It’s that loose change between the couch cushions, or beside the car seat when it has fallen out of your pocket. It might be lost forever and forgotten about, but for Australian Women’s Ice Hockey League (AWIHL) players it is everything.
The Australian national women’s hockey team will soon jet off for an IIHF World Championship Division II Group A tournament.
Played from April 13 – 19 in Bled, Slovenia they will compete against Chinese Taipei, Iceland, North Korea, Poland, and Slovenia.
Australia was promoted from Division IIB in 2025 after defeating Belgium in the final game to claim tournament gold.
Also, Australia wouldn’t lose a game across the entire world championships, in what was one of the most successful tournaments in history.
Furthermore, it is a program that continues to go from strength to strength at international and local level despite the off-ice financial challenges.
Those challenges continue heading into the 2026 tournament as players look for assistance and support to wear the green and gold.
“Donations are extremely important,” Melbourne Ice Women forward Emily Davis-Tope told andrewkmacdougall.com.au
“This sport is self-funded, so each player pays between $4000-$6000 every year to represent the country.”
Continuing to find a way
Wearing the green and gold of Australia is the highest honour for any hockey player that gets selected.
Unfortunately, Ice Hockey Australia isn’t in the position to help financially support players that are selected.
Australia doesn’t have a professional hockey setup, players who suit up in the AWIHL are often funding their seasons personally.
As a result, it’s a continuous cycle of financial barriers for the players to play the game they love.
This is why money received through donations and sponsorship are important for each player.
From tournament fees to accommodation, funds will go directly to supporting the process of player tournament logistics.
“Donations go towards helping fund the player’s fees,” continued Davis-Tope.
“This includes travel, food, accommodation, and tournament fees.
“This is always very high, as we are often traveling to Europe to compete with teams in our division.”
Every little bit helps
When it comes to providing financial support for this Aussie Flyers team there is no limit or expectation on dollar number.
It goes to the heart of what makes Australian hockey so special, despite the challenges faced community can come together as one.
Furthermore, this community support is why we see the AWIHL continually survive and produce talented female hockey players.
For this group of Australian women who will be making the trip to Slovenia, public generosity no matter the total amount is appreciated.
“Any amount is welcome,” said Davis-Tope.
“Every little bit counts, whether it’s $2 or $200.”
Even if it jingles
So, how can you support?
Both the women’s team and players themselves have dedicated funding options, where you can help get them to Slovenia.
Whether you want to help your favourite player and just the team inclusively, they have you covered.
Click on a name below to donate and get involved helping support the Aussie Flyers as they go for back-to-back gold medals.
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