Melbourne Mustangs

The Melbourne Mustangs was founded in 2010 as the Mustangs Ice Hockey Club (Mustangs IHC).{{cite web | url=https://www.stanleycupofchowder.com/2016/4/15/11439626/chowder-down-under-introducing-the-melbourne-mustangs-aihl | title=Chowder Down Under: Introducing...the Melbourne Mustangs | publisher=stanleycupofchowder.com | date=15 April 2016 | accessdate=1 March 2020 }} The club looked to join the Australian Ice Hockey League in 2011. In preparation foundation club president John Belic held a number of try-out sessions and organised a number of exhibition matches for the Mustangs during the 2010 AIHL season. In May, the Mustangs finalised their first ever roster and selected Shane Hardy to captain the team for the six planned exhibition matches around Australia.{{cite web|url=http://www.melbournemustangs.com.au |title=Melbourne Mustangs News |publisher=Melbourne Musttangs |accessdate=2011-04-15 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110221223438/http://www.melbournemustangs.com.au/news.html |archivedate=21 February 2011 |url-status=live }}

The first match occurred on 5 June 2010 at the Melbourne Icehouse against the visiting Western Thunder. Michael McDowell scored the first ever Mustangs goal in any match, with a blistering top-shelfer from the point for a 1–0 lead in the first period. The match was high scoring, the Thunder led 3–6 at the halfway point but the match ended 7–6 in favour of the Mustangs to give the club their first ever victory.

In the second match on 13 June, the Mustangs proved too good for the young Victorian Tange representative team, defeating them 9–0.

The Mustangs third match at the Icehouse was an international exhibition against Canada's Kelowna. The Mustangs iced 12 players over two lines. Kelowna brought with them 28 players. Unsurprisingly the Mustangs registered their first defeat with Kelowna beating them 7–4 after taking an early 4–0 lead.

The Mustangs then travelled to the Gold Coast to take on their first AIHL opposition, the Gold Coast Blue Tongues at Iceland ice Rink.{{cite web |url=http://www.starsicehockey.com.au/index.php?view=newsfeed&catid=66%3Aaihlteams&id=26-bluetongues&option=com_newsfeeds&Itemid=49 |title=Blue Tongues Playing For 2011 |publisher=Southern Stars Ice Hockey |accessdate=2011-04-15 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110218191622/http://starsicehockey.com.au/index.php?view=newsfeed&catid=66%3Aaihlteams&id=26-bluetongues&option=com_newsfeeds&Itemid=49 |archivedate=18 February 2011 |url-status=live }} In another high scoring affair, the Mustangs defeated the Gold Coast Blue Tongues 9–6. The result provided team management belief in the team's abilities to compete at the highest level in the AIHL. In the second match of the day the Mustangs overcame local side, Gold Coast Grizzlys, 16–2.

Following the conclusion of the 2010 season, The Mustangs applied for and were granted an AIHL licence to join the league in 2011.{{cite web |url=http://www.theaihl.com/leagues/custom_page.cfm?clientid=3856&leagueid=11464&pageid=10074#history |title=History of the Australian Ice Hockey League |publisher=Australian Ice Hockey League |accessdate=2011-04-15 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401163807/http://www.theaihl.com/leagues/custom_page.cfm?clientid=3856&leagueid=11464&pageid=10074#history |archivedate=1 April 2012 |url-status=live }} The AIHL imposed a condition of entry on the Mustangs that prevented them from incorporating 'Melbourne' into their name. The purpose of this condition was to protect the existing Melbourne Ice brand.{{cite web|url=http://hewittsports.com/changes-aplenty-at-aihl-agm/ |title=Changes aplenty at AIHL AGM |publisher=Hewitt Sports Network |first=Andrew |last=Hewitt |accessdate=2012-04-14 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102191532/http://hewittsports.com/?p=658 |archivedate=2 January 2014 |url-status=live }}

