Each week, the Hockey Hype Australia team will individually select a team of the week, consisting of three forwards, two defensemen, and a goaltender. The internal votes will be tallied to bring you, the fans, the AIHL team of the week.

It’s a task that is sure to generate discussion from passionate fans, perplexed that their favourite player was overlooked by us, a bunch of hockey numpties. Please be assured that any omission is intentional and proof that we hate your favourite team/player.

Goaltender – Tatsunoshin Ishida – Melbourne Ice

There should be little argument over this selection, however this was not a unanimous choice. Rhys Pelliccione and Alexandre Tetreault garnered a vote each from our five-person writing team, with Ishida getting the three remaining votes.

Both Pelliccione and Tetreault played well, each recording a GAA of 1.00, Pelliccione with a .950 save percentage, and Tetreault with a .938 save percentage. But Ishida statistically outdid the competition.

In his first AIHL start on Saturday, Ishida made 25 of 26 saves in a 11-1 victory over the Central Coast Rhinos. The very next day, Ishida got the start again, and went one better, recording a 21 save shutout in a 9-0 Melbourne Ice victory.

Ishida sits at the top of the league in wins, shutouts, GAA, and save percentage.

Defender – Ethan Hawes – Newcastle Northstars

The mood has been subdued amongst Newcastle Northstars fans, with news several key players were moving on to other teams. Andrew Smardon, Zane Jones, Tanner Butler, and John F Kennedy Jr. were just some of the key departures from the team.

It was a surprise, therefore, to see the Northstars subdue the Canberra Brave 7-3 at Hunter Ice Skating Stadium. Brave fans were quick to point out post-game that the Northstars did have some key imports available in contrast with the Brave.

However, it was a local player, Ethan Hawes, who made a big impact for the Northstars. Hawes collected a goal and three assists in an outstanding performance.

He already scored a spectacular goal in overtime in the first Trans-Tasman series last month. If Hawes is given the green light to join the attack, it could be a breakout year for the 22-year-old blueliner.

Defender – Aiden Wagner – Newcastle Northstars

The Newcastle Northstars announced the addition of Aiden Wagner from the Evansville Thunderbolts of the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL). Wagner, an American, will provide much needed help on the blueline.

Wagner chipped in two goals and two assists during the aforementioned victory over Canberra, and looks to be a handy pickup. Hawes and Wagner lead the league in scoring by defensemen with four points each.

Despite those statistics, voting was split amongst the HHA staff. Rob Haselhurst and Mitchell Dyck also picked up votes while recording a goal and two assists each across their two games.

Forward – Joey Hughes – Melbourne Ice

The league selected Joey Hughes as the Skater’s Network Local Player of the Week, so hopefully this selection does not draw much criticism. Hughes leads the league in points with two goals and seven assists across two games.

On Gouche Live, Kerry Goulet talked to HHA about Hughes and how impressive he has been since re-joining the Ice. In 16 seasons Hughes has collected 194 goals and 238 assists in 253 games.

However, it is another statistic that has Ice Head Coach Kerry Goulet rubbing his hands together in delight – Hughes has won seven Goodall Cups.

Forward – Jeremiah Addison – Perth Thunder

Thunder forward Jeremiah Addison has an impressive pedigree. Picked by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2015 NHL Draft, Addison went on to captain the Windsor Spitfires to the 2017 Memorial Trophy.

Addison has been brought over for one goal, to bring the Goodall Cup to Perth for the first time in Thunder history. If this past weekends’ performance is anything to go by, the Thunder will be a major contender in August.

Addison scored two goals and two assists in an 8-6 defeat on Saturday against the Lightning. The next day, Addison scored three goals and added another assist for an eight point weekend.

The hats didn’t fly for Addison at Boondall, perhaps there will be another opportunity against the Brave at Perth Ice Arena this coming weekend.

Forward – Francis Drolet – Newcastle Northstars

Francis Drolet earned the final forward spot for this week with a hat-trick performance against the Brave. Drolet scored each of his three goals on the powerplay.

Drolet leads the league in goals per game played, and powerplay goals scored. A big season from Drolet, along with the return of Daniel Berno could help salve the Northstars departures.

The forward possesses a lethal shot, and used it effectively from the circle to ding up Brave netminder Toivonen. Newcastle sits top of the Rurak Conference after week one largely due to his performance.

These forward selections were again not unanimous. HHA staff also voted for Mack Caruana (2GP, 3G, 4A), Julian Fodor (2GP, 4G, 0A), and Jacob Carey (2GP, 2G, 4A).

What do you think? Did we get the picks right? Let us know who you would choose in the comments.