awihl week one

After The Whistle – AWIHL Week One

The Australian Women’s Ice Hockey League (AWIHL) opened with a bang last weekend, with Perth and Melbourne winning their first two games of the season and one in over time.

Melbourne Ice vs Brisbane Lightning

This game saw Ice take a 7-1 victory on Saturday night.

A notable change in the line-up for Melbourne Ice saw veteran Stephenie Cochrane with the C, leading the team for the 2024-25 season.

Photo by Phil Taylor

Firepower

With firepower like Stephenie Cochrane, Christina Julien, and Sharna Godfrey (to name a few), there is an expectation of success in the Melbourne Ice season.

In spite of a high-scoring game, Brisbane held out Melbourne until the third period, where 6 of the goals were claimed, overall showing some good grit for the Lightning and highlighting the strength of the Melbourne side.

Sunday’s game saw Melbourne Ice win their second game 3-1 over the visiting Brisbane Lightning in a closer battle.

Julien, with two goals and an assist, contributed to the win and helped push the momentum of Melbourne’s victory throughout the game.

Perth Inferno vs Sydney Sirens

Perth Inferno secured their first win at home for the season with an OT goal 15 seconds into the overtime period on Saturday Night.

Photo by Cassandra Edwards

Battle of the Goalies

The Sirens outshot the Inferno 41-25, with goalies Ella Licari (Sirens) and Sasha King (Inferno) standing strong for regulation time.

Overtime

Georgia McLellan secured the game-winning goal, assisted by Elizabeth Scala and Sara Sammons. Scala and Sammons were instrumental throughout the game, creating offensive opportunities for Inferno.

Two from Two

Inferno took game two on Sunday with a 4-3 victory over the Sydney Sirens, but it didn’t come easily.

The Sirens held the lead twice during the game with Sarah Edney’s hattrick but goals from Sammons, Scala (2), and Malcolm, would secure the home team’s victory, and their place in the top 5 points leaders of the weekend.

Next Week

Following an exciting opening round we look ahead to next weekend with the Brisbane Lightning hosting the Melbourne Ducks exhibition games, and Adelaide Rush host Perth Inferno.

Photos by Phil Taylor & Cassandra Edwards

 

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Brisbane Lightning
Sydney Sirens
Melbourne Ice
Melbourne Ducks
Perth Inferno