Melbourne rivalry sets the tone for All Star Weekend

The third annual AIHL All Star Weekend presented by APA Group rolls into Melbourne 3-4 June and you may notice that it has a distinctly local flavour.

In 2017, the ever popular Melbourne Derby has spilled over into the All Star captaincy roles: with the Lliam Webster of the Melbourne Ice and Jamie Bourke of the Melbourne Mustangs wearing the respective Cs in 2017. With a skills contest on Saturday and All Star game on Sunday, the All Star Weekend showcases Australia’s best hockey talent and with these two as All captains, perhaps the best in AIHL rivalry too.

Former teammates at the Melbourne Ice until Jamie departed for the then newly-formed Mustangs in 2011, Webster and Bourke have enjoyed numerous on-ice clashes over their careers – Webster breaking Bourke’s stick by stepping on it “accidentally on purpose” in 2015 and Bourke lifting the Goodall Cup with the Mustangs in 2014 over the Ice – are two of the more memorable moments in recent years.

Both gentlemen have storied hockey careers.

Webster has been with the Melbourne Ice since his AIHL debut in 2002. In 272 AIHL games, Webster has amassed 386 points for third all-time in the AIHL, just 14 points behind the Sydney Bears’ Vlad Rubes who notched his 400^th point April 30^th. He is also second behind the Sydney Ice Dogs’ Dave Dunwoodie for all-time AIHL penalty minutes with 953. He was part of the “threepeat” Melbourne Ice teams that captured the 2010, 2011 and 2012 Goodall Cups.

Webster has also suited up for the Mighty Roos on 68 different occasions for 77 points, most recently as part of the team that won silver at the IIHF Division 2A Worlds in Romania in April.

“Bourkey” as he is affectionately known (with the O’Brien Group Arena also known as “Bourke’s Backyard” among some of the Mustangs faithful), has equally impressive numbers. Starting out with the Melbourne Ice in 2008 and currently in his 9^th AIHL season, Bourke has put up 99 goals and 110 assists for 209 points in 171 AIHL games. Bourke was part of the 2010 Melbourne Ice Goodall Cup championship winning team before repeating the feat in 2014 over his former club.

Bourke has also suited up for his country at both senior and junior levels: posting three goals and one assist in five games for the Mighty Roos, as well as four goals and four assists in five games for the Australian Under 20 team.

The 2017 All Star Weekend presented by APA Group has extra special meaning for both players, particularly in terms of playing in front of family.

“It definitely has extra meaning for me, said Bourke.

“Being able to have your family, friends and of course, the Mustangs fans there makes it all that much better.
Webster shares that sentiment.

“Having the event in Melbourne absolutely holds some extra meaning, said Webster.

“It is always fun playing in front of family, friends, and our home crowd, but being able to play a special event like the All Star Game in Melbourne will be great.”

As for the ever-heated Melbourne rivalry, both concluded that it adds a little spice to the event.

“There’s nothing better than a healthy rivalry, said Bourke.

“It gives the weekend that interesting edge on the two teams in it to prove they're the 2017 AIHL All Star champs.”

“If anything it might create a little more buzz around the event for the weekend with fans in Melbourne who are some of the most passionate in the country, but the All Star Game is about having fun and showcasing the skills of the league. I'm honoured to be team captain and it should be a great event that I am really looking forward to being a part of,” said Webster.

Highlights from the 2016 All Star Weekend.

Geordie Wudrick’s Steve Irwin impersonation – inflatable crocodile and all – stole the Breakaway Challenge at last year’s All Star Skills Competition. So who is odds-on to top that this year?

“That’s a tough call, it will be a tough one to try and top, said Webster.

“There are some pretty funny characters around the League though, so I'm sure someone will have something worthy of a good giggle!”

“As an Aussie, Steve Irwin is pretty hard to beat but I think Pat O'Kane has something up his sleeve, hinted Bourke.  

“The Breakaway Challenge is the event I’m most looking forward to as I am a forward and I enjoy trying to score goals.”

Webster fancies himself in a different event, the Hardest Shot competition.

“I think I'm probably best with something like the Hardest Shot event. I'm happy with something where I don't have to skate too fast or think too much,” said Webster.

The Melbourne Mustangs’ James Isaacs won the event last year but last year’s runner-up, the CBR Brave’s Jan Safar, will be a contender again this year.

“Without a doubt he will be up there again. He has a heavy shot,” said Webster.

Event specifics aside, both Webster and Bourke are both eagerly anticipating the All Star Weekend’s proceedings.

“It is really good fun being able to get to know other guys around the league that you wouldn't otherwise when you play against them, and also being able to catch up with guys from the National Team in a fun environment. I'm also looking forward to being on the ice with some really highly skilled players and seeing what comes out,” concluded Webster.

“I can't wait to see the best of the AIHL players go head to head at the All Star Weekend. It is a great weekend to be a part of and I look forward to it,” said Bourke.

As do we all.