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2020 AIHL season

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2020 AIHL season
LeagueAustralian Ice Hockey League
SportIce hockey
Duration18 April 2020 – 23 August 2020 (cancelled)
AIHL seasons
← 2019
2021 →

The 2020 AIHL season was going to be the 21st season of the Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL). It was originally scheduled to run from 18 April 2020 until 23 August 2020, with the Goodall Cup finals following on 29 August and 30 August 2020.[1] However, on 12 March 2020 the league announced the postponement of the 2020 season to a to be determined date due to COVID-19.[2] Then on 29 July 2020, the AIHL commission's return to play committee announced the official cancellation of the 2020 AIHL season due to July COVID outbreaks on the east coast as well as continued border closures for WA and SA.[3] This marked the first time the Goodall Cup was not awarded since 1993, when the competition was cancelled as a result of financial problems.[4]

Teams

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In 2020 the AIHL had planned to have 8 teams competing in the league.[5]

2020 AIHL teams
Team City Arena Head Coach
Adelaide Adrenaline South Australia Adelaide IceArenA Finland Sami Mantere
CBR Brave Australian Capital Territory Canberra Phillip Ice Skating Centre Australia Stuart Philps
Melbourne Ice Victoria (state) Melbourne O'Brien Icehouse Canada Michael Marshall
Melbourne Mustangs Victoria (state) Melbourne O'Brien Icehouse Canada Maxime Langelier-Parent
Newcastle Northstars New South Wales Newcastle Hunter Ice Skating Stadium Australia John Kennedy
Perth Thunder Western Australia Perth Perth Ice Arena Canada Ben Breault
Sydney Bears New South Wales Sydney Macquarie Ice Rink Australia Ron Kuprowsky
Sydney Ice Dogs New South Wales Sydney Macquarie Ice Rink Australia Andrew Petrie

League business

[edit]

On 11 February 2020, the AIHL announced the league would be adopting the international standard sixty minutes match length. Between 2013 and 2019 the AIHL ran fifty minute matches, while prior to that the league ran forty-five minute matches. The change increases the league's matches by ten minutes and standardises the period lengths to twenty minutes each. The change came into effect for the 2020 season.[6] On 12 March 2020, the CBR Brave announced they would be livestreaming all home matches at Phillip Ice Skating Centre for the 2020 season. A partnership with production company Wonqy would deliver the stream.[7] Later on 12 March 2020, AIHL commissioner, David Turik announced the 2020 season would be postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). The AIHL Commission held consultation with the teams and took medical advice from State and Federal Governments in coming to the decision. The Commission did not release a new proposed start date for the 2020 season but will meet regularly to discuss progress and determine if there is a time period for the season to be moved to.[2] In late July the AIHL commission's return to play committee released a public update to advise the 2020 season had been cancelled and would not go ahead.[3] In early August, a new incorporated body was established in Brisbane, Queensland with the mission to expand the league and secure an AIHL licence for 2022.[8]

Exhibition games

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On 7 January 2020, the Melbourne Ice and Melbourne Mustangs co-announced the organisation of an exhibition charity match to be played between the two teams to raise money for the Victorian Bushfire Appeal. The match was scheduled for 19 January 2020 at O’Brien Icehouse.[9] The Ice defeated the Mustangs 5–2 in the charity match with the event raising over $50,000.[10]

On 13 January 2020, it was announced that the South Australian ice hockey community, including the Adelaide Adrenaline, Adelaide Rush and Avalanche alumni had arranged for an exhibition charity match for 9 February 2020. The match was named The Bushfire Appeal Ice Hockey Classic with teams broken into ‘Locals’ and ‘Rest of the World’.[11] In front of a packed out IceArenA, the Locals came from 6–4 down in the second intermission to claim a 7-6 (OT) victory. The Locals won with a golden goal scored by Adelaide Rush player Tash Farrier in the 3v3 overtime period.[12] The event raised $23,951 with all money going to CFS Foundation and Kangaroo Island Mayoral Relief and Recovery Bushfire Fund to assist with the Adelaide Hills and Kangaroo Island fire recovery effort.[13]

