Brave edge Bears in ANZAC Day clash

The CBR Brave left the Sydney Bears out in the cold with a 4-2 win at the Phillip Swimming & Ice Skating Centre on ANZAC Day.

Two unanswered third period goals thrilled the capacity crowd, as the Brave finished over the top of the Bears to claim the points in the 2015 season opener.

It was a physical first round match with both sides coming out of the blocks strongly and physically.
The Bears were able to capitalise on early possession when import Tomas Landa beat new Brave goalkeeper Josh Unice with a shot from within the face off circle to open the scoring.

However it didn't last long before Brave import Scott Pitt stepped his way through Bears defence before beating Mario Passarelli to send the teams to the break tied 1-all at the first break.

The Sydney Bears were the livelier outfit to start the second period as they managed to maintain possession and build opportunities.
It was in the eight minutes, but the Bears were able to reclaim the lead when Saxon Air slotted his second ever AIHL goal.

The Brave hit back just before the break when Brave alternate captain Peter Taylor.

With both sides displaying control and patience with the puck and trading shots on net throughout the first two periods, it was only fair that the teams went to the second intermission locked at 2-all.

Although Bears coach Vlad Rubes felt the Taylor goal was “a little bit lucky”, Rubes felt that that was the turning point.

“The [Brave] started being a little bit more desperate and out-muscling our guys and towards the end of the second period they were getting a bit more control,” Rubes said.

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