The Doggies will take to the road this weekend (Aug 27-28th) to finish off the 2011 regular season.

The Dogs will host the Melbourne Ice on Saturday , in what may prove to be the Grand Final preview as these two teams are set on a collision course to see who will take away the champtionship.

On the Sunday athe Dogs will wrap up the regular season when they travel to Adelaide to take on the Adrenaline in a game that means little to the Dogs but possibly the season for the Adelaide team as they struggle to make the playoffs.

Even though these games are of no signifigance to the playoff race for the Dogs they want to be in good form the weekend before the playoffs so there should be some good hockey coming up.

In your last chance to see the Dogs in Sydney this season you will need to get out to the Penrith Ice Palace as the Doggies vs the Bears at 5:00pm Sunday evening.

This will be the Bears final game of a rather forgetful season, while the Dogs are rolling along getting everything in place for next weekend year end road trip to Adelaide and Melbourne before going down to melbourne the following weekend to contest the 2011 AIHL championships.

Its still a big game for the Dogs as they get their game set for the finals and try to take the Series against the Bears 4-0.

Come out and cheer for the Dogs one last time in Sydney before they are on the road for the remainer of the season

In what will be the last home game of the season for the Ice Dogs, the Canberra Knights come to Liverpool for the 5:00pm game on Saturday Aug 20th.

In a game that has a lot of importance for the Ice Dogs as they are yet to solidify a 3rd place finish this season. Needing just 2 points in the next 4 games to ensure a 3rd place finish, the Dogs hope to pick up those points Saturday night in front of another packed and loud Ice Dog crowd.

Canberra Knights has the top assist getter in league history with them,  Addison De Boer has picked up an amazing 52 assits while tallying 79 points on the season. Addison and other import Britt Ouellette have combined for nearly half of the Knights offence this season. This combination will be ready to go as they hit the ice Saturday.

Dispite Canberra captain Mark Rummukainen talking shit stating  “We’ll come out firing, and if they (Sydney Ice Dogs) want to take us lightly that’s up to them but hopefully it will bite them on the ass” , the Dogs remain focused on the job ahead.

The Dogs have a 3-0 strangle hold on the season series against the Knights this season and want to put the final nail in the coffin for the Knights and their season.

Come on out and support the Dogs Saturday Night.

The Doggies have there sites set squarely on the Bears this Saturday night as the Dogs continue their march to the playoffs.

In what promises to be a highly charged game the Dogs know how important points are at this point in time and will play a fast paced offensive game Saturday night.

The Bears will be trying to finish the season off on a high note as they near the end of a disappointing year for the Bears and which the Doggies were all to familiar with last year.

This year has the Dogs looking to extend the winning streak to 8 Saturday as they ascend the ladder on the way to the finals.

Puck drops at 5:00pm

Ice Dogs and Adrenaline always a thriller

The dogs kept their playoff asperations alive with a 3-1 win over the Adrenaline sunday night at Liverpool.

In a game the dogs looked hungry for they took the lead early and never looked back as the rolled to victory and place themselves in 3rd place on the league ladder.

Strong goaltending by Jimmy herbert and a sterile Adelaide powerplay (who went 0-13) helped the dogges to their 11th win of the season and topped off a 6 point weekend.

Doggies next game is against the Mustangs as they try to put some distance between themselves and the rest of the pack.

Dogs take on the tongues this weekend

The Cityview Ice Dogs play the Gold Coast Bluetongues for the next three games in a row.  This will give the Dogs their first chance to win a season series with the first game of three at home this Saturday July 2nd at the LCC Sports Complex 5pm.

The Dogs will have Todd Stephenson back in the lineup and will be looking to get back to their winning ways after a recent 2 game slump against the top two teams of the league Melbourne and Newcastle.  If you check out where the Dogs are placed against each team and they are sitting in a good position either up or tied against most opponents except for the defending champs Melbourne Ice who the Dogs are still yet to crack.

Current Season Series:

Bluetongues up 1-0
Newcastle tied 1-1
Melbourne down 3-0
Mustangs up 2-1
Canberra: up 2-0
Adelaide: tied 1-1
Bears: haven’t played yet

So be there this Saturday to help the Ice Dogs climb the ladder.  The Dogs will have support up North for the double header in Gold Coast in a fortnights time as well with new formed supporter group “The Loo” making the trip. 

