International Ice Hockey - Trans-Tasman

Published Tue 14 Nov 2023

INTERNATIONAL ICE HOCKEY BACK IN MELBOURNE

14 November 2023

Ice Hockey Australia is pleased to announce an International Series is to be played in Melbourne in March 2024, with national pride on the line when Australia hosts New Zealand at O’Brien Icehouse.

Following the success of the National Hockey League Global Series played in Melbourne during September, interest in ice hockey continues to grow and the three game series between Australia and New Zealand will provide another opportunity for fans to enjoy international ice hockey in Melbourne.

“Ice Hockey Australia is pleased to host this Trans-Tasman series at O’Brien Icehouse. Our national team plays overseas a lot, so to have such a high calibre series at home will provide our players with the chance to play in front of home crowds, including family and friends.

“This series will be the perfect preparation for both teams leading into the 2024 World Championships, so it is sure to be a hotly contested three games,” said Adam Woolnough, General Manager of Ice Hockey Australia.

The three game series will be played at O’Brien Icehouse on March 15, 16 and 17 next year and follows the very successful series between these teams played at the venue in 2022.

“Without the support of O’Brien Icehouse, this series would not happen. The management and staff at O’Brien Icehouse are committed to the game of hockey in Melbourne, and we appreciate all their support,” added Adam.

New Zealand is looking forward to the opportunity to showcase their best ice hockey talent against their sporting archrivals.

“We’re thrilled to see the Trans-Tasman series return to Melbourne – after a sold-out series in New Zealand earlier this year, and the NHL having just played in Melbourne, ice hockey is on everyone’s mind and demand for this series will be high.

“The series takes place right before the Ice Blacks compete at the World Championship, and there’s no better lead into that than the New Zealand and Australian rivalry,” said Andy Mills, President of New Zealand Ice Hockey Federation.

O’Brien Icehouse was the training venue for the NHL teams while they were in Melbourne and the International Series is another important event for the venue.

“We know the interest in ice hockey continues to grow, as was seen at the NHL games and the recent AIHL finals here at O’Brien Icehouse. Hosting another International series is a great opportunity for the venue and reinforces O’Brien Icehouse as the home of ice hockey in Australia,” said Lee Gordon, General Manager at O’Brien Icehouse.

Trans-Tasman Ice Hockey Series

Australia (Mighty Roos) vs New Zealand (Ice Blacks)

O’Brien Icehouse, Docklands

Three Games in March 2024: