The Melbourne Ice are back and continues to call Docklands home as they play out of the O’Brien Icehouse in NewQuay. After two long years of pandemic delays, the Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL) returns with an expanded 115 game season.

Marking the first year the league will be televised on Kayo as well as celebrating its 20th season, Melbourne Ice face off against eight teams from across Australia. While entering a period of rebuilding, history will be on the side of the four time play off champions and three-time league winners.

Made up of elite semi-professionals players and seasoned imports, who have played at an international professional level, Melbourne Ice is the first team in Australian Ice Hockey League history to win three championships in a row. 

Ice Hockey is not for the faint of heart. Speed, agility, teamwork and a ‘no fear’ attitude are all prerequisites, along with a love of hard rubber discs travelling at breakneck speeds! It’s clear to see why this is fastest team sport in Australia and a great way to spend an evening in Docklands.

I was in attendance last Friday night for the first Melbourne based derby of the season between the Ice and Mustangs. The atmosphere was amazing and is one for the bucket list of every resident in the area.