The International Ice Hockey Cup being played at Erina Ice Arena over the first two weekends of July has the USA 2-0 ahead of their American continental rivals Canada at the halfway point.
The tournament is part of the annual international competition hosted at Erina for 20-odd years and is a highlight of the Australian Ice Hockey calendar.
The first game on Saturday, July 6, saw the US team dominate the ice, stunning the jet-lagged Canadian team. They ran away with a decisive 12-4 win.
On Sunday, July 7, the Canadians had limbered up and took team USA to the edge with three minutes to go in the final third the scores were locked at five-all.
A surprised Team USA rose to the occasion and scored two unanswered goals before the final hooter to pull away with a 7-5 victory over the Canadians.
The umpire drops the puck to start the 2024 International Ice Hockey Cup Australia 2024. A tense moment in front of goal
Six hundred local and visiting fans rolled up on both days to watch the games, eat hot dogs and cheer on their favourite team in characteristic North American style.
Central Coast National Ice Hockey league side The Rhinnos are big promoters of the four-match competition along with Erina Ice Arena owners and managers who were pleased with the attendance over the two days.
The last two matches of the competition will be played this coming weekend, July 13 and 14 at Erina Ice Arena.
The games commence at 3pm and visitors are asked to arrive early to secure seats and tickets. Information of the competition, along with tickets can be found on the Australian Ice Hockey Cup website.