It was the first game out for The Bears’ Canadian import Kurtis Dulle, displaying smooth skating skills and good puck control. It was a first year rookie Lucien Hackett that drew first blood putting the puck top shelf to open the scoring on the night and notch his first AIHL goal. Fellow debutant Laurie Mock made his impression felt on the ice taking aggressive advantage of any mistakes made by The Mustangs.

The Bears enjoyed a short lead before Mustangs attacker Andrew Belic equalised in the 2nd period. 9 penalties were dished out between the teams after some scraps in front of the net, Jack McCoy coming through for the Mustangs, using a 3-4 player advantage to good effect to put The Mustangs into the lead, a lead immediately extended by Dean Dunstan.

The Habitat Furniture 3 Stars of the Game went to Lucien Hackett for scoring his first AIHL goal, Spencer Austin for his huge open ice hits and Vlad Rubes for assisting on both goals. 

Another home game will be played in the next 24 hours at the Penrith Ice Palace, The Bears taking on The Adelaide Adrenaline, 5pm on Sunday 17th of April.