Those of us up here in Brisbane and the Gold Coast have been treated by the reverred Goodall Cup over the last few weeks.  Fans have been able to ogle, touch and drool at this trophy.  It’s the Stanley Cup of Australian Ice Hockey, and almost as old as Lord Stanley also.

So no doubt there was a bit of “what the?” going on when word came down recently that the AIHL will not be playing for the Goodall Cup this year, and the cup will return to it’s old purpose, as a State tournament trophy.  Not a bad idea, afterall that’s where it’s roots lie.

But one must ask the question… why?

Ice Hockey in this country is shaky at the best of times.  We have a loyal fan-base across the nation and it is growing each year.  When it comes to hockey in Australia, people are going to think of the Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL) long before they think of the State tournament.  Does the State tourny have a name?  10 points if you can think of it.

The fact is, the AIHL is the best hockey in this country, and realistically the best thing that has happened to hockey in Australia.  Young local players are getting to skate alongside proven import players such as AIHL record holder Brad Smulders and former NHL players, such as Rob Zamuner and Steve McKenna.

So why does it feel like the IHA and AIHL have some kind of internal battle going on, and why, after parading the Goodall Cup around in front of AIHL fans recently are they now saying “no, your team can’t win this”.  It just all seems a little strange to me.

That said, a new cup designed just for the AIHL is a great move, and will allow the AIHL to build a legacy of its own.