After The Whistle – Week Five

After The Whistle – Week Five

In week 5, four teams played across the weekend, with some great results. Brisbane travelled to Sydney, winning 3-1 on Saturday and 4-2 on Sunday.

Adelaide Rush hosted the Melbourne Ice, winning 6-5 on Saturday and 5-2 on Sunday.

 

The Tendies

Imogen Perry started in net for Brisbane in both games across the weekend against the Sirens. Facing 19 shots on Saturday, Perry won game one with a .947 save percentage. On Sunday, Perry faced 20 shots, winning game two of the weekend with a .900 save percentage.

In both games, there was no shortage of strong shots from the Sirens, and these stats don’t reflect how hard they worked to get past Perry and the rest of the team, but they were shut down and held out throughout the entirety of the weekend.

In Adelaide, Emma Moonen was the starting goalie for the Rush on both games of the weekend, facing 28 shots and securing a .821 save percentage on Saturday and Sunday; they faced 27 shots, securing a .933 save percentage.

As hard as Melbourne tried to break through, coming up against powerhouse defenders like Kirsty Venus makes it incredibly tough. There was no shortage of effort on Melbourne Ice’s part, but the Rush earned both wins with grit and energy.

 

Stand Out Players

I made the trek to Sydney over the past weekend to watch the Sirens vs Lightning game live, and it was a treat from both ends of the ice.

I have written about Linda Björling once before. After seeing her live and watching her effort and work ethic at times that were not on camera, I realised that she has not only inspired me to play harder but also made me appreciate all she contributes to the Sydney team.

At the other end, Kate Sinclair captured my attention. I lost count of how many times during a battle, a skate, a shot that I’d think wow, that player is good, to realise time and time again it was Sinclair. She was hungry for the puck, and when she wanted it, more often than not, she would get there first.

Watching the replay of Adelaide vs Melbourne, it’s impossible not to be captivated by Jordan Kulbida’s playing style. With stunning goals, Kubilda secured five goals and one assist to help her team to victory over the weekend.

 

What’s Next

There has been no shortage of fun and excitement this season in the AWIHL. Head over to their YouTube to catch all the replays here.

https://www.youtube.com/@AWIHLTV

 

This weekend, Perth Inferno will host Brisbane Lightning.

The puck drops at 4.45 pm on Saturday and 10.45 am on Sunday.

Photos by Injected Ideas Photography