Kodiak Melbourne Mustangs coaching staff will likely give the club’s junior players another chance to showcase their talent in next Saturday’s preseason derby against the Melbourne Ice.

A number of Mustangs youngsters got their first taste of top-level hockey in last weekend’s HockeyX tournament at the O’Brien Icehouse. 

None were more impressive than Logan Gallacher, with the 16-year-old forward scoring twice over the weekend to be named Junior Player of the Tournament.   

Gallacher netted once in the group stage before scoring in the final against Melbourne Ice, his second goal helping the Mustangs to a 3-1 win and early bragging rights over their city rivals.

Lachie Cincotta was another junior player to receive a good chunk of ice time while 18-year-old goalie Michael Breedveld put in a strong showing between the pipes. 

Mustangs assistant coach Damian Holland said it was a real positive to see the club’s younger players do well.

“It was a great opportunity for the 16-year-olds and knowing that Melbourne Ice were going to be playing some of their juniors, our younger guys were given a good shot,” he said.  

“Logan Gallacher scoring his first goal against the Melbourne Ice was quite a momentous occasion for the young man and as the best young player of the tournament he did really well.

“With next weekend’s match being an exhibition, the 16-year-olds will most likely play again.”

Several senior squad members also enjoyed strong tournaments with Brendan McDowell leading the way as the Player of the Tournament.         

Veteran forward Sean Jones was busy tallying five goals in two games, while American import Christian Isackson also showed encouraging early season form. 

The Mustangs scored 16 goals and conceded just three in winning all three of their round robin matches.

The highlight was an eight-goal demolition and shut-out of the Queensland All-Stars with the team’s other two group stage wins a 4-2 result against the Ice and a 4-1 triumph over the CBR Braves. 

The HockeyX format saw games contested over two 15-minute periods with 20-minute periods for the final. 

“The guys did really well, we didn’t lose a game and were able to try everyone and give each player a good run,” Holland said. 

“For us it was also an opportunity for the guys that are trying to make the team to press their claims.

“It was a really promising start, the team will only get stronger by the start of the season and when the rest of our imports land, look out…we’re going to have a really strong club.”

Next Saturday’s clash with Melbourne Ice will be the Mustangs’ final preseason hit-out.

Tickets are now available through Ticketmaster however Mustangs members will get in for free.   

Doors at the O’Brien Icehouse open at 4pm with puck drop at 5pm.

Kodiak Melbourne Mustangs coaching staff will likely give the club’s junior players another chance to showcase their talent in next Saturday’s preseason derby against the Melbourne Ice.

A number of Mustangs youngsters got their first taste of top-level hockey in last weekend’s HockeyX tournament at the O’Brien Icehouse. 

None were more impressive than Logan Gallacher, with the 16-year-old forward scoring twice over the weekend to be named Junior Player of the Tournament.   

Gallacher netted once in the group stage before scoring in the final against Melbourne Ice, his second goal helping the Mustangs to a 3-1 win and early bragging rights over their city rivals.

Lachie Cincotta was another junior player to receive a good chunk of ice time while 18-year-old goalie Michael Breedveld put in a strong showing between the pipes. 

Mustangs assistant coach Damian Holland said it was a real positive to see the club’s younger players do well.

“It was a great opportunity for the 16-year-olds and knowing that Melbourne Ice were going to be playing some of their juniors, our younger guys were given a good shot,” he said.  

“Logan Gallacher scoring his first goal against the Melbourne Ice was quite a momentous occasion for the young man and as the best young player of the tournament he did really well.

“With next weekend’s match being an exhibition, the 16-year-olds will most likely play again.”

Several senior squad members also enjoyed strong tournaments with Brendan McDowell leading the way as the Player of the Tournament.         

Veteran forward Sean Jones was busy tallying five goals in two games, while American import Christian Isackson also showed encouraging early season form. 

The Mustangs scored 16 goals and conceded just three in winning all three of their round robin matches.

The highlight was an eight-goal demolition and shut-out of the Queensland All-Stars with the team’s other two group stage wins a 4-2 result against the Ice and a 4-1 triumph over the CBR Braves. 

The HockeyX format saw games contested over two 15-minute periods with 20-minute periods for the final. 

“The guys did really well, we didn’t lose a game and were able to try everyone and give each player a good run,” Holland said. 

“For us it was also an opportunity for the guys that are trying to make the team to press their claims.

“It was a really promising start, the team will only get stronger by the start of the season and when the rest of our imports land, look out…we’re going to have a really strong club.”

Next Saturday’s clash with Melbourne Ice will be the Mustangs’ final preseason hit-out.

Tickets are now available through Ticketmaster however Mustangs members will get in for free.   

Doors at the O’Brien Icehouse open at 4pm with puck drop at 5pm.