The first game of the season saw the Bears taking on the Knights in Canberra, the Bears determined to bounce back from a disappointing 2009 season. The start of the game was a back and forth battle with both teams establishing their physical presence early on.

  

The Knights struck first with Jordan Gavin scoring on a backhand only 2 minutes into the game after a costly turnover by Bears forward Clint Lucus. Carrying the momentum, the Knights continued to pressure the Bears, leading to a hooking penalty taken by Bears forward Michael Schlamp.Struggling to settle the puck down in the Bears zone, the Knights finally got their chance on the rush, with Knights forward Ollie Rozdarz scoring off a wrist shot high-blocker side on Bears goalie Gabriel Robeldo.

 

Down 2-0 with less than 2 minutes to go in the first period, Bears defenseman Eric Begin took matters into his own hands and scored on a backhand deke after a great individual effort. The first period ended with the Bears down 2-1.

 

Carrying the moment from the end of the first period the Bears continued to pepper Knights goalie Ryan Lowe early on in the second. Knights defenseman Garret Delaquis took an undisciplined interference penalty at the 12.42 mark sending the Bears to a 2 minute powerplay. Bears forward Vlad Rubes finished off a beautiful passing play scoring in the empty net to level the score 2 all. The end of the second period saw the Bears out shoot the Knights 15-5.

 

The third period saw the Knights regain the lead with Knights forward Sean Scarbrough scoring high-blocker side after a 3 on 2 rush. The Bears quickly tied the game 40 seconds later with forward Michael Schlamp banging in a loose puck at the side of the net.  With only 6 minutes to go Knight forward Sean Scabrough scored the game winning goal on a breakaway making the score 4-3. Backs against the wall, the Bears pinned the Knights in their zone for the final 5 minutes, throwing everything at Knights goalie Ryan Lowe. Knights defenseman Garret Delaquis added an empty net goal sealing the win for the Knights in front of the sold out Phillip Ice Arena crowd.

 

“We were the better team last night, even though the score doesn’t show it. There were a lot of positives we can take away from the game” said Coach Rubes.

  

The Bears take on the Melbourne Ice tonight in their home opener at the Penrith Ice Arena, puck drop at 5pm.