The 2024 NZWIHL season came to an exciting close, showcasing the best of women’s ice hockey in New Zealand. With fierce competition between North Island and South Island teams, fans were treated to thrilling matchups, rising stars, and a championship showdown that capped an unforgettable season.

While Auckland Steel’s unbeaten streak made them clear favourites, the rest of the league battled hard, with Canterbury Inferno pushing the Steel to the limit in the final. Dunedin Thunder and Wakatipu Wild showed promise and growth, with Wakatipu’s bronze medal win proving they can rise to the occasion. Let’s take a deeper look at the teams, standout players, and future prospects for the NZWIHL.

From the first puck drop, Auckland Steel set the tone for the season. Their six wins in six games left no doubt about who the dominant force was, but the South Island’s Canterbury Inferno remained hot on their heels throughout the season. Meanwhile, Dunedin Thunder and Wakatipu Wild fought valiantly but struggled to keep pace with their North Island rivals.

This season wasn’t just about the final standings, though—it was about the growth of women’s ice hockey in New Zealand, with increased participation, improved skill levels, and some incredible individual performances that lit up the rink.

Team by Team Breakdown:

Auckland Steel (6-0-0) – Champions

Auckland Steel entered the 2023-2024 season with high expectations and lived up to every bit of the hype. Their perfect 6-0 record speaks volumes about their overall team strength, from goal-scoring to defensive solidity. Scoring 26 goals while conceding just 11, they outclassed their opponents in nearly every game, showcasing their ability to control play, generate offense, and shut down opposing teams with precision.

• Key Players:
  • Jasmine Horner-Pascoe led the way with a season-high 10 points (3 goals, 7 assists), displaying exceptional playmaking ability. Her vision and awareness helped set up crucial plays, and she was a key reason for Auckland’s seamless attacking transitions.
  • Brooke Patron proved invaluable, contributing 7 points (3 goals, 4 assists). Her two-way play made her a force to be reckoned with, especially in critical moments where her defensive efforts complemented her offensive production.
  • Alex Hefford added 6 points (4 goals, 2 assists), proving to be a consistent goal scorer when Auckland needed her the most.

Canterbury Inferno (3-2-1) – Finalists

Canterbury Inferno put up a strong fight this season, finishing second in the standings and making it all the way to the championship final. With a well-rounded roster, they fought tooth and nail to compete with Auckland Steel. The Inferno scored 18 goals and allowed 20, showcasing their offensive capabilities but also a few defensive lapses that ultimately cost them the title.

• Key Players:
  • Gabriel Guerin and Gabriella Therrien each finished with 7 points, proving themselves to be key offensive contributors. Therrien’s 5 goals made her the top scorer for the Inferno, while Guerin balanced her contributions with 3 goals and 4 assists.
  • Megan Gardner, made her presence known on defense, stabilizing the Inferno’s blue line and chipping in offensively with a goal and two assists.

Dunedin Thunder (1-4-1) – 3rd Place

Dunedin Thunder had a challenging season, with just one win to their name. Scoring only 9 goals in 6 games, they struggled to find offensive consistency. However, their defensive grit kept them in many games, and they managed to fight their way into the bronze medal game. While they lost that final matchup, their season showed promise, especially with their young players developing throughout.

• Key Players:
  • Breane Byck, the backbone of Dunedin’s defense, was sensational in net with a .932 save percentage. Her ability to keep the Thunder in games by making clutch saves made her one of the most valuable players in the league, facing a league-high 220 shots.
  • Caitlin Heale was another bright spot for Dunedin, leading the team with 3 goals and 1 assist. Her ability to contribute on both ends of the ice made her a key figure in their lineup.
  • Lyani Goodman recorded 3 assists, showcasing her vision and playmaking ability.

Wakatipu Wild (1-5-0) – 4th Place

Despite finishing last in the regular season standings, Wakatipu Wild saved their best performance for last, claiming a 4-2 victory over Dunedin Thunder in the bronze medal game. The Wild’s ability to pull off a clutch win in a must-win game is a testament to their resilience and team spirit.

• Key Players:
  • Kellye Nelson was Wakatipu’s star, netting 5 goals and adding 2 assists. Her 7-point total made her the team’s MVP, and her leadership on the ice was evident in every game.
  • Lova Holmqvist also stood out, with 7 points (3 goals, 4 assists). Her ability to find open teammates and score key goals gave Wakatipu an offensive edge, especially in tight situations.

Player Spotlights: Rising Stars and Key Performers

Several players stood out this season, but these athletes made a lasting impact:

• Jasmine Horner-Pascoe (Auckland Steel): With 10 points in 6 games, Horner-Pascoe’s dynamic offense was critical to Auckland’s dominance. Her ability to create plays and assist her teammates was second to none.
• Kellye Nelson (Wakatipu Wild): Despite Wakatipu’s struggles, Nelson was a beacon of hope. Her 5 goals helped keep her team competitive, and she played a vital role in securing their bronze medal.
• Breane Byck (Dunedin Thunder): Byck’s impressive goaltending in a tough season for Dunedin made her invaluable. Her ability to face an onslaught of shots while maintaining a .932 save percentage was instrumental in keeping her team competitive in every game.
• Gabriella Therrien (Canterbury Inferno): Therrien’s 5-goal performance for the Inferno was a key factor in their run to the final. She had a knack for scoring in high-pressure situations, making her one of the league’s top offensive threats.

Photo Credit: James Allan Photography – Dunedin Thunder Women vs Wakatipu Wild

Goaltender Highlights: The Backbone of Defense

Goaltending is often the difference between a win and a loss, and this season was no exception. Here’s a look at some of the most impactful goalies of the 2023-2024 NZWIHL season:

1. Breane Byck (Dunedin Thunder): Byck was nothing short of phenomenal for Dunedin, facing a league-high 220 shots and maintaining a stellar .932 save percentage. Her ability to stay composed under pressure kept her team competitive in games they otherwise might have lost.
2. Zadia Paulse (Auckland Steel): Paulse was a rock in goal for Auckland, posting a .923 save percentage and a 1.67 goals-against average. Her consistency in net provided the backbone for Auckland’s perfect season.
3. Lochlyn Hyde (Auckland Steel): With a .913 save percentage, Hyde split time with Paulse in goal for the Steel and was equally reliable, allowing just 6 goals in her 3 games.

MVPs: Leaders of the Season

Each team had standout players who rose to the occasion and led by example. Here are the MVPs for each team:

• Auckland Steel: Jasmine Horner-Pascoe – As the league’s top scorer with 10 points, Horner-Pascoe’s playmaking abilities and leadership made her an invaluable asset in Auckland’s perfect season.
• Canterbury Inferno: Gabriella Therrien – Therrien’s goal-scoring prowess (5 goals) helped propel the Inferno to the finals.
• Dunedin Thunder: Breane Byck – Byck’s remarkable goaltending performance kept the Thunder competitive, making her an indispensable part of the team’s defense.
• Wakatipu Wild: Kellye Nelson – Nelson’s 7 points made her the heartbeat of Wakatipu, and her leadership guided them to a bronze medal.

The Future of the NZWIHL

As the 2023-2024 season has wrapped up, the future of the NZWIHL looks bright. Auckland Steel’s dominance has set the bar high, but Canterbury Inferno, Dunedin Thunder, and Wakatipu Wild have shown that they are up for the challenge. The league continues to grow, and with rising stars on every team, the gap between North and South Island hockey is bound to narrow in the coming seasons.

Fans can look forward to more competitive matchups, increased skill levels, and even more thrilling moments as women’s ice hockey in New Zealand continues to evolve. Bring on next season!