O’Brien Group Arena has been awarded the hosting rights for the 2017 Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL) Finals, presented by Air Canada. The AIHL Finals will be held on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 September, 2017.
“We are excited that the 2017 Australian Ice Hockey League Finals will again be at the O’Brien Group Arena for the fifth year in a row and seven out of the past eight events. O’Brien Group Arena is undoubtedly Australia’s best venue to host the teams and provide spectators with a quality ice hockey experience,” said Paul Keisler, General Manager of the O’Brien Group Arena.
O’Brien Group Arena has significantly increased visitor capacity and spectator areas for this year’s finals to ensure nobody misses a minute of the action. Upgrades include a newly renovated bar, a new food outlet and guest furniture to the bar level and new flat screen TVs to keep the O’Brien Group Arena Australia’s largest ice sports spectating venue.
“Melbourne remains a sporting mecca in Australia – welcoming all to the city – and in September, has a fantastic finals feeling. We’re thrilled to host our Championship series in Docklands.
“The O’Brien Group Arena is home to the Olympic Winter Institute of Australia, an ideal venue for the peak of the AIHL’s season. Every year the Finals weekend becomes bigger and better. With a festival atmosphere, there’s something for everyone to enjoy,” said AIHL Commissioner Robert Bannerman.
Air Canada’s General Manager for Australia and New Zealand, Paul McLean is excited to partner with the AIHL once more.
“This is our fifth year as naming rights partner of the AIHL Finals. It’s an event that brings to life the same characteristics of Air Canada – thrilling, an experience beyond the ordinary – ice hockey in Australia is going from strength to strength and we are proud to share the journey with AIHL fans,” said McLean.
The AIHL Finals consist of the top four teams at the end of the regular home and away season playing for the iconic Goodall Cup, the world’s third oldest ice hockey trophy, over two days (three games) in a single elimination tournament.
The AIHL also welcomes AIHL Live to the Finals mix this year, offering fans anywhere in the world the ability to tune in via our first pay-per-view offering.
Melbourne Ice is looking good to be in the finals mix come September and there is a possibility that Melbourne Mustangs may also feature.
Dates and time of the Finals are:
| Session | Time | Comment |
| Semi-Final 1 | 3pm Saturday 2 September | 1 v 4 |
| Semi-Final 2 | 6pm Saturday 2 September | 2 v 3 |
| Grand Final | 3pm Sunday 3 September | Grand Final winners from both semi-finals |
| Fan Celebration | Immediately following Grand Final | Rink side |
Tickets range from single game to three day passes and are available now at http://experience.theaihl.com/
For more information please visit www.obriengrouparena.com.au
