During the last NZU16 training camp in Dunedin an unfortunate accident occurred with a player breaking his collar bone during an exercise (forward rolls). As a result the players parents lodged a complaint with the NZIHF who appointed an independent person to investigate the accident. The investigation cleared any coaching staff of any wrong doing, however, recommended improvements to the Complaints process, Youth Protection Policy and education of coaches and managers. The NZIHF is reviewing the findings with the aim to make improvements to both the process and policy as well as ensuring coaches/managers are aware of these.

As result of the above the Head Coach (Csaba Kercso-Magos), Assistant Coach (Justin Daigle) and General Manager (Wayne Curtis) have resigned. The NZIHF has received these resignations and will be opening up the Head Coach and Manager positions for applications soon.

The aim of the NZ U16 development programme continues to be a focus on putting our players on the ice with quality coaches, in order to develop as many players as possible for the improvement of regional and national ice hockey teams, for as little cost as possible. Once a new coach and manager are appointed to the team, there will be further announcements in relation to the 2017 NZU16 development programme.

Günther Birgel

NZIHF President