Gordon Goodenough: Yes, we are the unofficial podcast of the Sydney Bears Australian Ice Hockey League team. Thank you for joining us. my name's Gordon Goodenough, joined by three people tonight. We've got our first special guest, Nick Austin, the hockey operations manager for the Sydney Bears. We've got Matt Wiggins from his hotel room in Brisbane and we've got Nathan. with us as well from HQ down the south coast. how are we doing guys?

Nathan: Very well. Just had my dad's birthday, festivities tonight, some dinner and couple of quiet drinks and straight into action with you guys. So it's been good.

Matt: I'm also very well. had a lovely steak for dinner and a rather lovely bottle of cab sav.

Gordon Goodenough: Yes, and Nick, welcome.

Nick Austin: It yeah, thanks for having me. super excited to be on the show with you guys and looking forward to just talking some Bears hockey after a great weekend.

Gordon Goodenough: Nathan, do you wanna take us through the out of town school board?

Nathan: Yeah, let's rock and roll. so to kick off, the Brave doubled up on the North Stars 6 3 at Hiss on Saturday. Peter Bates had two goals and three points in total. Cam Todd had a couple of assists at as did both the Cabara brothers. Joel Hasselman continued his really strong form of late collecting the win in net, stopping thirty nine of forty two in the process. Senteri Harala scored two and set up one. Ethan Hawes and Skatchkov both had two apples each, and Trinker recorded the loss in net there for the North Stars. The Mustangs were 7 1 winners over the adrenaline at O'Brien. Timmons and Crane had five point nights each. Crane actually has 39 points in his last 10, just looking back, which is something in itself. Giesbrecht. had a really strong outing. he posted a nine six three in net for the win. And Dolan recorded the loss in net there for Adelaide. over to the Sunday. actually kicked off with plenty of goals. The Ice put ten past the adrenaline in a ten nothing shutout to keep their finals hopes alive. all but three skaters had points for the Ice. key highlights, David Booth had five points including a hat trick, Erdogan four, Depree, Graham, and Lake all had three. Tatsu Ashida posted his fifth shutout of his career. They're my stats, Gordy. I could be incorrect, but on quick reference, I came up with the fifth, so you can certainly correct me if that's wrong. the Brave beat Brisbane nine four at the AIS. Bray Crowd had two goals and four points. Mitch Henning posted four apples Jake Ratcliffe and Casey Cabara both with three points each on the night. And Tetro recorded the win in net. Finally, Newcastle doubled up doubled up on the Thunder 6-3 and the Hunter. Drolay and Skachkov popped up as they do, both with three points each. And then a bunch of multi-point nights for Harala, Klugerman, Azizbazi, and Watsonabe. Trinker with a dub. in that one and that is your rapid fire wrap up of the weekend.

Gordon Goodenough: first of all, any results stand out to to you guys in particular?

Matt: No, I think as expected we had most of the results go our way last weekend. Most of the results didn't go our way this weekend if we were looking for favors from other team, but that Bates-Hasselman-Powerhouse duo in Canberra still keeps rolling. They both were outstanding on Saturday. I think they both had the day off on Sunday and well deserved by the looks of things.

Nathan: I think for me it was just a watch on the games that had the finals implications, mostly. But as Matt said, they didn't go our way necessarily. but obviously a lot of action, a lot of goals, a lot of goals scored this this weekend.

Nick Austin: Yeah, there's almost at least our game as well as the Melbourne game being both hitting double digits for one team as really impressive by the ice coming up ten rip against Adelaide's Sunday and both the Ice Dogs and Canberra potting nine goals each. Nathus had tons of goals this weekend. definitely teams are hungry trying to make that final punch.

Gordon Goodenough: Tatsunoshin Oshida. yeah, with with a shutout. his his first of the season. And yes, you're right, Nathan, the the fifth one this year. I think two shutouts have been made against the Brisbane Lightning, two shutouts have been made against the Adelaide Adrenaline One one shut out against the Perth Thunder. That was the Mustangs last week, Giesbrecht. let's get into our game. it it was a case of win and you're in. Get a point if the Perth Thunder got a point, 'cause we're still waiting for clarification on the on the on the league's ruling on on the tiebreaker as to whether point deductions affect win percentage. but so the Perth Thunder needed a point. We needed a regulation win to be able to ensure that we would finish ahead of the Melbourne Ice's maximum forty five points. And we had a good opportunity with Perth coming over with fourteen skaters. maybe Matt, do you want to take us through the the start, the first period?

Matt: I will do my best. was a very, very fast start. think we were three zip up within the first 10 minutes, two even strength goals and a shorty. But yeah, very impressive opening from the boys. Kevin Sadowski scored the first and the last goal in the game. Great foot speed, poke check at his own blue line to break up a play. And he kind of continued in on that and buried. a great shot high block aside to get us one nil up. Second goal came just after a power play expired. think Nathan, you and I were debating whether or not it was a PP goal or not. And obviously we talked a little bit on the podcast last week about wanting to see that power play capitalize on the great puck movement and the possession play. But Zander scored a really nice goal on a... I've described it as a double spinorama. think two players spun around and passed the puck backwards. But Zander was joining on the spot and poked it in from a reasonably narrow angle at the far post for the second. And then Tommy Lander with an unbelievable shorty to put us three nil up, assist from Brian and Finn Withy. Perth did get one back before the end of the period. Very lively boards down that bottom end. A shot from... distance bounced off the board and the Perth player was just at the far post there, Webster, and reacted quickly and tucked it behind Kimma. yeah, lots of encouraging signs. I thought we moved the puck around again well. I think we had a power play. couple of power play opportunities in the first period. Did notice, and I've got to give you credit, Gordie, it was in my notes, but I think you called it out on the broadcast. Perth's penalty kill was a lot more passive than the penalty kill that we've seen from the likes of the Mustangs and certainly the Rhinos last week. They do let you move the puck around. They don't put the pressure on the blue line as we saw Rhinos last week. that enabled us to get set up in the zone and sort of establish ourselves and be patient. yeah, we went in at the end of the first official shots. Tally was 17-12 in our favor, but a 3-1 and it possibly flattered Perth a tiny amount, but really thought we started well.

