Central Coast Rhinos
Semi-professional ice hockey team on the New South Wales Central Coast.
The Central Coast Rhinos are a semi-professional ice hockey team based in Erina, New South Wales, Australia. The team is a member of the Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL). Founded in 2005, the Rhinos left the league in 2009, competed in the Australian International Ice Hockey Cup, and returned to the AIHL in 2023.
Quick Facts
- City
- Erina, New South Wales
- League
- Australian Ice Hockey League
- Conference
- Rurak
- Operated
- 2005–2012; 2022–present
- Arena
- Erina Ice Arena
- Coach
- AUS Ron Kuprowsky
- Captain
- AUS Robert Malloy
Facts from the source article.
History
The Central Coast Rhinos were founded in 2005 as the Blue Haven Rhinos in Erina, New South Wales. The team was announced as an AIHL expansion team in 2005 after securing a license, joining the league alongside the Brisbane Blue Tongues and raising league membership from six to eight teams. The Rhinos selected the Erina Ice Arena, which had opened in 2004, as their home venue. Bob Roberts was elected the first Chairman of the Board, and Rick Williams was appointed a Director. The Rhinos played their inaugural AIHL game on 17 April 2005 at Erina Ice Arena against the Canberra Knights, losing 10–1. The Rhinos recorded 93 penalty minutes in that game. Their first AIHL win came at home on 15 May 2005 against the Western Sydney Ice Dogs, a 5–4 overtime victory sealed by a power play goal from Bryce Conrad. David Wong finished the 2005 season with the third highest saves percentage among goaltenders in the league, 0.865.
Broadcasting
As of 2023, the Rhinos' games are broadcast worldwide via AIHL.TV, a paid subscription service on the Clutch.TV platform, covering all regular season and finals games live and on demand. International broadcasting in North America and Europe is handled by Sportradar under a three-year league deal signed in March 2022. Previously, domestic online broadcasting in Australia was provided by Kayo Sports in 2022.
More in Ice Hockey Teams in Australia
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced