Game Preview - Sydney Ice Dogs

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After a pair of losses the Adrenaline will look to grab maximum points this weekend vs. the Sydney Ice Dogs.

Despite the two losses vs. the Melbourne Ice on April 29/30 in Victoria, there are plenty of positives. The Adrenaline knocked off the defending champion North Stars on their home opener and player well on the Sunday game against an Ice team who are heavily favoured to win the flag. 

Now the Adrenaline know where they want to be and know how to get here. 

The Ice Dogs, who have struggled the last few seasons, are showing drastic signs of improvements and must not be taken lightly. They are serious threats to win this game and have put together a good squad.

They have one win and one loss so far this season after they shutout the Sydney Bears 1-0 before losing to Perth Thunder 4-1. 

Here are some key talking points on the weekend:

 

Critch can play

 

Adrenaline import Cameron Critchlow has the Adelaide hockey community buzzing after a dazzling six point weekend in Melbourne. Critchlow scored four goals in one game on Sunday and is showing signs he can be an elite player in this league. 

He has been lining with returning import and fellow PEI-native Cole MacMillan who has scored in every game he has played so far. This top combo will look to prove deadly for the Ice Dogs who will start an import goaltender.

The Adrenaline top line will have to win the battle on the day.

 

Shut Down the Import Line

 

The Ice Dogs best line will be the combination of imports Stephen Johnston, Grant Toulmin and Strat Allan. 

Johnston is playing his first year in the AIHL while Toulmin and Allan have played the last two seasons down under. The last time the Adrenaline played the Ice Dogs Toulmin had four goals and three assists. 

Stephen Johnston was an 2010 NHL Draft Pick (Detroit Red Wings) and Strat is a powerful skater who is physically imposing. 

The Adrenaline will need to keep them under wraps

 

Strong group of locals on the Dogs 

 

The Ice Dogs did will recruiting. They have a nice mix of youth and experience on their next two lines.

Billy Cliff returns to the Ice Dogs after spending times with the Bears. In 2014 he was a point per game player with the Ice Dogs and is a young rising star. Ellesse Carrini, who is only 18, had 10 points last year and looks to improve.

Scott and Todd Stephenson are proven point scorers in this league and will pose problems. David Dunwoodie is a pest and will look to wreak havoc while scoring goals.

On the blue line the man to watch is Andrew White. The former Mighty Roo played for the Adrenaline in 2015. He is a heavy hitter and even though he is best mates with many Adrenaline players will not be afraid to get physical.

Return of the Vets / Youthful Legs

 

Graham Charbonneau and Sean Greer both welcomed newborn babies into the world in the last week and did not play. Greer will suit up for the first time this season and brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the team.

Charbonneau was a key player on the shut-down third line vs. Newcastle and will likely do the same. 

Expect the Unexpected

 

The last two meetings in 2016 between these two teams were wild. The Adrenaline won a game 6-5 by scoring three short handed goals.

The Ice Dogs won the last meeting 9-8 in a game that had four lead changes. The Ice Dogs scored with 1 second left to sink the Adrenaline in a deflating loss. 

With wild scores and lots of short handed goals, anything can happen.