The Melbourne Ice
The Melbourne Ice is Melbourne's original Australian Ice Hockey League [AIHL] representative team who began in 2002. The team started its AIHL journey playing at Oakleigh's Olympic Ice Skating Centre and in 2009 moved to the O'Brien Icehouse, in The Docklands precinct. Our team is made up of 80% local players and also showcase 5-6 import players who hail from North America, Japan, Canada and Europe.
Our History
The club was started by Mark Weber in 2002 as Melbourne's first representative team in the Australian Ice Hockey League at the Olympic Ice Skating Centre in Centre Road, Oakleigh. We have stayed true to the original colors and styles that have made our team legendary. 2022 will be dedicated to celebrating the first 20 years of the club.
Our Crew
Every year we invite 30-40 volunteers and interns an opportunity to join the ICE CREW to bring our organisation to life. Many come back 'year on year' and some have gone on to secure fulltime jobs in the Australian Sporting industry.
The Ice Crew are known throughout the league as one of the most respected and professional support teams.
Our League
The Australian Ice Hockey League [AIHL] began in 2000 is our National League to showcase the highest level of competitive Ice Hockey in the country. We now have 10 representative teams from Perth, Newcastle, Canberra, Adelaide, Sydney [2], Melbourne [2] Brisbane and now Central Coast. The teams feature predominantly Australian talent supported by imports [mostly Canadian and Scandinavian] and expat journeyman.
Our Playing Season
Every year between March & September, we play a 30 game home and away season, followed by semi finals and a grand final. We host 16 home games usually on either Friday Evening @ 7.00pm, Saturday Evening @ 5.00pm or Sunday Afternoon 2.00pm. No AIHL Games were played in 2020 or 2021 due to the COVID pandemic.
Our Events
Throughout the playing season, we hold a number of member, sponsor and fan events; In 2024 look forward to:
- Corporate Curling
- Road Trip
- Canada Cup Day and Teddy Bear Toss
- Skate with the Players
- Meet the Players Night
- Presentation Night
PLUS
- Every Game Day
Our Game Days
Each year we hold approximately 20 Game days [AIHL Season, tournaments and exhibitions] at our home stadium. We try to have a sponsor and theme for each day. We peak at about 2000 spectators in the Henke Rink and the games are tons of fun for all ages. 3 Game days are dedicated to our charities and one is dedicated to the Melbourne Ice Women' Team and our Junior Development Program.
Game Days also feature SMS Jersey Auctions, give aways, prizes and our 50/50 Community Raffle, where we raise money for our charities and community programs.
Our Stadium
We play all home, invitational and exhibition games at The O'Brien Icehouse [OBI] in the Docklands precinct of Melbourne. The stadium is one of the best in the southern hemisphere with two international size ice pads, gym, multiple food and beverage venues and only minutes to the CBD. It is also the home of Australia's Olympic Winter Institute.
Our Titles
Since 2002, we have been to finals at least 10 times and The Melbourne Ice have won the National Title, and Goodall Cup, four times, in 2010, 2011, 2012 and more recently 2017. The Goodall Cup was first awarded in 1911 and by all accounts is the second oldest Ice Hockey Trophy in the world. The Goodall cup was not awarded in 2020 or 2021 due to the impacts of COVID-19.
Our Teams
While Melbourne Ice is primarily known for its Elite Men's Program and Ice Hockey Team, we also have a Women's Team [playing in Australian Women's Ice Hockey League]. They are arguably the most accomplished Australian National Women's team with 6 National Titles.We also have a Junior Ice Hockey Program [in collaboration with OBI and the Ice Wolves] with over 60 youngsters from 6-18 currently enrolled. See https://www.icealliance.org.au/?msclkid=710fcda7afd111ec95f15415c685cd24
Our Sponsors
Melbourne Ice provides the perfect platform for Sport Sponsorship across a range of attractive packages from as low as $1500.00 per annum. You will be exposed to 20,000 visitors to our games, 20,000 social media friends and over 100,000 streaming and TV views per annum. Check out our 2024 packages now.
KARCHER IS OUR CURRENT TEAM NAMING RIGHTS SPONSOR.
Our Shop
The Melbourne Ice Shop is located @ G21 Studio Lane. The District Docklands and features ICE, NHL and AIHL apparel. Our trading hours are FRI, SAT, SUN from 2.00pm. till 5.00pm. Mondays [pickups by appointment]. You can also visit our online store [above] anytime.