Import Players

Imports play a big part in our annual quest for a trophy and mostly originate from USA, Canada, Europe and Scandinavia. Every year we host up to 6 imports on our roster. Most often 2-3 Forwards, a Goalie and 1-2 Defenders. Imports should be IMPACT players and feature prominently in league stats and ladder leaders.

Australia offers a unique opportunity to play in the Northern Hemisphere Summer [our winter] to allow you play hockey all year round to stay fit, return from injury and enjoy a country quite different from your own. The AIHL is an amateur league and Melbourne Ice does not pay cash payments to any players.

Our previous imports have played in the following leagues around the world:

• Sweden Division 1
• Germany 3 & 4
• UK EIHL
• USA ECHL, SPHL, FIHL
• Canada WHL
• Japan [Asian League]
• Korea [Asian League]

Import players that do not have Elite Prospects or a Hockey CV showing similar competition levels are not usually considered as our sponsored import spots. Other imports and expats are invited to attend try-outs in the first two weeks of March, however they must do so in their own time and at their own cost. Melbourne Ice also offers 2X 'Non-Sponsorsed' spots for players who are looking to establish their international playing CV.  

This WWW Page covers most information required to assess the Melbourne Ice Import opportunity. 

WARNING: Some imports love the Australian Ice Hockey Lifestyle so much, they end up staying for many seasons. Many even become citizens, and some have even gone on to play  for Australia.

Imports are expected to arrive in early April, every year and stay with us until the end of August [5 months] each and every year.

Melbourne Ice prepares for every season with the intention of making the finals in the last weekend in August each year. Import players must commit to staying until the end every year [no exceptions].  If an import player needs to leave early [EG. Family or Emergency], all costs of early relocation must be borne by the player. 

We provide shared apartment styled living within walking distance from the stadium. Queen rooms with shared fully furnished apartments with power, TV, wifi and all amenities. All import players also receive a monthly food allowance by way of Supermarket Expense Cards.

You will be within easy walking distance to the stadium and you will be given the opportunity skate and use the gymnasium.

We fly international players 'from and back to' their port of origin. We cover economy airfares with 2 X 23KG luggage allowances. Team officials will be there to pick you up and drop you off and we will look after you at every step of the way.

Whist in Melbourne, you will be staying within 500m from the stadium and other amenities, FREE city public transport is available within that same walking distance.  

You will be required to bring all of your gear to Australia, we will supplement with;  

• New Helmets and Visors
• New Gloves
• New Cover Shorts 
• New Home and Away Jerseys
• 2 New Sticks 

All Melbourne Ice players also get replacement consumables, tapes, wax, laces and visors etc. 

Melbourne Ice also provides a gear room, close to the stadium, to securely dry and store your equipment.  

A fully equipped Gym is also available to import players at our stadium, which is in walking distance from your apartment. 

We encourage players to bring their partners however we only cover accommodation costs. Travel and extras must be covered independently.

Every year we have at least 6 road trips where we visit most states in Australia. We cover flights, meals, busses and accommodation for these trips. You will visit at least 5 other states and 6 other stadiums in the course of the season. It is a great way to see Australia.

We train twice per week on Tuesday Nights 8pm. and Thursday Nights 9pm. and play up to 2 games every weekend in season. [30 Games ~ 17 @ Home and 13 away].

The AIHL and Melbourne Ice are fully affiliated with the IIHF and we facilitate and cover all registrations and transfer fees. 

We provide a supplementary insurance cover for all imports with a local Health Insurer. To get this you will need to undergo a medical check before you leave your home country. A copy of the policy benefits will be given you before signing.

To be selected as an Import you will be expected to agree and docu-sign the following contracts and agreements. 

• Letter of Offer [first and foremost] or Terms Sheet
• Melbourne Ice Contract
• AIHL Contract
• International Transfer Card [TEMP] Application. 
• Australian Temporary VISA

           and 

• Health Insurance Contract 

Should you wish to, we help import players get work here in Australia on a full-time and part-time basis. 

Work is sourced purely based your willingness to work and your experience levels.