The Mustangs appointed Steve Laforet as their inaugural head coach for the 2011 AIHL season.{{cite web | url=https://www.eliteprospects.com/staff/4362/steve-laforet | title=Steve Laforst Staff Profile | publisher=eliteprospects.com | accessdate=1 March 2020 }} Shane Hardy was named the club's first AIHL team captain.{{cite web | url=https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/9137/mustangs-ice-hockey/captaincy-history | title=Melbourne Mustangs - Team Captaincy History | publisher=eliteprospects.com | accessdate=1 March 2020 }} In the lead-up to the 2011 season, the Mustangs took on their new local rivals, the Melbourne Ice, in a warm-up match at Docklands.{{cite web |url=http://www.icehockeyvictoria.org.au/ |title=Mustangs v Melbourne Ice |publisher=Victorian Ice Hockey Association |accessdate=2011-04-15 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110218235626/http://www.icehockeyvictoria.org.au/ |archivedate=18 February 2011 |url-status=dead }} 14 April 2011, the Mustangs took part in the AIHL season opener at the Melbourne Icehouse against the Ice in the first ever AIHL Melbourne derby. The Ice won the match 8–4, condemning the Mustangs to their first ever AIHL defeat.{{cite web | url=https://theaihl.com/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=3856&leagueID=11464&gameID=938169 | title=Ice vs Mustangs AIHL boxscore | publisher=Australian Ice Hockey League | date=14 April 2011 | accessdate=1 March 2020 }} The Mustangs registered their first ever AIHL victory on 16 April 2011, overcoming the Sydney Bears 6–2 at the Penrith Ice Palace.{{cite web | url=https://theaihl.com/leagues/hockey_boxscores.cfm?clientID=3856&leagueID=11464&gameID=938171 | title=Mustangs vs Bears AIHL boxscore | publisher=Australian Ice Hockey League | date=16 April 2011 | accessdate=1 March 2020 }} On 23 June 2011, Laforet announced his resignation as head coach for personal reasons. It was later revealed Laforet was temporarily stood down by the club as a result of an altercation at a game against the Gold Coast Blue Tongues.{{cite web|url=http://hewittsports.com/breaking-laforet-coach-mustangs-2013/ |title=Laforet and Mustangs sever ties |publisher=Hewitt Sports Network |accessdate=2012-12-24 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106113609/http://hewittsports.com/breaking-laforet-coach-mustangs-2013/ |archivedate=6 January 2014 |url-status=live }} Assistant coach, Doug Stevenson, stepped in and took over for the rest of the season.{{cite web | url=https://icelegendsaustralia.com/legends-2/bio_stevenson-d.html | title=Stevenson, Douglas (1962 - ) | publisher=Legends of Australian Ice | first=Ross | last=Carpenter | accessdate=1 March 2020 }} At the end of the regular season, the Mustangs finished sixth in the league standings, ahead of the Canberra Knights and Sydney Bears.{{cite web | url=https://theaihl.com/leagues/standings.cfm?leagueID=11464&clientID=3856 | title=2011 AIHL season Standings | publisher=Australian Ice Hockey League | accessdate=1 March 2020 }}

In 2012, during the off-season before the new season started, the annual AIHL general meeting (AGM) sat and a decision was made to lift the restrictions on the Mustangs from using the geographical word 'Melbourne' from their brand with immediate effect. Four days later the Mustangs announced they had officially changed their brand and name to the Melbourne Mustangs.{{cite web | url=https://theaihl.com/leagues/newsletterarchive.cfm?leagueID=11464&clientID=3856 | title=Mustangs now Melbourne Mustangs | publisher=Australian Ice Hockey League | first=Chris | last=Meister | date=8 November 2011 | accessdate=1 March 2020 }} The Mustangs also appointed experienced Canadian Bill Wilkinson new head coach.{{cite web | url=https://theaihl.com/leagues/newsletterarchive.cfm?leagueID=11464&clientID=3856&page=61287&newsFrom=04/19/2012&newsTo=05/03/2012 | title=Q & A with Mustangs Coach Wilkinson | publisher=Australian Ice Hockey League | first=Christopher | last=Tyler | date=2 May 2012 | accessdate=1 March 2020 }} Ontario-born Wilkinson was a long time NCAA head coach in the US and former Spanish national team head coach.{{cite web | url=https://www.eliteprospects.com/staff/5518/bill-wilkinson | title=Bill Wilkinson Staff Profile | publisher=eliteprospects.com | accessdate=1 March 2020 }} The performances on the ice did not translate with Wilkinson's experience and by mid-season Wilkinson was replaced by the Mustangs assist coach and former head coach, Laforet. Under Laforet, the Mustangs registered five wins from eight matches but it was not enough to lift the team off the bottom of the Easton Conference at season's end.{{cite web | url=https://www.eliteprospects.com/league/aihl/2011-2012 | title=2011-2012 AIHL Standings | publisher=eliteprospects.com | accessdate=1 March 2020 }}