The Ice Dogs haven’t won a game in Gold Coast since 2008.  But this is the year of the Underdog.

Join the Ice Dogs at the Mill Hotel after Saturdays games for dinner and a few drinks.  The Mill Hotel is a proud sponsor of the Ice Dogs and are located at 159 Beaconsfield street Milperra.

Adelaide vs Dogs

The Cityview Ice Dogs are on a roll and want their hardworking and loyal supporters who stuck by the team through thick and thin last season to enjoy the momentum and help their Doggies keep the good times coming. 

The LCC Sports Complex has become one of the most difficult arena’s to play in over the past year, thanks to our passionate supporters who provide a thunderous atmosphere. 

This weekend it is the Adelaide Adrenaline on the hitlist and if you can remember the last time these two met it definitely wasn’t pretty as a line brawl erupted and many casualties were had.  The Adrenaline had a tough start to the season but have had two recent wins against the Gold Coast and are on their way up.  The Ice Dogs currently sit at 3 wins and 2 losses and will be looking to move up the ladder and calm the Adrenaline.

Will Matt Monaghan and Brook Robson continue their hot-streak?  Will the D continue their tough defensive style combined with some recent offence?  Make sure you are their to witness this clash as 2011 heats up.

Game starts at 5pm at the LCC Sports Complex this Sunday May 15th against Adelaide. Bring a jumper or your Dogs jersey, some friends and your lungs and we will see you there.

This weekend the Cityview Ice Dogs take on Jason Baclig and the defending AIHL champions the Melbourne Ice on Saturday Night April 23rd at the Medibank Icehouse.  Baclig will be on the radar after amassing 5 goals and 1 assist against the Mustangs – the Dogs next opponent on Sunday April 24.

On Sunday Todd Stephenson will be playing his 150th Career AIHL game against the expansion team the Mustangs. 

Burger from Ice Dogs TV will be on the road, so stay tuned on the official Ice Dogs Facebook Fan Page as he provides regular score updates followed by an article on the Ice Dogs Website after the game with the recap.  The Highlights from Saturdays game will be on Ice Dogs TV Monday/Tuesday with the Sunday Highlights coming mid week next week.

The Melbourne Ice better make the most of their home advantage before they try to take on the Cityview Ice Dogs in front of a strong Dogs supporter base in Liverpool Sunday May 1st.  Bring all your friends and family as we try to take down the defending champions at home.

Missing from the line-up this weekend will be Chris Sekura and Billy Cliff (suspended).  The Dogs will have all imports on deck, plus a new Ice Supporters club called “The Loo” in attendance at the game with a few other Doggies supporters to boot.

Exhibition Game vs Canberra Sunday March 20th

 The season is approaching and you can get a taste of whats to come as the Ice Dogs take on the visiting Canberra Knights in an exhibition game Sunday March 20th at 5pm.  Get a sneak peak of Ice Dogs prospects on the horizion, imports and see this years national team players from both sides in action as they prepare for world championships in Melbourne, April 4th.

National Team Players that will be playing include:

Jordy Gavin (Canberra Knights)
Todd Stephenson (Ice Dogs)
Andrew White (Ice Dogs)
Mark Rummukainen (Canberra Knights)
Tomas Manco (Ice Dogs)
Scott Stephenson (Ice Dogs)
Brett Thomas (Ice Dogs)
Chris Sekura (Ice Dogs)

The National Team players will be around after the game to chat with supporters and kids before they head for training camp in Melbourne March 26th.  “I am really looking forward to getting a game in before training camp and getting a chance to see our supporters before we head off the championships” says Defenceman Tomas Manco.

Canberra Knights player Stu Philps is also looking forward to the challenge “we have a few young prospects we want to put to the test against a very solid Ice Dogs lineup featuring many national team players” says Philps.

Both teams are yet to confirm Imports but it looks like Matt Monaghan will be suiting up and may be joined by another Ice Dogs signing or two to be announced through the week.   Canberra looks to probably have an import travelling down with the team as well.  The Ice Dogs may also use this opportunity to test a goalie or two as well.

As it is an exhibition game, entry will be $12 for Adults and $6 for Kids.  You can also use this opportunity at the exhibition game to purchase your season memberships which will finally be on sale.