Nathan: Yeah, I agree. I I I thought we were I thought we were looking sharp. It was actually good entertainment value for the first period, I thought. I thought we were moving well both with our feet and from a puck distribution perspective. You know, we're getting up the ice really quickly. you know, that that first goal from Kev was a really, really nice finish. you know, just walked it in and and beat beat the goaltender high blocker. really nice to see Kev snipe that. actually really enjoyed the the Wardlaw goal. I noticed Tommy Landed sort of buzzing around doing some really good work off the puck. sort of went out wide, spun back, came in tight. that that was a nice that that was a nice, nice play by him. and Rube's actually the the setup for that goal was actually quite nice as well, where Rube sort of threaded a pass down low to to Tommy. really enjoyed that one. and I just thought our guys constantly, again through the lineup, through rotation, working really hard, puck hound. sort of mentality. we saw that for the third goal when Finn didn't give up on a on a puck, ended up finding it, and then sort of catching Bry moving up ice, which ended up in the back of the Perth net as well. But I thought I thought the guys came out hungry. They knew what was on the line and I think that showed both in the general play and and and the scoreline after the first period

Nick Austin: I was gonna say, definitely at the beginning, I think the term look good, feel good, play good really hit well the team with the alternate jerseys. I think they look super sharp. Got a little bit of 2019 Dave Bay Lightning alternates with the all-black, you know, white gray outlinings. I thought it was a really cool, but being within the Room with the team before the game, in the tunnel between the beside the bench, you could tell how the boys were they knew what the stakes were, when and were in. I think that despite the stakes and what could be a nerve wracking situation for some guys, the team really just came together, played our game, play seemed composed and hungry and just everything that you need in a playoff team. It really gave I think fans a preview of what this team is all about, what they can do some damage now, now being officially clinching a playoff spot.

Nathan: Yeah, i interesting point, Nick, as well. I think I mentioned on last week's pod, I was down by the bench for the third period against the Rhinos and just the body language, the way guys, you know, were interacting with each other, whether it was player to player or or or player to coach and vice versa, I think there's been a really good vibe, you know, around the team. You're obviously around the team midweek as well. but you could tell pregame on the weekend, you know, there were a lot of smiles, guys were right up for it, there was a really good attitude and guys were just itching to get out there. so it was sort of nice to see that sort of demonstrated in the game and make great shout on the jerseys as well. that that that tamper that tamper kit, that's actually a really, really, really good pickup.

Matt: They're spectacular jerseys. I must admit, I will be putting a bid in in a week or so's time, maybe more than one. I did struggle with my old man's eyesight at times to pick up the numbers. Gordon, did you have the same trouble on the broadcast or were you okay?

Gordon Goodenough: I I think I got an Riser mixed up with Nalos, the the sixteen and the ninety six yes, which which Eric proceeded to laugh at me about confusing a a an eighteen or seventeen, eighteen year old for a for a forty no, a a something year old we won't give Riser's age away.

Nathan: Yeah.

Gordon Goodenough: but yeah, it it th they were great looking jerseys, regardless. I thought our start was good but I think Kimmer al also bailed us out a couple of times. So I've I I put down that the we we certainly had the the better of the opportunities early, but after we scored the first goal we gave up two grade A chances and I'm I'm not sure if they got a shot on goal on the first one, which was an odd man rush. But the second one definitely Kimmo made a made a really good save after a giveaway on on the on the off offensive blue line by us. and I thought that was important to settle us down and get us into the game and then we we scored a couple more after that.

Nick Austin: Yeah, I was right beside the bench there on Saturday night, I think that the team has a lot of faith in Kimmer and seeing a big save like that, the bench definitely erupts a bit. Boys are banging, kicking the bench, letting know that, you know, pre shang his save and that I think it also just translates throughout the whole team that We're scoring goals as we put up three in the first, but then on the back end we're making the saves as we needed and just being that complete ultimate team.

Matt: Webster scored at 531, and we were actually under a little bit of pressure at that time. Perth were pushing us, and Finn drew a penalty a couple of minutes later, a tripping penalty. You know, a little bit of hard work just from himself there. He won a puck battle, pushed the board past a player. And I think that penalty to me as a fan at ringside, it was just a pressure valve. It just took some, you know, just took some of that momentum away from Perth, is that something that you felt the boys saw and felt as well on the bench?

Nick Austin: Yeah, definitely. I mean, that was a tough goal. kind of reminiscence of the old Joe Louie arena in Detroit with the very the backboards always spitting pucks back super fast. So tough goal, but I think the team kind of recognized like, hey, sometimes greasy goals get in, but our third line, that warhorse line with Finn Xander and we had Noah Mulgrief on there, just damn Pucks deep. just forcing their way through with tough physical play and obviously good things happen if you use your body, chase the puck, get them deep, and that it happens whether you're scoring goals, getting shots in it, or even drawing penalties, as we saw. So I think once we saw the ref's arm goes up, we got loaded for our PP one and just the having the momentum come back on our side was huge, especially in the that lane in the first period.

Nathan: Those boards really were spitting out pucks in behind, weren't they? I don't know if it was you, Matt, or someone else. I actually noticed, well, it may not have been deliberate, but it's certainly from our vantage point, it looked like the Thunder had seen it happen earlier. And it's almost like there were a couple of chances that they had where it looked like they were actually almost shooting wide for the same outcome. I hadn't really picked that up in games past, but The the boards were really doing doing Kim and O favours there. The the the pucks are really coming out.

Nick Austin: Yeah, I was going to mention too, I think it's also just also tough play for our defenseman trying to read that rebound right off the backboards and seeing trying to determine where that puck's going and which is the most dangerous forward attacking. just super you know, again, sometimes hockey just ends up like that. You get these weird, greasy goals and chances, and sometimes it goes your way, sometimes it goes against against you, but It's just how you respond is really the key, I think. And when you responded to the period f next is I think a great indicator. This game was made of and what our teams made of here.

Gordon Goodenough: Yeah, that's that's a great segue to get into the second we we head into the second period. Nick Nick Seitz didn't didn't leave too the the fans in in suspense for too long. wha what did you guys think of the second?