Ahead of the 2013 season it was revealed the Mustangs and Laforet had parted company by mutual termination of Laforet's contract. The Mustangs would have to appoint a new head coach for the third season running. On 12 December 2012 the Melbourne Mustangs announced Brad Vigon as the new head coach of the team for 2013. Brad would be assisted by Ice Hockey Victoria stalwart Mark "Chuck" Connolly, providing the Mustangs a blend of youth and experience on the bench.{{cite web |url=http://www.theaihl.com/leagues/newsletter.cfm?clientID=3856&leagueID=11464&page=66812 |title=New Coach for Mustangs |publisher=Australian Ice Hockey League | first=Andy | last=McDowell | date=23 December 2012 |accessdate=1 March 2020 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140106113143/http://www.theaihl.com/leagues/newsletter.cfm?clientID=3856&leagueID=11464&page=66812 |archivedate=6 January 2014 |url-status=live }} On 7 February 2013 Mustangs CEO Rod Johns revealed the Mustangs had selected a new logo for the team. The Mustangs had completed a comprehensive consultation period with stakeholders, including fans, and selected a logo featuring a redesigned mustang horse, holding an ice hockey stick.{{cite web |url=http://www.theaihl.com/leagues/newsletter.cfm?clientID=3856&leagueID=11464&page=67966 |title=Mustangs New Logo |publisher=Australian Ice Hockey League |first=Hamish |last=Jones |date=2013-02-07 |accessdate=2013-02-10 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130308064652/http://www.theaihl.com/leagues/newsletter.cfm?clientid=3856&leagueid=11464&page=67966 |archivedate=8 March 2013 |url-status=live }} Under the guidance of Vigon and Connolly, the Mustangs enjoyed their best AIHL season yet. The team finished fifth in the league standings, just missing out on finals. It was the Mustangs' highest ever regular season ranking at the time. It was also the first time the Mustangs had won more than ten matches and won more matches than they had lost.{{cite web | url=https://www.eliteprospects.com/league/aihl/2012-2013 | title=2012-2013 AIHL Standings | publisher=eliteprospects.com | accessdate=1 March 2020 }}

2014 proved to be a breakout season for the Mustangs in the AIHL. It was the first season the Mustangs started without a new coach as Brad Vigon stayed on in charge. The 8–3 pre-season exhibition loss to the Melbourne Ice proved to be a poor indicator for the season ahead. The 2014 season ended up a very close season with a number of teams competing for top spot and the H Newman Reid Trophy. The Mustangs for the first time were challenging for the regular season title along with the Ice, CBR Brave and Sydney Ice Dogs. In the end the Mustangs proved too good and clinched the title and H Newman Reid Trophy by finishing three points ahead of the Ice in first place.{{cite web|url=http://icehockeynewsaustralia.com/2014/08/24/2014-aihl-season-round-20/ |title=2014 AIHL Season: Round 20 |publisher=Ice Hockey News Australia |date=24 August 2014 |accessdate=6 September 2014 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021232313/http://icehockeynewsaustralia.com/2014/08/24/2014-aihl-season-round-20/ |archivedate=21 October 2014 |url-status=live }} It was the Mustangs' very first title and trophy and it qualified them for their first appearance at the AIHL finals weekend the following week. On 30 August 2014, the Mustangs faced the Sydney Ice Dogs at a packed Icehouse for semi-final one. In a hard-fought match that swung one way and then the other, the Mustangs prevailed, 6–4, to clinch a maiden Goodall Cup final birth. Gibbs-Sjödin and Bourke both scored twice and set up two other goals with Gibbs-Sjödin named first star of the match.{{cite web | url=https://theaihl.com/leagues/newsletterarchive.cfm?leagueID=11464&clientID=3856 | title=Mustangs claim first Grand Final spot | publisher=Australian Ice Hockey League | first=Ellanor | last=Pavlovich | date=30 August 2014 | accessdate=1 March 2020 }} The Ice won semi-final two, which set up a derby for the final. Both head coaches agreed the derby final would have a significant positive effect on the sport and the league in Australia.{{cite web | url=https://theaihl.com/leagues/newsletterarchive.cfm?leagueID=11464&clientID=3856 | title=Ice-Mustangs rivalry to go to the next level in Grand Final clash | publisher=Australian Ice Hockey League | first=Tina | last=Girdler | date=30 August 2014 | accessdate=1 March 2020 }} Derby form leading into the Goodal Cup final was with the Ice, who despite finishing behind the Mustangs in the final standings in the regular season, had continued to dominate the derby head-to-head, winning three of four matches in 2014.{{cite web | url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/australian-ice-hockey-league-grand-final-to-feature-melbourne-mustangs-and-melbourne-ice-20140831-10aj5h.html | title=Australian Ice Hockey League grand final to feature Melbourne Mustangs and Melbourne Ice | work=Sydney Morning Herald | first=Will | last=Brodie | date=31 August 2014 | accessdate=1 March 2020 }} The Mustangs showed why form guides don't tell the final story in the final. In front of 2,000 people, the Mustangs put on a master-class display to run out 6–1 victors over the Ice.{{cite web|url=http://www.theaihl.com/leagues/newsletterarchive.cfm?clientid=3856&leagueid=11464&page=81756 |title=Ruthless Mustangs snatch maiden Goodall Cup |first=Tyler |last=Cameron |publisher=Australian Ice Hockey League |date=31 August 2014 |accessdate=6 September 2014 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009072744/http://www.theaihl.com/leagues/newsletterarchive.cfm?clientid=3856&leagueid=11464&page=81756 |archivedate=9 October 2014 |url-status=live }} Viktor Gibbs-Sjodin led the way for the Mustangs with a hat trick of goals to his name, while goaltender Fraser Carson made 29 saves in the match. Gibbs-Sjodin was named finals MVP after the match and the Mustangs claimed their maiden AIHL championship and Goodall Cup.{{cite web | url=http://webarchive.iihf.com/home-of-hockey/news/news-singleview/?tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=9087&cHash=de9bcb76ebc4fbf1a2448614707eb8ba | title=Mustangs stampede to title | publisher=International Ice Hockey Federation | first=Trevor | last=Allen | date=1 September 2014 | accessdate=1 March 2020 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.theaihl.com/leagues/newsletterarchive.cfm?clientid=3856&leagueid=11464&page=81757 |title=Gibbs Sjödin MVP of AIHL Finals |publisher=Australian Ice Hockey League |first=Tina |last=Girdler |date=1 September 2014 |accessdate=6 September 2014 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009065358/http://www.theaihl.com/leagues/newsletterarchive.cfm?clientid=3856&leagueid=11464&page=81757 |archivedate=9 October 2014 |url-status=live }}

