The road to the Goodall Cup reaches its biggest weekend of the season. Six teams travel to Melbourne for the season’s culminating events, bringing anticipation to fans and players alike. The schedules promise tight matches, strategic battles, and dramatic finishes.
Six teams head to Melbourne for the AIHL Final Series, where the best in the league contend for the Goodall Cup. The journey through the knockout rounds will determine league glory and set the stage for next season’s rivalries ahead.
The action takes place at O’Brien Icehouse, with five games across three days set to determine the 2026 AIHL champion.
The Canberra Brave, Sydney Bears, Perth Thunder, and Sydney Ice Dogs will open the Finals Series on Friday.
Meanwhile, the Newcastle Northstars and Melbourne Mustangs are waiting to enter the competition in Saturday’s semi-finals.
By Sunday afternoon, just two teams will remain standing with the Goodall Cup on the line.
Friday: Preliminary Finals
The Finals Series begins on Friday, August 28, with two crucial preliminary final matchups.
Canberra Brave vs Sydney Bears
Friday, August 28 – 3pm AEST
The Canberra Brave and Sydney Bears will battle for a place in the semi-finals.
However, the winner will move on to face the Melbourne Mustangs.
With the pressure immediately at elimination level, there will be no second chances for either side.
Perth Thunder vs Sydney Ice Dogs
Friday, August 28 – 7pm AEST
Friday night’s second game sees the Perth Thunder take on the Sydney Ice Dogs.
The winner will advance to Saturday’s semi-final against the Newcastle Northstars, keeping their Goodall Cup hopes alive.
Saturday: Semi-Final Showdowns
The top two teams entering the Finals Series, the Newcastle Northstars and Melbourne Mustangs, will begin their campaigns on Saturday.
Newcastle Northstars vs Perth Thunder or Sydney Ice Dogs
Saturday, August 29 – 2pm AEST
Newcastle will take on the winner of Friday night’s clash between Perth and Sydney.
The Northstars will be looking to make the most of their direct path into the semi-finals and move one step closer to the Goodall Cup.
Melbourne Mustangs vs Canberra Brave or Sydney Bears
Saturday, August 29 – 6pm AEST
The Mustangs will have home-city support behind them when they face the winner of Canberra versus Sydney Bears.
A place in Sunday’s championship game will be on the line.
Sunday: The Goodall Cup Grand Final
Sunday, August 30 – 2pm AEST
The winners of Saturday’s two semi-finals will meet in the 2026 AIHL Grand Final.
One team will leave O’Brien Icehouse as the 2026 AIHL champion and lift the historic Goodall Cup.
If the Grand Final is tied after regulation, there will be no shootout. Instead, the teams will play continuous 20-minute sudden-death overtime periods until a winner is found.
How to Watch the AIHL Finals
Fans unable to attend the Finals Series in Melbourne will still have plenty of options to follow every game live.
All five Finals Series games will be broadcast live on ESPN Australia, with viewing options including:
- Fetch
- Foxtel Go
- Kayo Sports
- Disney+
- Sky Sport in New Zealand
Every game will also be available through AIHL TV on pay per view for $19.90, while full season and mid season AIHL TV subscribers will already have access to the Finals Series.
International viewers outside Australia, New Zealand and Oceania can watch the action through AIHL TV.
Pre game coverage for every match will begin 15 minutes before puck drop.
2026 AIHL Finals Schedule
Friday, August 28
- 3pm AEST: Canberra Brave vs Sydney Bears
- 7pm AEST: Perth Thunder vs Sydney Ice Dogs
Saturday, August 29
- 2pm AEST: Newcastle Northstars vs Perth Thunder or Sydney Ice Dogs
- 6pm AEST: Melbourne Mustangs vs Canberra Brave or Sydney Bears
Sunday, August 30
- 2pm AEST: AIHL Grand Final – Winner Semi-Final 1 vs Winner Semi-Final 2
Five games. Six teams. One Goodall Cup.
The biggest weekend on the Australian ice hockey calendar is here, and by Sunday afternoon, the 2026 AIHL season will have its champion.
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