The Bears head into this weekend game looking for another win and to secure a place in the final 4 on the AIHL ladder.

Snapping their 5 game losing skid last weekend against the Dogs has given the Bears some much needed confidence, especially in terms of offence. Struggling to score more than 2 goals a game in their last 5 games, the Bears broke out of their slump after scoring 4 goals in the third period alone. 

The Bears will also be counting on their powerplay to continue to perform this weekend after going 2 for 2 against the Dogs with timely goals coming from Vladan Stransky and Eric Begin. 

Chasing the Blue Tongues for 4th position on the ladder, the Bears final 5 games of the season will either see them miss a playoff berth and head to an early summer break or battle it out in Melbourne for the AIHL Cup. 

The Blue Tongues and Bears are both tied on 30 points with the Blue Tongues still having 1 game in hand. The remaining schedule for the Blue Tongues will be tough having to play their final 6 games against teams that are above them in the standings, including 4 games against the current league leading Newcastle North Stars. 

Coach Vlad Rubes is still overseas and will not be returning for the Bears until the Bears final home game of the season against the Canberra Knights. Also out for the Bears this weekend is Valda Pelikovsky after receiving a game misconduct in the final seconds of last weeks game. 

"Sunday is another big game for us. We need to make the most of our upcoming run of home games in order to make the playoffs. It is also the final game of our local derby, so I expect it to be a pretty tough match up. I'm looking forward to it." said forward Murray Wand.

Be part of the action this weekend with the puck dropping 5pm, Sunday night at the Penrith Ice Palace. Don't forget to come and meet the players after the game at the Grey Gums Pub right around the corner.