In 2015, the Mustangs could not repeat their previous season's successes and the team finished sixth in the league and missed out on finals.{{cite web | url=https://www.eliteprospects.com/league/aihl/2014-2015 | title=2014-2015 AIHL Standings | publisher=eliteprospects.com | accessdate=1 March 2020 }} In November, Brad Vigon announced his resignation from the head coaching role at the Mustangs with immediate effect as he felt the competing commitments between the team and his family was too great. He expressed his gratitude to the Mustangs organisation and advised he would still be seen around the rink in the future.{{cite web | url=http://mustangs.theaihl.com/leagues/newsletterarchive.cfm?clientid=6099&leagueid=25386&page=91544 | title=Brad Vigon Resigns as Mustangs Head Coach | publisher=Melbourne Mustangs | date=10 November 2015 | accessdate=1 March 2020 }} A couple of weeks later, Vigon was named new head coach of the Australian national team (The Mightyroos) by Ice Hockey Australia.{{cite web | url=http://www.iha.org.au/vigon-named-coach-of-senior-mighty-roos/ | title=Vigon named coach of senior Mighty Roos | publisher=Ice Hockey Australia | date=30 November 2015 | accessdate=1 March 2020 }}

For season 2016, the Melbourne Mustangs announced Vigon's replacement on 21 December 2015. Former assistant coach, Michael Flaherty, was appointed the Mustangs new head coach. Flaherty had been Vigon's assistant in 2015 and had previously held roles in state teams and in the AJIHL.{{cite web|url=http://mustangs.theaihl.com/leagues/newsletterarchive.cfm?clientID=6099&leagueID=25386&page=92630 |title=MOAT: Melbourne Mustangs Make Changes for 2016 |publisher=Melbourne Mustangs |date=21 December 2015 |accessdate=27 March 2016 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408031904/http://mustangs.theaihl.com/leagues/newsletterarchive.cfm?clientID=6099&leagueID=25386&page=92630 |archivedate=8 April 2016 |url-status=live }} The Mustangs finished the 2016 season in fifth place. In 2017, the team improved their overall position and finished fourth, qualifying for finals for the second time in franchise history. The Mustangs faced familiar opponents in the semi-finals, with the team drawn against the Melbourne Ice. The Ice had set a new league record for most points in the regular season so the Mustangs headed into the match as underdogs. The Ice took an early lead and by the end of the second period the Mustangs trailed by two goals. Mitch Humphries and Finnish import Anton Kokkonen led the Mustangs resurgence in the third period, both getting on the score sheet, but Ice forward Sebastian Ottosson scored an empty netter near the end of the match to claim the victory for the Ice. The Mustangs were eliminated.{{cite web | url=https://theaihl.com/leagues/newsletterarchive.cfm?leagueID=11464&clientID=3856 | title=Melbourne Ice first through to AIHL Grand Final | publisher=Australian Ice Hockey League | first=Bernard | last=McNamara | date=2 September 2017 | accessdate=1 March 2020 }}