On 27 January 2020, the Sydney Ice Dogs and Sydney Bears announced they would hold a bushfire recovery appeal charity match between the two teams at Macquarie Ice Rink on 21 February 2020. All proceeds would go to the NSW Rural Fire Service and Australian Red Cross.[14] The Bears defeated the Ice Dogs 6–3 in the event.[15]

On 28 February 2020, Melbourne Mustangs announced the annual pre-season exhibition Melbourne derby involving the Mustangs and Ice would be held at the Icehouse on Saturday 4 April.[16] On 16 March 2020, the Ice and Mustangs officially cancelled their pre-season exhibition game due to COVID-19 and the postponement of the AIHL season.[17]

On 2 March 2020, Adelaide Adrenaline announced a pre-season exhibition match against a South Australian Select team for 21 March 2020 to be held at the Adelaide IceArenA.[18] On 15 March 2020, the Adrenaline officially cancelled their pre-season exhibition game due to COVID-19 and the postponement of the AIHL season.[19]

On 30 July 2020, one day after the cancellation of the 2020 AIHL season, the Newcastle Northstars and Sydney Ice Dogs announced the formation of the 2020 Hawkesbury Classic exhibition series between the two teams. The four match series was originally to be held at both the Hunter Ice Skating Stadium in Newcastle and Macquarie Ice Rink in Sydney between 2 August and 22 August 2020.[20] On 14 August 2020, it was revealed the series would be extended by three matches, creating a full seven match series.[21] Game One ended with the Ice Dogs claiming a 3–2 overtime victory to take a 1–0 lead in the series.[22] Game two saw the Ice Dogs double their lead in the series to 2–0 with a 3–2 overtime victory.[23] Game three was won by the Northstars in a 5–4 shootout victory, halving the Ice Dog's series lead to 2–1.[24]

Personnel changes

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On 11 January 2020, Adelaide Adrenaline announced former player and head coach Sami Mantere had been re-appointed as head coach for the 2020 season. Sami replaced outgoing head coach, Jim Fuyarchuk, who held the position for the last two seasons.[25]

On 31 January 2020, Melbourne Ice announced their new head coach for 2020 would be Canadian Michael Marshall. Michael hails from Calgary, Alberta and joins the team off the back of four years coaching in Sweden.[26]

On 8 February 2020, Perth Thunder announced Dave Ruck had ended his three-year tenure as head coach of the West Australian team. The 2017 AIHL coach of the year would be replaced by the recently retired former Thunder player, Ben Breault. The appointment is the first senior head coaching role for Breault.[27]

On 24 February 2020, CBR Brave announced head coach Rob Starke would not be returning for the 2020 AIHL season. Starke had left Canberra and moved back to Canada for personal and professional reasons in the off-season. Rob left the Brave having guided the team to their first three titles including the 2018 Goodall Cup.[28] On 27 February 2020, the Brave announced Stuart Philps as the team's new head coach and Rob's replacement.[29]

Player transfers

[edit]

Regular season

[edit]

The regular season began on 18 April 2020 and ran through to 23 August 2020 before the top four teams advanced to compete in the Goodall Cup finals weekend.[39]

April

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April fixtures and results
Date Time Away Score Home Location Recap
18 APR 17:00 Adelaide Adrenaline X–X Melbourne Ice O’Brien Icehouse TBA
18 APR 17:00 Newcastle Northstars X–X Sydney Bears Macquarie Ice Rink TBA
18 APR 17:00 Sydney Ice Dogs X–X CBR Brave Phillip Ice Skating Centre TBA
19 APR 14:00 Adelaide Adrenaline X–X Melbourne Mustangs O’Brien Icehouse TBA
25 APR 16:30 Melbourne Mustangs X–X Adelaide Adrenaline IceArena TBA
25 APR 17:00 Sydney Bears X–X Newcastle Northstars Hunter Ice Skating Stadium TBA
25 APR 17:00 CBR Brave X–X Melbourne Ice O’Brien Icehouse TBA
26 APR 14:00 CBR Brave X–X Melbourne Ice O’Brien Icehouse TBA
26 APR 16:30 Melbourne Mustangs X–X Adelaide Adrenaline IceArena TBA
26 APR 17:00 Newcastle Northstars X–X Sydney Ice Dogs Macquarie Ice Rink TBA

May

[edit]

June

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July

[edit]

August

[edit]

