Six teams took the ice over the weekend, across Perth, Brisbane, and Melbourne. With expansion on the horizon and rivalries intensifying as we get close to the end of the season, the action was non-stop from start to finish.
The Results:
Melbourne Ice with two wins for the exhibition series, winning 6-1 on Saturday and 5-2 on Sunday.
Split weekend for Adelaide and Perth with Rush taking a 4-3 win on Saturday, and Inferno taking a 7-5 win on Sunday.
Sirens secure 6 more points with two wins over Lightning, 4-3 on Saturday and 3-2 on Sunday.
Melbourne vs Melbourne
The Melbourne Derby exhibition series would see a challenge laid out for the Ducks as the strong and seasoned ice team came in ready. Ice had a commanding 6-1 victory, outshooting the Ducks 57-14 in a game that showed the challenges ahead for the AWIHL’s incoming team.
The Ducks returned to IceHQ Melbourne with renewed determination, showing improved offensive execution, but Melbourne Ice proved why they remain a powerhouse in the league. Ice secured a 5-2 victory, controlling possession and outshooting their opponents 62-12 in another dominant display.
Stand out players
Unsurprisingly Steph Cochrane secured 1 goal 3 assists, along with points contributed by Sharna Godfrey, Christina Julien, and Ashlie Aparicio. All names we’re familiar with who work hard and make great plays for their team.
Adelaide in Perth
Meanwhile, Adelaide Rush edged out Perth Inferno in a hard-fought battle at Cockburn Ice Arena, securing a nail-biting 4-3 victory. Despite being outshot 55-23, Inferno remained resilient, pushing Rush to their limits until the final buzzer.
Out west, Perth Inferno rebounded spectacularly from Saturday’s loss, taking down Adelaide Rush 7-5 in a high-scoring showdown. Despite being outshot 39-28, Inferno’s attacking precision turned the tide, securing a much-needed win to keep their campaign on track.
Stand out players
As I get to know players and teams this season there are three names that stand out from Perth Inferno, and they’re the play makers that get points. Michelle Clark-Crumpton, Elizabeth Scala and Sara Sammons. Majority of the goals scored this weekend often featured one of these three.
It is much the same for the Rush, with some of our most elite women stepping up and creating opportunities for Adelaide. Key names for Rush include Nat Ayris, Kirsty Venus and Jordan Kulbida. In the final 26 seconds of Saturday afternoon, it was Kulbida who scored the game winning goal for Rush.
Sirens vs Lightning
Over in Brisbane, Sydney Sirens held off Brisbane Lightning in yet another closely contested clash, prevailing 4-3 after an intense back-and-forth affair. Sirens generated more offensive opportunities, outshooting Lightning 33-29, making their slim win feel even more earned.
To close out the weekend, Sydney Sirens continued their winning form with a tight 3-2 victory over Brisbane Lightning. This matchup saw Lightning push Sirens to the brink, nearly reversing their Saturday loss, but Sirens’ composure in the final minutes sealed the result. The shot count was nearly even, with Sirens narrowly edging Lightning 28-26 in offensive output.
Stand Out Players
On the Sirens I have become a big fan of Sarah Edney, captain of the Sydney team. Another playmaker of the league, she sets her teammates up for opportunities, or she’s busting through the lines to score herself. Edney’s hattrick on Sunday cementing the two game win highlighting her strength as a player and a leader.
Brisbane’s Sharnita Crompton, Courtney Mahoney, Jaimi Goonan, and Lindsey Kiliwnik go from strength to strength every game. What stands out about Lightnings playing style are how they work as a unit in their systems where every player on the ice has an opportunity to be effective.
Round 11 will see Melbourne Ice travel to Perth and Adelaide Rush travel to Sydney for their weekends on the 1st and 2nd Feb.
Feature Image by Phil Taylor