In 2018, the Mustangs welcomed a new head coach after Flaherty stepped-down from the position.{{cite web | url=http://mustangs.theaihl.com/leagues/newsletterarchive.cfm?clientid=6099&leagueid=25386&page=102106 | title=Mustangs Take New Direction for 2018 | publisher=Melbourne Mustangs | date=2017-11-14 | accessdate=2018-02-02 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180202142223/http://mustangs.theaihl.com/leagues/newsletterarchive.cfm?clientid=6099&leagueid=25386&page=102106 |archivedate=2018-02-02 |url-status=live}} French Canadian, Maxime Langelier-Parent took over the role in addition to his playing commitments with the team.{{cite web | url=http://mustangs.theaihl.com/leagues/newsletterarchive.cfm?clientid=6099&leagueid=25386&page=102312 | title=New Coach Announced | publisher=Melbourne Mustangs | date=2017-11-28 | accessdate=2018-02-02 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180202141726/http://mustangs.theaihl.com/leagues/newsletterarchive.cfm?clientid=6099&leagueid=25386&page=102312 |archivedate=2018-02-02 |url-status=live}} The Mustangs backed up their 2017 performance and again finished fourth in the league standings and qualified for the AIHL finals.{{cite web | url=https://theaihl.com/leagues/newsletterarchive.cfm?leagueID=11464&clientID=3856 | title=Thunder Complete Classic Comeback Win | publisher=Australian Ice Hockey League | first=Lucas | last=Miles | date=26 August 2018 | accessdate=1 March 2020 }} It was the first time the Mustangs had qualified for finals two seasons in a row. The Mustangs came up against the CBR Brave in the semi-finals in 2018. Brett Ferguson scored for the Mustangs in the second period but that was the only highlight for the team in a match otherwise dominated by the Brave. The Mustangs ended up going down to the eventual champions, Brave, 1–5 to again repeat 2017 and get eliminated at the same semi-final stage.{{cite web | url=https://www.iihf.com/en/news/4592/first-goodall-cup-for-brave | title=First Goodall Cup for Brave | publisher=International Ice Hockey Federation | first=Trevor | last=Allen | date=3 September 2018 | accessdate=1 March 2020 }}

In 2019, the Mustangs reached an agreement and signed a memoriam of understanding (MOU) with tier 2 women's team, Melbourne Chargers. The agreement sees resources and knowledge shared across the two organisations in the effort to grow the sport of ice hockey for both men and women.{{cite web | url=http://mustangs.theaihl.com/leagues/newsletter.cfm?clientid=6099&leagueid=25386 | title=Mustang Annual General Meeting | publisher=Melbourne Mustangs | date=5 February 2019 | accessdate=1 March 2020 }} One of the goals of the partnership is to help develop the Chargers into a position to apply for a licence to the top level of women's hockey in Australia, the Australian Women's Ice Hockey League (AWIHL).{{cite web | url=http://changeourgame.vic.gov.au/leadership-centre/breaking-the-ice2 | title=Breaking the Ice | publisher=Government of Victoria | accessdate=1 March 2020 }}

Since 2017, the Mustangs have hosted an annual Pride Round in support of the LGBTQIA+ community. President John Belic has stated: "Sport is such a massive part of my life and that of our family and forms the very fabric of many of our social interactions. I would hate to think what life would be like if we could not participate because of fear, discrimination or ridicule. The Melbourne Mustangs Ice Hockey Club firmly believes in equality, fairness and inclusion for all. Our annual Pride game showcases the club’s commitment to these values.{{cite web | last=Macdougall | first=Andrew | title=Melbourne Mustangs continue inclusivity with return of Pride game | website=The Inner Sanctum | date=5 August 2022 | url=https://www.theinnersanctum.com.au/melbourne-mustangs-continue-inclusivity-with-return-of-pride-game/ | access-date=8 March 2024}}

:¹ 2010 exhibition record: 6 games, 4 wins, 1 loss, 45 goals scored, 21 goals conceded. Details of one game is unknown.

