This season in the NZIHL, we’ve witnessed an influx of young, upcoming players who are showcasing their skills and making a mark in the league. These players, all under 20, have demonstrated exceptional talent and promise, both at home in New Zealand and on international stages. Let’s take a closer look at some of these rising stars.

Photo Credit: Chenzo – Markus MacDonald Game: Botany Swarm vs Skycity Stampede

Markus MacDonald – Botany Swarm

At just 17 years old, Markus MacDonald has already shown significant potential. In the NZIHL, Markus has played 25 games, and this season, he has played 16 games—scoring 3 goals and 4 assists for a total of 7 points. His international experience includes impressive performances in the WJC-18 and WJC-20 tournaments, where he has consistently contributed to his teams. As a right-handed shooter, Markus’s agility and skill make him a player to watch in the coming seasons.

Auckland Mako (NZIHL2): 2022-23 – 4 games, 3 goals, 1 assists, 4 points, 0 PIM, -2 +/-
NZIHL (Botany Swarm) 2022-23 – 11 games, 0 goals, 0 assists, 0 points, 0 PIM, 4 +/-
New Zealand U18 (WJC-18 D3B) 2022-23 – 3 games, 3 goal, 1 assist, 4 points, 1 +/-
Auckland Mako (NZIHL2): 2023-24 – 6 games, 2 goal, 2 assists, 4 point, -8 +/-
NZIHL (Botany Swarm) 2023-24 – 16 games, 3 goals, 4 assists, 7 points, 7 +/-

New Zealand U18 (WJC-20 D3A) 2023-24: 5 games, 2 goals, 2 assists, 4 points, -3 +/-
New Zealand U20 (WJC-20 D3A) 2023-24: 5 games, 0 goals, 4 assists, 4 points, 1 +/-

William Bary – Phoenix Thunder

Another promising forward, William Bary, also 17, has made a notable impact in his time with the Auckland Mako and Phoenix Thunder. Standing at 185 cm and weighing 77 kg, William has shown his versatility and strength on the ice. In the NZIHL, he has played 12 games, scoring 3 goals and 1 assist. His experience with the New Zealand U18 team at the WJC-18 further highlights his growing reputation as a reliable player. With a projected total of 14 games, 4 goals, and 1 assist in the NZIHL, William is poised for a bright future.

Auckland Mako (NZIHL2): 2022-23 – 2 games, 0 goals, 1 assist, 1 point, -1 +/-
Auckland Mako (NZIHL2): 2023-24 – 3 games, 0 goals, 0 assists, 0 points, -5 +/-
NZIHL (Phoenix Thunder): 2023-24 – 13 games, 3 goals, 1 assist, 4 points, -3 +/-
New Zealand U18 (WJC-18 D3A): 5 games, 1 goal, 1 assist, 2 points, 1 +/-

Ollie Ruski-Jones – Skycity Stampede

Ollie Ruski-Jones, making this list following his brother Axel in last years report. Ollie, a defenseman standing at 187 cm and weighing 77 kg, has demonstrated his defensive prowess both in New Zealand and internationally. At 17, Ollie has played for the Ontario Hockey Academy U17 team, as well as the Skycity Stampede and Auckland Mako in the NZIHL. His performances in the WJC-18 and various league games showcase his ability to hold the line and support his team effectively. Ollie’s height and left-handed shot make him a formidable presence on the ice.

Ontario Hockey Academy U17 (CSSHLE U17): 8 games, 0 goals, 0 assists, 0 points, –
Ontario Hockey Academy U17 (ECEL 16U): 8 games, 0 goals, 0 assists, 0 points, 2 PIM, –
New Zealand U18 (WJC-18 D3A): 4 games, 0 goals, 2 assists, 2 points, -2 +/-
NZIHL (Skycity Stampede): 10 games, 1 goal, 1 assist, 2 points, 2 +/-
Auckland Mako (NZIHL2): 2023-24 – 2 games, 0 goals, 0 assists, 0 points, -6 +/-

Sebastian Chamberlin – West Auckland Admirals

At 18 years old, defenseman Sebastian Chamberlin has already accumulated valuable experience in the NZIHL. Standing at 183 cm and weighing 90 kg, Sebastian has played for the Auckland Mako and West Auckland Admirals. Growing in confidence, he has managed to contribute to his teams with steady defensive play. His international experience with the New Zealand U18 and U20 teams further underscores his capability and potential. Sebastian’s right-handed shot and solid build make him a key player in the Admirals lineup for years to come.

Auckland Mako (NZIHL2): 2021-22 – 1 game, 0 goals, 1 assist, 1 point, -2 +/-
NZIHL (West Auckland Admirals, 2021-22): 2 games, 1 goal, 0 assists, 1 point, 1 +/-
Auckland Mako (NZIHL2): 2022-23 – 6 games, 0 goals, 0 assists, 0 points, -4 +/-
NZIHL (West Auckland Admirals, 2022-23): 4 games, 0 goals, 0 assists, 0 points, -2 +/-
New Zealand U18 (WJC-18 D3B): 3 games, 1 goal, 1 assist, 2 points, 1 +/-
Auckland Mako (NZIHL2): 2023-24 – 4 games, 1 goal, 0 assists, 1 point, -1 +/-
NZIHL (West Auckland Admirals, 2023-24): 9 games, 0 goals, 0 assists, 0 points, -2 +/-
New Zealand U20 (WJC-20 D3A): 5 games, 0 goals, 0 assists, 0 points, 1 +/-

Photo Credit: Hartland Images – Dmitri Maistrenok-Zubkovski – Game: Red Devils vs Phoenix Thunder

Dmitri Maistrenok-Zubkovski – Canterbury Red Devils

Originally from Kamensk-Uralsky, Russia, 17-year-old defenseman Dmitri Maistrenok-Zubkovski has brought his talents to New Zealand. Standing at 183 cm and weighing 76 kg, Dmitri has played for Spartakovets Yekaterinburg-2 U16 and the Canterbury Red Devils in the NZIHL. His defensive skills and experience in the Russia U16 league have translated well to his current team. Despite a challenging season, Dmitri’s potential remains evident, and he is expected to continue developing his game.

Spartakovets Yekaterinburg-2 U16 (Russia U16): 2 games, 0 goals, 0 assists, 0 points, 1 +/-
Spartakovets Yekaterinburg-2 U16 (Russia Region U16): 1 game, 0 goals, 0 assists, 0 points, –
NZIHL (Canterbury Red Devils, 2022-23): 7 games, 0 goals, 1 assist, 1 point, 1 +/-
Auckland Mako (NZIHL2): 2023-24 – 2 games, 0 goals, 0 assists, 0 points, -3 +/-
NZIHL (Canterbury Red Devils, 2023-24): 13 games, 0 goals, 1 assist, 1 point, -14 +/-

As we look forward to the NZIHL’s Birgel Cup Finals and beyond, it’s exciting to see so many young players breaking the mold and proving that age is just a number. With their talent, dedication, and passion for the game, the future of hockey in New Zealand looks incredibly bright. These young guns are certainly ones to keep an eye on!