AIHL Matt Armstrong of the Melbourne Ice. (Photo: WULOS).
Eight teams enter the 2014 Australian Ice Hockey League season … and eight teams believe they have constructed rosters capable of reaching the finals. If “Family Feud” asked for the names of the best players in the AIHL, the survey would have Matt Armstrong's name on the board. Hailing from Canada, Armstrong is back with the Melbourne Ice for his fifth season Down Under.

Last season, for the first time after the Ice struck gold with imports Armstrong and Jason Baclig (2011 AIHL MVP), the Ice did not win the Goodall Cup, bringing to an end its record-breaking three consecutive championships streak and building a desire in Armstrong to return to the top of the mountain. “Personally, I never felt the pressure of being on top,” explained Armstrong.

The Ice was eliminated in the semi-finals by eventual champions the Sydney Ice Dogs. “We are in a different position this year,” said Armstrong. “I think last year was a learning experience.”

With an eye firmly spying on the rest of the league, Armstrong is not oblivious to the massive strides the Ice's biggest rivals have taken. For example, the Melbourne Mustangs have inked brothers Joey Hughes and Vinnie Hughes, both ex-teammates of Armstrong. “They're obviously a young team and they're maturing also. They've been getting better every year. They will be a good team this year,” noted Armstrong.

The Ice opens its AIHL 2014 campaign with a home game against the defending champions at the Medibank Icehouse on April 12.