• Goodall Cup

:{{gold1}} :Champions (2): 2014, 2023

• H Newman Reid Trophy (replaced the V.I.P. Cup)

:{{gold1}} :Premiers (1): 2014

• Hellyer Conference Cup

:{{silver2}} :Runners-up (1): 2023

Team roster for the 2024 AIHL season.{{cite web | url=https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/9137/melbourne-mustangs | title=2024 Melbourne Mustangs Team Roster | publisher=Elite Prospects | access-date=22 April 2024 }}{{cite web | url=https://icehockeynewsaustralia.com/2024/04/07/melbourne-mustangs-2024-roster/| title=Melbourne Mustangs 2024 roster | publisher=icehockeynewsaustralia.com | date=7 April 2024 | access-date=22 April 2024 }}{{cite web | url=https://www.theaihl.com/leagues/stats_1team.cfm?clientID=3856&teamID=525020&leagueID=11464&printPage=1 | title=Melbourne Mustangs Roster | publisher=Australian Ice Hockey League | accessdate=22 April 2024 }}

{{Melbourne Mustangs roster}}

{{see also|List of Melbourne Mustangs players}}

These are the top-ten all-time player records in franchise history for the following categories: Apperiences,{{cite web | url=https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/9137/melbourne-mustangs/stats/all-time?sort=gp | title= Melbourne Mustangs - All Time Regular Season Player Stats - GP | publisher=eliteprospects.com | accessdate=28 February 2020 }} goals,{{cite web | url=https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/9137/melbourne-mustangs/stats/all-time?sort=g | title=Melbourne Mustangs - All Time Regular Season Player Stats - G | publisher=eliteprospects.com | accessdate=28 February 2020 }} assists,{{cite web | url=https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/9137/melbourne-mustangs/stats/all-time?sort=a | title=Melbourne Mustangs - All Time Regular Season Player Stats - A | publisher=eliteprospects.com | accessdate=28 February 2020 }} points{{cite web | url=https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/9137/melbourne-mustangs/stats/all-time?sort=tp | title=Melbourne Mustangs - All Time Regular Season Player Stats - TP | publisher=eliteprospects.com | accessdate=28 February 2020 }} and penalty minutes{{cite web | url=https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/9137/melbourne-mustangs/stats/all-time?sort=pim | title=Melbourne Mustangs - All Time Regular Season Player Stats - PIM | publisher=eliteprospects.com | accessdate=28 February 2020 }}

Current as of 2019 AIHL season

(Figures are updated after each completed AIHL regular season)

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Current as of 2024 AIHL season{{cite web | url = https://mustangs.theaihl.com/leagues/personnel.cfm?clientID=6099&leagueID=25386&teamID=595782 | title = Melbourne Mustangs Personnel | publisher=Melbourne Mustangs | accessdate = 2024-04-22 }}{{cite web | url = https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/9137/melbourne-mustangs | title = Melbourne Mustangs Team Staff | publisher=eliteprospects.com | accessdate = 27 February 2020 }}

The Melbourne Mustangs have had a total of six captains in the team's history.{{cite web | url=https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/9137/melbourne-mustangs/captaincy-history | title=Melbourne Mustangs - Team Captaincy History | publisher=eliteprospects.com | accessdate=3 July 2022 }} The Mustangs first captain in their 2010 exhibition year and inaugural AIHL season in 2011 was Shane Hardy.

