The Team
Ron Kuprowsky (Head Coach)
Ron joins the Rhinos in 2024 after coaching in the AIHL for over a decade. In that time he has coached the Sydney Bears and the Sydney Ice Dogs to victorious Goodall Cup Championships. Ron was also AIHL Coach of the Year in 2018 and Coached the 2019 AIHL All-Star team. Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada he has years of experience playing and coaching at a Senior level. Ron also played for the Rhinos back in 2005 and has played for the Australian Senior National Team.
Justin Vienneau (Assistant Coach)
Justin is the defense coach and will provide a abundance of experience and guidance to the Rhinos. Justin was a NHL draft pick to the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2004 and has played for many teams throughout his playing career including the AHL.
Born in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada he has played in Canada, America, France and in Australia. Justin brings with him a wealth of experience through his playing days and will be assisting the coaching staff in 2024.
Samuel Hou Gustafsson
Samuel is from Sweden and will be joining the Rhinos this season. Samuel has played in Sweden for many years and this season played in France for Courchevel-Méribel-Pralognan in the FFHG Division 2 team. He is a 24 year old, 6 foot defenseman.
Having played his junior years on the Allsvenskan and Super Elite teams the Rhinos will look to him for strong defense and leadership on the club this season. Please welcome Samuel to the club in 2024.
Bert Malloy
Robert (Bert) Malloy is Captain of the Rhinos again in 2024. Originally from Connecticut USA and a three time winner of the Goodall Cup, Bert brings extensive experience to the Rhinos. Photo is courtesy of Jess Fuller Photography.
Anand Oberoi
Anand is from Kanata, Ontario, Canada and has had several seasons in net in University hockey as well as experience in the OHL with the Erie Otters. We thank Anand for his decision to come to Australia and look forward to seeing him in the Rhinos jersey.
David-James Jeremy
DJ will be rejoining the Rhinos again in 2024. DJ had a great season last year with the Rhinos and we are looking forward to seeing him again this season.
Xander Wardlaw
Alexander (Xander) rejoins the Rhinos again for 2024. Xander was last years leading local scorer for the Rhinos. Xander has come off a successful season with the Edinburgh Capitals of the Scottish National League.
Aziz Baazzi
Aziz joins the Rhinos for 2024. This highly skilled import defenceman has many years experience in the Magnus league in France as well as several years representing France at a International Level
Andrew Smardon
Canadian Andrew Smardon has joined the Rhinos for 2024. Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, adding strength and agility to the Rhinos core this season. He has previous AIHL experience with the Northstars in 2023