Melbourne Mustangs: Difference between revisions

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| name2  = Melbourne Mustangs
| name2  = Melbourne Mustangs
| dates2  = 2012–present
| dates2  = 2012–present
| championships1_type = [[Goodall Cup]]s
| championships1_type = [[H Newman Reid Trophy|H Newman Reid Trophies]]
| championships1      = '''1''' ([[2014 AIHL season|2014]])
| championships1      = '''1''' ([[2014 AIHL season|2014]])
| reg_season_titles  = '''1''' ([[2014 AIHL season|2014]])
| championships2_type = [[Goodall Cup]]s
| conf_titles        = '''0'''
| championships2      = '''2''' ([[2014 AIHL season|2014]], [[2023 AIHL season|2023]])
}}
}}


The '''Melbourne Mustangs''' are a semi-professional ice hockey team based in [[Docklands, Victoria]], Australia. They are members of the [[Australian Ice Hockey League]] (AIHL).
The '''Melbourne Mustangs''' (formally ''Mustangs IHC'') is an Australian semi-professional [[ice hockey]] team from [[Melbourne, Victoria]]. Formed in 2010, the Mustangs have been a member of the [[Australian Ice Hockey League]] (AIHL) since 2011. The Mustangs are based at the [[O'Brien Icehouse]] in the [[Docklands, Victoria|Docklands]] district of Melbourne. The Mustangs are two time [[Goodall Cup]] and one time [[H Newman Reid Trophy]] winners.


==History==
==History==
The Mustangs IHC were founded in 2010.<ref name="MUSTANGSVICHOCKEY">{{cite web | url = http://www.icehockeyvictoria.org.au/ | title = Mustangs v Melbourne Ice | publisher = Victorian Ice Hockey Association | date = | accessdate = 2011-04-15 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5xxT8b708 |archivedate=2011-04-15 |deadurl=no}}</ref> During the [[2010 AIHL season]] the Mustangs competed in six exhibition games against ice hockey teams around Australia, including games against the [[Gold Coast Blue Tongues]], the Gold Coast Grizzlys, and [[Perth Thunder]].<ref name="MUSTANGSBLUETONGUES">{{cite web | url = http://www.starsicehockey.com.au/index.php?view=newsfeed&catid=66%3Aaihlteams&id=26-bluetongues&option=com_newsfeeds&Itemid=49 | title = Blue Tongues Playing For 2011 | publisher = Southern Stars Ice Hockey | date = | accessdate = 2011-04-15 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5s03iLGkp |archivedate=2010-08-15 |deadurl=no}}</ref><ref name="Melbourne Mustangs News">{{cite web | url = http://www.melbournemustangs.com.au | title = Melbourne Mustangs News | publisher = Melbourne Musttangs | date = | accessdate = 2011-04-15 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5s03lym7T |archivedate=2010-08-15 |deadurl=no}}</ref> Following the closure of the 2010 season the AIHL granted a license to the Mustangs to join the league and compete in the [[2011 AIHL season]].<ref name="AIHL HISTORY">{{cite web | url = http://www.theaihl.com/leagues/custom_page.cfm?clientid=3856&leagueid=11464&pageid=10074#history | title = History of the Australian Ice Hockey League | publisher = [[Australian Ice Hockey League]] | date = | accessdate = 2011-04-15 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5xwaiPWZ2 |archivedate=2011-04-15 |deadurl=no}}</ref>  Steve Laforet was named coach and Shane Hardy team captain for the 2011 season. However, on 23 June, it was announced that Laforet had resigned for "personal reasons" and assistant coach, Doug Stevenson would take over the head coach role.<ref name="Melbourne Mustangs Players">{{cite web | url = http://www.melbournemustangs.com.au/players/ | title = Team Profile | publisher = Melbourne Mustangs | date = | accessdate = 2011-04-15 |archiveurl= |archivedate= |deadurl=no}}</ref>


The Mustangs lost their first game in the AIHL 4–8 against the [[Melbourne Ice]]. The game was the season opener and was played at the home stadium of both teams in [[Docklands, Victoria]].<ref name="2011SCHEDULE">{{cite web | url = http://www.theaihl.com/leagues/schedules.cfm?clientid=3856&leagueid=11464 | title = 2011 AIHL Regular Season | publisher = [[Australian Ice Hockey League]] | date = | accessdate = 2011-04-15 |archiveurl= |archivedate= |deadurl=no}}</ref> The team finished sixth after the regular season, ahead of the [[Canberra Knights]] and the [[Sydney Bears]].<ref name="2011STANDINGS">{{cite web | url=http://www.theaihl.com/leagues/standingsTotals.cfm?leagueID=11464&clientID=3856 | title=2011 Regular Season Standings | publisher=[[Australian Ice Hockey League]] | date= | accessdate=2011-09-03 |archiveurl= |archivedate= |deadurl=no}}</ref>
===Pre AIHL===
The Melbourne Mustangs was founded in 2010 as the Mustangs Ice Hockey Club (Mustangs IHC).<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.stanleycupofchowder.com/2016/4/15/11439626/chowder-down-under-introducing-the-melbourne-mustangs-aihl | title=Chowder Down Under: Introducing...the Melbourne Mustangs | publisher=stanleycupofchowder.com | date=15 April 2016 | accessdate=1 March 2020 }}</ref> The club looked to join the [[Australian Ice Hockey League]] in 2011. In preparation foundation club president John Belic held a number of try-out sessions and organised a number of exhibition matches for the Mustangs during the [[2010 AIHL season]]. In May, the Mustangs finalised their first ever roster and selected Shane Hardy to captain the team for the six planned exhibition matches around Australia.<ref name="MUSTANGS20102011NEWS">{{cite web|url=http://www.melbournemustangs.com.au |title=Melbourne Mustangs News |publisher=Melbourne Musttangs |accessdate=2011-04-15 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110221223438/http://www.melbournemustangs.com.au/news.html |archivedate=21 February 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref>


For the start of the [[2012 AIHL season]] the Mustangs changed their name to the Melbourne Mustangs after the AIHL lifted a condition that prohibited the use of "Melbourne" in their team name. The restriction was originally put in place to protect the brand of the Melbourne Ice. .<ref name="NAMECHANGES">{{cite web | url=http://hewittsports.com/changes-aplenty-at-aihl-agm/ | title=Changes aplenty at AIHL AGM | publisher=Hewitt Sports Network | date= | first =Andrew |last=Hewitt | accessdate=2012-04-14 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/66uV0eCA5 |archivedate=2012-04-14 |deadurl=no}}</ref><ref name="2012TEAMS">{{cite web | url=http://www.theaihl.com/leagues/standingsTotals.cfm?leagueID=11464&clientID=3856 | title=2012 Regular Season Standings | publisher=[[Australian Ice Hockey League]] | date= | accessdate=2012-04-14 |archiveurl= |archivedate= |deadurl=no}}</ref> Also the club announced that Bill Wilkinson would be their head coach. Midway through the season though Wilkinson was fired as head coach and replaced by former head coach Steve Laforet. In December 2012 the club announced that they had appointed Brad Vigon as head coach, replacing Steve Laforet who had been fired at the end of the 2012 season.<ref name="AIHLNEWSCOACH">{{cite web | url=http://www.theaihl.com/leagues/newsletter.cfm?clientID=3856&leagueID=11464&page=66812 | title=New Coach for Mustangs | publisher=Australian Ice Hockey League | date= | accessdate=2012-12-24 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6D8tJIdZT |archivedate=2012-12-24 |deadurl=no}}</ref><ref name="HEWITTLAFORET">{{cite web | url=http://hewittsports.com/breaking-laforet-coach-mustangs-2013/ | title=Laforet and Mustangs sever ties | publisher=Hewitt Sports Network | date= | accessdate=2012-12-24 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6D8tRoawb |archivedate=2012-12-24 |deadurl=no}}</ref> The club also revealed their new logo for the start of the 2013 season featuring a redesigned mustang horse, holding an ice hockey stick.<ref name="MUSTANGSNEWLOGO">{{cite web | url=http://www.theaihl.com/leagues/newsletter.cfm?clientID=3856&leagueID=11464&page=67966 | title=Mustangs New Logo | publisher=Australian Ice Hockey League |first=Hamish |last=Jones | date=2013-02-07 | accessdate=2013-02-10 |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6EK16zEEZ |archivedate=2013-02-10 |deadurl=no}}</ref>
The first match occurred on 5 June 2010 at the [[Melbourne Icehouse]] against the visiting [[Perth Thunder|Western Thunder]]. Michael McDowell scored the first ever Mustangs goal in any match, with a blistering top-shelfer from the point for a 1–0 lead in the first period. The match was high scoring, the Thunder led 3–6 at the halfway point but the match ended 7–6 in favour of the Mustangs to give the club their first ever victory.<ref name="MUSTANGS20102011NEWS"/>


