IHA Women's Para Team Completes Successful Selection Camp in Newcastle
Published Tue 27 May 2025
The IHA Women’s Para Ice Hockey team has taken a major step forward in its journey to the World Para Ice Hockey Women’s World Championships in Dolný Kubín, Slovakia, following a successful national selection camp held in Newcastle from 23–25 May.
The camp brought together athletes from across the country to compete for a place on the national team, as preparations intensify ahead of the August championship. Under the expert leadership of head coach Dawn Watt, the players were put through a series of rigorous on-ice drills focused on skill development, teamwork, and tactical execution. Coach Watt was supported by local assistant coaches who ensured the sessions were high tempo and tailored to meet the evolving needs of the squad.
Off the ice, the team continued to build its culture and cohesion through education sessions and logistical planning, with valuable support from IHA Para Coordinator Bill Siegloff. Siegloff helped ensure everything ran smoothly behind the scenes, enabling athletes and staff to focus fully on performance.
The camp also marked the welcome introduction of Michaela Fellowes as the team’s new manager. A strong addition to the team structure, Michaela’s professionalism and passion were warmly received by both players and staff alike.
“This camp was a huge step forward in our preparations,” said Coach Watt. “We saw real progress in how the players are developing individually and coming together as a team. The energy, commitment, and skill on display give us confidence as we move closer to Slovakia.”
The team now turns its focus to final preparations, with the next few months dedicated to fine-tuning and building the momentum needed for international competition. Australia will be looking to make its mark at the Women’s World Championships, showcasing not only the growth of para ice hockey nationally but also the strength and determination of this groundbreaking women’s squad.
In addition to her coaching duties, it has been announced that Coach Dawn Watt has been selected to participate in an Australian Institute of Sport's 'Para Coach Experiential Learning Program'—a 12-month development initiative designed to provide invaluable learning experiences for Para coaches within Australia’s high-performance sporting system. Her selection highlights not only her growing impact within para ice hockey, but also her dedication to continuous improvement and leadership across Paralympic sport. The program will have face-to-face, online, and overseas learning elements, to gain as much insights and experience for the para program.