References:

{{details|topic=team captains in ice hockey|Captain (ice hockey)}}

The Melbourne Mustangs have had a total of eleven head coaches in the team's history.{{cite web | url=https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/9137/melbourne-mustangs/team-staff-history | title=Melbourne Mustangs - Team Staff History | publisher=eliteprospects.com | access-date=3 July 2022 }} Steve Laforet was the first head coach appointed by the Melbourne Mustangs for the AIHL in their inaugural season in 2011.{{cite web | title = Mustangs Ice Hockey | url = http://www.eliteprospects.com/team.php?team=9137&year0=2011 | accessdate =21 March 2016 }}

References:{{cite web | url=https://icehockeynewsaustralia.com/2021/05/04/mustangs-appoint-zanlunghi-as-head-coach/ | title=Mustangs appoint Zanlunghi as head coach | publisher=icehockeynewsaustralia.com | date=4 May 2021 | accessdate=3 July 2022 }}{{cite web | url=https://icehockeynewsaustralia.com/2022/04/26/melbourne-mustangs-appoint-chris-lawrence-as-head-coach/ | title=Melbourne Mustangs appoint Chris Lawrence as head coach | publisher=icehockeynewsaustralia.com | date=26 May 2022 | accessdate=3 July 2022 }}{{cite web|url=https://icehockeynewsaustralia.com/2023/02/10/melbourne-mustangs-appoint-pat-mcmahon-as-head-coach/ |title=Melbourne Mustangs appoint Pat McMahon as head coach |publisher=icehockeynewsaustralia.com |first=Lee |last=Collins |date=10 February 2023 |accessdate=20 August 2023 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230806153657/https://icehockeynewsaustralia.com/2023/07/01/patrick-mcmahon-leaves-the-melbourne-mustangs/ |archivedate=6 August 2023 |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://icehockeynewsaustralia.com/2023/07/01/patrick-mcmahon-leaves-the-melbourne-mustangs/ |title=Patrick McMahon leaves the Melbourne Mustangs |publisher=icehockeynewsaustralia.com |first=Lee |last=Collins |date=1 July 2023 |accessdate=20 August 2023 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320033727/https://icehockeynewsaustralia.com/2023/02/10/melbourne-mustangs-appoint-pat-mcmahon-as-head-coach/ |archivedate=20 March 2023 |url-status=live }}

{{details|topic=head coaches in ice hockey|Coach (ice hockey)}}

File:Melbourne Mustangs 10th Anniversary logo.png

{{Color box|Black|border=darkgray}} {{Color box|#fc6902|border=darkgray}} {{Color box|#white|border=darkgray}}

The Mustangs have kept the same colours since foundation in 2010. Orange, black and white are the three primary colours the club uses for their identity. The colours are used in all aspects of the club including: uniforms, supporter merchandise, official media and digital production.

The Mustangs have gone through one major re-brand to its name since it was founded in 2010. In 2012 the AIHL lifted a restriction on the word 'Melbourne' that enabled the Mustangs to change its name from Mustangs Ice Hockey Club to Melbourne Mustangs Ice Hockey Club. The club updated their logo to match the new name but it was not until 2013 when the club presented a fully updated logo to signify their new identity.

File:Henke Rink..JPG

Since inception in 2010, the Mustangs have been based out of the Melbourne Icehouse, located in the Docklands precinct of Melbourne. They have played all home matches in their AIHL history (2011 onwards) at the Icehouse. They share the facility with rivals, the Melbourne Ice.{{cite web | url=https://obrienicehouse.com.au/parties-and-events/aihl/ | title=AIHL | publisher=O'Brien Icehouse | accessdate=1 March 2020 }} The Icehouse is the premier ice facility in Australia since it was built in 2010. The arena cost $58 million to build and is the only twin ice-sheet facility in Australia.[http://www.sport.vic.gov.au/web9/dvcsrv.nsf/allDocs/RWPB12843FA4F86E9B9CA2571B6002C718E?OpenDocument National Ice Sports Centre] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091017022003/http://www.sport.vic.gov.au/web9/dvcsrv.nsf/allDocs/RWPB12843FA4F86E9B9CA2571B6002C718E?OpenDocument |date=17 October 2009 }} – Department of Planning and Community Development, Government of Victoria. Retrieved 2010-04-01 The rink where ice hockey is played on is named the Henke Rink, in honour of Geoffrey Henke AO.[http://www.icehouse.com.au/home/news/latest-news/official-naming-of-the-henke-rink Official naming of the Henke Rink] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100418015511/http://www.icehouse.com.au/home/news/latest-news/official-naming-of-the-henke-rink |date=18 April 2010 }} – National Ice Sports Centre, 2009-12-09. Retrieved 2010-04-01 The Icehouse has an Olympic sized ice surface, café, bar, specialist winter sports gym, pro shop, corporate boxes and seating for 1,000 spectators as well as room for additional 500 standing attendance on match days.{{cite web | url = https://www.smh.com.au/sport/ice-hockey-shoots-and-scores-20110831-1jkxj.html | title = Ice hockey shoots, and scores | work=The Sydney Morning Herald | first=Will | last=Brodie | date=2011-09-04 | accessdate = 2018-09-10 }}{{cite web | url=https://obrienicehouse.com.au/facilities/ | title=Facilities | publisher=O'Brien Icehouse | accessdate=1 March 2020 }}