The Mustangs finished the [[2014 AIHL season]] in first place, then went on to win the [[Goodall Cup]], defeating the Melbourne Ice 6-1 in the final.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ruthless Mustangs snatch maiden Goodall Cup|url=http://www.theaihl.com/leagues/newsletterarchive.cfm?clientid=3856&leagueid=11464&page=81756|publisher=Australian Ice Hockey League}}</ref>
In the second match on 13 June, the Mustangs proved too good for the young Victorian Tange representative team, defeating them 9–0.<ref name="MUSTANGS20102011NEWS"/>


==Season-by-season record==
The Mustangs third match at the Icehouse was an international exhibition against Canada's Kelowna. The Mustangs iced 12 players over two lines. Kelowna brought with them 28 players. Unsurprisingly the Mustangs registered their first defeat with Kelowna beating them 7–4 after taking an early 4–0 lead.<ref name="MUSTANGS20102011NEWS"/>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;font-size:95%;"
 
|-  
The Mustangs then travelled to the Gold Coast to take on their first AIHL opposition, the [[Gold Coast Blue Tongues]] at Iceland ice Rink.<ref name="MUSTANGSBLUETONGUES">{{cite web |url=http://www.starsicehockey.com.au/index.php?view=newsfeed&catid=66%3Aaihlteams&id=26-bluetongues&option=com_newsfeeds&Itemid=49 |title=Blue Tongues Playing For 2011 |publisher=Southern Stars Ice Hockey |accessdate=2011-04-15 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110218191622/http://starsicehockey.com.au/index.php?view=newsfeed&catid=66%3Aaihlteams&id=26-bluetongues&option=com_newsfeeds&Itemid=49 |archivedate=18 February 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref> In another high scoring affair, the Mustangs defeated the [[Gold Coast Blue Tongues]] 9–6. The result provided team management belief in the team's abilities to compete at the highest level in the AIHL. In the second match of the day the Mustangs overcame local side, [[Gold Coast Grizzlys]], 16–2.<ref name="MUSTANGS20102011NEWS"/>
!width=60|Season
 
!width=30|{{Tooltip|GP|Games played}}
Following the conclusion of the 2010 season, The Mustangs applied for and were granted an AIHL licence to join the league in 2011.<ref name="AIHL HISTORY">{{cite web |url=http://www.theaihl.com/leagues/custom_page.cfm?clientid=3856&leagueid=11464&pageid=10074#history |title=History of the Australian Ice Hockey League |publisher=[[Australian Ice Hockey League]] |accessdate=2011-04-15 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401163807/http://www.theaihl.com/leagues/custom_page.cfm?clientid=3856&leagueid=11464&pageid=10074#history |archivedate=1 April 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref> The AIHL imposed a condition of entry on the Mustangs that prevented them from incorporating 'Melbourne' into their name. The purpose of this condition was to protect the existing Melbourne Ice brand.<ref name="MELNAMERESTRICTION">{{cite web|url=http://hewittsports.com/changes-aplenty-at-aihl-agm/ |title=Changes aplenty at AIHL AGM |publisher=Hewitt Sports Network |first=Andrew |last=Hewitt |accessdate=2012-04-14 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102191532/http://hewittsports.com/?p=658 |archivedate=2 January 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref>
!width=30|{{Tooltip|W|Wins}}
 
!width=30|{{Tooltip|SOW|Shootout wins}}
===AIHL era===
!width=30|{{Tooltip|SOL|Shootout losses}}
 
!width=30|{{Tooltip|L|Losses}}
The Mustangs appointed Steve Laforet as their inaugural head coach for the [[2011 AIHL season]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.eliteprospects.com/staff/4362/steve-laforet | title=Steve Laforst Staff Profile | publisher=eliteprospects.com | accessdate=1 March 2020 }}</ref> Shane Hardy was named the club's first AIHL team captain.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/9137/mustangs-ice-hockey/captaincy-history | title=Melbourne Mustangs - Team Captaincy History | publisher=eliteprospects.com | accessdate=1 March 2020 }}</ref> In the lead-up to the 2011 season, the Mustangs took on their new local rivals, the [[Melbourne Ice]], in a warm-up match at Docklands.<ref name="MUSTANGSVSICE">{{cite web |url=http://www.icehockeyvictoria.org.au/ |title=Mustangs v Melbourne Ice |publisher=Victorian Ice Hockey Association |accessdate=2011-04-15 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110218235626/http://www.icehockeyvictoria.org.au/ |archivedate=18 February 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> 14 April 2011, the Mustangs took part in the AIHL season opener at the [[Melbourne Icehouse]] against the Ice in the first ever AIHL Melbourne derby. The Ice won the match 8–4, condemning the Mustangs to their first ever AIHL defeat.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://theaihl.com/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=3856&leagueID=11464&gameID=938169 | title=Ice vs Mustangs AIHL boxscore | publisher=[[Australian Ice Hockey League]] | date=14 April 2011 | accessdate=1 March 2020 }}</ref> The Mustangs registered their first ever AIHL victory on 16 April 2011, overcoming the [[Sydney Bears]] 6–2 at the [[Penrith Ice Palace]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://theaihl.com/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=3856&leagueID=11464&gameID=938171 | title=Mustangs vs Bears AIHL boxscore | publisher=[[Australian Ice Hockey League]] | date=16 April 2011 | accessdate=1 March 2020 }}</ref> On 23 June 2011, Laforet announced his resignation as head coach for personal reasons. It was later revealed Laforet was temporarily stood down by the club as a result of an altercation at a game against the Gold Coast Blue Tongues.<ref name="HEWITTLAFORET">{{cite web|url=http://hewittsports.com/breaking-laforet-coach-mustangs-2013/ |title=Laforet and Mustangs sever ties |publisher=Hewitt Sports Network |accessdate=2012-12-24 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106113609/http://hewittsports.com/breaking-laforet-coach-mustangs-2013/ |archivedate=6 January 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> Assistant coach, Doug Stevenson, stepped in and took over for the rest of the season.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://icelegendsaustralia.com/legends-2/bio_stevenson-d.html | title=Stevenson, Douglas (1962 - ) | publisher=Legends of Australian Ice | first=Ross | last=Carpenter | accessdate=1 March 2020 }}</ref> At the end of the regular season, the Mustangs finished sixth in the league standings, ahead of the [[Canberra Knights]] and Sydney Bears.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://theaihl.com/leagues/standings.cfm?leagueID=11464&clientID=3856 | title=2011 AIHL season Standings | publisher=[[Australian Ice Hockey League]] | accessdate=1 March 2020 }}</ref>
!width=30|{{Tooltip|GF|Goals for}}
 
