After the U20 Men’s tournament wrapped up in Bulgaria, we sat down with the Head Coach Justin Daigle to get the inside scoop on everything leading up to the IIHF competition, what happened during the games, and what lies ahead for the team in 2025… Can you reflect on how this year has been for […]

They’d never stepped onto the ice together before Bulgaria. Yet, the young women of the New Zealand U18 Women’s Hockey Team defied expectations, returning home with a Gold Medal. Captain Gracie Hellmrich reflects on the team’s incredible journey, the challenges they faced, and the unwavering spirit that led them to victory. “We were all familiar

Success isn’t a smooth road; it’s filled with ups and downs, someone who has experienced this on the world stage recently is Matt Sandford, the Head Coach of

This season in the NZIHL, we have seen hockey regain some hype and excitement from imports returning to young, upcoming players emerging and showcasing the talent that resides in Aotearoa. Here, we will look at a selected group of young players who are under the age of 20, who have stood out and are showcasing

It’s the year 2033. The number of players has increased by over 100% in the past 10 years, and there is now a strong national league with over 20 teams. There is also a growing number of players who are turning pro, and some have even gone on to play in the NHL. Yes, that

In the heart of Wellington, a vibrant ice hockey community is flourishing, driven by the dedication and relentless efforts of individuals who have made their mark in the sport. Caleb Hance, the General Manager of Wellington Ice Hockey Association (WIHA), embodies the spirit of this community, spearheading its growth and nurturing young talent. In an

When you think of ice hockey powerhouses, New Zealand might not be the first country that comes to mind. But hidden beyond the stunning landscapes and laid-back culture of the Land of the Long White Cloud, there is a growing group of talented ice hockey players with split nationalities who could potentially make a significant

After three seasons without any import players in the NZIHL, the league will once again see import players join teams for the 2023 season. This is a major change for the league, and with the return of imports, fans can expect to see a higher level of talent and competitiveness on the ice. The NZIHL

New Zealand ice hockey suffered a three year drought of competing on the world stage due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This drought came to an end this year, when all of New Zealand’s national teams were able to compete in their respective world championships. The New Zealand U18 Women’s competed in Bulgaria in January, the

New Zealand ice hockey suffered a three year drought of competing on the world stage due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This drought came to an end this year, when all of New Zealand’s national teams were able to compete in their respective world championships. The New Zealand U18 Women’s competed in Bulgaria in January, the

Anatoly Khorozov is best known as head coach of the Canterbury Red Devils and New Zealand Ice Blacks, but this is not all that Anatoly has accomplished. From player to coach, Anatoly has seen both sides of the game. With decades of experience from around the world, Anatoly is a world-class coach with a magnitude

“Youth sport should be a safe haven for kids to learn and grow both mentally and physically” The NZIHF’s annual Labour Weekend Development Camp sees people from across the country coming together as players and coaches to help with the development of hockey across the spectrum. This year, those who have applied for the camp