Simon Barg may only be playing his second year in the AIHL, but the flashy forward has turned into an integral part of the Sydney Ice Dogs organisation as one of the league’s most potent scorers. Born in Ajax, Ontario, Barg was born with skates on his feet.
“My older brother taught me to say my first words - ‘hockey goal’,” Barg said. “I had no idea what I was saying but he made sure I was going to be a hockey player. My brother got me into it because he loved it so much. From there I became a massive Wayne Gretzky fan; I loved his skill and control of the game.”
Barg moved to Australia two years ago with his wife when she took up a teaching job and he wasted no time in looking into the hockey culture here. He had very little knowledge of what the level of play was like here. However, that soon changed.
“To be honest I never thought I would be living in Australia and playing hockey here,” Barg said. “My wife got a teaching job and I then started researching the level of hockey. I was quite surprised how talented and developed many Australians are. It’s been a great experience.”
Barg hit the scene and instantly had an impact in the AIHL. He was a big part of the reason behind the Ice Dogs 2013 Goodall Cup win. Barg wrote himself into Ice Dogs record books in his first season, shattering Casey Mignone’s 2012 record by nine points with a 55 point haul. He also claimed the assist record in a season for the Ice Dogs with 29 assists, beating Cameron Kuryk’s 2006 record of 27. To top it off, his 26 goals saw him move to second on the all-time list of goal scorers in a season for the Ice Dogs, beaten only by fellow import Matt Puntereri. However, it was short-handed that Barg really made his mark, scoring a league record 10, of which he has added two more so far in 2014.
Despite his prolific scoring ability, Barg is humble when it comes to his own goals, especially as his career winds down.
“I have no personal goals whatsoever,” Barg said. “This is my last year of competitive hockey, and my only agenda is to win the championship with a great group of guys.”
2014 has started strongly for Barg, already tallying 21 points in the first nine games of the season, including four goals in the first game against the Melbourne Ice. He is just ahead of teammates and friends Robert Malloy (19) in second and David Dunwoodie (17) in third.
“We have a pretty balanced attack on our squad,” Barg said. “I play on a line with Dave Dunwoodie and we have clicked since last year. Bert is a great leader and captain and has proven himself as a league leader.”
For the short amount of time that Barg has been in the league, he believes that the AIHL is heading in the right direction for the future and attracting more players and creating bigger opportunities.
“It’s great to see that the sport is becoming more popular,” Barg said. “I think it will only grow from here. Every Aussie I speak to tells me how much they love the game once they get familiar with it.”
The Ice Dogs’ faithful and much of the AIHL community know the impact and contribution that Anthony Wilson had to the game of ice hockey in Australia, both on and off the ice. While Barg only got to play with Wilson in the last season of his illustrious career, he said it was a privilege to share the ice with the Ice Dogs legend.
“Unfortunately I only had one season alongside Willo,” Barg said. “He definitely showed his level of experience and passion for the game at all times. It was great to be there with him as he ended his career on a high.”
It hasn’t been a walk in the park for Barg and the Ice Dogs in 2014, winning only three from nine this season. The team also lost coach Ron Kuprowsky and assistants Colin Downie and Brad Andrlon not long after the season began. Barg thanked his team’s former mentor for all that he had done and achieved during his tenure.
“If I could, I would like to use this forum to thank Ron Kuprowsky for his contributions to the team,” Barg said. “He is a great friend and gave his heart and soul to each and every guy on the team, while asking for absolutely nothing in return. He treated each and every player as family and we owe him greatly for all of his efforts. Thanks for everything, Ronnie.”
Barg knows they’ve had trouble regaining their championship-winning form in 2014. They currently sit equal fifth in the league, tied with the Canberra Brave and Newcastle Northstars. He acknowledges the impact it’s had on the team but is optimistic that new coach Andrew Petrie and the Sydney Ice Dogs have the drive and determination to turn it around.
“Moving forward as a team with our new coach, we are definitely starting to feel like we are getting back some structure and clarity in our game plan,” Barg said. “I think the last few weeks of uncertainty have made the players bond as a group and now with a great coach in Andrew, we will be moving in the right direction to become a league-leading team again.”
The gruelling AIHL schedule combined with home life, work and training is harder than some fans may realise. Barg explains just what his schedule is like for an AIHL star, especially for a small business owner.
“Playing in the AIHL takes up a lot of my time throughout the season,” Barg admitted. “I only have the time to make one practice through the week as I own and operate a CrossFit gym, which takes up most of my time.”
“I train pretty much every day in CrossFit. It’s become my second passion. I love going in competitions and seeing what my body can handle.”
This year is going to be memorable for Barg regardless of what happens on the Ice.
“We’re expecting our first baby in July,” Barg said. “We are really excited. It is tough as I don't get much time to spend with my wife; my weeknights are busy and weekends are full.”
For kids hoping to one day follow in Barg’s footsteps of playing a high level of hockey, including the AIHL, he has a few pieces of advice.
“If hockey is the sport you love, try and get as much exposure to it as possible,” Barg said. “Watching NHL games or AIHL games will help you develop your knowledge of the game mentally. Also, spend as much time developing your skills as possible, even if it’s just shooting pucks on your driveway at home.”
Barg and the Sydney Ice Dogs are back in action this weekend, taking on the Sydney Bears in the season’s first Sydney derby at the Sydney Ice Arena on Saturday, before backing up with the second grand final replay against the Newcastle North Stars at Liverpool on Sunday.
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