!width=30|{{Tooltip|GA|Goals against}}
In [[2012 AIHL season|2012]], during the off-season before the new season started, the annual AIHL general meeting (AGM) sat and a decision was made to lift the restrictions on the Mustangs from using the geographical word 'Melbourne' from their brand with immediate effect.<ref name="MELNAMERESTRICTION"/> Four days later the Mustangs announced they had officially changed their brand and name to the Melbourne Mustangs.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://theaihl.com/leagues/newsletterarchive.cfm?leagueID=11464&clientID=3856 | title=Mustangs now Melbourne Mustangs | publisher=[[Australian Ice Hockey League]] | first=Chris | last=Meister | date=8 November 2011 | accessdate=1 March 2020 }}</ref> The Mustangs also appointed experienced Canadian [[Bill Wilkinson (ice hockey)|Bill Wilkinson]] new head coach.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://theaihl.com/leagues/newsletterarchive.cfm?leagueID=11464&clientID=3856&page=61287&newsFrom=04/19/2012&newsTo=05/03/2012 | title=Q & A with Mustangs Coach Wilkinson | publisher=[[Australian Ice Hockey League]] | first=Christopher | last=Tyler | date=2 May 2012 | accessdate=1 March 2020 }}</ref> Ontario-born Wilkinson was a long time NCAA head coach in the [[United States|US]] and former [[Spain men's national ice hockey team|Spanish national team]] head coach.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.eliteprospects.com/staff/5518/bill-wilkinson | title=Bill Wilkinson Staff Profile | publisher=eliteprospects.com | accessdate=1 March 2020 }}</ref> The performances on the ice did not translate with Wilkinson's experience and by mid-season Wilkinson was replaced by the Mustangs assist coach and former head coach, Laforet.<ref name="HEWITTLAFORET"/> Under Laforet, the Mustangs registered five wins from eight matches but it was not enough to lift the team off the bottom of the Easton Conference at season's end.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.eliteprospects.com/league/aihl/2011-2012 | title=2011-2012 AIHL Standings | publisher=eliteprospects.com | accessdate=1 March 2020 }}</ref>
!width=30|{{Tooltip|PTS|Points}}
 
!width=80|Finish
Ahead of the [[2013 AIHL season|2013 season]] it was revealed the Mustangs and Laforet had parted company by mutual termination of Laforet's contract.<ref name="HEWITTLAFORET"/> The Mustangs would have to appoint a new head coach for the third season running. On 12 December 2012 the Melbourne Mustangs announced Brad Vigon as the new head coach of the team for 2013. Brad would be assisted by [[Ice Hockey Victoria]] stalwart Mark "Chuck" Connolly, providing the Mustangs a blend of youth and experience on the bench.<ref name="VIGONNEWCOACH">{{cite web |url=http://www.theaihl.com/leagues/newsletter.cfm?clientID=3856&leagueID=11464&page=66812 |title=New Coach for Mustangs |publisher=[[Australian Ice Hockey League]] | first=Andy | last=McDowell | date=23 December 2012 |accessdate=1 March 2020 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106113143/http://www.theaihl.com/leagues/newsletter.cfm?clientID=3856&leagueID=11464&page=66812 |archivedate=6 January 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 7 February 2013 Mustangs CEO Rod Johns revealed the Mustangs had selected a new logo for the team. The Mustangs had completed a comprehensive consultation period with stakeholders, including fans, and selected a logo featuring a redesigned mustang horse, holding an ice hockey stick.<ref name="MUSTANGSNEWLOGO">{{cite web |url=http://www.theaihl.com/leagues/newsletter.cfm?clientID=3856&leagueID=11464&page=67966 |title=Mustangs New Logo |publisher=Australian Ice Hockey League |first=Hamish |last=Jones |date=2013-02-07 |accessdate=2013-02-10 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130308064652/http://www.theaihl.com/leagues/newsletter.cfm?clientid=3856&leagueid=11464&page=67966 |archivedate=8 March 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> Under the guidance of Vigon and Connolly, the Mustangs enjoyed their best AIHL season yet. The team finished fifth in the league standings, just missing out on finals. It was the Mustangs' highest ever regular season ranking at the time. It was also the first time the Mustangs had won more than ten matches and won more matches than they had lost.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.eliteprospects.com/league/aihl/2012-2013 | title=2012-2013 AIHL Standings | publisher=eliteprospects.com | accessdate=1 March 2020 }}</ref>
!width=300|Playoff
 
[[2014 AIHL season|2014]] proved to be a breakout season for the Mustangs in the AIHL. It was the first season the Mustangs started without a new coach as Brad Vigon stayed on in charge. The 8–3 pre-season exhibition loss to the Melbourne Ice proved to be a poor indicator for the season ahead. The 2014 season ended up a very close season with a number of teams competing for top spot and the [[H Newman Reid Trophy]]. The Mustangs for the first time were challenging for the regular season title along with the Ice, [[CBR Brave]] and [[Sydney Ice Dogs]]. In the end the Mustangs proved too good and clinched the title and H Newman Reid Trophy by finishing three points ahead of the Ice in first place.<ref name="MUSTANGSREIDTROPHY">{{cite web|url=http://icehockeynewsaustralia.com/2014/08/24/2014-aihl-season-round-20/ |title=2014 AIHL Season: Round 20 |publisher=Ice Hockey News Australia |date=24 August 2014 |accessdate=6 September 2014 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021232313/http://icehockeynewsaustralia.com/2014/08/24/2014-aihl-season-round-20/ |archivedate=21 October 2014 |url-status=live  }}</ref> It was the Mustangs' very first title and trophy and it qualified them for their first appearance at the AIHL finals weekend the following week. On 30 August 2014, the Mustangs faced the Sydney Ice Dogs at a packed Icehouse for semi-final one. In a hard-fought match that swung one way and then the other, the Mustangs prevailed, 6–4, to clinch a maiden [[Goodall Cup]] final birth. Gibbs-Sjödin and Bourke both scored twice and set up two other goals with Gibbs-Sjödin named first star of the match.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://theaihl.com/leagues/newsletterarchive.cfm?leagueID=11464&clientID=3856 | title=Mustangs claim first Grand Final spot | publisher=[[Australian Ice Hockey League]] | first=Ellanor | last=Pavlovich | date=30 August 2014 | accessdate=1 March 2020 }}</ref> The Ice won semi-final two, which set up a derby for the final. Both head coaches agreed the derby final would have a significant positive effect on the sport and the league in Australia.<ref name="MMMIFINALS">{{cite web | url=https://theaihl.com/leagues/newsletterarchive.cfm?leagueID=11464&clientID=3856 | title=Ice-Mustangs rivalry to go to the next level in Grand Final clash | publisher=[[Australian Ice Hockey League]] | first=Tina | last=Girdler | date=30 August 2014 | accessdate=1 March 2020 }}</ref> Derby form leading into the Goodal Cup final was with the Ice, who despite finishing behind the Mustangs in the final standings in the regular season, had continued to dominate the derby head-to-head, winning three of four matches in 2014.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/australian-ice-hockey-league-grand-final-to-feature-melbourne-mustangs-and-melbourne-ice-20140831-10aj5h.html | title=Australian Ice Hockey League grand final to feature Melbourne Mustangs and Melbourne Ice | work=[[Sydney Morning Herald]] | first=Will | last=Brodie | date=31 August 2014 | accessdate=1 March 2020 }}</ref> The Mustangs showed why form guides don't tell the final story in the final. In front of 2,000 people, the Mustangs put on a master-class display to run out 6–1 victors over the Ice.<ref name="AIHLMUSTANGSFINALWIN">{{cite web|url=http://www.theaihl.com/leagues/newsletterarchive.cfm?clientid=3856&leagueid=11464&page=81756 |title=Ruthless Mustangs snatch maiden Goodall Cup |first=Tyler |last=Cameron |publisher=Australian Ice Hockey League |date=31 August 2014 |accessdate=6 September 2014 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009072744/http://www.theaihl.com/leagues/newsletterarchive.cfm?clientid=3856&leagueid=11464&page=81756 |archivedate=9 October 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> Viktor Gibbs-Sjodin led the way for the Mustangs with a hat trick of goals to his name, while goaltender Fraser Carson made 29 saves in the match. Gibbs-Sjodin was named finals MVP after the match and the Mustangs claimed their maiden AIHL championship and Goodall Cup.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://webarchive.iihf.com/home-of-hockey/news/news-singleview/?tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=9087&cHash=de9bcb76ebc4fbf1a2448614707eb8ba | title=Mustangs stampede to title | publisher=[[International Ice Hockey Federation]] | first=Trevor | last=Allen | date=1 September 2014 | accessdate=1 March 2020 }}</ref><ref name="AIHLFINALSMVP">{{cite web|url=http://www.theaihl.com/leagues/newsletterarchive.cfm?clientid=3856&leagueid=11464&page=81757 |title=Gibbs Sjödin MVP of AIHL Finals |publisher=Australian Ice Hockey League |first=Tina |last=Girdler |date=1 September 2014 |accessdate=6 September 2014 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009065358/http://www.theaihl.com/leagues/newsletterarchive.cfm?clientid=3856&leagueid=11464&page=81757 |archivedate=9 October 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref>
 