Standings

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Pos Team Pld W OTW OTL L GF GA GD Pts Qualification or relegation
1 Adelaide Adrenaline 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2020 Goodall Cup Finals
2 CBR Brave 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 Melbourne Ice 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4 Melbourne Mustangs 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5 Newcastle Northstars 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
6 Perth Thunder 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
7 Sydney Bears 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
8 Sydney Ice Dogs 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Updated to match(es) played on 13 February 2020. Source: AIHL Elite Prospects
Rules for classification:
Tie-break: 1) points; 2) goal difference; 3) number of goals scored
Points: 3 points for regulation win; 2 points for OT or SO win; 1 point for OT or SO loss; 0 points for regulation loss

Skater statistics

[edit]

2020 AIHL season top-ten lists for the following four skater statistical categories: Points,[40] Goals,[41] Assists[42] and Penalty minutes.[43]


Goaltender statistics

[edit]

2020 AIHL season top-ten lists for the following two goaltender statistical categories: Goals against average[44] and Save percentage[45]


Goodall Cup playoffs

[edit]

The 2020 finals weekend is scheduled to begin on 29 August with the Goodall Cup final held on 30 August.[39] Following the end of the regular season the top four teams advance to the finals weekend, which is to be held at STADIUM in LOCATION. The series is a single game elimination with the two winning semi-finalists advancing to the Goodall Cup final. The winner of the final lifts the historic Goodall Cup.[39]

