Team Webster defeated Team Bourke 14-7 in the 2017 AIHL All Star game held on Sunday afternoon at the O’Brien Group Arena in Melbourne. Led by Melbourne Ice Captain, Lliam Webster, the boys in the blue ran away with game in the final period, pouring on six goals in the 3-on-3 third period to claim victory in the Melbourne cross town rivalry.

“The whole weekend was a great experience” said Webster.

“The guys played hard today, nothing silly and all the guys had a lot of the fun.”

On behalf of the winning side, Team Webster was awarded an $18,000 cheque, which was presented by APA Group Chief Executive Mick McCormack. Webster was very diplomatic when asked how his side was going to split the winnings.

“It’s a weekend off for the rest the League, the money is certainly an incentive to come and play in an event like this,” said the captain, “it was really good fun and we’re all going to get an even share.”

CBR Brave import defenceman Dominic Jalbert was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the All Star Game and awarded the coveted Mick McCormack Cup as well as a $1000 cash prize.

Jalbert took advantage of the extra ice in the second and third periods of the drop-off format game, and finished with 5 points (2 goals and 3 assists), which included a nifty breakaway goal in the second period.

“I thought a lot of guys could have gotten the MVP today” said Jalbert.

“I love the big ice, especially Melbourne – its fun to play 4-on-4 and 3-on-3, I hope the fans enjoyed it.”

Another standout for Team Webster was Perth Thunder goalie Peter Di Salvo, who made a number of spectacular saves in the up-tempo All Star Game.

Di Salvo replaced the Melbourne Ice’s Michael James after one period and stopped 25 of 29 shots, proving instrumental in holding out Team Bourke, only allowing one goal in the second period.

Sydney Bears defenceman Nick Rivait and Melbourne Mustangs forward Sean Jones also chipped in with pair of goals each for Team Webster in the impressive 7 goal win.

For Captain Lliam Webster, captaining a side in the AIHL All Star game was significant moment for the Melbourne home town hero.

“It meant a lot” said Webster.

“It’s not something everybody can say they’ve done. I’ve been around the League along time and it’s a nice pat on the back – yeah it was pretty special.”