The tone of the game was set early with both teams playing a very fast and physical brand of hockey, which saw Bears defender Spencer Austin get the better of his opponents on two Blue Tongues with some massive hits.

Sydney fans didn’t have to wait long to celebrate either, with forward Scott Clemie showing some excellent puck control and deft touch to slot it past the keeper from mid-range three minutes into the game.

However, the home fans were silenced soon after, with Blue Tongues imports Matt McRae and Tobias Falk combining beautifully to beat a packed Bears goalmouth and level the scores.

The Bears started the second period as if it was the first, with assistant captain Vlad Rubes showing great reflexes off a deflection to score on a powerplay and give the home team an early buffer.

Sydney continued to dominate the middle period thanks to some great goalkeeping from Canadian import Sheldon Baerg and a stunning goal by captain Michael Schlamp from out wide, giving the Bears a 3-1 lead heading into the third period. 

But a lapse in concentration cost Sydney their second win of the season, as Gold Coast found their rhythm and piled on the goals, outscoring the Bears 5-0 in the final period.

Bears assistant captain Brett Nelson-Bond said the team’s form can simply be put down to confidence.

“At the moment we don’t have the confidence to close teams out”, he said.

“We’ve just got to believe in ourselves and come out ready to play in the final period.”

The Habitat Furniture 3 Stars of the Game went to

1. Scott Clemie
2. Daniel Shaw
3. Joel McFadden.

The Bears host the Melbourne Ice at Penrith Ice Palace on 29th May at 5pm.

Article by: Huntley Mitchell