In [[2015 AIHL season|2015]], the Mustangs could not repeat their previous season's successes and the team finished sixth in the league and missed out on finals.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.eliteprospects.com/league/aihl/2014-2015 | title=2014-2015 AIHL Standings | publisher=eliteprospects.com | accessdate=1 March 2020 }}</ref> In November, Brad Vigon announced his resignation from the head coaching role at the Mustangs with immediate effect as he felt the competing commitments between the team and his family was too great. He expressed his gratitude to the Mustangs organisation and advised he would still be seen around the rink in the future.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://mustangs.theaihl.com/leagues/newsletterarchive.cfm?clientid=6099&leagueid=25386&page=91544 | title=Brad Vigon Resigns as Mustangs Head Coach | publisher=Melbourne Mustangs | date=10 November 2015 | accessdate=1 March 2020 }}</ref> A couple of weeks later, Vigon was named new head coach of the [[Australia men's national ice hockey team|Australian national team]] (The Mightyroos) by [[Ice Hockey Australia]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.iha.org.au/vigon-named-coach-of-senior-mighty-roos/ | title=Vigon named coach of senior Mighty Roos | publisher=[[Ice Hockey Australia]] | date=30 November 2015 | accessdate=1 March 2020 }}</ref>
 
For season [[2016 AIHL season|2016]], the Melbourne Mustangs announced Vigon's replacement on 21 December 2015. Former assistant coach, Michael Flaherty, was appointed the Mustangs new head coach. Flaherty had been Vigon's assistant in 2015 and had previously held roles in state teams and in the [[Australian Junior Ice Hockey League|AJIHL]].<ref name="MUSTANGSSIGNFLAHERTYHC">{{cite web|url=http://mustangs.theaihl.com/leagues/newsletterarchive.cfm?clientID=6099&leagueID=25386&page=92630 |title=MOAT: Melbourne Mustangs Make Changes for 2016 |publisher=Melbourne Mustangs |date=21 December 2015 |accessdate=27 March 2016 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408031904/http://mustangs.theaihl.com/leagues/newsletterarchive.cfm?clientID=6099&leagueID=25386&page=92630 |archivedate=8 April 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Mustangs finished the 2016 season in fifth place. In [[2017 AIHL season|2017]], the team improved their overall position and finished fourth, qualifying for finals for the second time in franchise history. The Mustangs faced familiar opponents in the semi-finals, with the team drawn against the Melbourne Ice. The Ice had set a new league record for most points in the regular season so the Mustangs headed into the match as underdogs. The Ice took an early lead and by the end of the second period the Mustangs trailed by two goals. Mitch Humphries and Finnish import Anton Kokkonen led the Mustangs resurgence in the third period, both getting on the score sheet, but Ice forward Sebastian Ottosson scored an empty netter near the end of the match to claim the victory for the Ice. The Mustangs were eliminated.<ref name="MI17BEATMMFINALS">{{cite web | url=https://theaihl.com/leagues/newsletterarchive.cfm?leagueID=11464&clientID=3856 | title=Melbourne Ice first through to AIHL Grand Final | publisher=[[Australian Ice Hockey League]] | first=Bernard | last=McNamara | date=2 September 2017 | accessdate=1 March 2020 }}</ref>
 
In [[2018 AIHL season|2018]], the Mustangs welcomed a new head coach after Flaherty stepped-down from the position.<ref name="MICHAELFLAHERTYMMC">{{cite web | url=http://mustangs.theaihl.com/leagues/newsletterarchive.cfm?clientid=6099&leagueid=25386&page=102106 | title=Mustangs Take New Direction for 2018 | publisher=Melbourne Mustangs | date=2017-11-14 | accessdate=2018-02-02 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180202142223/http://mustangs.theaihl.com/leagues/newsletterarchive.cfm?clientid=6099&leagueid=25386&page=102106 |archivedate=2018-02-02 |url-status=live}}</ref> French Canadian, Maxime Langelier-Parent took over the role in addition to his playing commitments with the team.<ref name="MLANGELIERPARENTC">{{cite web | url=http://mustangs.theaihl.com/leagues/newsletterarchive.cfm?clientid=6099&leagueid=25386&page=102312 | title=New Coach Announced | publisher=Melbourne Mustangs | date=2017-11-28 | accessdate=2018-02-02 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180202141726/http://mustangs.theaihl.com/leagues/newsletterarchive.cfm?clientid=6099&leagueid=25386&page=102312 |archivedate=2018-02-02 |url-status=live}}</ref> The Mustangs backed up their 2017 performance and again finished fourth in the league standings and qualified for the AIHL finals.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://theaihl.com/leagues/newsletterarchive.cfm?leagueID=11464&clientID=3856 | title=Thunder Complete Classic Comeback Win | publisher=[[Australian Ice Hockey League]] | first=Lucas | last=Miles | date=26 August 2018 | accessdate=1 March 2020 }}</ref> It was the first time the Mustangs had qualified for finals two seasons in a row. The Mustangs came up against the [[CBR Brave]] in the semi-finals in 2018. Brett Ferguson scored for the Mustangs in the second period but that was the only highlight for the team in a match otherwise dominated by the Brave. The Mustangs ended up going down to the eventual champions, Brave, 1–5 to again repeat 2017 and get eliminated at the same semi-final stage.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.iihf.com/en/news/4592/first-goodall-cup-for-brave | title=First Goodall Cup for Brave | publisher=[[International Ice Hockey Federation]] | first=Trevor | last=Allen | date=3 September 2018 | accessdate=1 March 2020 }}</ref>
 
In [[2019 AIHL season|2019]], the Mustangs reached an agreement and signed a memoriam of understanding (MOU) with tier 2 women's team, Melbourne Chargers. The agreement sees resources and knowledge shared across the two organisations in the effort to grow the sport of ice hockey for both men and women.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://mustangs.theaihl.com/leagues/newsletter.cfm?clientid=6099&leagueid=25386 | title=Mustang Annual General Meeting | publisher=Melbourne Mustangs | date=5 February 2019 | accessdate=1 March 2020 }}</ref> One of the goals of the partnership is to help develop the Chargers into a position to apply for a licence to the top level of women's hockey in Australia, the [[Australian Women's Ice Hockey League]] (AWIHL).<ref>{{cite web | url=http://changeourgame.vic.gov.au/leadership-centre/breaking-the-ice2 | title=Breaking the Ice | publisher=[[Government of Victoria]] | accessdate=1 March 2020 }}</ref>
 
