Adrenaline take on Sydney Bears in season defining weekend

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The Adelaide Adrenaline, proudly presented by Hards Transport return home this weekend for a season-defining home stand against the Sydney Bears.

The Adrenaline sit in seventh place on the AIHL standings, ten points out of a finals spot, but with three games in hand on fourth placed CBR Brave, two wins this weekend puts Adelaide right back in the picture.

Coming up against the last placed Bears - who are yet to win a game in regulation this season –Adrenaline head coach, Trevor Walsh will be putting the emphasis on his players to get the job done.

“We've been saying it's a must-win game. Our media have been writing that it's a must win game. There's only one group of people who can ensure that happens this weekend,” Walsh said.

It has been a disappointing start to the season for the Adrenaline and Walsh has called out his team, saying a lack of effort and care factor is a major issue for the playing group.

“There used to be a time in Adelaide when losing an ice hockey game was not an option,” he said.

“We’re just letting teams beat us. It’s embarrassing. When you lose there should be bad feelings in the room but now we are losing games we shouldn’t and the care factor isn’t where it should be.”

Expect changes to the line-up to come sooner rather than later as Walsh searches for a solution to his side’s early season gripes.

“I promise you this: only players who have a hunger and drive to play the game will be out on the ice. Why would I start a veteran who doesn’t seem to care when we can play some young guys who want to be here,” Walsh said.

The Adrenaline will be searching for a more disciplined and consistent effort this weekend against the Bears.

Penalties have plagued the side in recent times and although the penalty kill has been outstanding in killing off what has been a parade to the box, the momentum and energy drain from constantly being short-handed has cost the Adrenaline who have now lost four games in a row.

Adelaide will be hoping to put these issues to bed whilst maintaining its uncompromising and physical brand of hockey in front of another packed crowd.

Making the Ice Arena a fortress is a focal point for the Adrenaline this season and in front of strong crowds in the first four home games of the season, the team has shown glimpses and played strong hockey despite only winning two.

The Adrenaline and the Sydney Bears face each other twice this weekend at the Ice Arena.

Puck drop is 4.30pm Saturday and 4pm Sunday and we need your support to get us over the line and back into contention for the Goodall Cup.

Tickets are available online NOW: http://trybooking.com/LCOZ