penning a one-year extension with the club in a bid to break its Goodall Cup drought.

The news come as the Brave gear up for an Australian Ice Hockey League showdown with the Sydney Bears at the Phillip Swimming and Ice Skating Centre on Saturday.

"I love living and playing in Canberra and the Brave is a big part of my life," Darge said.

"The fans, sponsors, and my teammates have made me feel very welcome and the hockey community here are amazing.

"I want to do everything I can to bring the Cup to Canberra and I'm excited about my future here."

Meanwhile, Matt Hewitt will have a point to prove when the star Brave goaltender meets one of his rivals against the Bears.

The Canadian product is behind the best team in the league however Hewitt has been knocked off his perch as the league's number one netminder by Bears star Anthony Kimlin - but only by the barest of margins.

Kimlin is ranked as the league's leading goaltender through his 16 games, conceding an average of 2.01 goals with a save percentage of .932 per cent.

Hewitt, who served as a back-up goaltender for the NHL's Vancouver Canucks for one night, has conceded 2.13 goals per game with a denial rate of .923 per cent through 17 games.

Now he wants to take back top spot in the rankings and he will be behind the league's most dominant team to make it happen.

AIHL

Saturday: Canberra Brave v Sydney Bears at Phillip Swimming and Ice Skating Centre, 5.30pm. Tickets from Canberra Brave.