==Season-by-season results==
{| class="toccolours" style="width:110em;text-align: center"
|-
! colspan="25" style="background:#fc6902;color:white;border:#fc6902 1px solid"|Melbourne Mustangs all-time record
|-
! rowspan="2" style="background:#000000;color:white;border:#000000 1px solid; width: 70px"|Season
! colspan="11" style="background:#000000;color:white;border:#000000 1px solid"|Regular season
! colspan="10" style="background:#000000;color:white;border:#000000 1px solid"|Finals
! colspan="2" style="background:#000000;color:white;border:#000000 1px solid"|Top points scorer
|-
! style="background:#000000;color:white;border:#000000 1px solid; width: 30px"|P
! style="background:#000000;color:white;border:#000000 1px solid; width: 30px"|W
! style="background:#000000;color:white;border:#000000 1px solid; width: 30px"|T
! style="background:#000000;color:white;border:#000000 1px solid; width: 30px"|L
! style="background:#000000;color:white;border:#000000 1px solid; width: 30px"|OW
! style="background:#000000;color:white;border:#000000 1px solid; width: 30px"|OL
! style="background:#000000;color:white;border:#000000 1px solid; width: 30px"|GF
! style="background:#000000;color:white;border:#000000 1px solid; width: 30px"|GA
! style="background:#000000;color:white;border:#000000 1px solid; width: 30px"|GD
! style="background:#000000;color:white;border:#000000 1px solid; width: 30px"|Pts
! style="background:#000000;color:white;border:#000000 1px solid"|Finish
! style="background:#000000;color:white;border:#000000 1px solid; width: 30px"|P
! style="background:#000000;color:white;border:#000000 1px solid; width: 30px"|W
! style="background:#000000;color:white;border:#000000 1px solid; width: 30px"|L
! style="background:#000000;color:white;border:#000000 1px solid; width: 30px"|GF
! style="background:#000000;color:white;border:#000000 1px solid; width: 30px"|GA
! style="background:#000000;color:white;border:#000000 1px solid"|Result
! style="background:#000000;color:white;border:#000000 1px solid; width: 140px"|Play-in Final
! style="background:#000000;color:white;border:#000000 1px solid; width: 140px"|Semi Final
! style="background:#000000;color:white;border:#000000 1px solid; width: 50px"|{{tooltip|PF|Preliminary Final}}
! style="background:#000000;color:white;border:#000000 1px solid; width: 140px"|Goodall Cup Final
! style="background:#000000;color:white;border:#000000 1px solid; width: 150px"|Name
! style="background:#000000;color:white;border:#000000 1px solid"|Points
|-
|[[2010 AIHL season|2010]] || colspan=22| ''Played 6 exhibition games as part of their AIHL licence application in preparation for joining the league in 2011''<sup>1</sup>
|-
|-
| [[2011 AIHL season|2011]] || 28 || 8 || 2 || 1 || 17 || 107 || 132 || 29 || 6th ||style="text-align:left;"| Did not qualify
|[[2011 AIHL season|2011]] || 28 || 8 || – || 17 || 2 || 1 || 107 || 132 || -25 || 29 || 6th || colspan="10"|  || align="left"|{{flagicon|CAN}} Scott Corbett || 43
|-
|-
| [[2012 AIHL season|2012]] || 24 || 5 || 1 || 2 || 16 || 54 || 107 || 19 || 5th, Easton ||style="text-align:left;"| Did not qualify
|[[2012 AIHL season|2012]] || 24 || 5 || – || 16 || 1 || 2 || 54 || 107 || -53 || 19 || 5th, Easton || colspan="10"|  || align="left"|{{flagicon|CAN}} Jake Ebner || 17
|-
|-
| [[2013 AIHL season|2013]] || 28 || 12 || 4 || 2 || 10 || 118 || 103 || 46 || 5th ||style="text-align:left;"| Did not qualify
|[[2013 AIHL season|2013]] || 28 || 12 || – || 10 || 4 || 2 || 118 || 103 || +15 || 46 || 5th || colspan="10"|  || align="left"|{{flagicon|USA}} Patrick O'Kane || 51
|-
|[[2014 AIHL season|2014]] || 28 || 17 || – || 8 || – || 3 || 108 || 88 || +20 || 54 || bgcolor="gold"|1st || 2 || 2 || – || 12 || 5 || bgcolor="gold"|Champion || – || align="left"|Won [[2014 AIHL season#Semi-finals|6-4]] <small>([[Sydney Ice Dogs|Ice Dogs]])</small> || – || align="left"|Won [[2014 AIHL season#Final|6-1]] <small>([[Melbourne Ice|Ice]])</small> || align="left"|{{flagicon|USA}} Patrick O'Kane || 44
|-
|[[2015 AIHL season|2015]] || 28 || 11 || – || 12 || 3 || 2 || 139 || 105 || +34 || 41 || 6th || colspan="10"|  || align="left"|{{flagicon|USA}} Patrick O'Kane || 48
|-
|[[2016 AIHL season|2016]] || 28 || 11 || – || 15 || 2 || – || 89 || 102 || -13 || 37 || 5th || colspan="10"|  || align="left"|{{flagicon|AUS}} Jamie Bourke || 32
|-
|[[2017 AIHL season|2017]] || 28 || 11 || – || 12 || 2 || 3 || 104 || 113 || -9 || 40 || 4th || 1 || – || 1 || 2 || 4 || Semi-finalist || – || align="left"|Lost [[2017 AIHL season#Semi-finals|2-4]] <small>([[Melbourne Ice|Ice]])</small> || – || – || align="left"|{{flagicon|AUS}} Jamie Bourke || 47
|-
|[[2018 AIHL season|2018]] || 28 || 12 || – || 12 || 2 || 2 || 106 || 97 || +9 || 42 || 4th || 1 || – || 1 || 1 || 5 || Semi-finalist || – || align="left"|Lost [[2018 AIHL season#Semi-finals|1-5]] <small>([[CBR Brave|Brave]])</small> || – || – || align="left"|{{flagicon|UK}} Benjamin Davies || 42
|-
|[[2019 AIHL season|2019]] || 28 || 12 || – || 11 || 1 || 4 || 108 || 99 || +9 || 42 || 5th || colspan="10"|  ||align="left"| {{flagicon|USA}} Christian Isackson || 41
|-
|bgcolor="#f5f2f2"|[[2020 AIHL season|2020]] || rowspan="2" colspan=23 bgcolor="#f5f2f2"| ''2020 and 2021 AIHL seasons were cancelled and not contested''
|-
|bgcolor="#f5f2f2"|[[2021 AIHL season|2021]]
|-
|[[2022 AIHL season|2022]] || 18 || 8 || – || 9 || – || 1 || 89 || 83 || +6 || 28 || 4th || 1 || – || 1 || 3 || 7 || Semi-finalist || – || align="left"|Lost [[2022 AIHL season#Semi-finals|3-7]] <small>([[Sydney Bears|Bears]])</small> || – || – || align="left"|{{flagicon|CAN}} Scott Timmins || 45
|-
|[[2023 AIHL season|2023]] || 26 || 17 || – || 7 || 2 || – || 147 || 94 || +53 || 55 || 4th || 3 || 3 || – || 13 || 3 || bgcolor="gold"|Champion || align="left"|Won [[2023 AIHL season#Play-in finals|8-3]] <small>([[Brisbane Lightning|Lightning]])</small> || align="left"|Won [[2023 AIHL season#Semi-finals|4-0]] <small>([[Sydney Bears|Bears]])</small> || – || align="left"|Won [[2023 AIHL season#Final|1-0]] <small>([[CBR Brave|Brave]])</small> || align="left"|{{flagicon|CAN}} Scott Timmins || 82
|-
|[[2024 AIHL season|2024]] || – || – || – || – || – || – || – || – || – || – || – || – || – || – || – || – || – || – || – || – || – || – || –
|-
| bgcolor="#e8e8e8"|Totals || bgcolor="#e8e8e8"|292 || bgcolor="#e8e8e8"|124 || bgcolor="#e8e8e8"|– || bgcolor="#e8e8e8"|129 || bgcolor="#e8e8e8"|19 || bgcolor="#e8e8e8"|20 || bgcolor="#e8e8e8"|1169 || bgcolor="#e8e8e8"|1123 || bgcolor="#e8e8e8"|+46 || colspan=2 bgcolor="#e8e8e8"| || bgcolor="#e8e8e8"|8 || bgcolor="#e8e8e8"|5 || bgcolor="#e8e8e8"|3 || bgcolor="#e8e8e8"|31 || bgcolor="#e8e8e8"|24 || colspan=7 bgcolor="#e8e8e8"|
|-
|}
:<sup>1</sup> <small>2010 exhibition record: 6 games, 4 wins, 1 loss, 45 goals scored, 21 goals conceded. Details of one game is unknown.</small>
{| class="toccolours" style="width:30em; text-align:center; font-size:80%;"
|-
| style="background:gold;color:black; width: 30px"|Champions || style="background:silver;color:black; width: 40px"|Runners-up || style="background:#deb678;color:black; width: 40px"|Third place
|-
|-
| [[2014 AIHL season|2014]] || 28 || 17 || 0 || 3 || 8 || 108 || 88 || 54 || 1st ||style="text-align:left;"| '''Won''' semi-finals vs. [[Sydney Ice Dogs]], 6–4<br>'''Won''' [[Goodall Cup]] final vs. [[Melbourne Ice]], 6–1
|}
|}
==Championships==
*'''[[Goodall Cup]]'''
:{{gold1}} :'''Champions (2):''' [[2014 AIHL season|2014]], [[2023 AIHL season|2023]]
*'''[[H Newman Reid Trophy]]''' (replaced the [[V.I.P. Cup]])
:{{gold1}} :'''Premiers (1):''' [[2014 AIHL season|2014]]


