The Australian ice hockey team is completing its build-up for the World Championships with practice matches against Melbourne's two national league teams.
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The Mighty Roos overcame the MOAT Melbourne Mustangs on Thursday night, 9-3, with regular 'Stangs goalie Fraser Carson in net for the national team. Pat O'Kane, Mustangs import and close friend of Carson, put two goals past the young red-haired net-minder, doubtless ensuring some lively conversation at the Carson family's Sunday dinner, where O'Kane is a regular guest.
Australia plays Melbourne Ice on Saturday night. That encounter will pit several Ice stars against teammates - the three-time AIHL champions are providing seven players for Australia, all of whom will miss the first round of the league season whilst striving to get Australia promoted to division one.
The Mighty Roos are currently 32nd in the world rankings and will face off against Belgium, Estonia, Iceland, Israel and Serbia in the division two, Group A competition from April 9 until April 15.
The two exhibition matches have been part of a six-day camp the team is undertaking in Melbourne.
Mustangs forward Brendan McDowell joins Carson in the national side, while Melbourne Ice players Todd Graham, Mitch Humphries, Austin McKenzie, Tommy Powell, Greg Sturrock and Lliam Webster will also travel to Serbia.
Australian Team Manager Simon Fox is "excited" that the camp is being held at the Icehouse.
“In the past we have travelled overseas to prepare for the World Championships, but now we are able to train at home in a world-class facility right here in Melbourne. Both the Mustangs and Ice will provide the ideal warm-up for the players and a fantastic spectacle for the fans,” Fox says.
The matches are the last live hit-outs for the two Melbourne teams ahead of next week's opening of the AIHL season, when both outfits will face defending champion the Sydney Ice Dogs.
Half the proceeds from ticket sales support the Australian campaign in Serbia.
Australia v Melbourne Ice
When: Saturday, April 5, 2014
Where: Medibank Icehouse, Pearl River Drive, Docklands (aim at the Observation Wheel)
Puck drop: 7pm
Cost: $15
To purchase tickets: click here
Stick and Puck Session
On Friday, April 4 the Medibank Icehouse will also host a Stick and Puck training session. Kids 13 years and under can join Australia’s best players who will be teaching the Ice Hockey basics. There will also be sticks and helmets provided for first timers.
When: 4pm – 5.30pm - Friday, April 4, 2014
Where: Medibank Icehouse
Cost: $17 without skate hire, $22 with skate hire
For more information, please visit www.icehouse.com.au.
