The Canberra Brave is set to make history this season, announcing a landmark deal to relocate home games to the AIS Arena. The move, which will see 11 games played at the state-of-the-art venue, marks a significant evolution for the reigning Goodall Cup champions and Australian ice hockey as a whole.

As part of the agreement, a temporary ice rink will be constructed inside the AIS Arena, offering fans an immersive, Northern Hemisphere-style game day experience with full-bowl seating—a first for the Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL).

Since its inception in 2014, the Brave has played in front of packed crowds at the Phillip Swimming and Ice Skating Centre, affectionately known as the “Brave Cave. While the venue has been instrumental in the team’s success and the growth of ice sports in the ACT, the move to the AIS Arena provides significantly more room for growth.

A DEFINING MOMENT FOR THE CLUB

Canberra Brave CEO Stephen Campbell believes the transition to AIS Arena is a milestone in the club’s history.

“The Brave is the most successful team in the ACT and the most successful team in the Australian Ice Hockey League. Playing out of the AIS Arena is a significant step for us and commensurate with our success on and off the ice,” Campbell said.

“With more than 2,700 allocated seats, this move will open the sport to more people and position the Brave amongst other top-tier sports in Australia. Work will start soon on the temporary rink, complete with full professional boards and glass.”

AN UNMATCHED ATMOSPHERE

Brave captain Kai Miettinen is eager to take to the ice in front of a larger home crowd.

“The thrill of a live ice hockey game is hard to match for speed and intensity, so to have the opportunity to play on a professional rink in a venue like the AIS Arena is a dream come true,” Miettinen said.

“Canberra fans are already the most passionate in the country, and I can’t wait to hear their energy in a larger venue.”

SEASON COMMENCEMENT

The Canberra Brave will kick off their season on the road with two games against the Brisbane Lightning this weekend. The first home game at the AIS Arena is scheduled for 31 May, marking a new era for ice hockey in the nation’s capital.

The first three home games will be held at the Brave Cave as normal, with details on memberships and tickets being released later today. Memberships will be purchased with allocated seating for the AIS Arena and honoured at the Brave Cave.