There were big expectations heading into the 2023/24 Australian Women’s Ice Hockey League (AWIHL) season for the Melbourne Ice. The seven time Australian champions fell agonisingly short in the 2022/23 season, however, some new signings and Curtis Klooster manning the bench has the Ice a strong contender again.

Off the back of heartbreak in the 2022/23 final – losing 5-2 to the Sydney Sirens, there is a buzz around the Ice and after three rounds they are a team which bats deep and has quality across every line.

Sitting on top of the AWIHL standings after three weeks of competition the Ice have lived up to expectations, with offensive weapons across all lines, sound defence and quality goaltenders, the Ice are a hard team to handle in each zone.

Hockey Hype Australia looks at four players which have stood out so far.

Sharna Godfrey

The former Sydney Sirens forward was a big off season signing for the Ice, arriving at the Melbourne club with a strong pedigree and veteran presence. The ability for Godfrey to create plays while driving to the net has been impressive to start the AWIHL season, when the Ice need a player to lift and help dig in, Godfrey has been up to the task.,

Through six games played the 35-year-old has 14 points (seven goals, seven assists) according to esportsdesk, holding the number one spot on the league leader’s list for points.

Godfrey will be a key player in the chase for the Joan McKowen Memorial Trophy and Ice couldn’t have asked for a better start to the campaign for their prized recruit.

Christina Julien

Julien is another player that has explosive speed, scoring ability and high hockey IQ. The veteran forward has flown out of the gates to start the season and has been on a goal scoring tear.

Through six games Julien has hit double digits on the goal scoring list, leading the league with 11 goals and 13 points overall – including two assists. Julien only needs an inch of space to pull the trigger, with a terrific shot release Julien has the ability to score from every angle.

After sitting out the 2022/23 AWIHL season Julien made her return and looks to have not missed a beat, with another big season for the Ice incoming.

Ashlie Aparicio

It has been an impressive start to season for Aparicio in Ice colours, with nine points (three goals, six assists) across six games played. At 30-years-old Aparicio is in the prime of their career and is on track for a career season in the AWIHL. But it’s not just on the scorehseet that Aparicio has an impact.

With strong leadership and the ability to be in the right place at the right time, Aparicio has been a driving force for the Ice. Strong on the forecheck, fighting in the corners to win puck battles, working hard in the gritty areas, it’s inspiring hockey. Being able to impact on the scoresheet as well, shows that Aparicio has built a well rounded game.

An important cog in the Ice system, Aparicio is a big reason why the Ice sit on top of the AWIHL standings.

Georgia Moore

The veteran defender has taken on a new role at the Ice this season, being named captain for the first time as the Ice look to go one better in the race for the Joan McKowen Memorial Trophy.

A strong presence on the blueline Moore has been a real steading influence for an Ice team that has set an early benchmark. Being able to position themselves defensively, quarterbacking the first powerplay unit, while also jumping into attacking plays Moore has looked impressive.

Teams can never have enough defenders of Moore’s ability, and the 36-year-old looks to be relishing having the C on the sweater this season.

Melbourne Ice return to action December 16 and 17 against the Sydney Sirens at O’Brien Icehouse. Stay tuned tomorrow as we continue our series with a look at the Perth Inferno.