CBR Brave keep Canberra in hockey scenario

06 Mar 2014 | Davide Tuniz

One week after the folding of Knights, a new team is ready to take ice in upcoming AIHL

The mourning does not last long for the hockey fans in Canberra: a week after the news of folding of traditional Canberra Knights that would leave the city without hockey and the heart-warming solidarity campaign fro fans and players trying to saving the hockey, the AIHL announces a new team, called CBR Brave, will be on ice on April 12 for the season opening against Newcastle North Stars. Most important, the team will continue to play at Phillip Swimming and Ice Skating Centre after receiving a provisional licence from the AIHL for this season. Team adopted the brand CBR, launched last year as the t's a $2.6 million project funded by the ACT government as an ongoing legacy from the centenary year to ''capitalise on the community and city pride that has emerged over the last 12 months'', according to Chief Minister Katy Gallagher. According to ACT Sports Minister Andrew Barr the CBR name would promote Canberra to the rest of the country. ''We welcome the Brave adopting CBR into their name. At its core, the brand project was designed for the Canberra community, and it's great to see it being embraced by different partners like the Brave. Canberra's ice-hockey fans are renowned for their passionate support, and I urge Canberrans to get behind the new team to ensure its viability.'' said Barr to Canberra Times

Former Knights captian Mark Rummukainen, a pivotal figure in keeping hockey alive in Canberra, sees his efforts rewarded: 'We're over the moon, we got the call from the league and we're all shaking. The league said we could have had six imports if we couldn't field a strong team, but with the proposal we put forward the league feels we'll be competitive and we feel the same way.''

The Brave will adopt traditional ACT colours navy blue and yellow