Not content with last year's fairytale first season, the Canberra Brave have set their sights on winning the Australian Ice Hockey League championship.
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The Brave begin their quest to lift the Goodall Cup with a double-header this weekend, hosting the Sydney Bears at Phillip on Saturday and then travelling to Newcastle to play the North Stars on Sunday.
The fastidious preparation for this season is in contrast to last year, when the Brave were cobbled together after the demise of the Canberra Knights.
The Brave defied all expectations to qualify for the AIHL playoffs, knocked out by the Melbourne Ice in the semi-finals.
Brave captain Mark Rummukainen said it was important to show last year wasn't a fluke.
"Last year was proof of what can be achieved here," Rummukainen said. "We've raised the bar for this season and future seasons.
"It comes with a bit more pressure, we want more success and it has raised the excitement level too."
The Brave have recruited strongly, bringing in Canadian imports Kyle Mariani and Kelly Geoffrey to join returning star Stephen Blunden. Australian representatives David Dunwoodie and Tomas Manco add more depth.
A former National Hockey League draft pick of the Chicago Blackhawks, Josh Unice will take over as goalkeeper.
There is also a change at the top, with long-time 'keeper Brad Hunt taking over as coach.
Hunt will be keen to get the best out of his squad as the Brave aim to rebound from a 6-1 drubbing to the Ice in last year's semi-finals.
"We booked our spot in the finals about 70 per cent through the season and we weren't too successful heading into the play-offs," Rummukainen said.
"It was a very disappointing note to leave the season on, regardless of the success we had. There's definitely unfinished business and we have something to prove this year."
AUSTRALIAN ICE HOCKEY LEAGUE: Canberra Brave v Sydney Bears at the Phillip Swimming and Ice Skating Centre on Saturday, 5.30pm.
Canberra Brave home game schedule
Saturday, April 25: v Sydney Bears, 5.30pm
Saturday, May 2: v Adelaide Adrenaline, 5.30pm
Saturday, May 16: v Melbourne Mustangs, 5.30pm
Sunday, May 17: v Melbourne Mustangs, 5pm
Saturday, May 23: v Adelaide Adrenaline, 5.30pm
Saturday, May 30: v Melbourne Ice, 5.30pm
Sunday, May 31: v Melbourne Ice, 5pm
Saturday, June 6: v Sydney Ice Dogs, 5.30pm
Saturday, June 27: v Sydney Ice Dogs, 5.30pm
Sunday, June 28: v Newcastle North Stars, 5.30pm
Saturday, July 18: v Sydney Bears, 5pm
Saturday, August 8: v Perth Thunder, 5.30pm
Sunday, August 9: v Perth Thunder, 5pm
Saturday, August 15: v Newcastle North Stars, 5.30pm