Nathan: I think just the kickoff with that first goal, great pass up Ice to Kev. And then we saw we saw Nick's sort of speed and shot combo. He absolutely burnt David Kudla wide, took it into the net, great finish. that was sort of a I guess almost the trademark Nick sights goal at this point in time. but Kev was actually making some really good outlet passes from the back. We saw that later on in the game as well. And I'd actually say throughout this period, that was almost the trademark of our play. And aga and one thing that I sort of took out, at least watching the game live, is we seemed to really be attacking with numbers. We were sort of sort of finding the zone sort of as a collective forward group. and you can see the thunder, they were really struggling for coverage, trying to pick up numbers at speed. and I think again, that was that was very much reflected in in the score line throughout the second.

Matt: Yeah, I noticed that great breakout pass from Kev as well, Nathan, and Riser didn't pick up an assist. I think it was Riser, but I stood with Tyrell's mum and dad during the game, and I noticed that I mentioned to Tyrell's dad, I'm pretty sure it was Riser. He reversed the puck around the boards. Nick got it head up straight up highs that great break out past Brian across but Nick just drove at defenders all afternoon didn't he with you know that great speed He just must be so terrifying if you're a defenceman and you're seeing him come down, you know, with the wind in his tail and you're not sure if he's going to do that little between the legs toe drag move that we've seen a few times or unleash that wrist and use the defenceman as a screen or just blow around defenceman, which we saw him do for one of the goals in the second period. yeah, it's just a thing of beauty watching Nick Sites in you know in full flow and at full speed and just driving at defenceman.

Nathan: Yeah, he blew past Lyndon Lodge for I think our sixth goal or the second last goal of the second period. Very, very similar play. maybe maybe that was the goal I was thinking about with Kev's breakout pass. but I I love, you know, w when you see sights you sort of possessing the puck in the neutral zone and then really burning defenders wide. It's such a pretty sight. you know, almost sort of gets you up on the on the balls of feet, waiting to see, you know, how he's gonna take it in and and ultimately finish off. But I I thought we were quite dominant through through this period from what I saw. Nick, I'm not sure what your numbers you know, sort of say about that and whether it, you know, might it sort of reflected my comments, but it certainly felt that way, not just from a score score line perspective. but I thought we were really flying through through intervals of the second.

Nick Austin: Yeah, definitely I agree with you, Nathan. And like just quick numbers would be I know last week on the pod you guys were talking about or getting the shooting percentage up, meaning, you know, getting more goals via our net. And for the second period alone, we got four goals in the danger zone, which is the For people don't know, basically from the goal line slash goaltending net up to the hash marks, the inside hashwords of the offensive circles. We had seven shots in there in the second period and four of them were goals. So I think again, that's just shows a a difference between last week and this week of really now capping on our scoring opportunities. And number sixty-seven, definitely with his as Maddie was saying, with his speed, I think his strength as well, just Big Bonnie able to maneuver his way into that danger zone. Decapitalize was a huge thing. And the thing too with sixty seven is that he's a smart hockey player, extremely smart hockey player, and he seems to be one of those guys who knows where the puck is gonna be before it's even there. So yeah, really great outing with him this period for sure.

Gordon Goodenough: He he strikes me as like a Greg Maddox sty style of player. Greg Maddox famous for the mental aspect of the game and outthinking, you know, the the batter and and you see Nick, he he's full of surprises. So he'll take a defenseman out wide and then he'll take a sharp angled shot to the to the near side. and then the next play, the goaltender, if if they're expecting it, he cuts cuts across the middle, takes a shot through the middle. Like he's got so many bags of tricks. he's he's he's not just a one trick, you know, kinda pony. he makes it really challenging for, you know, goalies and and and defensemen as well. The second goal of that period was a big one for Tyrol Claire who who collects his a hundredth point. That was a really sneaky drive by by Wardlaw, to to tip the puck five hole through Smart. And then Sites again gets another two to complete the hat trick and finish out the period we end up seeing Tetro after the sixth goal and then and then site scores against him for the seventh. Perth did get one back later in in the period again, Ben Bro with his fifth of the season. It seemed like a bit of a party atmosphere there. Was was that the case for you guys?

Matt: Yeah, I think everything that Nathan asked for on the pod last week, got some football chance, he got some noise in the arena, he got higher shooting percentage, he got the power play looking good, albeit that second goal came in just after the power play expired. And our overall shooting percentage rocketed after the stats that Nick had supplied him for the last four weeks. So you must be a happy camper, Mr. Graham.

Nathan: Man, absolutely. Absolutely. And I must say, I can't remember the last time I saw us put up ten goals. Yeah, there were there were certainly

Matt: 2022 glory.

Gordon Goodenough: Yeah, J July twenty twenty two, that season we got a a ten two game over the Sydney Ice Dogs and then and a twelve two game earlier in the season, I think in in April. But yeah, it's been a while. I you know, I was surprised because, you know, twenty twenty four we had such a such great offensive weapons. You know, we had Adam Cadillac breaking the goals in a season record for us. we had Lucas Herman but we never scored ten goals in in twenty twenty four. so it was it was a pretty special night. And you know This this isn't a full strength Perth team for sure. They're missing Kluskeri, they're missing Woodman, they're missing Riley L'Anjill, they're missing Hikosaka. you know, a lot of these guys are gonna come back. Some of them will be missing for the the rest of the season. but you can only deal with what's in front of you and I thought we we certainly got the job done.

Nathan: It was just nice to to see the boys respond to some of the the chants in the in the crowd. There was a lot of asking for, you know, we want 10, et cetera. so that was nice to nice to see the boys sort of you know deliver an answer on that. that last goal of the second, just another thing that I noticed, we had we had basically three high forwards for that goal. It was a bit of a broken play, but that was a huge takeout. For me, even at this point in the game where, you know, Nick, I'm not sure if it's something that, you know, has been spoken about specifically, but there was just a lot of support for the puck carrier. and guys were going together, you know, the the guys in possession seemed to have, you know, multiple options instead of one guy or sort of a parson hope, which was really nice to see. And I and you know, without that, I don't think that that seventh goal. i is even an opportunity. So yeah, that that was just one one big sort of focal point from from me for the second.

Nick Austin: Yeah, I think it also comes down to now being mid August. these guys have been playing most of them been playing together since April. So now we have that team chemistry really coming together. so I think the experience of playing together has now really came in full fruition as well as just having Intelligent, again, high hockey IQ players around the team really definitely contributes to a score line like that.