Final Showdown vs the Canberra Knights

This Saturday night August 21st the Canberra Knights come to town for the final Home Game (and Game for that matter) of the 2010 season.  The last time these two matched up the BANQ Sydney Ice Dogs came back from 6-3 to win 8-7. 

The Ice Dogs will have Import Matt Monaghan back in the line up and Jimmy Herbert should be back closer to 100% as he recovers from his shoulder injury from 2-3 weeks back.  “It will be good to get Monaghan back in the line up” says forward Scottie Herbert.

Those in need of a hockey fix….last call before the off-season and summer approaches.  The Knights have two wins in Canberra and the Ice Dogs will be looking to square the ledger and finish on a high note for next year. 

The Ice Dogs would also like to invite you to the Liverpool Catholic Club after the game for an informal get together celebrating this Ice Dogs Community that is growing in numbers and going from strength to strength.  The Game is proudly brought to you by BANQ Accountants who have donated some Mens Cologne and Womens Perfume to be raffled off.

The BANQ Sydney Ice Dogs would like to thank all our supporters once again for their dedication, commitment and support this year and hopefully see you Saturday night for the last home game of the year.

5:00pm puck drop vs Canberra at the LCC Sports Complex

BANQ Ice Dogs and Adrenaline always a thriller

Well the stats speak for themselves that this will be a thriller of a game with every game between these two teams going down to the wire – two of them into a shootout.  The BANQ Sydney Ice Dogs however are hungry for the win this as they have failed to beat the defending AIHL champions this year despite coming so close everytime.

After the last two losses in Penrith the Ice Dogs need to refocus and put on a show for their growing passionate supporter base who yell their lungs out with or without amplifying devices every weekend.  The Stats will hopefully help out as the Ice Dogs have won their last two home games in front of their passionate crowd. 

Saturday Nights game is also very special as it is the inaugrial Westbus Pups Club Gala Day event which focuses on the youth and future of our beloved sport.  The Day kicks off at 3pm with Street Hockey and other activities outside the LCC Sports Complex and prizes to be won.

So wear something warm, bring your friends this Saturday August 7th from 3pm for some pre-game festivities with the game starting at 5pm.

Battle of Sydney

After defeating the Bears at home last Saturday July 17 and tying the season series at 1-1 the BANQ Sydney Ice Dogs will be looking to take that momentum on the road when they take on the Bears at Penrith this Sunday July 25.

The Ice Dogs will be missing Andrew White and David Dunwoodie to suspension, whilst Import Matt Monaghan is also temporarily away in the United States for the next few weeks.  The Bears are missing key forwards Vlad Rubes and Roberto Francini so it will still be quite the even field and set for another barn burner.

The Ice Dogs may have won 8-2 last game but won’t be taking Penrith lightly as the Bears have a solid home record.  Conversely the Dogs may have a bit of a following down the M4 after last weeks performance and it could re-ignite the spark.

Battle of Sydney

The Battle of Sydney really gets into action this Saturday night July 17th at the LCC Sports Complex as the first of three encounters in a row.  The BANQ Sydney Ice Dogs will be looking to extend their recent success and carry it over to Penrith for the following two games.

The Bears have come off two losses in the Gold Coast and will be looking to get back to their top of the ladder form this season.  “We are just looking to steal points and upset some teams at this stage of the season” says Captain Anthony Wilson.  “The last two games have shown some positives for the future and we want to build on that”.

Billy Cliff got his chance alongside Derek Campbell and Matt Monaghan and didn’t look out of place and contributed a goal in last games comeback.  “He has gone from playing well on the ice to making an impact, it is great to see him stepping up” adds coach Mark Stephenson.

Import Defenceman Chad Elliott is finding his form mid season and has been solid on the blueline for the past five games.  With the new attitude of the Ice Dogs and a determined Bears outfit make sure you get to the LCC Sports Complex this Saturday night July 17.

After the game the Ice Dogs will be having their team photo and want their supporters to be in the background of the photo so don’t miss out and bring your Ice Dogs Jerseys as well.  The GAME will be proudly brought to you by BANQ Accountants.

Canberra Knights come to town this weekend

This Saturday night the BANQ Sydney Ice Dogs will be looking to build off last Sundays performance at home against the Adelaide Adrenaline where they lost in a narrow shootout after coming back from a 2-0 deficit. 