Semi-finals Final
      
1  
4  
 
 
3  
2  

All times are UTC+10:00

Semi-finals

[edit]
29 August 2020
15:00		v
29 August 2020
19:00		v

Final

[edit]
30 August 2020v


References

[edit]
  1. ^ "2020 AIHL schedule released". www.icehockeynewsaustralia.com. 24 December 2019. Retrieved 17 March 2020.
  2. ^ a b Turik, David (12 March 2020). "AIHL Statement on the AIHL Season and the Coronavirus". Australian Ice Hockey League. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
  3. ^ a b "2020 Update: 2020 AIHL season cancelled". Australian Ice Hockey League. 29 July 2020. Retrieved 3 August 2020.
  4. ^ "The J.E. Goodall Cup Centenary Souvenir Publication (1909-2009)". Ice Hockey Australia. 30 October 2009. Retrieved 11 January 2021.
  5. ^ "ATC Productions Ladder". Australian Ice Hockey League. Retrieved 10 January 2021.
  6. ^ "AIHL to play sixty minute games". www.icehockeynewsaustralia.com. 11 February 2020. Retrieved 13 February 2020.
  7. ^ "Brave to livestream 2020 home games". www.icehockeynewsaustralia.com. 12 March 2020. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
  8. ^ "Bid launched for an Brisbane based AIHL club". www.icehockeynewsaustralia.com. 9 August 2020. Retrieved 11 January 2021.
  9. ^ "Ice and Mustangs announce exhibition game". www.icehockeynewsaustralia.com. 7 January 2020. Retrieved 14 February 2020.
  10. ^ "Ice defeat Mustangs in Bushfire Appeal match". www.icehockeynewsaustralia.com. 19 January 2020. Retrieved 14 February 2020.
  11. ^ "The Bushfire Appeal Ice Hockey Classic". Adelaide Adrenaline. 13 January 2020. Retrieved 14 February 2020.
  12. ^ Taylor, Jamie (9 February 2020). "Team Locals defeat Team World". Adelaide Adrenaline. Retrieved 14 February 2020.
  13. ^ Taylor, Jamie (9 February 2020). "Adrenaline raise nearly $24,000 for bushfire relief". Australian Ice Hockey League. Retrieved 17 February 2020.
  14. ^ White, Stephen (27 January 2020). "Ice Dogs and Bears to hold Sydney Bushfire Battle". Australian Ice Hockey League. Retrieved 14 February 2020.
  15. ^ "Bears defeat Ice Dogs in Bushfire Battle Appeal". www.icehockeynewsaustralia.com. 21 February 2020. Retrieved 27 February 2020.
  16. ^ "Ice and Mustangs announce pre-season game". www.icehockeynewsaustralia.com. 28 February 2020. Retrieved 29 February 2020.
  17. ^ "Ice and Mustangs pre-season game cancelled". www.icehockeynewsaustralia.com. 16 March 2020. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
  18. ^ "Adelaide Adrenaline vs SA Selects: Exhibition Game". Adelaide Adrenaline. Retrieved 2 March 2020.
  19. ^ "Adrenaline cancel pre-season game". www.icehockeynewsaustralia.com. 15 March 2020. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
  20. ^ "Introducing the Hawkesbury Classic". www.hawkesburyclassic.com.au. 29 July 2020. Retrieved 3 August 2020.
  21. ^ Callinan, Josh (14 August 2020). "Ice Hockey: Newcastle Northstars hopeful in best-of-seven Hawkesbury Classic series against Sydney Ice Dogs". Newcastle Herald. Retrieved 15 August 2020.
  22. ^ "Hawkesbury Classic Game 1". www.hawkesburyclassic.com.au. 2 August 2020. Retrieved 3 August 2020.
  23. ^ "Hawkesbury Classic Game 2". www.hawkesburyclassic.com.au. 8 August 2020. Retrieved 15 August 2020.
  24. ^ "Hawkesbury Classic Game 3". www.hawkesburyclassic.com.au. 15 August 2020. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
  25. ^ "Sami Mantere Appointed As Head Coach". Adelaide Adrenaline. 11 January 2020. Retrieved 14 February 2020.
  26. ^ "Welcome Mike". Melbourne Ice. 31 January 2020. Retrieved 14 February 2020.
  27. ^ a b White, Stephen (8 February 2020). "Breault appointed Thunder coach after Ruck steps down". Australian Ice Hockey League. Retrieved 14 February 2020.
  28. ^ Koop, Geoff (24 February 2020). "Robert Starke Resigns as CBR Brave Head Coach". CBR Brave. Retrieved 26 February 2020.
  29. ^ Amodio, Dan (27 February 2020). "Stuart Philps Named CBR Brave Head Coach". CBR Brave. Retrieved 27 February 2020.
  30. ^ "Ice sign Gavoille". www.icehockeynewsaustralia.com. 7 February 2020. Retrieved 15 February 2020.
  31. ^ "Dunwoodie calls it a career". Sydney Ice Dogs. 15 August 2019. Retrieved 14 February 2020.
  32. ^ "Brave's David Lewis retires". www.icehockeynewsaustralia.com. 17 August 2019. Retrieved 30 March 2022.
  33. ^ "Ice sign Erdugan". www.icehockeynewsaustralia.com. 4 February 2020. Retrieved 15 February 2020.
  34. ^ "Ice Dogs sign import goalie Joel Rumpel". Sydney Ice Dogs. 1 March 2020. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
  35. ^ "Melbourne Ice are excited to introduce David Elmgren – Goalie – From Dalen". Melbourne Ice. 10 March 2020. Retrieved 11 March 2020.
  36. ^ "Ice sign Martinoli". www.icehockeynewsaustralia.com. 12 March 2020. Retrieved 12 March 2020.
  37. ^ "Caruana leaves the Ice". www.icehockeynewsaustralia.com. 27 February 2020. Retrieved 27 February 2020.
  38. ^ "Rezek to take year off from hockey". www.icehockeynewsaustralia.com. 12 March 2020. Retrieved 12 March 2020.
  39. ^ a b c "2020 AIHL season". Australian Ice Hockey League. Retrieved 27 February 2020.
  40. ^ "AIHL - 2019-2020 Regular Season Player Stats - Total Points". www.eliteprospects.com. Retrieved 13 February 2020.
  41. ^ "AIHL - 2019-2020 Regular Season Player Stats - Goals". www.eliteprospects.com. Retrieved 13 February 2020.
  42. ^ "AIHL - 2019-2020 Regular Season Player Stats - Assists". www.eliteprospects.com. Retrieved 13 February 2020.
  43. ^ "AIHL - 2019-2020 Regular Season Player Stats - Penalty Minutes". www.eliteprospects.com. Retrieved 13 February 2020.
  44. ^ "AIHL - 2019-2020 Regular Season Goalie Stats - Goals against average". www.eliteprospects.com. Retrieved 13 February 2020.
  45. ^ "AIHL - 2019-2020 Regular Season Goalie Stats - Save percentage". www.eliteprospects.com. Retrieved 13 February 2020.
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