Latest News

IHNSW season update – 1 June 2020

For the information of Members, Clubs and Committees – IHNSW would like to provide clarification on the progress of the recommencement of the 2020 Winter Season.

We will re-start the season as soon as we are allowed and the rinks are open.

We are aware of various government and industry information such as the AIS Return to Sport Framework, and the recent announcements from Ice Hockey in other states regarding their ability to resume some activities. Ice Hockey Australia also sits on a national group of sporting organisations and government who meet weekly to provide support for both elite and grass roots sport as well as providing insights into constantly evolving government policy. IHA are providing guidance as they receive it. All this means that when given approval we will be able to re-start our sport in a way that mitigates risk to our members and reduces the risk that government forces us to shutdown in the future in response to outbreaks.

IHNSW are involved in regular Office of Sport and Ministerial updates on the progress of returning to play. Unfortunately – NSW Government COVID-19 restrictions still prohibit any indoor recreation facilities from reopening, and any local sporting competitions involving more than 10 people. (You can find more information on the current public health orders here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/what-you-can-and-cant-do-under-rules under the heading Sport, pools and outdoor activities). The postponement of the season will remain in place until our Ice Rinks are able to reopen.

Please be assured that the 2020 Winter Season is not cancelled – IHNSW still intends to recommence the season once restrictions are lifted to a point that our competition can function. In the process of recommencing, considerations will need be given to the whatever current restrictions will be in place, availability of ice time, changes to teams entering each grade, and what the draw will look like moving forward.

We appreciate the eagerness of members and clubs to return to competition, and we look forward to your enthusiasm on the ice as soon as we are allowed to return.

Yours Sincerely
Paul Kelly
President

Dmitri Kuleshov awarded NSW Olympic Council grant

Ice Hockey NSW would like to congratulate Dmitri Kuleshov on being selected to receive a 2020 NSW Olympic Council grant.

The Grant Program, now in its sixth year, is designed to provide financial assistance to developing athletes. This year, 10 young ‘up and coming’ sportsmen and women were selected for their success in competition and for demonstrating the Olympic values of Respect, Friendship and Excellence.

We wish Dmitri all the best in his future in Ice Hockey and hope that this support will assist him in his goals as a player.

IHNSW season update – one month review

On 23rd March, indoor sporting venues were closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. At the time, IHNSW advised that the postponement of the 2020 Winter Season would be reviewed in one month when further information was available.

As expected, all NSW indoor sporting venues remain closed for public health and safety, and so unfortunately we confirm that this postponement will be extended until such time that the restrictions are lifted and community sport activities can resume.

IHNSW will continue to liaise with the NSW Office of Sport for updates, and eagerly await the outcomes of the National Cabinet meeting in the coming weeks which will discuss the future of community sport.

We are staying in touch with facilities and can report that some are taking the opportunity to carry out maintenance.  We will continue to work with all rinks to ensure we can restart our sport as quickly and smoothly as possible once the authorities give us the green light.

As always, IHNSW would like to thank members for their patience and support – and we look forward to being able to provide an update on the season once it is available.

Yours Sincerely
Paul Kelly
President