Derek Campbell and Anthony Wilson were responsible for the two goals from the Ice Dogs and notable performances go out to Ice Dogs defenceman Shannon McGregor and Tomas Manco.

The Canberra Knights only sit a few points ahead on the table in front of the Ice Dogs so the home side will be looking to steal some points head to head and stir up the opposition.

Make sure you wear a jumper, bring a blanket and the family and cheer on your Ice Dogs this Saturday night 5pm at the LCC Sports Complex as they take on the Canberra Knights.

Dogs get chance to take on Adrenaline and Northstars at home in double header

This weekend it is double the action as the Newcastle Northstars return to the LCC Sports Complex on Saturday night July 3rd to take on the Ice Dogs and the Adelaide Adrenaline will be in town on Sunday night July 4th.

Both games should be entertaining that’s for sure as the Dogs have narrowly lost in Adelaide to the defending champs and can’t wait for the chance to take them on at home.  The BANQ Sydney Ice Dogs are also looking to make up for a 6-2 loss last time Newcastle were in town.

Both Games start at 5:00pm at the LCC Sports Complex.

Dogs take on the tongues this weekend

The last time the Gold Coast Bluetongues came to town the BANQ Sydney Ice Dogs ran away with a 4-1 win and the game had its fair share of hard hitting action and rivalry.  After losing both games in the Gold Coast the Doggies are determined to turn things up a notch and give a little payback on the scoreboard this Saturday night June 26 at the LCC Sports Complex. 

The Puck Drops at 5pm.  Adults $12, Kids $6 and the game will be proudly sponsored by EA Sports where NHL 10′on EA Sports is being raffled away as the prize at the game

Ice Dogs are off to Canberra this Saturday Night

This Saturday night June 19th the BANQ Sydney Ice Dogs are off to play the Canberra Knights.  Due to high demand the Ice Dogs are offering supporters the chance to catch the bus with the team for the trip for $25 a head.  The bus will leave the LCC Sports Complex at 11:15am and to register your interest/book your spot email Scott at   info@icedogs.com.au .  The $25 only covers transport on the bus and does not include game entry.

Only 25 seats available so be sure to get in quick.

Next Home Game: Saturday June 12th at the LCC Sports Complex against the Northstars

Last time these two teams faced off was in Newcastle back in May where the Ice Dogs bounced back from 3-1 down to take a 6-3 lead to lose in a shootout.  Long story short, expect another epic battle to continue as these two rivals face off this time at the LCC Sports Complex. 

An Ice Dogs match-up wouldn’t be complete this season without a little adversity with the latest challenge being the loss of two imports to one game suspensions, namely Derek Campbell and Andrew DeCristoforo.   “We have found ways to win games missing key players in the past, guys are going to have to step up again and play some desperate hockey” says Defenceman Tomas Manco.

Import Matt Monaghan also threw out a little challenge to his teammates “lets just say I offered a little incentive for the guys to finish their checks and play some hard working hockey this weekend”.

The puck drops at 5pm this Saturday night against the Northstars at the LCC Sports Complex in Liverpool.  Adults $12, Kids $6.  For venue information click on the venue page of www.icedogs.com.au.  If you want friendly game reminders make sure you join “The Pound” e-newsletter list. You can also come meet the Ice Dogs after the game across the road at the Liverpool Catholic Club for some dinner and drinks

Line Up

Forwards
Scott Herbert
Billy Cliff
Matt Monaghan
Scott Stephenson
David Dunwoodie
Brenton Tripp
Scott Stephenson
Adam Culligan

Defence
Andrew White
Anthony Wilson
Tomas Manco
Chad Elliott
Spencer Austin
Shannon McGregor
Patrik Hornacek

Goaltenders
Jim Herbert
James Esson

State of Origin on ice

The Ice Dogs have Andrew White back in the line up a win under their belt and they are off to the Gold Coast this weekend to continue the season series that kicked off last Saturday night.  Asked about the situation that occurred at the Gold Coast bench last game and the Dogs are not dwelling on the event “That was last game and we have moved on and are focused on making things happen up at the Gold Coast this weekend” says forward Scott Stephenson who was sent flying over the boards which started the whole skirmish.

The team admits it needs to continue to buy into the systems tha have been put in place and focus on playing solid defence and getting the simple things right.  “Especially on the road, you need to play as a team and come together…buying into the same system accomplishes that” says Tomas Manco who has been in top form as of late.

