talent. On 25 April 2016, The Brave started the 2016 season on a winning note with a big round one victory over the Sydney Ice Dogs. Big saves and bodies on the line was on show to the packed Brave Cave as the CBR ran out 5-2 victors with goals to new imports Wudrick, Brandi and Prokop (x2) as well as AIHL rookie Casey Kubara. Brave's head coach, Josh Unice, reserved special praise for former Adelaide youngster and new Brave recruit, Zach Boyle, for his defensive displays on his debut for the team. On 17 August 2016, In a shock announcement just a week out from the AIHL Finals weekend The CBR Brave management released a media statement detailing the bombshell sudden departure of Josh Unice from the head coaching position at the club on the grounds of 'personal reasons'. Brave director, Warren Apps, indicated management would promote ex-player and current assistant coach Art Bidlevskii to the role of interim head coach for the remainder of the season. On 20 August 2016, The CBR Brave finished the season in fourth place after a surprise 6–4 loss to last placed Sydney Ice Dogs in Liverpool, Sydney. The result still meant the Brave qualified for the AIHL Finals but meant a semi-final match-up against league premiers Melbourne Ice awaited them. On 27 August 2016, CBR Brave won their first AIHL Finals weekend semi-final at the third attempt. The Brave beat the Melbourne Ice 4–3 in overtime. The winning goal was scored by Jan Safar as the defenceman re-entered the ice from the penalty box to give the Brave a breakaway. The match went to overtime after the Ice scored a bizarre goal with a minute left in the third period. Lasse Lassen took a shot that seemed to hit the bar and bounce away. Play continued for forty seconds before the referees conferred and decided the puck had in fact crossed the line and duly awarded Melbourne Ice the equalising goal. On 28 August 2016, CBR Brave contested their first Goodall Cup Final in the club's three-year history. The Brave went up against rivals Newcastle North Stars in the final who had knocked out Perth Thunder in the other semi-final in overtime. The Brave found themselves 2-0 down in the second period after a slow start but early in the third period Wudrick pounced to reduce the margin to one goal and