Nathan: Yeah, absolutely.

Matt: Smart has featured very prominently at the top of that save percentage lead aboard all season but was just utterly shell-shocked. Six goals against on 25 shots for a 760. Then Toivonen came in and I think the first shot on target he faced was Nick's hat-trick goal to put a 7-1. So talk about the frying pan and into the fire for the Perth goalies. yeah, we got some good looks. The boys capitalised on the chances they got. And there were some great shots in good areas of the net, Nick, I thought.

Gordon Goodenough: but let's get into the third. The third period was a bit of back and forth. but still high scoring period, six goals, three goals each. Any any takeaways guys from the from the third?

Matt: Yeah, look for mine, I thought it was great to see Jeff O'Hara back from his travels out on the ice there, largely with Ryza. Joey put a couple of good shifts in. He had a little chance of his own, beat a Perth player in a one-on-one battle and had a half chance getting a shot away and Tagen was out on the ice as well. So good to see the... the boys out there. yeah, look, I think my main takeaway from third is not about us at all. I mean, I was just delighted with seven, whatever, seven-two up after the second, but just credit to Perth. had 12, so came with 14, lost two players in game. I think I counted five. five or six players on the bench. There were almost as many coaching staff and trainers and equipment managers on the bench as there were and they just didn't give up. That last period was three goals each. You know, Nathan, you've spoken before. quite rightly about what a classy organization the Perth Thunder are. Those boys must have been absolutely knackered. They flew all the way across the country, got hammered in the first two periods and they just did not give in. So all I want to say is credit to the Perth Thunder.

Nathan: Yeah, absolutely. And you know, n not too dissimilar in some ways to that of our experience when we traveled. To Perth earlier in the season where we had, you know, quite a short bench, very low on bodies. you know, had a had a bunch of things circulating around the team. And we we probably had a similar story at the time where we really just ran out of legs. And I think there were certainly some Thunder Boys there who were who were really struggling, you know, once once they were back to the bench, you know, they were sort of hunched over and trying to put in a shift. But yeah, certainly a lot of credit to them. And they've, you know, as you said before, Gordy, they're they're not just missing bodies, they're actually missing quite a few guys who, you know, play quite significant roles in their in their lineup. but, you know, you've you can only play, you know, against the team that you're up against and you know, in in their configuration and and and our boys managed to to capitalise on it as well.

Nick Austin: Yeah, I was gonna say, third period, I think the team knew that the job was finished that we went up to get go out against. And the fact that Perth was battling definitely props to them and as Nathan was saying, I was on that trip with the team, the Perth, and it was definitely very tough one. We definitely know how it feels on the other end. Getting pounded, whole the arena, they're fans are just screaming at you to run the scoreboard is a definitely a tough situation. So a little bit nicer for us to be on the other side this time around. But props to Perth though, sometimes in this league as well, that things can get a little chippy and greasy between players. But I think Perth is a very respectable organization and lots of players just, you know, playing clean hockey despite to the last whistle despite the score line. So definitely little things to clean up on our end, but I think, you know, we're still scoring, still, you know, playing decent hockey and I think all the boys were looking forward to the little postgame celebration afterwards.

Matt: I think if you look at our ninth and tenth goals, Lucas all alone in the slot after extended ozone pressure. We just kept the puck, we're patient, we cycled it around and Lucas was literally all on his lonesome right in front. And then Kev cruised in for the 10th again all alone. And I just think that's not mental fatigue, that's just physical fatigue. The Perth boys are just completely out of gas. So for us to get players in such high danger positions late in a game to score two foot tap ins, three foot tap ins. I think that's credit to our boys for sticking to the task at hand. But yeah, I've got to tip my hat to Perth. think they just kept on fighting as best they could.

Nathan: Yeah, I think if if we go through the goals in the third, that there were some really, you know, well connected plays. you know, that that eighth goal that Nick scored. I really, really liked the the play from Finn. carried carried some speed, chipped it you know, up the boards, you know, re regained possession and and and fed fed sightsy and some really good work. I think you picked it up in the in the call, Gordo. some really shifty play from Xander on a bit of a drive by at the net front. and I think you also cited just earlier that you know he made a made a handy play off the puck for actually it wasn't off the puck, he got the tip in front off of Tyrell shot in the second. So r really nice to see him sort of occupying th those parts of the ice as well. it's probably not, you know, the the the strongest part of his game, but really, really good to see him you know, going to those areas and and contributing for for production. really enjoyed that Herms goal from just the setup perspective. You know, Brian showed really good patience, you know, to hold possession, find Herms, took it around the net. again, just I I like the way that these plays came together and then obviously to have finish and and execution at the end. yeah, again, really nice to see, really promising.

Gordon Goodenough: And and shout out to Lucas Herman too for after scoring the ninth goal just being like you know, just waving the celebration of being

Nathan: Yep.

Gordon Goodenough: like, Yeah, let's let's not rub it in here and and Sidowski as well after he scored the tenth, you know, same thing. You know, we're not gonna go skate to the bench and skate past the Perth bench. I thought that was classy. a few random statistical takeaways. Noel Moncrief three assists that game. That's a new game high, career game high for him of assists in the AIHL Finn Withy three points, it's a new high for points in a game for him. Nick Seitz six points, it's a new game high in points for him. Brian Chambers, four assists, it's a new season high for a Bears player of assists in a game. The last time a ba a Bears player got four assists in a game was Lucas Herman in Perth in the last weekend and in twenty twenty four. he got four assists in both games in Perth. Kevin Sadowski, he scored three goals this season. His first goal was from the the right point, just inside the blue line. His second goal from the right face off circle and his third goal from the right of the blue paint. So I don't know where he's gonna score his fourth. If it's he's gonna need to crawl inside the net for for that trend

Nathan: Michigan.

Gordon Goodenough: to continue. Yeah, Michigan.

Matt: I was just about to say Michigan, come on Kev. We know you've

Nathan: Yeah.

Matt: got it, mate.

Gordon Goodenough: We're calling it now.