Scottie and Willo

The Gold Coast have come off a tough Sydney road trip losing to the Ice Dogs 4-1 and then the Penrith Bears on Sunday night 7-1 and will be looking to turn things around at home. The Bluetongues have a perfect record at home so far this season to protect as well and the Ice Dogs will need their full line up to be on their game.

Stay tuned for the footage from the last home game to be posted on Ice Dogs TV very soon.

Dogs vs Bluetongues this Saturday Night

The BANQ Sydney Ice Dogs only have the Gold Coast Bluetongues left to play as they have faced off at least once against the other teams so far this season.  The home game will be the first of three matchups in a row before the Dogs head to Gold Coast next week for a double header. 

Defenceman Andrew White will be out of the line up due to a match suspension in Melbourne last Sunday for fighting.  The Bluetongues are currently sitting in third place on the ladder and the Dogs are desperate for a win to get their sluggish season off on a roll.

The puck drops at 5pm this Saturday night at the LCC Sports Complex so be sure to come along, wear a warm jumper and cheer on your Ice Dogs to a victory.

The game will be proudly sponsored by TAB West Hoxton.

Dogs look to turn it around against Adelaide this Saturday

This weekend it is back on the airplane, check in the hotel room and back to business for the BANQ Ice Dogs.   First cab off the rank is the defending champs Adelaide Adrenaline who lost their last two games on the road to the Gold Coast Bluetongues, before flying to Melbourne Sunday to take on the hot Melbourne Ice who have featured in this month’s FHM Magazine. 

Forwards Scottie Herbert and Import Matt Monaghan are day to day recovering from leg injuries and missed practice on Tuesday night, but should be back on Thursday night’s practice to prepare for the weekend.

Captain Anthony Wilson made a public apology on the Dogs website Tuesday afternoon to the teams loyal supporters and sponsors, as other players are unavailable for comment as they wish to focus on this weekend’s matchup and turn things around.

It looks like Defenceman Andrew White will slide back into defence, with the possibility of David Dunwoodie revisiting his junior hockey days playing up front.  It also appears there could be a few more line-up changes as the team looks for some chemistry this weekend.

Either way there is still plenty of hockey to play and the Ice Dogs will need to take it one faceoff, one battle, one period and one game at a time as they fight their way back out of this slump.  If history has shown us anything, you never write off the Ice Dogs!

2010 Home Opener against the Penrith Bears

Finally the BANQ Ice Dogs, coming off a tough road skid, are playing back at home with a classic rivalry to0 good to miss at home this Saturday Night May 15th at the LCC Sports Complex, 5:00pm.

“We have showed at times over the last four games what we can do and that we have a good hockey team here, so we are looking forward to finding some form this weekend and get things going” says defenceman Tomas Manco.

The Penrith Bears will be missing two imports due to suspension and the BANQ Boys are looking for their first win of the season to get some momentum for when Melbourne comes to town on Sunday night May 16th.

It looks like Andrew White will be playing forward similar to the line up for Newcastles game last Sunday.  “Andrew used to play forward and played forward overseas when playing Junior (under 20s) in Canada, so he gives us a bit more depth up front” explains Coach Mark Stephenson.  “With around 8 defenceman of which two to three of them can play forward quite well, we had to move someone up front, but you will still see Whitey [Andrew White] back there from time to time on defence”.

The Home Opener is proudly sponsored by EA Sports NHL 10′ and will be the raffle prize on the night.

The Battle of Sydney

This weekends lineup

Forwards
Andrew White
Matt Monaghan
Scott Stephenson
Derek Campbell
Andrew DeCristoforo
Scott Herbert
Todd Stephenson
Brenton Tripp
Billy Cliff
Adam Culligan

Defence
Tomas Manco
Chad Elliot
Anthony Wilson
David Dunwoodie
Patrick Hornacek
Shannon McGregor
Spencer Austin

Goalies
Jim Herbert
Alan Becken

Be sure to come and catch the action. Adults only $12 and Kids only $6.  Melbournes Game Preview to come underneath here shortly!

The Dogs are on the hunt for their first win of the season and looking for redemption after Canberra’s season series win last year.  “The team has addressed last weekends weak points in practice this week and now we are just really looking forward to playing tomorrow”  says import defenceman Chad Elliot.  The Penalty box definitely being one of them. 

