Saturday August 6^th as the Ice Dogs take on the Adelaide Adrenaline you will find your Ice Dogs wearing a different strip when they take to the ice.  They will be donning the old Warringah Bombers jersey in a special edition strip that will all have “CLARK” on the back.  Matt Clark used to play for the Bombers and the Under 18’s National Team until he sadly passed away due to Leukaemia in 1995.

Proceeds from the game will go towards raising money for Leukaemia research.

The Bombers not only lost their Ice Rink back then, they also lost one of their best up and coming players Matt Clark. “We approached the Bombers about paying tribute to one of Australia’s storied Ice Hockey clubs, and immediately they wanted to do something bigger and that was raising money for the Leukaemia Foundation and paying tribute to Matt Clark” explains President Chris Blagg.

Matt was a football player, representing his club, his school and his state.  When Corey, his younger brother started to play ice hockey Matt decided to give it a go.  He joined the Bombers in 1991, aged 14.  He progressed so fast that in 1992 after just 18 months on the ice he was assistant coach to Ronald Mann in the Australian Ice Hockey Development Council Skills School at Narrabeen Ice Rink.

After just 2 seasons on the ice at 16 Matt was a Midget and was chosen to represent Australia in the "10th Asia-Oceania Junior Ice Hockey Championships" held in Seoul, Korea.  This team for the first time in Australian history brought home the "Fair Play" Cup.

He was also a representative in the Australian U18 Ice Hockey Championships held in Adelaide for the Tange Cup in Oct 1993.  And again chosen to represent Australia in the 1994 Asian-Oceania Junior Ice Hockey Championships held in Beijing, China.  It was only a few months later his illness was diagnosed.

Matt's last wish was that his friends and family find a way to raise money for leukaemia research.  The Bombers used to hold Matt Clark Memorial Games from 1995 to 2001 and contest for the Matt Clark Shield.  The Sydney Ice Dogs will be playing for the Matt Clark Shield August 6^th against the Adelaide Adrenaline at the LCC Sports Complex in Liverpool. 

“My brother Todd and I played our first ever game at the Narrabeen ice rink in 1995. It was a shame to see that rink go, but what is amazing is how great the ice hockey community is where we can connect with a club like the Bombers for a good cause” says Captain Scott Stephenson.

Proceeds from tickets will be donated to the Leukaemia Foundation so grab the family and come along to support a worthy cause.  There is also an after function at the Long Reef Surf Club as well as sponsorship packages if you wish to help even further.  If interested email operations@icedogs.com.au or message the Sydney Ice Dogs on Facebook.