==References==
==References==

Latest revision as of 13:30, 25 July 2024

Melbourne Mustangs
Mustangs IHC Logo.png
City Melbourne, Victoria
League Australian Ice Hockey League
Founded 2010
Home arena Medibank Icehouse
Franchise history
2010–2012 Mustangs IHC
2012–present Melbourne Mustangs

main

The Melbourne Mustangs (formally Mustangs IHC) is an Australian semi-professional ice hockey team from Melbourne, Victoria. Formed in 2010, the Mustangs have been a member of the Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL) since 2011. The Mustangs are based at the O'Brien Icehouse in the Docklands district of Melbourne. The Mustangs are two time Goodall Cup and one time H Newman Reid Trophy winners.

History

Pre AIHL

The Melbourne Mustangs was founded in 2010 as the Mustangs Ice Hockey Club (Mustangs IHC).[1] The club looked to join the Australian Ice Hockey League in 2011. In preparation foundation club president John Belic held a number of try-out sessions and organised a number of exhibition matches for the Mustangs during the 2010 AIHL season. In May, the Mustangs finalised their first ever roster and selected Shane Hardy to captain the team for the six planned exhibition matches around Australia.[2]

The first match occurred on 5 June 2010 at the Melbourne Icehouse against the visiting Western Thunder. Michael McDowell scored the first ever Mustangs goal in any match, with a blistering top-shelfer from the point for a 1–0 lead in the first period. The match was high scoring, the Thunder led 3–6 at the halfway point but the match ended 7–6 in favour of the Mustangs to give the club their first ever victory.[2]

In the second match on 13 June, the Mustangs proved too good for the young Victorian Tange representative team, defeating them 9–0.[2]

The Mustangs third match at the Icehouse was an international exhibition against Canada's Kelowna. The Mustangs iced 12 players over two lines. Kelowna brought with them 28 players. Unsurprisingly the Mustangs registered their first defeat with Kelowna beating them 7–4 after taking an early 4–0 lead.[2]

The Mustangs then travelled to the Gold Coast to take on their first AIHL opposition, the Gold Coast Blue Tongues at Iceland ice Rink.[3] In another high scoring affair, the Mustangs defeated the Gold Coast Blue Tongues 9–6. The result provided team management belief in the team's abilities to compete at the highest level in the AIHL. In the second match of the day the Mustangs overcame local side, Gold Coast Grizzlys, 16–2.[2]

Following the conclusion of the 2010 season, The Mustangs applied for and were granted an AIHL licence to join the league in 2011.[4] The AIHL imposed a condition of entry on the Mustangs that prevented them from incorporating 'Melbourne' into their name. The purpose of this condition was to protect the existing Melbourne Ice brand.[5]

AIHL era

The Mustangs appointed Steve Laforet as their inaugural head coach for the 2011 AIHL season.[6] Shane Hardy was named the club's first AIHL team captain.[7] In the lead-up to the 2011 season, the Mustangs took on their new local rivals, the Melbourne Ice, in a warm-up match at Docklands.[8] 14 April 2011, the Mustangs took part in the AIHL season opener at the Melbourne Icehouse against the Ice in the first ever AIHL Melbourne derby. The Ice won the match 8–4, condemning the Mustangs to their first ever AIHL defeat.[9] The Mustangs registered their first ever AIHL victory on 16 April 2011, overcoming the Sydney Bears 6–2 at the Penrith Ice Palace.[10] On 23 June 2011, Laforet announced his resignation as head coach for personal reasons. It was later revealed Laforet was temporarily stood down by the club as a result of an altercation at a game against the Gold Coast Blue Tongues.[11] Assistant coach, Doug Stevenson, stepped in and took over for the rest of the season.[12] At the end of the regular season, the Mustangs finished sixth in the league standings, ahead of the Canberra Knights and Sydney Bears.[13]

In 2012, during the off-season before the new season started, the annual AIHL general meeting (AGM) sat and a decision was made to lift the restrictions on the Mustangs from using the geographical word 'Melbourne' from their brand with immediate effect.[5] Four days later the Mustangs announced they had officially changed their brand and name to the Melbourne Mustangs.[14] The Mustangs also appointed experienced Canadian Bill Wilkinson new head coach.[15] Ontario-born Wilkinson was a long time NCAA head coach in the US and former Spanish national team head coach.[16] The performances on the ice did not translate with Wilkinson's experience and by mid-season Wilkinson was replaced by the Mustangs assist coach and former head coach, Laforet.[11] Under Laforet, the Mustangs registered five wins from eight matches but it was not enough to lift the team off the bottom of the Easton Conference at season's end.[17]

Ahead of the 2013 season it was revealed the Mustangs and Laforet had parted company by mutual termination of Laforet's contract.[11] The Mustangs would have to appoint a new head coach for the third season running. On 12 December 2012 the Melbourne Mustangs announced Brad Vigon as the new head coach of the team for 2013. Brad would be assisted by Ice Hockey Victoria stalwart Mark "Chuck" Connolly, providing the Mustangs a blend of youth and experience on the bench.[18] On 7 February 2013 Mustangs CEO Rod Johns revealed the Mustangs had selected a new logo for the team. The Mustangs had completed a comprehensive consultation period with stakeholders, including fans, and selected a logo featuring a redesigned mustang horse, holding an ice hockey stick.[19] Under the guidance of Vigon and Connolly, the Mustangs enjoyed their best AIHL season yet. The team finished fifth in the league standings, just missing out on finals. It was the Mustangs' highest ever regular season ranking at the time. It was also the first time the Mustangs had won more than ten matches and won more matches than they had lost.[20]

2014 proved to be a breakout season for the Mustangs in the AIHL. It was the first season the Mustangs started without a new coach as Brad Vigon stayed on in charge. The 8–3 pre-season exhibition loss to the Melbourne Ice proved to be a poor indicator for the season ahead. The 2014 season ended up a very close season with a number of teams competing for top spot and the H Newman Reid Trophy. The Mustangs for the first time were challenging for the regular season title along with the Ice, CBR Brave and Sydney Ice Dogs. In the end the Mustangs proved too good and clinched the title and H Newman Reid Trophy by finishing three points ahead of the Ice in first place.[21] It was the Mustangs' very first title and trophy and it qualified them for their first appearance at the AIHL finals weekend the following week. On 30 August 2014, the Mustangs faced the Sydney Ice Dogs at a packed Icehouse for semi-final one. In a hard-fought match that swung one way and then the other, the Mustangs prevailed, 6–4, to clinch a maiden Goodall Cup final birth. Gibbs-Sjödin and Bourke both scored twice and set up two other goals with Gibbs-Sjödin named first star of the match.[22] The Ice won semi-final two, which set up a derby for the final. Both head coaches agreed the derby final would have a significant positive effect on the sport and the league in Australia.[23] Derby form leading into the Goodal Cup final was with the Ice, who despite finishing behind the Mustangs in the final standings in the regular season, had continued to dominate the derby head-to-head, winning three of four matches in 2014.[24] The Mustangs showed why form guides don't tell the final story in the final. In front of 2,000 people, the Mustangs put on a master-class display to run out 6–1 victors over the Ice.[25] Viktor Gibbs-Sjodin led the way for the Mustangs with a hat trick of goals to his name, while goaltender Fraser Carson made 29 saves in the match. Gibbs-Sjodin was named finals MVP after the match and the Mustangs claimed their maiden AIHL championship and Goodall Cup.[26][27]