“I think we played better disciplined in Adelaide with only one penalty, so I guess we want to continue that approach this weekend and avoid penalties that we have control over” adds Scottie Herbert.

You can expect a physical contest though in front of a passionate and usually sold out Canberra crowd.

Both teams have injected some fresh new import talent with some familiar and reliable faces in the line up.  BANQ Ice Dogs as many know have fresh faces in Derek Campbell, Andrew DeCristoforo and Chad Elliot with Matt Monaghan returning from last season.  Canberra have returning players in Matti Luoma from Finland and goaltender Ryan Lowe from the States with a few new additions Garrett Delaquis and Sean Scarbrough.

Sunday the Ice Dogs then make their way up to Newcastle to take on the Northstars who are on the hop after defeating the Penrith Bears in a shootout last weekend.

This Weekends Line up

Forwards

Derek Campbell (Import)
Chris Sekura
Andrew DeCristoforo (Import)
Scott  Herbert
Todd Stephenson
Brenton Tripp (Rookie)
Scott Stephenson
Matt Monaghan (Import)
Adam Culligan
Billy Cliff

Defence

Andrew White
Chad Elliot (Import)
Tomas Manco
David Dunwoodie
Anthony Wilson
Shannon McGregor
Spencer Austin
Patrick Hornacek

In Goal

Jim Herbert
Alan Becken

On the Road. Melbourne Saturday then Adelaide Sunday

The Ice Dogs season is underway starting this Saturday on the road against the Melbourne Ice.  The Ice Dogs will make history as this will be the first AIHL game played at the new Docklands Ice Arena.   Melbourne will be looking for redemption after 2 losses on the road against the Newcastle Northstars and the Penrith Bears last weekend.  With a sellout crowd predicted, The “Ice” have a lot to get motivated about. 

“We had a really great tempo at Thursday nights skate and everyone is looking pretty sharp, so we can’t wait to get this [2010] season underway” says Ice Dogs forward Chris Sekura.  A tempo that the Dogs will need to continue to set a tone for when Melbourne comes to town May 16th.

This Weekends Line up

Forwards

Derek Campbell (Import)
Chris Sekura
Andrew DeCristoforo (Import)
Scott  Herbert
Todd Stephenson
Brenton Tripp (Rookie)
Scott Stephenson
Matt Monaghan (Import)
Adam Culligan
Billy Cliff

Defence

Andrew White
Chad Elliot (Import)
Tomas Manco
David Dunwoodie
Anthony Wilson
Shannon McGregor

In Goal

Jim Herbert

Dogs face defending champs on their home turf this Sunday

The very next Sunday morning the Dogs will be on a flight to Adelaide to face the defending champs in their home opener.  “This weekend presents a couple of challenges for the playing group as we face two teams hungry to impress their home crowds so the boys will need to gel quickly” admits Assistant Coach Dion Dunwoodie.  “It won’t be easy but I think the guys can make it happen this weekend”.

This weekend marks the beginning of a four game road stint before the Dogs finally play their first home game May 15th vs the revitalised Penrith Bears.

Game Reviews

Last weekend the Ice Dogs took to the road defeating the Adelaide Adrenaline 3-1 on the Saturday night before flying to Melbourne to lose to the Ice 4-1. Both games were in front of packed out crowds as it was the final home game for both teams before they playoff against each other next weekend in the Finals series in Newcastle.

The Dogs played smart and kept out of the penatly box against a high flying Adrenaline outfit capitalising on their opportunities to take a 2-1 lead after the first two periods. Both goals came from the combination of Todd Stephenson and Imports Jamie Galbraith and Matt Monaghan. Monaghan put the final nail in the coffin giving their line one goal each in the match.

A fight between Ice Dogs Defenceman and ex-Australian team defenceman Adelaide’s Luke Thilthorpe gave the home town something to cheer on as the two players duked it out blow for blow before the Dogs walked away with victory.

Sydney were unable to take the same approach against Melbourne. Despite shutting the Ice out 0-0 after the first period, it didn’t take long for Melbourne to start picking up steam and taking advantage of some inexcusable Ice Dogs errors.

