Earlier this year Ice Hockey Australia (IHA) met with our State Presidents, the IHA National Women’s Director, the AWIHL Commissioner, and key stakeholders to discuss our ability to hold our AWIHL season for 2021-22. 

On account of their never-ending enthusiasm, the AWIHL Clubs continued to meet monthly to forge ahead with plans and provide varying options with the hope of navigating a pathway for our players to get back out on the ice for an AWIHL season.

A short time ago the AWIHL clubs met and discussed the extended lockdowns in some States, the continued uncertainty regarding safety and travel within Australia, and to assess the risks to our members and our sport.

After consideration of all the potential effects, it is with great regret that we confirm the difficult decision was made to cancel the 2021-22 AWIHL season.

As the pandemic continues to impose such harsh consequences, we are disappointed for our States and clubs, our players, the sponsors and all of the AWIHL supporters and fans.

Notwithstanding the cancellation, we are very excited to announce that two important events are being planned in anticipation of our return to the ice.

The first event is the Melbourne Invitational, which will be open to any AWIHL club who is willing and able to travel to Melbourne.  The second is an AWIHL Pre-Season event, with all 5 clubs meeting in Adelaide for a full weekend of games.  Please see the details below:

• Melbourne Invitational
  12-14 March 2022
  O’Brien Icehouse, Melbourne

• AWIHL Pre-season Event
  11-13 June 2022
  IceArenA, Adelaide

IHA and the AWIHL will continue to do everything possible to bring you these AWIHL events, in addition to planning our 2022-23 season launch.

Kind regards,

Kylie Taylor
IHA Women’s Portfolio Director
Ice Hockey Australia