Melbourne Ice

The Mustangs main rival is the Melbourne Ice. The two may share the same home venue but the Melbourne derby has developed into one of the big fixtures in the AIHL each season over the past ten years. The derbies are regular sell out matches during the regular season and are known to be heavily physical affairs with high numbers of penalties minutes.{{cite web | url=https://theaihl.com/leagues/newsletterarchive.cfm?leagueID=11464&clientID=3856&page=79562&newsFrom=04/18/2014&newsTo=05/02/2014 | title=Melbourne Derby: A History | publisher=Australian Ice Hockey League | first=Anbdrew | last=McMurtry | date=18 April 2014 | accessdate=1 March 2020 }} There have been two Melbourne derby matches in AIHL finals history, including one Goodall Cup final. The Mustangs and Ice share the spoils in these matches with one win apiece.

Current:

• AIHL.TV (2023–present) – Worldwide paid subscription-based online video broadcasting published by the AIHL in partnership with the Clutch.TV platform using local production companies at each team’s rink. The service went live in April 2023, and would cover every AIHL regular season and finals games live and on demand.{{cite web|url= https://www.theaihl.com/leagues/newsletter.cfm?clientID=3856&leagueID=11464&page=113983 |title= AIHL.TV Launched |publisher=Australian Ice Hockey League |date=5 April 2023 |accessdate=16 June 2023 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616021004/https://www.theaihl.com/leagues/newsletter.cfm?clientID=3856&leagueID=11464&page=113983 |archivedate=16 June 2023 |url-status=live }}
• Sportradar (2022 - present) – International online video broadcasting in North America and Europe as part of a league-wide 3-year deal signed in March 2022 in the lead up to the 2022 AIHL season.{{cite web | url=https://icehockeynewsaustralia.com/2022/03/24/aihl-partners-with-sportradar/ | title=AIHL partners with Sportradar | publisher=icehockeynewsaustralia.com | date=24 March 2022 | accessdate=30 March 2022 }}

Former:

• Kayo Sports (2022) – Domestic online video broadcasting in Australia as part of the league wide deal struck in the lead up to the 2022 AIHL season to show every AIHL game live in 2022.{{cite web | url=https://www.theaihl.com/leagues/newsletter.cfm?clientID=3856&leagueID=11464&page=112263 | title=2022 season - locked, loaded and ready to play | publisher=Australian Ice Hockey League | date=12 February 2022 | accessdate=20 March 2022 }}
• Fox Sports (2013 – 2019) – Part of the entire AIHL domestic TV broadcasting deal with Fox Sports to show one game a round, normally on Thursday's at 4:30 pm or after NHL games during NHL season.{{cite web | url = http://www.smh.com.au/sport/ice-hockey-gets-pay-tv-boost-20130417-2hze1.html | title = Ice hockey gets pay TV boost | work=The Sydney Morning Herald | first=Will | last=Brodie | date=2013-04-17 | access-date = 2015-04-18 }}
• YouTube (2017 - 2019) - Between 2017 and 2019 the Melbourne Mustangs home games where live streamed from the Iceohouse in Melbourne on the YouTube platform through ATC Productions. The broadcast was called "AIHL TV" and was a partnership between ATC Productions, the AIHL, Melbourne Mustangs and Melbourne Ice. All matches are also available on-demand.{{cite web | url = https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQdGGQA6tSLIBXgpcEcUm3Q | title = AIHL TV | publisher=Australia Ice Hockey League | accessdate = 2018-05-09 }}

{{reflist}}

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• [http://www.melbournemustangs.com.au/ Melbourne Mustangs Official Website]
• [https://www.facebook.com/mustangsicehockey Melbourne Mustangs Official Facebook]
• [https://twitter.com/mustangs_hockey Melbourne Mustangs Official Twitter]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20070418172352/http://www.theaihl.com.au/ AIHL Official Website]

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Category:Australian Ice Hockey League teams

Category:Sports clubs and teams in Melbourne

Category:Ice hockey teams in Australia

Category:Ice hockey clubs established in 2010

Category:2010 establishments in Australia

Category:Sport in the City of Melbourne (LGA)