Darwin Social Ice Hockey challenge Calgary Flames to a match at Mindil Beach

THE Darwin Social Ice Hockey Team are the only people in the Top End who are praying for a hot day.

THE Darwin Social Ice Hockey Team are the only people in the Top End who are praying for a hot day.

The world champions* have challenged A-grade Canadian side Calgary Flames to a match on Darwin's home rink at Mindil Beach today.

And in the Darwin tradition, if there is no ice, and Flames fail to show, it's deemed another default win for Darwin. But a win is a win.

Captain/coach Beat Erismann said: "I'm unsure about the quality of the ice - it's a bit humid".

"About two months ago we sent them an email, telling them the match was at 11am," Mr Erismann said when asked how the game came about.

Darwin Social Ice Hockey Team

Did they respond?

"No," he said.

But he's hoping for a healthy turnout of supporters.

"I sold some front-row tickets last night for $50," he said.

The NT News was lucky to fit an interview and photo shoot into the 15-strong team's strict training regime.

"We'll have a lot of Vegemite and VB for breakfast for strength," he said.

"We just play our game.

"We come strong over the wings.

Darwin Social Ice Hockey

"I think they'll play like last time."

This will be the second time the giants of world ice hockey have faced each other.

"Twenty years ago we absolutely thrashed Calgary Flames," Mr Erismann said.

"It was 20-something to one.

"It was disgusting.

"But they have improved a lot and they're halfway up the A-Grade ladder - but they're not the top team.

"We thought we'd give them a go.

"They're scared they'll never forget that 20-1 defeat."

The team will retire to the Precinct Bar for a debrief at noon.

*No team has ever beaten the Darwin Social Ice Hockey Team. Or showed up to play them on Mindil Beach. Thus they are unbeaten world champions.