Melbourne Ice - History

History

The Ice first entered the league for the 2002 season, and during their first two seasons they split their home games between Oakleigh South and Bendigo. From 2004 onwards, all home games were played at the OISC, noted for being the smallest rink in the league, with its width about two-thirds that of a regulation Olympic-sized rink. Furthermore, loose netting replaced the high transparent boards associated with top-level hockey, and the puck was prone to leaving play with annoying frequency.

Melbourne did not reach the playoffs in its first four seasons in the AIHL. Its first two seasons were coloured by several crushing defeats; its second season combined a strong, low scoring home record with a poor away record, again containing many big losses. However, in 2005, the Ice were competitive almost every week, both home and away, finishing 5 points out of the playoffs, and left rueing several third period fade-outs.

Attendances for Ice games increased markedly over the next few seasons, with the small crowd area often packed to capacity towards the end of the 2005 season. In 2010, the team moved to play out of the newly constructed National Ice Sports Centre (Icehouse), in Docklands which featured significantly improved facilities for players and spectators alike. The first home game at the new rink sold out, and all subsequent home games have either sold out, or nearly done so.

Melbourne's strongest rivalty exists with the Mustangs IHC, on the basis of being cross-town rivals. The Ice are also one of many teams who have somewhat of a rivalry with the Newcastle North Stars, who along with Melbourne also entered the AIHL in 2002, and who ultimately defeated the Ice in its first playoff game in 2006. Fans have become accustomed to entertaining, high quality (and often high scoring) games when these teams meet.