Playing For The ICE - Information For Imports

Melbourne Ice are always looking for high skilled, high principled players from Australia and overseas to join the squad.

You can download a letter of invitation from the President of the Melbourne Ice.

If you have further questions after reading the letter and the FAQs below please contact us.

FAQs

When are try outs?
Officially, tryouts are in late March, early April. Unofficially, the selection process begins in late January when the off-ice pre-season training begins. We encourage all prospective imports to be part of this important preparation period (which also happens to be a great time to be in Melbourne). In the past, some players have joined the squad even after the season has commenced, where they were delayed at home due to league playoffs, study commitments etc. If in doubt, get in touch with us.

What does it cost to try out?
It costs you nothing to try out.

How do I get to try out?
You need to make contact with us (info@melbourneice.com), let us know when you’re coming down, and we’ll give you all the details about the next session. If we can help you with transport there, we will.

Do I get paid?
No, this is an amateur league. But you are well looked after.

Can you get me a house / job while I am there?
We have often been able to help players with short term accommodation on arrival, and we have also been able to help players find jobs, either casual work or work in their profession. However, there are no guarantees about any of these things. We help where we can.

Testimonials

This is what some import players have had to say about their time at Melbourne:

"My expectations were greatly exceeded when I arrived in Melbourne for the 2007 season. From the moment you come into contact with the Melbourne Ice organization and extended family it is evident that this is a first class, professional Hockey Club. The people that are involved in this from the president and coaching staff through to management and the volunteers all are dedicated, friendly and generally fun to be around. It truly was an experience that I will never forget, an absolutley stunning city, a great group of guys that I will always call friends and a top notch organization in a competitive league. As an import player I can assure you the opportunity to play the sport you love, for a club like this, in a county as stunning as Australia is something you don't want to miss.”
Tyler Abrams, Gibson's, British Columbia, Canada (2007)

"I made a phone call to Josh Puls, our president, just before the season began and introduced myself as a backpacker who had some hockey experience in Canada and wanted to lace up my skates again. My expectations were to meet 20 great guys, travel around australia and play the game that i have loved my whole life. As i look back on the 2007 season with the Ice and the AIHL as a whole, i can honestly say that it has been the best hockey experience of my life. I was looked upon as a leader, both on and off the ice, which is a feeling i haven't had since minor hockey...FANTASTIC! The Ice is a volunteer run organization, but our management ensures that everone right from the individuals who help out with our home games, to the managers, to the coaching staff and the players are professional both on and off the ice. It has been an honor to represent the Ice and i will never forget my experience."
Rob Murray, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada (2007)

Playing a season for the Melbourne Ice was a great experience. The Club is run with a professional attitude and players are treated well. From the President right down to the fans and all the volunteers, you come to an organization with class. The Ice have created a team with not only really good local talent but a great group of boys to socialize and experience life playing hockey in Australia. The quality of the league is much better than I initially thought it would be,which will surprise a lot of import players. Great experience, good league, fun group of guys, entertaining city, class organization-the Melbourne Ice.
Jeff Street (2007)

"Having the opportunity to travel Australia and play a high level of hockey has been great. The quality of play is much better than what I anticipated as an outsider looking in. There is a very positive culture throughout the organization starting from the volunteers, to management, to players and coaches. The organization continues to evolve and improve and it has been fun being a part of the process. I have met tons of great people and played in some great games and I couldn't have asked for more."
Tom Yawney, Oakville, Ontario, Canada (2007)

This is been awesome experience for me. One of the greatest things in my life. we have had great season. Finals are coming and im looking forward to it. We have only one goal and it's to win the cup! Thanks to my team-mates, you guys are awesome and THE FANS, your support has been indispensible. Thank you!!!
Risto Tuunanen, Savonlinna, Finland (2006)

"Melbourne Ice is a very well run organisation. They treat their players with respect, they give everyone a chance to play. There's no favours given. The organisation itself is very classy. They do what they have to do to make you feel comfortable and welcome. The chance to come across the world to play hockey has been the experience of a lifetime."
Dan Pitre, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. (2006)

"Playing for the Ice is one of the best decisions you could make. The nucleus of the team are a great bunch of guys. They'd make anybody feel welcome. The class that the players have on the ice as well as off the ice is awesome."
Jeff Mildenberger, Kitimat, British Columbia, Canada (2006)

Next Games

@ Canberra *, 10 May 2008
@ Sydney *, 11 May 2008
v Sydney, 17 May 2008
v Central Coast, 18 May 2008
v Canberra, 25 May 2008

Season Schedule | Results.