Canberra Brave boosted by AIHL's 'Return to Play' plans

The AIHL has formed a 'Return to Play' committee to discuss potential starting dates and competition formats, with Brave general manager Sunny Singh to represent the club.

The 2020 season was postponed indefinitely in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic but with decreasing infection rates and easing of restrictions, the league is confident some ice hockey can be played this year,

It's likely a shortened season will take place in September or October, pending on government approval and whether crowds can attend.

One scenario under consideration includes having a tournament-like format, where teams meet in hub locations for games.

Brave boss Dan Amodio is confident a revamped competition will go ahead, but says their plans will be determined by the size of potential crowds.

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"There's a lot of energy for hockey and when you have a lot of energy like that, it's usually a sign of good things to come. We've just gotta get through the obvious challenges first," Amodio said.

"A lot has to be determined by what crowds, if any, are available to have games.

"We don't have any broadcast deals that allow us to play behind closed doors. In able to make the finances work we would need crowds, in this case the league is shopping a scenario where it's a sponsored event that includes broadcast rights to whatever tournament is involved.

"There might be an exception to that rule and whether they can get it off the ground."

It's expected the season will go ahead with only Australian-based players given the strict travel restrictions and quarantine measures in place across the globe.

The competition's delay could also deter imports who come to Australia for their off-season from playing, with American and European leagues usually scheduled to start in Spring.

"We expect it would be all Australian players, or players that are currently here, unless something very drastic happens in the next couple of months," Amodio said.

"It's great for an international sport like ours to allow Australians to really flex their muscles and show what they can do on the big stage. That's a great silver lining for it.

"The teams would be smaller in size but there's enough local talent around Australia, especially for us.

"We're looking forward to that because we have an extremely strong crop of Australian players. Whatever the tournament looks like, including with all domestic players, we're in a great spot to do well."

Phillip Ice Skating Centre has taken advantage of the enforced break and has done maintenance on the rink's surface, ensuring it'll be in tip-top shape for the Brave's return.

The Brave squad has been keeping up with general fitness in the meantime and will start gym training as facilities start opening up.