Ready to Play Ice Hockey?
Ice Hockey – the world’s fastest team sport – is waiting for you! Whether you’re looking to take to the ice for the first time or develop your skills further, there are a variety of exciting Learn to Play and Development Programs available across NSW. Our clubs operate out of top-tier rinks including Erina Ice Arena (Central Coast), Liverpool Catholic Club Ice Rink (Southwest Sydney), Newcastle Ice Skating Stadium (Hunter Region), Macquarie Ice Rink (Northwest Sydney), and Mascot Ice Zoo Rink (Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs), all of which also offer Learn to Skate programs. These programs are a perfect way to kickstart your ice hockey journey, giving you the skating foundation you need to move on to puck handling and gameplay!
Why Ice Hockey?
Ice Hockey is an adrenaline rush, combining speed, skill, and strategy. It’s a thrilling way to stay active, challenge yourself, and be part of a team. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to level up your existing skating, our programs are designed for all skill levels.
What Age Can I Start?
The great news is that girls and boys can start at just 4 years old! Ice Hockey is a sport for all ages, so if you’re an adult thinking about giving it a try, it’s never too late to begin. We have options for players of all ages, from young children to adults looking to enjoy the game for the first time or develop their skills.
Hockey for All
At Ice Hockey NSW (IHNSW), we are committed to making the sport accessible and welcoming for everyone. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, we foster an environment that celebrates diversity and inclusion. We provide opportunities for players of all ages, abilities, genders, and backgrounds to participate, learn, and thrive in ice hockey. From youth to adult leagues, and female participation to players with different abilities, we strive to create a supportive and encouraging community where everyone has a place on the ice. All rinks in which the Women’s League plays out of in NSW have women’s change-room facilities.
Key Benefits of the Programs:
Ice Hockey is open to both beginners and more advanced players. Most programs offer loan gear, so you can try out the sport without the upfront investment. You’ll develop skating techniques, puck handling skills, and gameplay strategies, all under the guidance of accredited and experienced coaches. All of our affiliated club coaches are trained in accordance with Ice Hockey Australia standards, ensuring top-quality coaching to help you reach your full potential.
Whether you want to have fun on the ice or push yourself to compete, these programs will help you grow as a player.
When Do We Play?
We play during the Winter Season, which runs from March until September each year. However, activities at our IHNSW affiliated clubs run year-round, so starting your hockey journey can happen pretty much any time throughout the year! Whether you’re learning to skate, improving your skills, or joining an entry-level league, there’s always an opportunity to get involved and hit the ice.
Competition Opportunities
Ice Hockey isn’t just about learning — it’s about playing! Ice Hockey NSW (IHNSW) offers competition for everyone, from beginners to seasoned pros. There are 11 grades of competition across Junior Leagues, Women’s, Senior, and Elite East Coast Leagues. Competitions are available for players aged 4 to 60+, so whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, there’s a place for you!
In addition to our winter leagues, we also offer an Adult Summer League that runs out of Macquarie Ice Rink during the off-season. This provides a fantastic opportunity for adult players to keep their skills sharp and stay active on the ice year-round!
How to Start
Getting started is easy! Contact us to find your local club or head over to our Clubs page to find out what they offer to begin your ice hockey journey. From there, you can choose a program that’s right for you, whether you’re improving your skills or joining a league. When you register with an IHNSW-affiliated club, you’ll also become a member of Ice Hockey NSW and Ice Hockey Australia, connecting you to the broader hockey community.
Don’t wait – grab your skates, your stick, and get ready for the most exciting sport on ice!