Nathan: That was a nice goal as well. good good to see Kev sort of going going right in tight into the crease, but we actually had extended time in the zone. managed to hold possession. You could see the Thunder sort of, you know, trying everything to try and gain possession and clear it out. They they were desperately in need for a change. but you know, some good setup work from from Bri. and we've seen we've seen different elements of Bri's game. I think certainly in the first period I noticed him making every attempt to crash the net really hard. I think there was maybe one that went off his stick wide, some others that didn't actually find him or the past didn't find him. But that was good to see. And we've also seen him finishing from different areas of the ice, particularly on one-timer opportunities. But even just recently we've and we've noticed that you know, certainly the last few weeks, you know, his his creativity and his distribution ability just to see opportunities and again execute passing plays. it's really good to sort of see him showcase, you know, the different areas of his game that he can bring. and I think we, you know, four assists, again, it's a pretty cheap comment. but I thought he was really good value for that. He looked very dangerous in this game.

Nick Austin: Quick shout out to Bri He was also five for five at the faceout draw. Even though he's not the centerman on his line, sometimes he'll take the draw instead of Herms, as well as sometimes contribute a little bit on the power play as the centerman, and but he was five for five on the and the from the dot. So very versatile forward.

Nathan: Yep, absolutely.

Matt: Nick, what I called, certainly down in Melbourne that weekend, our face-offs, we were winning the draw but losing possession. Seems as though the boys have done some real hard work on that. Is that just my perception or is that something that has actually happened? Because it looks as though our success rate on the draw has been significantly higher the last three or four games.

Nick Austin: Yeah, definitely f that's the hard number I have on my six was we were fifty six percent winning draws on Saturday night, and it comes down more as well as the a little bit more tactical. the centermans, the four their wingers and the defensemen all have set plays on what to do on winning the face off, as well as I think just the The heat level has been upped a bit, whereas when we're taking draws, our wingers or defensemen are now tying guys up right away and battling for that puck. Again, I think it all comes down to what I said earlier with the fact that the team knew was at stake on Saturday night to punch our ticket to the finals. And I think just everything again was showcased that through every aspect of the game as we hit on. Now even face offs, just dominating the face off document. High tests again, just look looking composed, competing, right as soon as the puck hits the ice.

Nathan: Really good just to see the team, you know, everyone was smiling, upbeat, really positive body language, a lot of positive talk. you know, I think regardless of where you were you were placed in the in the rink on the weekend, I think that would have came came across pretty clearly. and I think we've got, you know, such a group of guys here where if they are smiling, having fun, playing a little bit lighter, that's probably, you know, in turn gonna produce their best hockey. so it was just really nice to see, you know, contributions up and down the lineup again. which has been another theme of our play over the last, you know, three or four weeks. We've noted noted that on the pod several times. yeah, just really nice to see the boys having fun out there.

Gordon Goodenough: So next week we play Newcastle North Stars on Sunday. It's the very last game of the season from puck drop time. The puck will drop at Boondor between the Ice Dogs and the Lightning at two o'clock. what are we expecting for this one? It's Newcastle have been top of the table for much of the season. We've had two losses to them. what's what are your thoughts, guys?

Nathan: Like always with with North Stars, I think it'll be a tough game. I'll be interested to see what sort of lineup they put out there, I guess, with with the now they'll look at the standings and the the the fact that they're tied with with both CBR and and the Mustangs, you would assume that they'll come full strength. They probably don't have that luxury of resting guys. look, they've got a lot of firepower at the top of their the top of their lineup. again, a lot of experience. a lot of guys who have spent, you know, many years playing alongside each other. I feel like every time we jump on the pod and I run through my my score summaries, it's always the same guys consistently every single weekend who pop up for them for, you know, two, three points every game. Your Droleys, your Klugermans, your Harala. Skatchkov's been you know, one of the highest scorers all year and very, very consistent. they've got a dangerous power play. so they're certainly a team that poses a lot of a lot of danger to us. will need to be disciplined. You know, you don't want to give them any freebies because they will put them away. but I also think that you know both us and the North Stars have have shared a really strong sort of competitive spirit between the two teams. So I would expect you know, really hard fought game We've both got a lot to play for and no doubt both teams would want to be bringing in some nice momentum into finals and carrying that in. so I would I'd expect a really competitive game and and certainly a lot to play for for both groups.

Matt: Yeah, greed. didn't mention Trinker. Nathan, he's been on

Nathan: No, I didn't.

Matt: a bit of a heater recently and is creeping up that save percentage leaderboard. But yeah, Skatchkov leads the league with 79 points. Hrala second with 77. Look, we're in, but I think Gordy, you've just outlined the size of the prize. If we can secure three more points and probably avoid... one of those three big powerhouse teams. They've all been in incredible form recently. Mustangs, Brave, particularly North Stars have been there all their abouts all season long. You know, there's a lot at stake here. So hopefully the boys bring their A game, start fast again, and we can all enjoy ourselves at the last home game of the season.

Nathan: I'd be interested to see what Nick would say, but I think this is gonna sort of prove a a really good sort of barometer for us heading into heading into finals. having the opportunity to play one of the the league's top teams in the lead up I think is is only a good thing for us.

Nick Austin: Yeah, definitely. I think you know, Newcastle's had our number all season. we've lost one to them at home early in the season. That was a close three one game. I I believe it was three one with third goal being an empty net. Two of their goals were from the power play. Nathan pointed out that their power play is lethal. But the two games also going up to Newcastle where we lost I think that they're a very structurally well coached team. They do have firepower. They have goaltending. But, you know, hockey hockey's a weird game sometimes. And you know, we felt when we were in Newcastle that you just get bounces that don't go your way and just results on the scoreboard. But, you know, we think sometimes momentum just needs to change and I think this gives an opportunity for the team to, you know, not not only fighting for our finals position, but you know, get that monkey off the back while playing the North Stars, who have our number still. So I think a win against Newcastle after not being able to all season would really carry huge momentum going into Melbourne the week of the

Gordon Goodenough: I'm usually the hesitant person here, but I I I I reckon we're gonna win this this weekend. I I feel pretty confident. I think we've we we're hitting form at the right time of the season. We've got four wins in a row now, which is our longest win streak of of the season. We had two eight game win streak win streaks in twenty twenty four. Let's get one more eight game win streak to finish out twenty twenty six.

Matt: Yeah,

Nathan: No, I like it.

Matt: three points and injury free for me, thank you.

