The AWIHL and why you should love it

Recently in the Australian Women’s Ice Hockey League (AWIHL) there has been a lot of talk regarding funding cuts.

Ice Hockey Australia (IHA) have made cuts to the AWIHL ahead of the 2025/26 season after financial losses which has seen changes at board level after poor governance.

Devastating for the AWIHL, the cuts come only weeks out from the start of the season, making teams and league officials scramble to find any avenue to help fund costs.

With all this in mind and the large shadow looming over the AWIHL following the funding news out of IHA, it was time to shift gears.

The AWIHL is exciting and here are a few reasons why I love it.

Young stars just keep rising

Simply put, the talent.

If you have followed the AWIHL closely over the past 5-10 years you would have seen the growth in player development.

From local players, to imports that come and spend their winters on Australian shores, the talent level continues to rise.

Highlighted by the national women’s team and their performances at world championships, which has seen the team move into the top 30 world rankings in 29th place.

There is a steady flow of young Australian talent coming through the system that shines on the ice, with local goaltenders starring.

If you have any reason to watch an AWIHL game, skill and talent should be number one on the list.

Creating space for everyone

The biggest thing and something that hits me on a personal level when it comes to the AWIHL, is the community.

In the AWIHL I was able to find a place to call home, a section of the ice hockey world that accepted me for me.

Uniquely, through this process I have been able to form lifelong friendships.

When we think about sport and inclusion, creating space for people to be themselves, the AWIHL leads the way.

From pride nights, welcoming trans and gender diverse people on rosters, to multicultural nationalities playing in the league. It’s a place for everyone.

Whoever you are, wherever you are from, the AWIHL will celebrate you and welcome you with open arms.

AWIHL really shifts the needle when it comes to hockey culture and changing the landscape.

Expansion a sign of growth

The 2025/26 season is a special one for many different reasons, but expansion has to be one of the biggest.

Melbourne Ducks will make their debut into the AWIHL for the first time expanding the league to six teams.

It will be the first time the AWIHL gets a city derby, as the Ducks will play crosstown rivals Melbourne Ice.

Highlighting the continued growth we are seeing from the women’s game, it’s an exciting time to be involved in the league.

More opportunities for local talent to ply their trade, while opening up space for the AWIHL to increase their potential sponsorship opportunities.

First puck drop on home ice for the Ducks is November 8 when they welcome the Sydney Sirens.

You don’t want to miss this historic moment and chance to pack out The Pond at iceHQ.

Blood sweat and tears

If there is one thing I love about the AWIHL is the passion you get from players, fans and volunteers.

When the funding news broke the response from the AWIHL community was strong and passionate.

It’s what makes the league tick, why it continues to grow and the reason it has continued to survive for 20 years.

There are no big contracts, matchday payments or big budget TV deals. It’s everyone rolling up the sleeves.

Ice hockey might be a niche sport in Australia, however, AWIHL fans are the most loyal you’ll find in any sports scene.

In a world of multi-million dollar sports teams and leagues, the AWIHL brings it back to why we all fell in love with hockey.

For the love of the game.

Historic moment for Sirens

It was a big moment for the Australian ice hockey community, and it will be a gamechanger for the Sydney Sirens.

Macquarie Ice Rink got a redevelopment and will be open in time for the first Sirens home game.

No longer will there be netting and ugly sight lines, instead we get full glass, new boarding, fresh benches and a jumbotron.

With Australia losing more rinks than we are gaining, it was a positive move for the sport.

Sirens will welcome Adelaide Rush to Macquarie on December 6 to open their shiny new home barn.

Annelie Kvisle is the new head coach, joined by an all female coaching staff, the Sirens are making moves on and off the ice.

Furthermore, hopefully I will be there this summer to document what is an amazing moment in hockey history.

Why do you love the AWIHL?