It is the moment you play all season for, but when the puck is dropped this weekend, everything that came before no longer matters. The James Melbourne Mustangs 2017 season has been full of highs and lows, but they did enough to earn their spot in the AIHL finals, and once you get there, anything is possible.

The Mustangs finals qualification may have come with lowest ever points percentage, they might have lost their previous four games, but all that will be forgotten if they can upset the more consistent teams on their way to a second Goodall Cup. On the other hand, the Melbourne Ice have had an exceptional season. They broke the record they set last year for the highest points tally, they scored the most and conceded the equal fewest goals, and they are in great form with wins in their last five games. However, this means all the pressure will be on the Ice to maintain the high standard and their recent history in finals has shown they can be susceptible to this pressure.

The Ice were highly fancied to take the title in 2016 but were caught out by the CBR Brave and eliminated in overtime of their semi-final. Although the Ice have significantly strengthened their squad with the addition of last year’s finals MVP goaltender Dayne Davis, and Swedish imports now filling the roster spots opened by Matt Armstrong and Jason Baclig gaining local status, there is still hope the Mustangs can overcome their rivals and progress to the Grand Final. It will take a phenomenal effort, but there have been many examples of the underdog triumphing over a raging hot favourite.

Look at what the Nashville Predators achieved from the eighth seed this year. No one other than themselves gave them any hope against a powerhouse team like Chicago in round one, but not only did they win, they swept the Blackhawks and just kept marching all the way to the Stanley Cup Final. It shows that if you really believe in your ability and that of your team, nothing can stop you from reaching your goal. With only two games remaining it is all about desire and wanting it more. The player with the greater desire will always make that extra effort to block a shot or move into a scoring position where you may get a rebound. In a sudden death game it can be any of those little plays that is the difference between winning and going home empty handed.

So with each team having completed their preparation for the biggest games of the season, now is the time to start getting excited. We are sure to see some thrilling hockey this weekend as the Mustangs pursue their chance at glory. There is a similar feeling of anticipation leading into the finals that makes it just like Christmas for hockey fans.

‘Twas the night before finals, and through the AIHL, every person was dreaming about their team doing well.

O'Brien Group Arena set up by volunteers with care, awaiting the crowd who would soon gather there. 

From Canberra in the east to Perth in the west, they all converged on Melbourne to determine who was the best.

Would the near perfect season for the Ice continue? Or will they fall short and the winner be someone new? 

Thunder and Brave both come seeking their first Cup. Has their turn finally arrived to lift the Goodall up? 

Or will the Mustangs create a bit of surprise, by getting their hands on the ultimate prize?

The answers will soon be known as the games are about to begin.

Happy AIHL finals to all, and may the best team win!