Nathan: Sounds good. We'll definitely take that. I think further to Nick's comments,

Nick Austin: But

Nathan: that that game at Macquarie, Nick, at the start of the season, or or certainly early in the season, I thought we more than skated with Newcastle in that game. As you say, it was it was more so just the special teams that probably ended up being the difference. But I thought five on five we were the better team. the the game in the hunter, I just watched it on broadcast, but they were the better team in in that game. So I think even though the standings would probably reflect that there's been a real gap between the teams, I think in terms of a head to head matchup, I think these th these two teams are are pretty close. And I know our guys will will be very motivated to to take this one in the lead up to finals.

Nick Austin: Yeah, definitely. And again, I don't know, hockey like I was saying before about you know momentum getting flipped and sometimes things go your way, sometimes things don't go your way. You see in this league where any team can beat any team, essentially. As we've seen, Adelaide has beaten Melbourne Ice this year. We've seen Brisbane always plays run and gun hockey. It just makes every game entertaining, no matter who they play against. You see the Ice Dogs beating the Newcastle two weeks ago. home and then almost beating or almost sending the game to overtime the second day in Newcastle where Newcastle scored with I think zero point five left. Again just shows that on any given day anything can happen and just show up and compete the result can transpire for that. So obviously with all that being said, we definitely want to take and consider what happens on Saturday. But very ideal, come out with three points on Sunday, give the fans one final win in Macquarie, and then head into McCor to Melbourne with a good fourth seed position, I think is the goal for everyone.

Nathan: I think just a shout out to the fans, the lot the last two or three games at Macquarie have been absolutely fantastic, particularly towards the back end of games. so guys, keep it up. You've been absolutely fantastic. As I said last week, there's no doubt that the guys feed off it. And it's the last home game, so have plenty of fun. get behind the boys and and let's hope they respond and we can we can finish on you know the right note at Macquarie.

Gordon Goodenough: so Nick, we we introduced you at the start of the pod as the hockey operations manager. Tell us a a little bit about your role and and your backgrounds for the for the listeners.

Nick Austin: Yeah, for sure. So essentially I work alongside Nathan. with Nathan not being living in Sydney anymore, I'm essentially his bridge between the team and himself, what's going on between praxis, games that he can't make, and I am essentially also the team manager between while we travel for away games. without all being said. With the away games, Nathan and I plan the logistics behind the scenes. So we're booking the flights, we're managing buses from the airport to the hotel or to the arena, booking hotels, things of that nature, as well as I'm the direct contact for players if they need any equipment. So you can put equipment procurement on my as well with guys they need sticks. I text Six suppliers, if they need skates, get the sword for them. Essentially, if you want to think about it, I am the player's agent in the season for them. So anything they need, trying to try to get what they need as fast as I can and with the the help of Nathan, but yeah that's and then during in the game as you might seen me on the bench before, based on our personnel on the bench this we've had this year. Some games I'm on the bench, usually in the all black jacket, trench coat jacket type deal. But if not on the bench of a core, I'm also right beside. I'm taking stats in a paper book just for a little bit in house keeping as well as showing coaching staff and players in between periods of what we're seeing and how we can adjust on the fly, as well as just pumping tires on the bench, aka just you know keeping the the spirits high, keeping the boys upright and upbeat while as we're battling out there and then way games as well as sometimes being on the bench but again just a little bit of jack of all trades for the Bears with that being said. And then in terms of hockey background from Canada Grew up in central Ontario, about a hundred kilometers north of Toronto, where hockey is pretty much religion up that way. Learned how to skate when I was three or four years old, playing organized hockey by six years old. played up to my one year in c university. I had the opportunity to go to San Jose State University in California for a season, ended up playing on the ACA Club College hockey team down there. I am a goaltender, so was essentially fulfilling some backup goalie role roles, but it was a lot of fun down there. So then going back to Canada, just was finished in beer league hockey, just playing rec hockey. Anytime anyone needed a goalie while I was living in Calgary, Alberta, was always able to fill in when I can. And then with that all being said, for a career standpoint I've worked in hockey with the Western Hockey League and their headquarters located in Calgary, Alberta. So if fans don't know, Western Hockey League is one of the branches of the developmental hockey league, the Canadian Hockey League in Canada, where players from the ages of sixteen to twenty compete in and those players are eligible to be drafted to the NHL. So was fortunate enough to be the hockey operations intern for the Western League in the twenty two, twenty-three season. Then from there I moved on to work for in a strength and conditioning gym in the summertime where pro hockey players as well as up junior hockey players would train in the off season. A little bit of experience with that as well. And then ended up coming down to Australia. I saw that the hockey season a little backwards compared to North America and decided to reach out to the Bears and the rest has been history.

Nathan: Mate, it's been absolutely unreal, haven't you? I must admit when I first spoke to Nick in the lead up to the season, obviously we're you know we're always fielding different kinds of inquiries, you know, from people, et cetera, et cetera. And in in this environment, sometimes it's really difficult to sort of find that blend between sort of the the persona and behavioural side and then sort of the know-how you know, around these environments that are very, very unique. and I think very quickly I realised, you know, wow, Nick Nick's going to be such a great, you know, personnel fit for us. great personality to have around the place, but he he just has such a high level of knowledge and like it's almost you know ever everything that I navigated you know through in the way of a conversation and trying to give him a bit of an insight in terms of how things work and you know policy and process and things like that. he he just knew it straight away. So to be able to I guess almost move to second base, you know, immediately you know has has been such a such a luxury and and Nick's added so much to our group from both you know a hockey perspective but also a you know back office ops perspective. so we're very, very, very lucky to have him and it's been absolutely awesome working alongside him. so yeah, mate, a a massive thanks from from from all of us.

Nick Austin: Yeah, was gonna say, this has been a wild ride. never I guess you could ask me two years ago if I'd you th I'd be working hockey in Australia. I don't know if I'd believe ya. Just seeing the the growth of the sport between the month of April to the month of August has been so exciting and just trying out Macquarie every game, the passion the local community has. And just having such a great group of players, both import and local Aussie guys, just really makes me like appreciate the sport being played down here even more. It's definitely the best decision I've made since being in Australia to be a part of the Bears.

Nathan: You're saying all the right things, mate. Right on script.

Nick Austin: Yeah, Matty a PR trained me before jumped on the podcast.

Nathan: I'm sure he did.

