 assists) and dynamic winger Bryan Kolodziejczyk record 4 assists.

Captain Scott Stephenson also chipped in with a late goal in the third period, beating the Melbourne Ice keeper with a pin point accurate write shot.

Toulmin with 5 points for the night. Photo: Peter Podlaha.

Curtis skip was solid in net for the Ice Dogs, the Canadian net minder stopped a number of the quality chances in the first period and finished the night with 22 saves.

At the other end, young Australian goalie James Downie made his debut for the Melbourne Ice making 18 saves.

For the Melbourne Ice, Saturday nights defeat marks the clubs eight consecutive loss and after the game head coach Sandy Gardner reflected on his sides third period woes.

“We had our chances when we were trailing 3-2” said Gardner

“We should have scored to make it three all and put the pressure back on them (Ice Dogs), but a we made a couple of silly mistakes and it’s a goal at the other end.”

The Ice Dogs also debuted a new third jersey which has been created by Australian apparel brand Cheapskate hockey. The new jersey features a redesigned bull dog logo and a throwback to the teams classic blue and maroon look. Andy Hill from Cheap Skate was on hand to drop the ceremonial puck before the game.

Andy Hill from Cheapskate Hockey debuting Ice Dogs jersey's. Photo: Peter Podlaha.

With 25 competitions points, the Ice Dogs sit in second spot on the ladder and have their sights set on an AIHL finals berth, the club has not played in the an finals game since 2014.

The Ice Dogs will be back in action on Sunday night, when they host the Perth Thunder who currently sit in third place on the ladder. Puck drop at 5PM at the Macquarie Ice rink. Grab your tickets for what is sure to be an exciting game. Tickets http://aihl.net/2oUGAxR Can't make the game? Audio Stream: http://aihl.net/2reNU9h

The Melbourne Ice head up the highway and will face Newcastle Northstars on Sunday night at the Hunter Ice Skating Stadium. Ticket info here http://aihl.net/2pEQozY Can't make this game? https://aihl.net/2JWMYzs