In 2015, the Mustangs could not repeat their previous season's successes and the team finished sixth in the league and missed out on finals.[28] In November, Brad Vigon announced his resignation from the head coaching role at the Mustangs with immediate effect as he felt the competing commitments between the team and his family was too great. He expressed his gratitude to the Mustangs organisation and advised he would still be seen around the rink in the future.[29] A couple of weeks later, Vigon was named new head coach of the Australian national team (The Mightyroos) by Ice Hockey Australia.[30]

For season 2016, the Melbourne Mustangs announced Vigon's replacement on 21 December 2015. Former assistant coach, Michael Flaherty, was appointed the Mustangs new head coach. Flaherty had been Vigon's assistant in 2015 and had previously held roles in state teams and in the AJIHL.[31] The Mustangs finished the 2016 season in fifth place. In 2017, the team improved their overall position and finished fourth, qualifying for finals for the second time in franchise history. The Mustangs faced familiar opponents in the semi-finals, with the team drawn against the Melbourne Ice. The Ice had set a new league record for most points in the regular season so the Mustangs headed into the match as underdogs. The Ice took an early lead and by the end of the second period the Mustangs trailed by two goals. Mitch Humphries and Finnish import Anton Kokkonen led the Mustangs resurgence in the third period, both getting on the score sheet, but Ice forward Sebastian Ottosson scored an empty netter near the end of the match to claim the victory for the Ice. The Mustangs were eliminated.[32]

In 2018, the Mustangs welcomed a new head coach after Flaherty stepped-down from the position.[33] French Canadian, Maxime Langelier-Parent took over the role in addition to his playing commitments with the team.[34] The Mustangs backed up their 2017 performance and again finished fourth in the league standings and qualified for the AIHL finals.[35] It was the first time the Mustangs had qualified for finals two seasons in a row. The Mustangs came up against the CBR Brave in the semi-finals in 2018. Brett Ferguson scored for the Mustangs in the second period but that was the only highlight for the team in a match otherwise dominated by the Brave. The Mustangs ended up going down to the eventual champions, Brave, 1–5 to again repeat 2017 and get eliminated at the same semi-final stage.[36]

In 2019, the Mustangs reached an agreement and signed a memoriam of understanding (MOU) with tier 2 women's team, Melbourne Chargers. The agreement sees resources and knowledge shared across the two organisations in the effort to grow the sport of ice hockey for both men and women.[37] One of the goals of the partnership is to help develop the Chargers into a position to apply for a licence to the top level of women's hockey in Australia, the Australian Women's Ice Hockey League (AWIHL).[38]

Season-by-season results

Melbourne Mustangs all-time record
Season Regular season Finals Top points scorer
P W T L OW OL GF GA GD Pts Finish P W L GF GA Result Play-in Final Semi Final PF Goodall Cup Final Name Points
2010 Played 6 exhibition games as part of their AIHL licence application in preparation for joining the league in 20111
2011 28 8 – 17 2 1 107 132 -25 29 6th Flag of Canada Scott Corbett 43
2012 24 5 – 16 1 2 54 107 -53 19 5th, Easton Flag of Canada Jake Ebner 17
2013 28 12 – 10 4 2 118 103 +15 46 5th Flag of United States Patrick O'Kane 51
2014 28 17 – 8 – 3 108 88 +20 54 1st 2 2 – 12 5 Champion – Won 6-4 (Ice Dogs) – Won 6-1 (Ice) Flag of United States Patrick O'Kane 44
2015 28 11 – 12 3 2 139 105 +34 41 6th Flag of United States Patrick O'Kane 48
2016 28 11 – 15 2 – 89 102 -13 37 5th Flag of Australia Jamie Bourke 32
2017 28 11 – 12 2 3 104 113 -9 40 4th 1 – 1 2 4 Semi-finalist – Lost 2-4 (Ice) – – Flag of Australia Jamie Bourke 47
2018 28 12 – 12 2 2 106 97 +9 42 4th 1 – 1 1 5 Semi-finalist – Lost 1-5 (Brave) – – Flag of the United Kingdom Benjamin Davies 42
2019 28 12 – 11 1 4 108 99 +9 42 5th Flag of United States Christian Isackson 41
2020 2020 and 2021 AIHL seasons were cancelled and not contested
2021
2022 18 8 – 9 – 1 89 83 +6 28 4th 1 – 1 3 7 Semi-finalist – Lost 3-7 (Bears) – – Flag of Canada Scott Timmins 45
2023 26 17 – 7 2 – 147 94 +53 55 4th 3 3 – 13 3 Champion Won 8-3 (Lightning) Won 4-0 (Bears) – Won 1-0 (Brave) Flag of Canada Scott Timmins 82
2024 – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Totals 292 124 – 129 19 20 1169 1123 +46 8 5 3 31 24
1 2010 exhibition record: 6 games, 4 wins, 1 loss, 45 goals scored, 21 goals conceded. Details of one game is unknown.
Champions Runners-up Third place