Matt: Nick, I was super lucky to spend some time with you in Melbourne a couple of weeks ago and just... see the amount of work you do and how calmly you do it in such an organized manner. So, you know, clearly that professionalism you bring from your, you know, your past time at the WHL is very, very apparent. Just on the work that you do behind the bench, a question I've got in terms of the stats that you collect, are there any particular stats that, you know, Riser and Nicco, you know, really hone in on? We've talked on the podcast about shots from high danger areas. We've talked about face off winds. We've talked about shooting percentage. But what are the coaching team asking you for in terms of the stats that you're collecting for them?

Nick Austin: I can show you on the podcast on the camera So basically my book Nathan got me has an outline of a hockey arena ice an ice surface. So I just mark like different markings on the surface, meaning shots as well as face offs, penalties, things like that. I think with Coaches being able to see a playing surface, they kinda you know, coach's hockey mind can see how the game is flowing. Even just looking at, you know, in the book with an ice sheet on it with a bunch of marks, you can kinda tell how the game is flowing. But a stat that you're saying that, you know, some coaches are interested in are just turnovers, both our own turnovers as well as their turnovers. Especially in the neutral zone, we like to call it the gray zone. just, you know, between the the off of the defensive blue lines, just kind of w where are we losing pucks? Are we losing the basically are we losing the puck battles or winning the puck battles against the opponents? I think again, just overall, just the book kind of translates what is the flow and the momentum of the game. Again, Riza, Nico. We have Richard Richie Crow on the bench as well with us. I think really good hockey minds. They know what they're seeing as well just within themselves, but I think the book keeping just reinforces what they're seeing.

Nathan: And also just to be able to give the guys, you know, after a period, just to be able to communicate with the coaches in real time and and have that information, you know, on hand super quick. That just enables them to sort of run through it and obviously make any any associated changes that they feel is is necessary. So to have to have Nick sort of relaying that to coaches in really quick time is obviously of benefit to to the coaches first and foremost, then you know, ultimately the team.

Matt: The other quick one I want to jump in with Nick, you mentioned working in Canada with 16 to 20 year olds. How different is it working with those guys to, you know, the likes of Kim Lynn and Lander and Ryser? And what do have to do differently for those grizzled old vets that you don't do for the kids over in North America?

Nick Austin: Yeah, that's a good question. definitely guys like Kimmer Riza and Tommy, they're you know, the grids are veterans playing high level hockey for a long time. I don't think there's much, you know, saying of giving words of tactics. I think it's more so just giving them words of encouragement. They know what they're doing. They're again like I was saying experienced high level hockey players. I think it's just you know, just again pumping their tires, you know, giving them wording words of encouragement as they continue to grind out this sport at at their ages. I mean it's definitely respectable. I don't think there's much again between a sixteen year old, sixteen and twenty year old you're gonna giving a little bit more of lending hand of in terms of giving help between tactics or things like that. But I think when you have an older guy like that, just you know, you know what they're about, you kinda just, you know, pumping their tires, giving them encouragement and just seeing them perform on the ice.

Gordon Goodenough: what was something that has that you've learned about ice hockey in Australia that you that you didn't qu know beforehand and and maybe something that's that's surprised you as well about about the league itself?

Nick Austin: I definitely say the biggest thing I'm surprised about is just how every fan base, each Ted teams are just so dedicated to supporting their teams. like again, no matter where we were playing in, Melbourne, Perth, even Central Coast, they've got passions and they love their hockey. I think it's again it's it's really cool to see. things yeah, I know as in definitely not experienced before coming down here is being in a hockey game where there's no glass it's just all fishnet I think is quite unique. but hey I think as long as hockey's being played it's definitely something you can kind of put behind and I think just again I think the sport is at an unreal level right now. I think the growth and the momentum is just riding so And I think the league and the teams can definitely benefit in the next couple of years and just keep this sport growing. As well as just keeping the fans coming in. And I hope this also translates to better grassroots and more minor league and kid participation becomes higher in this from this all starts yeah from the grassroots as You can argue grassroots hockey is the reason why the United States is beating Canada in the Olympics because the HL came in to s especially the southern US states and forming NHL games and did sort of really love the sport and wanted to play and developing the grassroots and I think Australia is in a really good position to translate that now to really grassroots programs to keep the hockey momentum going and as you said before, like with Ryze Tommy Land Kimlin generation ultimately retires. we have a new grassroots of players coming in to keep it being so exciting.

Matt: Just away from Hockey Nick, two quick questions. What's your favourite thing about being in Australia? And given you, Nico and I have dabbled with a couple of boutique brews over the last few months, what's your favourite craft beer?

Nick Austin: Good questions. favorite thing about Australia, I think definitely is that this was supposed to be winter, and definitely the best winter of my life. I don't think it got colder than like seven eight degrees at night and pretty much every majority of days I think this winter were like between eighteen and twenty degrees. I think it's just amazing. so I think I I love the weather. I love you know, again, being Canadian, like I'm not a big fan of winter and especially in Alberta where it can drop to minus forty. I definitely love the weather out here. and then with that being said, Maddie, I think in terms of craft beer, a little sleeper pick could be that dark beer in the Melbourne airport. I forget what the the pub's called, but yeah, that dark beer in Melbourne Airport is a sneaky pick. I do like it. That is kind of reign ignited my like for dark beer.

Nathan: Is it is it stomping ground or whose supplies at the airport? Stomping ground,

Nick Austin: Yeah, I think it's stomping route. Yeah, actually

Nathan: have a little bar there, I think, yeah.

Nick Austin: Yeah, when we went to Melbourne the second time on August second, I think Coach Nico and I made opposite way from our gate just to go stomp and grab to grab that that dark beard. Shout out Maddie for introducing me to that.

Matt: So if you're listening Stomping Ground, we are the Bears and Beers podcast. Sponsorships are welcome.

Nathan: Give us B We will drink it.

Gordon Goodenough: so and and as far as your role with the Bears, Nick, now that you've you know you've landed here, you've you've seen the league as well operate if you could have like a magic wand to change one thing about the league, what would it be and why?

