The CBR Brave will enter its sophomore year in the AIHL still buzzing from the well-documented fairy tale 2014 season. Finished the 2014 regular season in third position with a 14-9-1 record, the Brave clinched a playoff position - the first time in AIHL history that a Canberra team had made the finals.

Although the team wasn’t able to go all the way to lift the Goodall Cup, it was an important season for hockey in our nation’s capital as they now enter the 2015 season with the expectations that come with that success as the Brave aim to bring the Goodall Cup back to the ACT for the first time since 1998, the only time the territory won the State competition.

With former goalkeeper Brad Hunt taking over the reins of coach, he is hungrier than ever to continue the success of the Brave. In fact, should the Brave claim their inaugural Goodall Cup, it will be the second time he will have his name on the trophy, having been one of the ACT goalkeepers in 1998.

Hunt has been faced with the challenge of transitioning from player-turned-coach.

“The transition from that to a position of authority took a bit of work and adjustment from both myself and the guys,” said Hunt. “I have a great leadership group that knows my background so I have had their support from the beginning.”

With over 20 years of playing experience in Canberra, Hunt said his expectations of the players are simple.

“Train hard and smart, be professional and be ready to play,” Hunt said. “I know what it is like to be a player so I understand the commitment required to be at the top of your game.”

“We have a strong leadership structure that leaves no questions as to who is in charge and everyone’s responsibilities. Everyone is accountable with no exceptions. We know if we want to win we need to work together with the same plan and good things will happen.”

With over 300 local and international applicants expressing their interest to play for the Brave this season, the current players had to work harder than ever to secure their spot on the roster.

The Brave finalised their roster with the signatures of Canadian’s Kyle Mariani, Scott Pitt, Kelly Geoffrey and goaltender Josh Unice, who was a former NHL draft pick.

The Brave also resigned last season top goal scorer Stephen Blunden and sniped the signings of former Ice Dogs’ Tyler Kubara, David Dunwoodie and Tomas Manco.

“These guys bring different skills and mindsets that open new ideas to the whole group,” Hunt said. “It improves our understanding of the game seeing it from other perspectives from around the country and overseas.”

The players have also been backed by a stable management group who are working ever so tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that players are just focusing on playing; and not on accommodation, travel and/or meals.

The Brave’s success so far has also been rewarded with businesses offering sponsorship such as Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT), Smoque, Allinsure and Coordinate to name a few. Hunt praised their support as it helps attract top-flight talent to the ACT and the Brave.

The flow on effects of their success has been reflected locally with the establishment of the Junior Brave competing in the NSW Midget League, increased interest from kids, men and women wanting to play ice hockey and Canberra’s social division’s reaching capacity.

“This is just great for the sport and ensures there will be a long future,” Hunt said.

The CBR Brave open the 2015 season at home against the Sydney Bears at Phillip Ice Skating Rink on Saturday April 25. Puck drops at 5.30pm.