STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP: ICE HOCKEY AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND ICE HOCKEY FEDERATION
Published Tue 15 Feb 2022
Ice Hockey Australia (IHA) and the New Zealand Ice Hockey Federation (NZIHF) are the national sporting organisations (NSO) of their respective countries and the associations responsible for the organization of International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) sanctioned ice hockey in Australia and New Zealand.
IHA and the NZIHF have partnered together over many years to support each other’s national hockey associations and their sanctioned players, leagues, officials, events and National Championship teams to showcase the talents of the top players at all divisions in both countries.
2022 will see IHA and the NZIHF come together like never before. The two national bodies have agreed to a Trans-Tasman All-Star game at the conclusion of their respective IHA and NZIHL National League competitions this season. The event will bring two great hockey communities together after tough COVID-restricted 2 years that will bring international competition and fans back to our arenas.
“I’m delighted to be working so closely with Andy Mills, NZIHF President, to enhance our on and off-ice capabilities. Andy is a strong supporter of IHA as we are of the NZIHF; our collective desire is to see our two countries thrive as hockey nations, fostering increased growth and opportunities. In addition to the Trans-Tasman All-Star game, which will simply be spectacular for our players and our fans, we are partnering together with referee swaps, training camps and marketing. We believe that we have an opportunity to improve our players and our on and off-ice officials like never before, with a goal to see our nationally certified coaches and officials reach the IIHF international standards to represent their country at future world championship events. 2022 will be a fantastic year and a start to an increased level of partnership and support for our two countries” stated Grove Bennett, President of IHA.
“The Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL) and the New Zealand Ice Hockey League (NZIHL) have been in operation for 20 and 15 years respectively (not including Covid-restricted seasons). Both leagues are the premier senior men’s ice hockey leagues in their respective nations and share many synergies. They bring with them a significant fan base that contributes to the development and promotion of ice hockey at IHA and NZIHF. Working with Grove Bennett, President at IHA, has brought with it a significant opportunity to enhance our two countries' global awareness through our collective appointments to IIHF committees with increased communication and development strategies” stated Andy Mills, President of NZIHF.
IHA and NZIHF
Stay tuned for more!