Unfortunately for the Ice Dogs they were unable to make the playoffs this year but they won’t be taking off to the golf course in a hurry “We are definitely dissappointed with the outcome of this season. We have to come back next year better prepared and ready to play” admits goaltender Jimmy Herbert. The Ice Dogs will be in the gym furiously as some players wait for Australian team invites and others are preparing to settle the score come next April when it all starts over again.

Game Review

Close But No Cigar

The Sydney Ice Dogs clawed back from a five goal deficit in the first period to score five unanswered goals and tie the game, forcing a shootout where the visiting Adelaide Adrenaline escaped with the shootout win 6-5. With the playoffs out of reach for the Ice Dogs there was nothing left but pride on the line which was put to the test when Adelaide went on a scoring spree putting Sydney deep in the doghouse five goals down.

“It wasn’t the best start to a game and we were far from playing our best hockey which we addressed in the change room after the first period” explains Todd Stephenson who scored the first goal in the Ice Dogs comeback. Not far behind Stephenson was team mate Scottie Herbert who notched the second goal from a set-up by veteran Chris Sekura.

Of course no comeback would be complete with out a bit of good old fashioned mongrel. “When we started finishing our body checks and getting under their skin, it opened up the ice and allowed us more room to attack the net” explains Jamie Galbraith who sniped the third goal to leave the second period at 5-3 in favour of Adelaide.

By the third period the LCC Sports Complex was on the edge of their feet cheering their Dogs on as Stephenson and Galbraith both put up their second goals of the night. The Dogs could have won the game in regulation time when Import Matt Monaghan hit the puck out of mid air into the net, but the goal was disallowed due to a high stick on the play leaving the game to end in a shootout.

One of Australia’s best forwards Greg Oddy scored on the first shot of the shootout for Adelaide and despite Jimmy Herbert’s two big saves afterwards the pups failed to score on their end allowing Adelaide to salvage the win.
Next week the Ice Dogs are on the road to Adelaide and Melbourne to complete the season.

Game Preview

This Sunday August 2nd at 5pm the first place Newcastle Northstars come to town to take on the Dogs. The Ice Dogs will be hungry for a big win against the Northstars who they have failed to beat so far this season.

Every spectator who comes to the game will also get an entry into the draw for a chance to win Scott Stephenson’s stick signed by the Ice Dogs team to be given out at the end of the game. Click here to find out more

Game starts at 5pm at the Liverpool Catholic Club Sports Complex.

Game Review

Dogs Knock Down Northstars

The Sydney Ice Dogs took down the league leading Northstars 3-2 last Sunday night at the Liverpool Catholic Club Sports Complex. With 5 Ice Dogs out of the line-up due to suspensions and injuries it was going to be a tough slog for the home side, especially when Casey Minson from the Northstars got his team ahead by one early on. Canadian Import Brock Backus however took care of Minson minutes later by dropping the gloves.

Ice Dogs rookie defenceman Shannon Macgregor replied for the Dogs with his first ever AIHL career goal leaving the scores locked at 1-1 before the first intermission.
Ice Dogs goaltender Jimmy Herbert was sensational in net, making desperate kick saves to keep his team in contention. Jimmy wasn’t the only James on fire as Import Jamie Galbraith scored a slippery goal upstairs on national team goaltender Matt Ezzy escaping two of the Newcastle defenders.

Sydney knew the night was far from over and Newcastle’s Import John Halverson confirmed that notion when he tied things up with 10 minutes remaining in the game.
The Dogs held their composure and it would be Jimmy Herbert’s brother Scottie who would put home the game winner as the Pups walked away with the win.

Scottie Herbert after scoring the game winning goal.

The Sydney Ice Dogs will play their Last Home Game of the year August 16th Sunday night against the Adelaide Adrenaline at the Liverpool Catholic Club Sports Complex. Game starts at 5pm, Adults are $12 and Kids are $6.

Game Preview - Double the points, Double the Action

The Sydney Ice Dogs season is on the line this Sunday night when they face off against the travelling Melbourne Ice in a double point decider. Not only will the 6 points up for grabs make a huge difference to the Ice Dogs position on the competition table but it is actually Melbourne who they are battling with for a top four playoff spot.

