Adelaide Rush is on the search for a new head coach for the 2025/26 Australian Women’s Ice Hockey League (AWIHL) season after mutually agreeing to depart ways with Jeff Fode.
Rush announced the news on their social media Wedneday afternoon with Fode only spending one season at the helm.
Fode, who took over from Joey MacDougall prior to the 2024/25 season, steered the Rush to a Keira Gower Memorial Shield as minor premiers.
It was the Rush’s first minor premiership in 15 years, finishing three points clear of the Perth Inferno with 10 wins, five losses and one overtime win for 32 points.
Fode has a long and successful history within the South Australian ice hockey community, coaching state women’s, Defris and Ginsberg teams.
Allowing young local talent to shine, Fode nurtured them through the system to find connection with veterans and talented imports.
Fode was able to deliver a program that was not only an attacking exciting style of ice hockey, but sound defensively.
Rush finished the 2024/25 season with a +21 goal differential, with 76 goals for and only 55 against, highlighting their two-way play.
“His enthusiasm and passion for the game played a key role in guiding our team to its first minor premiership in 15 years.
“We know Coach Fode will continue to be a valuable contributor to both junior and elite-level hockey in South Australia, as he continues to take on various roles within IHA and IHSA,” Adelaide Rush statement read on their Facebook page.
Furthermore, Fode leaves a legacy of success with the Rush from assistant to head coaching, instilling belief and a winning culture.
Last crowned AWIHL Champions in 2012, the six-time Joan McKowen Memorial Trophy winners are looking to end their 14-year drought.
Rush will now search for a new head coach to continue the progress and strides made throughout the past few seasons.
Full statement from the Adelaide Rush can be found here.
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