Ice Hockey Australia National Teams Update
Published Sun 16 Nov 2025
Ice Hockey Australia National Teams Update
Melbourne, Australia –Ice Hockey Australia (IHA) have been working with its member associations and close stakeholders on the reset on governance and fiscal management in order to create a sustainable future for the sport.
With the recent news of the departure of Mr. Marcus Wong, Mr. Terrance Kiliwnik, Mr Jaden Pine-Murphy, Mr Josef Rezek and Ms. Alicia Kelly from our National Women’s Team management team, IHA wish to pass on our deep thanks and acknowledgement of the years of hard work and dedication to one of our very successful national teams.
Existing policies and some shifted strategies have been instilled with the wider Ice Hockey Australia network, including the expansive set of passionate volunteers who fulfill various coaching and leadership roles. A number of tighter fiscal strategies are forming the recovery plan for the organisation after years of investment – and at times over investment - in the sport.
Some of these key strategies include:
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National Teams will operate on a cost neutral basis, the combination of Individual Team, IIHF funding and player fees/fundraising must equal the costs incurred by the team
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Maintenance of a dedicated training camp pre-International tournaments, however with a reduced set of days (ten days to approximately five days)
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Consolidation of key management roles for adult teams, targeting six management team members
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Continued EOI for key roles as per the Constitution
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Re-establishment and transparency of selection panels, as per the Constitution
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Dedicated aged debtors and payment plan strategies for any in financial hardship
Investment in all National Teams; Men’s, Women’s and Para is consistent with a large ongoing focus on stimulating grants and other sponsors to assist to ease any financial burden on players and families.
Multiple detailed sessions have been held with member associations in addition to other key stakeholders including the Australian Sports Commission (ASC). Consultation with the ASC and professional auditors has highlighted that two thirds of NSO’s reported a financial loss last year. Ice Hockey Australia identify a lack of effective fiscal management and over investment in initiatives the main contributors in past years.
Ice Hockey Australia invest in a number of important areas in order to support and grow the sport. A summary of this will shortly be shared highlighting major funding allocated for the FY26 year, including to support our Women’s league (AWIHL), Youth and growth initiatives, coaching and development activities as well as administrative investment.
Our focus remains on building confidence, stabilising our finances, and ensuring that Ice Hockey Australia continues to thrive for the benefit of our sporting community.
For more information on ice hockey in Australia, visit www.iha.org.au
