Canberra’s AIS Arena has undergone a dramatic transformation from a basketball court to an ice hockey rink, providing fans with what’s being hailed as a “northern-hemisphere style game day experience.”
The reigning Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL) champions, the Canberra Brave, have now taken to the ice in their new, temporary home in Bruce.
The revamped arena marks a milestone for the league, offering full bowl seating for spectators — a first in Australian ice hockey.
‘A Top-Tier Venue for a Top-Tier Team’
Canberra Brave CEO Stephen Campbell described the move to the Australian Institute of Sport as a “significant step,” with hopes that it will raise the profile of the sport and attract new players.
“You walk in and immediately feel the crisp air — just like a chilly Canberra morning,” Mr Campbell said.
“These athletes are playing a top-tier sport, and they deserve a venue to match.”
With a seating capacity of over 2,700, the AIS Arena offers significantly more space than the Brave’s former venue at the Phillip Swimming and Ice Skating Centre. Eleven home games will be held at the arena this season, starting with a sold-out match against Adelaide Adrenaline on Saturday.
“There’s nothing else like it in Australia,” Campbell said. “Canberra should be proud — we’re setting a national first.”
Players Thrilled by the Upgrade
Brave player Matt Clark said the atmosphere created by a packed stadium would be a major boost for the team.
“Canberrans are loyal and energetic — it’s going to be a blast playing in front of that crowd,” he said.
“A few weeks ago there was no ice, no glass — now it’s a top facility thanks to the amazing work by the right people.”
A Massive Volunteer Effort
The rink was constructed atop the arena’s existing floor using a special protective system to prevent damage. The transformation began in April and was completed in just weeks, thanks largely to tireless volunteers.
“Some nights went until 4 a.m.,” Mr Campbell said.
“The volunteer support has been incredible.”
Kerry Goulet, who led the arena’s transformation, described the process as starting from scratch.
“We laid down mats, installed boards, froze the ice — and now we have what I believe is one of the best ice hockey facilities in Australia, possibly the South Pacific,” he said.
“It’s like watching a kid open gifts on Christmas morning.”
At season’s end, the rink will be disassembled and stored, ready to be reinstalled next winter.
Looking Ahead: A Permanent Home in the Works
AIS Arena remains a temporary home for the Brave while the team awaits the construction of a long-promised multi-purpose ice sports facility in Tuggeranong, known as Canberra Arena.
The facility was a 2016 ACT government election promise, but environmental concerns have delayed its progress. No construction has yet begun.
Mr Campbell, also a developer of the new site, said the aim is for the venue to be ready for the 2028 ice hockey season.
