A Season of Progress for AWIHL Officiating

A Season of Progress for AWIHL Officiating

The Australian Women’s Ice Hockey League (AWIHL) has concluded the 2025–2026 season, marking a significant step forward for the league’s officiating program.

Under the leadership of AWIHL Commissioner Michaela Fellowes, the league delivered a highly competitive finals weekend that reflected the continued growth in skill, speed and intensity of the league. The implementation of a full four-official system recognised this evolution and ensured officiating standards kept pace with the increasing demands of the competition.

Commissioner Michaela Fellowes said the decision was a deliberate step in supporting the league’s progression.

“The speed and skill level of the AWIHL continues to rise each season. Finals weekend demonstrated just how far the competition has progressed, and the four-official system was a deliberate step to support the increasing pace and quality of our national league.”

The 2026 season featured:

• 46 officials appointed across a 60-game regular season, and four game finals competition
• Introduction of the Referee-in-Chief role
• Implementation of the four-official system during the regular season and Finals
• Strengthened pathway alignment with the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) and Ice Hockey Australia

Finals weekend included dedicated officiating coaches Mark O’Brien and Daryl Hamilton, whose guidance and feedback enhanced the performance environment for the officiating group.

Finals Officials

The 2026 AWIHL Finals were officiated by:

Referees

• Jeffrey Scott (NSW)
• Connor Oxlad (SA)
• Rob Love (VIC)
• Casper Russelhuber (VIC)

Linespersons

• Jamison Harris (NSW)
• Tom Harkness (QLD)
• Daniel Machin (VIC)
• Jeff Klinck (VIC)

The introduction of the Referee-in-Chief position marked an important step in providing structured leadership, development focus, and performance oversight for officials within the league.

“I’m passionate about supporting the development, experience, and recognition of officials in the league. This season showcased the strength of our pathway, with several officials making their AWIHL debut as a result of strong state-level development programs, alongside experienced IIHF officials providing leadership and mentorship within the group.”

“After playing, officiating and coaching officials within the league since 2008, stepping into the league’s first Referee-in-Chief role was a meaningful progression,” said Ainslie Gardner, AWIHL Referee-in-Chief.

The AWIHL continues to demonstrate strong female leadership across all levels of the game, with former players now serving in executive, coaching and officiating roles, reflecting the league’s evolution over its 18-year history.

International Appointments

The 2025–2026 season also saw strong representation from AWIHL officials at international level through appointments with the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF).

Congratulations to the following AWIHL officials on their 2026 IIHF appointments:

• Sarah Kinninment – IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship Division IIA, Istanbul, Türkiye (19–25 January 2026)
• David Gal – IIHF U18 World Championship Division IIIA, Hong Kong (2–8 March 2026)
• Bethany Bowshall – IIHF Women’s World Championship Division IIA, Bled, Slovenia (13–19 April 2026)
• Nicholas Air – IIHF Men’s World Championship Division IIIB, Hong Kong (13–19 April 2026)

Looking Ahead to 2026-2027

The league will further strengthen its officiating program next season with:

• Introduction of structured officiating coaching following Ice Hockey Australia’s inaugural officials coaching course in March 2026.
• Continued performance oversight within the Referee-in-Chief model
• Launch of an AWIHL Official of the Year award to formally recognise excellence and contribution

Chris Parks, Interim Referee-in-Chief of Ice Hockey Australia, said the progress made within the AWIHL officiating program reflects a strong national alignment.

“From a national perspective, the progress in AWIHL officiating this season has been extremely positive. The structure and support provided by the league, together with strong engagement from the state associations and officials coaches, created genuine opportunities to develop and identify officials for international appointments. That exposure is critical in strengthening Australia’s national officiating pathway.”

As preparations begin for the 2026-2027 season, the focus remains on continued development, performance excellence and strengthening Australia’s position within the international officiating framework.