Central Coast Rhinos had their biggest weekend for the 2024 Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL) season splitting results against defending champions Melbourne Mustangs.

A 5-3 victory on Saturday night was the Erina club’s best performance. Four goals in the third period with two powerplay and shorthanded goals sealing the deal.

An impressive performance for the Rhinos who are continuing to build and getting that consistency across three periods.

“It’s a good win, we have been working hard all year and getting better and improving,” Rhinos Head Coach Ron Kuprowsky told Hockey Hype Australia after the Saturday win.

“It was good to go out there and show everybody that we are a very different team this year.”

Outshot 18-10 through the second period, the Rhinos trailed 2-1 heading into the final intermission.

However, there were no inspiring speeches from Kuprowsky, just hard work and grinding to get back into the game and finding a way to win.

“We just battle through atrocity,” continued Kuprowsky.

“Some of the calls weren’t going our way, some of the plays were pretty controversial I would have to say at best.

“The boys just dug deep and showed what we are made of.”

Line of Young Stars

Finding a way to get a big road win came off the back of big numbers from the Andrew Smardon, Hayden Sayers and Mackenzie Bolger line. The trio would combine for eight points on the night.

With youngsters Sayers and Bolger linking up well with veteran Smardon, it was a line that lifted the Rhinos to an all-important win.

“We have a couple of really young kids on that line too,” said Kuprowsky.

“So, I mean they are the future of this league.”

Defensive Future

Keeping the Mustangs to three goals isn’t easy with the offensive power of Scott Timmins and co. However, Rhinos defensive pairings were sound and tight in front of Anand Oberoi.

19-year-old Connor Wardlaw was impressive for the Rhinos, making big plays in the defensive end often paired with partner Aziz Baazzi.

Wardlaw is the future of the Rhinos, playing a composed game against former NHL calibre players in Timmins.

“His game is improving,” continued Kuprowsky.

“We are working hard trying to get him to get a little bit more working with the imports, picking up his game.

“So, just keep looking forward for more things to come from us.”

Vibes are High

It’s been a tough road for the Rhinos since returning to the AIHL in 2023. Picking up one win and one overtime win during that campaign and finishing bottom of the Rurak Conference.

Subsequently, an off season move to bring in Kuprowsky from the Sydney Bears is starting to pay dividends.

A more professional approach to training and the season has reaped early rewards. The Rhinos currently sit third in the Rurak Conference with nine points from 11 games played.

“It’s a lot different, we are taking everything a little more seriously,” said Kuprowsky.

“It’s not ok to go and get beaten like that [blowouts in 2023], those days are over.”