Playing at the Docklands ice rink this season has proved difficult for any travelling team, with the Melbourne Ice currently holding an impressive 9-1-1 record in front of their sell out capacity crowds of 1,500.

The Ice have once again proven themselves as a strong regular season team boasting a league leading goals for of 115 goals and lowest goals against of only 62. Playoffs have seen different results with them failing to move past the semi finals in their last 5 attempts, resulting in them being the only team attending this years final yet to win the Goodall Cup or play in the grand final.

While the Bears have struggled at times during the season they have continued to win big games against the Melbourne Ice, beating them in their last encounter 4-1 the largest defeat for the Ice this season and 4-3 in their first encounter of the season.

The Bears currently lead the 4 game regular season series against the Ice 2 games to 1 but know that the final game in any series is the most difficult to win. Carrying the momentum from their last 4 wins the Bears will be looking to clinch the series 3 games to 1 before heading back down to Melbourne for the finals the following weekend.

Staying out of the box will be key to the outcome of the game on Sunday with much of the Ice's goals coming on the powerplay. Referee Daryl Hamilton has been a nightmare for travelling teams and coaches to play in front of, handing out on average a staggering double amount of minor and major penalties to the visiting team.

"The game on Sunday night is very important to us, we need to become comfortable playing in that rink if we expect to make it to the grand final"  said assistant captain Brett Nelson-Bond.

The Bears will be counting on Nick Boucher to continue his strong performance in Melbourne, Nick is currently leading the league with a GAA 2.46 and SV% 0.917.  Melbourne's netminder Stu Denman home record has been relatively solid after posting 2 shut outs in his last 6 appearances.

"Hopefully the referees will also be up to that level too, as many travelling teams have complained about the local officiating."

"Lastly, we want to present a high quality game of hockey to the Melbourne fans." said coach Rubes on the coming game this weekend.