The 2024 New Zealand Ice Hockey Federation Annual General Meeting was held in late November, with delegates and portfolio holders from around the country convening in Auckland to review and discuss plans for 2025 and beyond.

Following the AGM, a planning session was held to discuss adopting a strategic plan and changes to the NZIHF’s leagues and operations.

These exciting changes include:

Expansion of the New Zealand Women’s Ice Hockey League (NZWIHL):

• Each team going from 6 to 12 games a season, plus playoffs, in a full home and away round robin format
• The NZIHF has committed $40,000.00 of funding toward helping the league and its teams transition to a longer season

Youth Age Group Changes:

• Shift national representative league U15 and U18 age groups to U14, U16 and U18
• The change from three year to two year age brackets will provide better pathways, improve player safety and provide opportunities for more children to play representative hockey

This marks an important step in the sport’s development across the country, with at least an extra six teams and upwards of 102 more players participating in national competitions. With the two year age brackets, players will be competing against oppositions that better match their physical and mental maturity. This shift will help balance competition, ensuring players face opponents of similar size, speed, and experience. The result will not only be fairer games but also a higher standard of play across all levels.

In addition to promoting balanced competition, the new age categories are expected to strengthen player development pathways. As athletes progress into contact grades, the closer alignment of age groups will enhance player safety by reducing mismatches in size and skill. Ultimately, this change will provide a more supportive and structured environment for players, helping them enjoy the game while setting the stage for continued growth and success both on and off the ice.

Reclassification of Member Regional Associations:

• Dunedin Ice Hockey Association and Queenstown Ice Hockey Club welcomed as direct members of the NZIHF with voting rights on the NZIHF Management Committee

Integrity Reporting:

• The NZIHF has established an anonymous integrity reporting tool, to enhance its commitment to protecting ice hockey, its players, coaches, officials and fans against any form of cheating or abuse
• Access this anonymous reporting tool here: https://www.nzicehockey.co.nz/integrity

Access the full meeting minutes here: Annual General Meeting Minutes (November 2024)

With all of this and more planned, plus New Zealand hosting two world championship events in 2025, it’s going to be an action packed year for hockey fans!