The USA Eagles have claimed the 14th Australian Ice Hockey Cup, defeating the Canada Maples in a thrilling extra-time final at Erina Ice Arena on Sunday, July 13.
The four-match series, running from July 5–13, was tied 1–1 after the first weekend.
Featuring players from elite leagues, including the NHL and European IIHF competitions, the series drew fast-paced action and a strong local crowd.
Injuries throughout the series opened unexpected doors for Australian talent.
Lisarow’s Hugo Arps, 15, was called up after a USA player was sidelined with a knee injury.
“It was an unexpected opportunity, but it was fun,” Arps, who started playing ice hockey at the age of four and is now heading to Finland to compete in Europe, said.
Canada took Saturday’s game 7–4.
But another blow for Team USA resulted in forward Nick Graziano being ruled out due to a concussion.
That paved the way for 17-year-old Ruben Nalos from the Blue Mountains—now playing in New Jersey—to join the squad.
“When I get older, I can see myself playing for a local team,” he said.
USA coach and co-organiser Ryan Bahl said youth development is a key goal of the Cup.
“The main goal is to grow the game locally and get more Australian kids playing hockey,” he said.
Canada entered the final with a 2–1 series lead and aimed to keep things simple.
“We don’t want to mess that up,” said Canada’s Keean Herring.
But the USA came out strong, dominating the first period with five goals.
Despite Canada pushing hard in the final stretch, the game finished 6–3 in favour of the USA.
Due to the series format, a 2–2 tie led to 3-on-3 extra time in the final.
Canada pulled their goalie for an extra attacker in the 3rd period, but USA’s Reilly Moyer held strong in the net.
“Our defence made my job easy,” he said.
USA sealed the win in extra time with a decisive puck, clinching the 2025 title.
“We were down a couple of bodies and ended up getting a couple of local guys who helped quite a bit,” said USA’s Kaid Oliver.
“And we came out with the win.”
Post-match, players praised the competition’s spirit, fan support, and the mix of global talent.
“It’s cool to see the skills gathered from different leagues,” said Canada’s Ethan Dollemont.
Bahl summed it up best.
“The best thing is the fans afterwards,” he said.
“Some kids may not be hockey players now, but they might want to be after coming to a game.”
The 2026 Cup promises to be even bigger, marking the 15th anniversary of this unique international event on Aussie ice.
Ivona Rose
