A revised finals qualification and 150 action packed games headlined the schedule announcement from the Australian Ice Hockey League today.
The Adelaide Adrenaline will return to the Ice Arena on April 5 against the Central Coast Rhinos as they begin the quest to return to the AIHL Finals. With four games in the opening two weeks of the season, the Adrenaline will be looking to get wins on the board early. In 2025 the format for finals qualification will change and the top six in the league will qualify for the final weekend of the year.
The AIHL will play through the week of the IIHF Men’s World Championships (Div IIA), with the tournament returning to Australia (O’Brien Icehouse, Melbourne) for the first time since 2011. The best Australian players from around the league will represent their country in front of a home crowd against Netherlands, Belgium, Serbia, Israel and the UAE - with all games scheduled outside of Melbourne during this period.
Adrenaline fans can look forward to 15 opportunities to see their team on home ice including six double headers. The travelling contingent of Adrenaline fans can also rejoice with the club playing two weekends in Melbourne, double headers against the Mustangs in July followed by Melbourne Ice to wrap up the regular season, in August.
“From the moment the 2024 season finished, our focus turned to 2025” says Adrenaline General Manager Glen Foll.
“The changes in the format will make the race for finals more competitive and each team will need to bring their best every night.”
While Adrenaline fans can look forward to exciting import announcements, the Adelaide contingent of local players are working hard during the off-season both on and off-ice. Many players are participating in a weekly 3v3 session (organised by 2024 import Josh Adkins, who remains in Adelaide) and continuing to work with Sean Baker and the team at PEAQ.
“We aren’t concerned with the schedule. Our focus will be on what we can control and that is how prepared we are going into the first gam.”, says Adrenaline captain Joey MacDougall.
“It’s going to be a gruelling season and our 1% efforts will be crucial in going the distance to put our team in the finals weekend”
Adrenaline fans are encouraged to keep an eye on the Adrenaline Instagram or Facebook for more information over the coming months including player announcements, membership information, merchandise and more.
Circle Your Calendar – Top 3 Home GamesCentral Coast Rhinos @ Adelaide Adrenaline April 5 + 6
Opening the season against the 2024 bottom placed Rhinos will be no walk in the park. A team that continues to improve every year, the Adrenaline will need to bring their A game to open the season on a positive note and send a message to the league.
Canberra Brave @ Adelaide Adrenaline April 26
An early season match up against the 2024 Goodall Cup champions will be an opportunity for the Adrenaline to prove they can compete with the best. A single game weekend can expect to see a packed-out home crowd that makes it uncomfortable for the visitors.
Melbourne Mustangs @ Adelaide Adrenaline July 19 + 20
The travelling fans of the Mustangs (often a large contingent) are known to be friendly with the Adrenaline fans, with the two fan groups earning the nickname ‘Adrena-Stangs’. Things won’t be as friendly on the ice, however. The Mustangs failed to qualify for the playoffs in 2024 after winning the championship the year prior. Adrenaline will be looking for the crowd to get behind them as they aim to defend the Adelaide barn.
Travel or Tune In? – Top 3 Road Games Adelaide Adrenaline @ Newcastle Northstars April 12
Despite Newcastle finishing top of the Rurak Conference and Adrenaline finishing fourth, the Northstars-Adrenaline became one of the must-watch rivalries in the AIHL in 2024. Each of the four contests required bonus hockey with the season series finishing two-apiece. The rivalry will continue in 2025 and the Adrenaline will look to take points away from the Northstars in their first road game.
Adelaide Adrenaline @ Sydney Ice Dogs August 8
The Adrenaline travel to Sydney for a rare three game road trip. A tough ask, but a blockbuster first game of the trip will be Adelaide’s first ever Friday night game in what’s expected to be a sold-out Macquarie Ice Rink. Adrenaline will get the prime-time opportunity to take down the Ice Dogs and set up the rest of the road trip.
Adelaide Adrenaline @ Melbourne Ice August 23 + 24
In the final week of the regular season the Adrenaline travel to Melbourne to face the Melbourne Ice in a double header that could have serious finals implications. Wins may be required, and should the season go the way the Adrenaline plan for it to, it will be an opportunity to get comfortable in the O’Brien Icehouse less than 7 days prior to the AIHL Finals. Expect a blockbuster, expect a large travelling contingent and expect high impact hockey.