(As all teams play each other four times in a season and Melbourne only travels once this year to play the Ice Dogs instead of twice, the game is therefore worth double the points).
“This game will be, by far the biggest of the year and you can expect the guys [Ice Dogs] to come out firing at a million miles an hour” tells Captain Anthony Wilson.
It is that time of year where teams and fans start pulling out their calculators and working out who needs to beat who with a handful of games remaining and three or four teams fighting for a playoff spot. “It really is the most exciting time of year in the Australian Ice Hockey League, as every game counts and it definitely shows with the higher speed and intensity that comes from the players” adds Ice Dogs supporter and Liverpool Saints under 13s ice hockey coach Mick Lynch.

The Dogs are charging from their 5-3 win last Saturday night against the Penrith Bears, building on their recent winning streak. The game against Melbourne this Sunday is one of three remaining home games left in the season at the LCC Sports Complex in Liverpool with warm-up starting at 4:45pm. The last time these two teams met it was in Melbourne and the Dogs escaped with a 5-4 shootout win.

Adults are $12 and Children are $6.  For more information visit www.icedogs.com.au/tickets

Game Report

Melbourne 5

Sydney 3

Game Review

Double Trouble For Ice Dogs

The winning streak comes to an end for the Ice Dogs as they were defeated by the Melbourne Ice 5-3 last Sunday night.

At times the game could have gone either way with three of the Ice Dogs scoring opportunities hitting the post whilst Melbourne were treated to some lucky bounces.
The crowd got their fair share of excitement with two fights where arguably the home team finished on top. However the two fights cost Sydney in the sin bin and that is where Melbourne took full advantage.

The Melbourne Ice dominated during the man advantage and scored 3 unanswered goals. Sadly, the Ice Dogs saw the game slipping away and attempted to fight back and managed to score a second goal to make the score 5 to 2 at the end of the second period.
The Ice Dogs were far more disciplined in the third period and Canadian Import Jassi Sangha managed to pull back a third goal and his second of the game but this was to be the final score.

Game Preview

The last battle of Sydney for 2009 between the Sydney Ice Dogs and the Penrith Bears. Flying high after two big wins in a row last weekend the Dogs are looking to make it three as they take on the Bears. Saturday nights game is the first of four remaining home game in a row for the Ice Dogs before the season closes and they will be looking to make use of the home advantage to sneak back into playoffs as they sit just one point shy of fourth place.

Game starts at 5pm this Saturday night July 11th. Bring a jumper and the family for a great game of Ice Hockey.

Game Report

Icedogs 5

Bears 2

Game Review

*The editorial review will be written by Scott Stephenson as per usual and posted here shortly after the game.

 This Sunday July 5th the Ice Dogs and Adrenaline face off for what looks to be a great match-up. The Adelaide side are looking to bounce back after a 4-1 loss to Melbourne at home whilst the Ice Dogs are fighting their way back for a playoff spot.

Finish your weekend on a high.

Puck Drops at 5pm at the Liverpool Catholic Club Sports Complex. Click venue for further information.

The Gold Coast Derby

Last year the Dogs faced the Northstars in a derby three times in a row, heating an already fierce rivalry. This year it is the Gold Coast Bluetongues the Dogs are facing three in a row as the Dogs travel to the Gold Coast this weekend for a double header clash before the Tongues are in town June 27th on a Saturday night.
This clash is as important as ever for Sydney as the Gold Coast sit above them in the standings and a few head to head wins will thrust the pups back into the top four. The last win over the Bluetongues is a distant memory as Gold Coast defeated Adelaide twice in a row two weekends back, showing they are ready and firing.

Make sure you come to the next home game June 27th Saturday night at 5pm.

You are always in for a good game of ice hockey whenever the Ice Dogs and the Northstars face off. A rivalry that has existed since the early part of the millennium, the two teams have met in the finals on three occasions with the Ice Dogs only managing to claim victory one of those times in 2004.

Aside from the heated rivalry, the Ice Dogs have slipped down to fourth in the standings as the Gold Coast Bluetongues managed to defeat the Adelaide Adrenaline twice last weekend. The pups didn’t have any games last weekend and will be facing Canberra on Saturday June 13th in Canberra before taking on the Northstars at home on the Sunday.

Newcastle currently sits at the top of the standings and two wins will be necessary for Sydney to close the gap on Newcastle and remain in the top four. Captain Anthony Wilson will hopefully return to the line up as he recovers from a groin injury.

Make sure you bring a jumper and some mates and cheer on the pups this Sunday June 14th at the LCC Sports Complex. Puck drops at 5pm.