Championships

1 :Champions (2): 2014, 2023
1 :Premiers (1): 2014

References

  1. ↑ "Chowder Down Under: Introducing...the Melbourne Mustangs". stanleycupofchowder.com. 15 April 2016. https://www.stanleycupofchowder.com/2016/4/15/11439626/chowder-down-under-introducing-the-melbourne-mustangs-aihl. Retrieved 1 March 2020. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 "Melbourne Mustangs News". Melbourne Musttangs. Archived from the original on 21 February 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20110221223438/http://www.melbournemustangs.com.au/news.html. Retrieved 2011-04-15. 
  3. ↑ "Blue Tongues Playing For 2011". Southern Stars Ice Hockey. Archived from the original on 18 February 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20110218191622/http://starsicehockey.com.au/index.php?view=newsfeed&catid=66%3Aaihlteams&id=26-bluetongues&option=com_newsfeeds&Itemid=49. Retrieved 2011-04-15. 
  4. ↑ "History of the Australian Ice Hockey League". Australian Ice Hockey League. Archived from the original on 1 April 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120401163807/http://www.theaihl.com/leagues/custom_page.cfm?clientid=3856&leagueid=11464&pageid=10074#history. Retrieved 2011-04-15. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Hewitt, Andrew. "Changes aplenty at AIHL AGM". Hewitt Sports Network. Archived from the original on 2 January 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140102191532/http://hewittsports.com/?p=658. Retrieved 2012-04-14. 
  6. ↑ "Steve Laforst Staff Profile". eliteprospects.com. https://www.eliteprospects.com/staff/4362/steve-laforet. Retrieved 1 March 2020. 
  7. ↑ "Melbourne Mustangs - Team Captaincy History". eliteprospects.com. https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/9137/mustangs-ice-hockey/captaincy-history. Retrieved 1 March 2020. 
  8. ↑ "Mustangs v Melbourne Ice". Victorian Ice Hockey Association. Archived from the original on 18 February 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20110218235626/http://www.icehockeyvictoria.org.au/. Retrieved 2011-04-15. 
  9. ↑ "Ice vs Mustangs AIHL boxscore". Australian Ice Hockey League. 14 April 2011. https://theaihl.com/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=3856&leagueID=11464&gameID=938169. Retrieved 1 March 2020. 
  10. ↑ "Mustangs vs Bears AIHL boxscore". Australian Ice Hockey League. 16 April 2011. https://theaihl.com/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=3856&leagueID=11464&gameID=938171. Retrieved 1 March 2020. 
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 "Laforet and Mustangs sever ties". Hewitt Sports Network. Archived from the original on 6 January 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140106113609/http://hewittsports.com/breaking-laforet-coach-mustangs-2013/. Retrieved 2012-12-24. 
  12. ↑ Carpenter, Ross. "Stevenson, Douglas (1962 - )". Legends of Australian Ice. https://icelegendsaustralia.com/legends-2/bio_stevenson-d.html. Retrieved 1 March 2020. 
  13. ↑ "2011 AIHL season Standings". Australian Ice Hockey League. https://theaihl.com/leagues/standings.cfm?leagueID=11464&clientID=3856. Retrieved 1 March 2020. 
  14. ↑ Meister, Chris (8 November 2011). "Mustangs now Melbourne Mustangs". Australian Ice Hockey League. https://theaihl.com/leagues/newsletterarchive.cfm?leagueID=11464&clientID=3856. Retrieved 1 March 2020. 
  15. ↑ Tyler, Christopher (2 May 2012). "Q & A with Mustangs Coach Wilkinson". Australian Ice Hockey League. https://theaihl.com/leagues/newsletterarchive.cfm?leagueID=11464&clientID=3856&page=61287&newsFrom=04/19/2012&newsTo=05/03/2012. Retrieved 1 March 2020. 
  16. ↑ "Bill Wilkinson Staff Profile". eliteprospects.com. https://www.eliteprospects.com/staff/5518/bill-wilkinson. Retrieved 1 March 2020. 
  17. ↑ "2011-2012 AIHL Standings". eliteprospects.com. https://www.eliteprospects.com/league/aihl/2011-2012. Retrieved 1 March 2020. 
  18. ↑ McDowell, Andy (23 December 2012). "New Coach for Mustangs". Australian Ice Hockey League. Archived from the original on 6 January 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140106113143/http://www.theaihl.com/leagues/newsletter.cfm?clientID=3856&leagueID=11464&page=66812. Retrieved 1 March 2020. 
  19. ↑ Jones, Hamish (2013-02-07). "Mustangs New Logo". Australian Ice Hockey League. Archived from the original on 8 March 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130308064652/http://www.theaihl.com/leagues/newsletter.cfm?clientid=3856&leagueid=11464&page=67966. Retrieved 2013-02-10. 
  20. ↑ "2012-2013 AIHL Standings". eliteprospects.com. https://www.eliteprospects.com/league/aihl/2012-2013. Retrieved 1 March 2020. 
  21. ↑ "2014 AIHL Season: Round 20". Ice Hockey News Australia. 24 August 2014. Archived from the original on 21 October 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141021232313/http://icehockeynewsaustralia.com/2014/08/24/2014-aihl-season-round-20/. Retrieved 6 September 2014. 
  22. ↑ Pavlovich, Ellanor (30 August 2014). "Mustangs claim first Grand Final spot". Australian Ice Hockey League. https://theaihl.com/leagues/newsletterarchive.cfm?leagueID=11464&clientID=3856. Retrieved 1 March 2020. 
  23. ↑ Girdler, Tina (30 August 2014). "Ice-Mustangs rivalry to go to the next level in Grand Final clash". Australian Ice Hockey League. https://theaihl.com/leagues/newsletterarchive.cfm?leagueID=11464&clientID=3856. Retrieved 1 March 2020. 
  24. ↑ Brodie, Will (31 August 2014). "Australian Ice Hockey League grand final to feature Melbourne Mustangs and Melbourne Ice". Sydney Morning Herald. https://www.smh.com.au/sport/australian-ice-hockey-league-grand-final-to-feature-melbourne-mustangs-and-melbourne-ice-20140831-10aj5h.html. Retrieved 1 March 2020. 
  25. ↑ Cameron, Tyler (31 August 2014). "Ruthless Mustangs snatch maiden Goodall Cup". Australian Ice Hockey League. Archived from the original on 9 October 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141009072744/http://www.theaihl.com/leagues/newsletterarchive.cfm?clientid=3856&leagueid=11464&page=81756. Retrieved 6 September 2014. 
  26. ↑ Allen, Trevor (1 September 2014). "Mustangs stampede to title". International Ice Hockey Federation. http://webarchive.iihf.com/home-of-hockey/news/news-singleview/?tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=9087&cHash=de9bcb76ebc4fbf1a2448614707eb8ba. Retrieved 1 March 2020. 
  27. ↑ Girdler, Tina (1 September 2014). "Gibbs Sjödin MVP of AIHL Finals". Australian Ice Hockey League. Archived from the original on 9 October 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141009065358/http://www.theaihl.com/leagues/newsletterarchive.cfm?clientid=3856&leagueid=11464&page=81757. Retrieved 6 September 2014. 
  28. ↑ "2014-2015 AIHL Standings". eliteprospects.com. https://www.eliteprospects.com/league/aihl/2014-2015. Retrieved 1 March 2020. 
  29. ↑ "Brad Vigon Resigns as Mustangs Head Coach". Melbourne Mustangs. 10 November 2015. http://mustangs.theaihl.com/leagues/newsletterarchive.cfm?clientid=6099&leagueid=25386&page=91544. Retrieved 1 March 2020. 
  30. ↑ "Vigon named coach of senior Mighty Roos". Ice Hockey Australia. 30 November 2015. http://www.iha.org.au/vigon-named-coach-of-senior-mighty-roos/. Retrieved 1 March 2020. 
  31. ↑ "MOAT: Melbourne Mustangs Make Changes for 2016". Melbourne Mustangs. 21 December 2015. Archived from the original on 8 April 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160408031904/http://mustangs.theaihl.com/leagues/newsletterarchive.cfm?clientID=6099&leagueID=25386&page=92630. Retrieved 27 March 2016. 
  32. ↑ McNamara, Bernard (2 September 2017). "Melbourne Ice first through to AIHL Grand Final". Australian Ice Hockey League. https://theaihl.com/leagues/newsletterarchive.cfm?leagueID=11464&clientID=3856. Retrieved 1 March 2020. 
  33. ↑ "Mustangs Take New Direction for 2018". Melbourne Mustangs. 2017-11-14. Archived from the original on 2018-02-02. https://web.archive.org/web/20180202142223/http://mustangs.theaihl.com/leagues/newsletterarchive.cfm?clientid=6099&leagueid=25386&page=102106. Retrieved 2018-02-02. 
  34. ↑ "New Coach Announced". Melbourne Mustangs. 2017-11-28. Archived from the original on 2018-02-02. https://web.archive.org/web/20180202141726/http://mustangs.theaihl.com/leagues/newsletterarchive.cfm?clientid=6099&leagueid=25386&page=102312. Retrieved 2018-02-02. 
  35. ↑ Miles, Lucas (26 August 2018). "Thunder Complete Classic Comeback Win". Australian Ice Hockey League. https://theaihl.com/leagues/newsletterarchive.cfm?leagueID=11464&clientID=3856. Retrieved 1 March 2020. 
  36. ↑ Allen, Trevor (3 September 2018). "First Goodall Cup for Brave". International Ice Hockey Federation. https://www.iihf.com/en/news/4592/first-goodall-cup-for-brave. Retrieved 1 March 2020. 
  37. ↑ "Mustang Annual General Meeting". Melbourne Mustangs. 5 February 2019. http://mustangs.theaihl.com/leagues/newsletter.cfm?clientid=6099&leagueid=25386. Retrieved 1 March 2020. 
  38. ↑ "Breaking the Ice". Government of Victoria. http://changeourgame.vic.gov.au/leadership-centre/breaking-the-ice2. Retrieved 1 March 2020. 

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