Ice Hockey Australia Board Update

Statement – Ice Hockey Australia Board Update

Melbourne, Australia – Ice Hockey Australia (IHA) have recently met to review the financial position of the organisation and
discuss ongoing operations. It was identified that last financial year’s reported losses were understated. A formal review has
been confirmed, together with the intent to publish an updated FY25 financial statement. The FY25 loss is expected to be
larger than initially stated. The existing IHA Board, including Board leadership and the Treasurer collectively realise this is not
an acceptable result and have taken responsibility of these outcomes.

Treasury Directorship changed in July 2025, with new Treasurer Ms. Veronica Ryan assuming the position late July 2025.
Recognising the inconsistencies from the past reporting period, we subsequently share that Dr. Ryan O'Handley will step
down as President and Chair of the Board, and hasin addition, resigned from his Portfolio Directorship (Game Development).
Ms. Jane Woodlands-Thompson, as Vice President, has chosen to vacate her leadership role - these respective changes
effective 5th September 2025. This recognises the need for immediate and future focus on governance and financial
regulation. Ms. Woodlands-Thompson remains with high performance and national teams general portfolio oversight
moving forward.

This decision follows a period of progression for Australia on the world stage and investment in the sporting community we
love. We also recognise that our financial management practices have not met levels required to ensure the long-term
sustainability of the organisation. The former President, acknowledging this oversight, believesthat now is the right time for
new leadership and aligned skillsets to guide Ice Hockey Australia into its next phase.

The Board is taking immediate steps to strengthen governance, transparency and accountability. This includes a commitment
to a review of our processes, implementing new reporting measures, and providing additional training for our team. A new
President has been appointed, Mr. Tim Kitching – Company Secretary, together with Vice President Ms. Veronica Ryan –
Treasurer. Both have held long term positions as State Presidents (New South Wales and Victoria respectively) and have
close ties to the Australian ice hockey community. Mr. Kitching and Ms. Ryan have professional and volunteer experience
that will be instrumental to the changes required at Ice Hockey Australia.

In addition, Ms. Deon Shearer has also recently joined the board. Ms. Shearer has just concluded as President of Ice Hockey
Western Australia and will drive IHA’s strategic commercial focus; contributing to fiscal strategy, pursuing business growth
opportunities, strategic development and stakeholder engagement – all vital for the sustainable growth of the sport.

We are grateful to Dr. O’Handley for the 15 years of service in various roles at IHA which has contributed to many positive
outcomes and investment in player development, International recognition, and the wider community.

Our focus now is on building confidence, stabilising our finances, and ensuring that Ice Hockey Australia continues to thrive
for the benefit of our sporting community. IHA intends to take all measures possible to ensure our governance is up to the
standards our community should expect. We thank our members, partners, and supporters for their ongoing trust and
commitment as we work through this important review and organisational change.

Signed,

Mr. Tim Kitching, President
On behalf of the Board of Ice Hockey Australia

For more information on ice hockey in Australia, visit www.iha.org.au.