Bear Essentials: Take Me to Your Leader
This week’s Bear Essentials, presented by Genesis Edge Law Group, takes a look at the week that was and a clash with the league-leading Newcastle Northstars. Let’s dig into the Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL) action and check what’s trending.
Travelling to Perth to face the Thunder is a tough task regardless of the circumstances, but with key players missing from the lineup, it was more of a sheer cliff face as opposed to an uphill battle.
A brave performance from the Bears nevertheless resulted in a 6-1 loss. It was the biggest loss the Bears have had in the AIHL since August 2023… when they travelled to Perth and also lost 6-1.
The Bears won’t have much time to dwell on the disappointment as another huge task looms on the horizon this weekend - a trip to Hunter Ice Skating Stadium to take on the Newcastle Northstars.
What’s Trending
Lucas Herrmann extended his point-scoring streak to eight games as he collected his team-leading 12th goal in 11 games. It’s a testament to Herrmann that he has adjusted his playing style to what the team needs.
To explain, in 2024, Lucas Herrmann recorded the highest assists-per-game season in Sydney Bears history (44 assists in 26 games - 2.54 APG). His role that season was to dish the puck to Kadlec, who broke the Sydney Bears’ single-season goals record with 32.
Now, without a dominant goal-scoring linemate, Herrmann has taken on that role himself.
Alexandre Gauthier recorded an assist on Herrmann’s goal in Perth and extended his points streak to four games. The blueliner has logged important minutes this season for the Bears, and if he can continue generating offence from the blueline, well, that’s just gravy.
What’s Next
The Newcastle Northstars are eight points ahead of the Bears, and have the league leader in points, Santeri Haraala, and the league leader in both save percentage and goals-against average, Charlie Smart. It’s going to be a tough road trip.
Brian Funes, who missed the previous encounter at Macquarie Ice Rink due to suspension, will face his former team for the first time. There are plenty of storylines to follow.
The last match between these two teams was at Macquarie earlier this season, where the Northstars scored two powerplay goals and an empty net goal to take a 3-1 win.
One positive for the Bears is that they have responded to each loss this season with a win and have yet to lose two games in a row. Also, the last time the Bears travelled to Hunter Ice Skating Stadium, they inflicted a 9-2 loss on the Northstars.
The Bears next home game is June 13 when Scott Timmins and the Melbourne Mustangs ride into town. All five Bears home games this season have sold out, so get your tickets today and see you there!
