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Australia Qualifies for Winter Youth Olympic Games

15 July 2023

Ice Hockey Australia Celebrates Historic Qualification for the 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games in South Korea.

Ice Hockey Australia is thrilled to announce its unprecedented qualification for the 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games to be held in South Korea. This groundbreaking achievement marks the first time ever that Australia has earned a place in the prestigious international Olympic event. Australia will compete in the modified 3 on 3 (girls) for 2008 and 2009 born players.

The qualification was secured through the combined efforts of the U18 Men’s and Women’s teams at World Championships in 2023, whose remarkable performances led to an exceptional “Combined Youth Ranking” recognised by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF). This achievement is a testament to the unwavering commitment, talent, and dedication of Australia’s young ice hockey players.

The Winter Youth Olympic Games, organised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), provide a global stage for talented young athletes to showcase their skills, inspire future generations, and foster international camaraderie. The upcoming 2024 edition, set to take place in South Korea, promises to be a pinnacle moment for ice hockey as a sport in Australia.

“We are incredibly proud of our U18 Men’s and Women’s teams for their outstanding achievement in securing Australia’s qualification for the 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games,” said Adam Woolnough, General Manager of Ice Hockey Australia. “This historic milestone is a testament to the hard work, resilience, and passion of our athletes, coaches, and support staff. It also reflects the growing strength and development of ice hockey in Australia. We have a strong community and great product in Australia, particularly in the women’s game”.

Ice Hockey Australia has been tirelessly working to expand and promote the sport throughout the country, and this qualification is a significant milestone in the organisation’s journey. It showcases the progress made by the national governing body, the dedication of its players, and the opportunities available to young ice hockey enthusiasts across Australia.

As preparations continue for the Winter Youth Olympic Games, IHA will continue to provide the necessary support and resources to nurture the growth of ice hockey in the country. Most recently, 22 of the nation’s top 2008 and 2009 female born players embarked on the first selection and development camp in Adelaide. By embracing this unique opportunity, the Australian team aims to inspire a new generation of ice hockey players and raise awareness of the sport at the grassroots level. 

The 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games will not only offer a chance for Australian players to compete against the world’s best, but it will also serve as a platform to foster international goodwill and strengthen global ice hockey relations. This remarkable achievement will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the sport in Australia and inspire young athletes to pursue their dreams.

Ice Hockey Australia extends its sincere gratitude to the International Olympic Committee, the Australian Olympic Committee, International Ice Hockey Federation, and all the supporters and stakeholders who have played a significant role in the development and growth of ice hockey in Australia.

For more information, please contact: office@iha.org.au 

 

National Coaching Appointments

13 July 2023

Ice Hockey Australia is pleased to announce the national coaching appointments for Senior Women, U18 Women, and S&C advertised roles. IHA received significant interest from high calibre Australian and international coaches, and we are thrilled to have secured the best talent to support our national teams for the next two years at International Ice Hockey Federation ‘World Championships’.

  • Marcus Wong (Vic) – National Senior Women’s Team (2 years)
  • Remi Harvey (NSW) – U18 Women’s Team (2 years)
  • Josh Secomb – (NSW) – Strength and Conditioning (1 year)

IHA is also pleased to extend the roles for the National Senior Men’s Team and U18 Men’s Team Head Coaches.

  • Matti Luoma (WA) – National Men’s Senior Team (1 year)
  • David Ferrari (NSW) – U18 Men’s Team (1 year)

 

“I am absolutely honoured to be accepting this role. The U18 Women’s program holds a special place in my heart and has already given me so much as both a player and coach. I look forward to continuing to build and work with talented players and staff” – Remi Harvey

 

Note – The S&C role is through the generous support of the Australian Olympic Committee. The role will support U18 Men and Women, and U20 Men for a 12-month period of support.

 

Jim Brown & Para National Championships- UPDATE

13 July 2023

Ice Hockey Australia is pleased to announce the Jim Brown National Championships and the inaugural National Para Championship dates and locations.

Jim Brown National Championships are scheduled at the Hunter Ice Skating Stadium, Newcastle, Thursday 9th November to Sunday 12th November. The timing of the Championships has shifted from October due to a scheduling of ice-time and other tournaments at the end of the year.

The inaugural National Para Championships will be held at O’Brien Icehouse, Melbourne, 11th – 13th October. IHA is delighted to progress Para Ice Hockey to a national level as coaches, athletes and staff focus on developing the game locally, before striving for World Championship and Winter Paralympic qualification.

For more information or enquiries, please contact office@iha.org.au or championships@iha.org.au

 

 

National 15U Women Elite Development Camp – Expression of Interest

26 May 2023

Ice Hockey Australia is focused on the player development and pathways of our talented female players, at all ages and levels. This year alone, we have seen the National U18 Women’s Team win gold at IIHF World Championships, a wonderful result for everyone involved.

 

Ice Hockey Australia seeks to continue the development of the next generation of talented players (born 1st Jan 2008 to 31st Dec 2009), by extending an invitation to attend an Elite Development Camp to enhance skills and knowledge of the game. The following areas will be targeted in the camp:

  • – ‘On/Off’ ice hockey education and development

– Inter-Squad Game + Short Area Game drills

– S&C testing, nutrition, personal development training

– Mobility, flexibility, and recovery education

– Media training

 

The camp will run parallel to the Syd Tange National Championships in Adelaide, 7-11 July. The camp will be attended by selected IHA coaches to assist with the running of the camp.

 

To register your interest, please email IHA Office, office@iha.org.au, with the subject line ‘15U Women Elite Dev Camp’ by 5th June 2023, with a short summary of your ice hockey pathway and development, including IHA membership and residency status.

Once confirmation of your attendance at the Elite Development Camp, additional information will be required to be sent to IHA. Please do not book flights or accommodation until you have received confirmation by IHA. The camp will be capped to 25 participants only.

The maximum fee per person is $600.

For any other information, please phone 0410 549 559 or send an email to IHA Office.

National Youth Program – S&C – Expression of Interest

17 May 2023

Ice Hockey Australia is investing in the National Youth Program, identifying strength and conditioning as a key enabler in our high-performance strategy. With the generous support of the Australian Olympic Committee, we are now seeking an experienced and motivated S&C provider to design and implement a national program for three youth teams, including; U18 Men and Women, and the U20 Men. 

The National Youth Teams performed extremely well in respective 2023 World Championship campaigns, notably Gold Medals to U18 Women (Division II Group A) and U20 Men (Division III Group A). Both teams will be promoted to higher Divisions for 2024 campaigns. 

To apply for this unique and exciting opportunity, please refer to S&C EOI

Only those applications which address the requirements and capabilities will be considered by the Selection Panel. 

For further information, please contact IHA General Manager, Adam Woolnough, via  adam.woolnough@iha.org.au or 0410 549 559.