Nick Austin: If I had to change one thing about the league, I think what I would do is I would make every arena the same size as AIS down in Canberra. I think that's the perfect arena for seating capacity and just the way the venue is built. Definitely could have been improved, but I think if every AI JL team basically had like a 2000 to 4,000 seat arena. It would be perfect. again, just all the teams being in predominantly big size metro areas could definitely f fill out those rinks every game day. I think that would definitely just in again, gr it would grow the sport, it would generate more revenue for clubs and also give fans a more of an opportunity to go watch the game. Cause again, I know the With our games being sold out, which is good to see, but you know, try to get new fans in, it's so hard to get a ticket. I think that's what I would change.

Matt: Nick awards night on Friday. It's not going to be the question you're going to expect. What are we going to see you on the dance floor dancing to?

Nick Austin: I think if I was gonna put in an Aussie song, it would definitely be that Untouched by the Veronicas. I think that's just definitely a banger song. honestly I didn't know it was Australian until I came down here. We were listening down in Canada when I was in elementary school, but I know I think I don't know when, but the Bears always play it and I think I always get caught tapping my foot on the bench to that song. So yeah, definitely Untouched by the Veronicas.

Matt: And whose moves do we need to look out for the most? Who's the movers and the groovers in the dressing room?

Nick Austin: Yeah, I don't know. usually I'm more so in the coach's room in between games and practices on the bench, but I was gonna pick a player. definitely watch out for Chainbo, Brian Chambers. I think he could the dance floor. For coaching and staff, I think I think Lee Moncrieve could pull out something sneaky as well, so

Gordon Goodenough: Any final thoughts guys before we say say good night?

Matt: Gordie, just on apparel, we did have a question in the mailbag about podcast merch, and I was questioned further about it in rink on the weekend, so I think you, Nathan, and I need to sit down and put our heads together on that one. So we have heard you guys. We didn't address that particular part of the question last week. I'm very conscious of that, but. Leave it with us and we'll see what we can do.

Gordon Goodenough: Thanks for joining us, Nick. Really appreciate all the work that you do for the for the Bears and the club and it's great to see people like you. I I know chatting with Nathan before the season when he was talking about, you know, this person that we're having discussions with to come on board, he was super excited and it's how we grow as a league is, you know, people come in, they bring their experience and their knowledge and and it makes us a little bit better. So thank you for making the Sydney Bears better this season and and we've we've really enjoyed having you both on this podcast but also on the team. So thank you for all all that you do.

Matt: Yeah.

Nathan: Absolutely.

Nick Austin: Appreciate that. Yeah, thanks. yeah, appreciate that. loved being a part of the Bears this year and season's not over, as we said before. We're just getting into the dance. All you have to do is get into the dance, aka the finals, and anything can happen. So the real season starts now and just a lot more work to do and it's gonna be fun though, fun work. So really looking forward to ending the season with a bang.

Nathan: Just ahead of the the awards

Gordon Goodenough: Brilliant. Well yeah.

Nathan: evening on Friday, guys, I thought maybe I'll throw a question out there. who who's everyone got for the for the VP?

Gordon Goodenough: Lucas Herman, he's he's currently running a twenty five game point streak. sees he'd be my pick. yeah.

Matt: why he's played the last six weeks. could be the Dark Lord. Kimma.

Nick Austin: You stole my pick, Maddie.

Nathan: It's the awesome.

Nick Austin: You stole my pick, Maddie, as ex goalie and the way Kimmer's been playing this past couple of weeks, especially I mean it was a little bit of a barn burner, but huge saves in overtime against the Rhinos, as well as a shootout win and just carrying that momentum through into Melbourne the second time around and then through the these past two. Yeah, definitely was on my radar, but another pick then to differ. differentiate from everyone. I'm gonna say our young gun who has left the season to go back to his career in North America, Gustav Remler Jensen, eighteen years old. And he was I think he was a point per game, Gordon, you can fact check me on that, but a great hockey player. just a a player you despite being eighteen years old playing against men every weekend and just being complete competitor. Definitely miss Goose for the rest of the season, but he would be Miami.

Matt: Yours, Nathan.

Nathan: It's tough. I think I would probably have to swing Herms just. I think there's probably three or four genuine candidates there potentially, but Herms would Herms would probably be my pick.

Gordon Goodenough: So we're split we're a split pod.

Nathan: So we're split two and two.

Gordon Goodenough: we we should we should put out a vote. I'm gonna put out a vote on our socials so listeners can vote on on who they would choose for their VP of the season. but yeah we've we've been fortunate to have a lot of good con no, we we well we've got one Kimmer, one Goose, two Herman. So yeah.

Nathan: Didn't we have an so Nick didn't lock in Kimmer, he ended up knock locking in Goose? That's the official locked in.

Matt: Yeah, he chose a different name, Nathan. You you could have done the same, you know, just to keep it interesting. Yeah, you know, it's up to you.

Nathan: right, okay. Yep. Yeah, great. Excellent.

Nick Austin: I thought yeah, I thought we were going to pick yeah, sorry, I thought we were we were picking different from each other, so

Matt: No, no, you're fine Nick. No, no, you're not in the wrong here Nick. Not you. You...

Nathan: Yeah, I I think I'm the problem.

Nick Austin: But as Nathan said though,

Matt: There we are.

Nick Austin: there is five guys on the list. Yeah. For sure. That could be E P.

Nathan: Matt, I actually prefer you on mute. So if you could kindly, that'd be great. You're still the same asshole in a interstate as well. It's incredible.

Matt: it's just sunnier and more humid up here. Nick, does he speak to you like this?

Nathan: Ha ha ha.

Matt: I mean, when you have to work, does he speak to you like this? Yeah,

Nathan: I like Nick more than you.

Matt: I know. I like Nick more than you.

Nathan: Great That's an easy solving.

Nick Austin: you guys know my number, you got my number, you know where I'll be this weekend, so

Matt: So Nathan, a fourth player, please.

Nathan: No no no I'm just I'm locking in Herms for the MVP and I'm not going down your rabbit hole.

Matt: after all of that.

Gordon Goodenough: Well, on on that bombshell, thanks for listening. thanks for joining us. we have been the Bears and Bears podcast. and yes, if w s come say hi to us at the rink or after the game at the Governor or at the awards night, it would be great to chat and say good day. in the meantime, go Bears.

Nathan: Go beers.

Matt: Go Bears!

Nick Austin: Bears thanks for having me, guys.