Preview: Bears V Adrenaline

Sydney Bears conclude their weekend on Sunday 10 July at Penrith Ice Palace by hosting Adelaide Adrenaline. The previous day, Bears host Melbourne Mustangs while Adrenaline play Sydney Ice Dogs at Liverpool.

Prior to the weekend, Bears are in 5th place on 21 points after 16 games (3-6-5-2). Meanwhile, Adrenaline are on 12 points in 7th position prior to the weekend commencing after 14 games (3-8-0-3).

The 2 teams played a weekend series in Adelaide at the start of June prior to the AIHL All Star Weekend. Bears won the Saturday game 6-2 and also won the Sunday game - albeit in a 4 round shootout - 4-3 (SO). Missing from these games were Bears captain Michael Schlamp and goalie Anthony Kimlin who were both suspended for that weekend. Backup Bears goalie James Downie stood on his head in Kimlin's absence.

After that weekend, Adrenaline had a couple of coaching changes. Head coach Trevor Walsh was replaced in the short term with Graham Charboinneau acting player/coach against Perth Thunder before being replaced by Eric Lien for the rest of the season.

Last weekend, the Adrenaline hosted league ladders Melbourne Ice. Ice swept the weekend series in Adelaide with a huge 9-1 result on Saturday and a tighter 3-2 game on Sunday, The previous day's game against the Ice Dogs at Liverpool might have some bearing on this game against the Bears.

Meanwhile, the Bears had a 6 point weekend with wins against the Ice Dogs 5-4 and North Stars 3-0 and play the Mustangs the previous day. Bears will be keen to repeat their previous performance in Adelaide and continue their charge towards the top 4.

Next weekend (16/17 July), Adrenaline return home to host the North Stars while the Bears travel to Melbourne to play the Mustangs (Saturday) and Ice (Sunday). Bears/Adrenaline conclude their series on the final day of the regular season at Penrith Ice Palace (Sunday August 21).

Bears Live audio stream commences at 4.30pm with the puck drop at 5pm at Penrith Ice Palace.

Story: Eric Brook

Photo: Injected Ideas Photography