Canberra Brave star Matt Climie says his side can handle the pressure of being favourites as they target win back-to-back Australian Ice Hockey League titles this weekend.
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Climie, the competition's best goalkeeper, will lead the Brave's charge for another championship when they play the Sydney Bears in a semi-final at Newcastle on Saturday.
Climie won the "Bravest of Brave" award as the team's most valuable player last week, but the Canadian import wants to finish the year with a grand final win.
The Brave need to beat the Bears in the semi-final to advance to a grand final against either the Newcastle Northstars or the Perth Thunder on Sunday.
"We're the team to beat right now, we've had a dominating regular season and I know every team is after us but we expected it and we're prepared for it," Climie said.
"To be honest I don't get off on individual awards, being a goaltender there's so much on the guys in front of you.
"We're going to win in Newcastle and win a trophy and it's going to be amazing."
The Brave won Canberra's first AIHL title last season in a remarkable turnaround for a club which went broke five years ago and was reborn as the Brave under a new ownership structure.
They have continued their impressive form this season, losing just two games during the regular season and being led by Climie.
The 36-year-old leads the competition in goals saved, stopping an impressive 91.4 per cent of shots.
Coach Rob Starke has said that Cimie's presence at the back has given the team a chance to win every game.
"Matt is an elite athlete, he's played at a very elite level overseas," Starke said.
"He's obviously brought that talent and experience to our club and gives us an opportunity to win every night."
The hockey veteran has been able to bring an abundance of knowledge over from international leagues, including performances in the NHL second division, Germany, Austria and Slovakia.
The Brave have produced a record-breaking season for most points, most wins and most goals.
These milestones helped Canberra secure the minor premiership and have marked them as clear favourites to go back-to-back.
"We're favourite to win and we're going to play like favourites," Starke said.
Helping achieve the Braves 'front runner' status has been their wealth of overseas experience.
Climie is one of eight imported players and Starke said they have strengthened his roster.
"The imports have been terrific on and off the ice, they've also had a real positive impact on our local players and our up-and-coming young players."
Climie added: "I think anytime you can, you should bring in some good quality imports who have played in good leagues.
"They bring that experience with them to new organisations and they have that influence on the other guys.
"And Australian players can see what it takes to be successful in hockey."
AIHL FINALS
Saturday: Canberra Brave v Sydney Bears at Newcastle, 3pm.
Sunday: Winner of semi-finals to play in the grand final at Newcastle, 3.30pm.
