The Bears have plenty to celebrate about after overcoming league leaders the Newcastle North Stars in overtime the previous night, who haven’t lost at home since 2009.

Sydney’s newfound momentum was evident from the outset, with captain Michael Schlamp and Dutch import Tony Demelinne combining with some great passing to score within the first minute of the game.

And it wasn’t long before Demelinne had his hand in the second goal of the game, this time setting up forward Adrian Esposito to score from inside a packed goalmouth to put the home side ahead 2-0. But the Bears’ celebrations were short-lived, with the Knights answering through import Slavomir Boris.

Sydney snatched another goal just before the break after Demelinne threaded a pass through the slot to assistant captain Brett Nelson-Bond to score from in front and give the Bears a two-goal lead.

The start of the second period saw Canberra level the scores through Canadian imports Brite Oullette and Dustin Johnson, but the attacking brilliance of Demelinne was on display again, adding another goal to his tally and setting up coach-forward Vlad Rubes to regain the lead for the home team.

Bears defender Steven Adams also joined in on the action, stunning both the defence and the crowd with a sensational lofted flick shot to score from just inside the blue line. Despite dominating play for the majority of the game, Sydney went into the third and final period with a single-digit lead, but again Demelinne proved the difference with yet another goal early on, helped by fellow import Kurtis Dulle.

The Knights tried to come back late in the third with a goal to forward Harry Byers, but the Bears solid defence held out and sealed an emphatic victory with a captain’s goal to Schlamp in the final seconds.

The Bears’ captain was ecstatic with the win, and praised Demelinne for his performance. “Tony’s really stepping up now, and he’s realised that he has to take control in games”, Schlamp said of the Dutch bolter. 

“We’ve got a taste, and now everyone wants to win." 

The Habitat Furniture 3 Stars went to:

1. Tony Demelinne
2. Vlad Rubes
3. Brett Nelson-Bond

The win also gave Bears defender Nick Cleland a memorable farewell after announcing he will be relocating to the UK.

The Bears will next host the Mustangs at Penrith Ice Palace on Sunday 19th June at 5pm.   

Article by: Huntley Mitchell