Welcome to all members, returning and new, to the 2011 season.

Dunedin Penguins ice hockey is preparing for another fantastic season of fun, thrills, and victories. We’re pleased to announce that Ice Black Paris Heyd will be the club’s professional coach for 2011, an exciting opportunity for all our players to receive coaching from the top level. He will be supported by a team of amateur coaches who will help at practices and travel with teams to tournaments.

The club will soon be kicking off it’s local leagues for the autumn – a Premier Checking League which will kick off next Wednesday, and a more social SNC DIHL which will kick off on Tuesdays shortly after that. Members need to quickly sign up for these and pay for them to reserve their spot. No pay, no play!

Lastly, as we watch the horror unfold in Christchurch following the earthquake last week we offer our support both to Canterbury and to Canterbury Ice Hockey. We have asked Canterbury Ice Hockey if there is anything that we can do to help them as their rink is currently closed, and we will advise members once they have assessed their needs.

First Practices

Practices for all sessions begin this week:

Peewees 6pm Tuesday

Midgets 6pm Thursday

Adult Beginners 7pm Sunday

Senior Non-Checking 8pm Sunday

Be sure that you turn up at least twenty minutes before the beginning of the session, particularly if you need to arrange any gear.

The club will also be running a ‘shinny/stick session’ at 7pm on the last Thursday of every month. This is an open session for any club member to attend and work on any skills that they wish to in an uncoached environment for $10.

The club will be releasing a schedule of Saturday Club Night games for the first section of the season soon. The schedule for Southern Ice Hockey League games will also be available soon.

A full calendar for the year is available on the front page of the club’s website. Sessions and games will be added as they are announced.

2011 National Schedule

A schedule of games (NZJEL, NZIHL, NZ Winter Games) all of which will be taking place this year are available here:

http://www.nzicehockey.co.nz/documents/2011%20NZIHF%20Events%20Calendar%20v1.3.pdf

Please note that the Ice Blacks will be in Dunedin training two weekends from now. The team will return to Dunedin in late August to play games against Australia, China, and a further team to be confirmed as part of the NZ Winter Games.

International Ice Hockey Games – message from the NZIHF

To all members of New Zealand Ice Hockey Federation

RE: CANADA VS USA EXHIBITION ICE HOCKEY SERIES

Douglas Webber Events based in Christchurch is promoting a series of games at Auckland’s Vector Arena, Christchurch’s CBS Canterbury Arena and Dunedin’s Ice Arena, late July early August.

NZIHF is unable to officially endorse this series because;

1.    As a member of the international ice hockey community the players need to be sanctioned to play in NZ. Hockey Canada and Hockey USA have advised me in writing the players and the teams are not sanctioned.

2.    We wonder if the quality of the players will live up to the hype and ticket prices

3.    We are concerned with the emphasis on fighting and violence in their marketing.

However we need to be realistic, despite our reservations this event will continue with or without the endorsement of the NZ Ice Hockey Federation.

However it is imperative we make best use of every opportunity, so we hope to be able to work with Douglas Webber Events to promote ice hockey to potential new players and find new fans for National League during this event.

Our official position is therefore;

“Although the USA vs. Canada games are not sanctioned by NZIHF, we are excited to see games of this magnitude on home soil. It should be a great show.”

NEW ZEALAND ICE HOCKEY FEDERATION

Fundraiser Training Opportunity

Ice Blacks Paris Heyd and Rick Parry are running a training evening for players 17 years and under to raise funds for their trip to the Division II World Champs in Melbourne. More information is available at: http://dunedinicehockey.co.nz/documents/Fundraiser-Hockey-Evening.pdf.

New Club Tops/Socks

Those new members who need to purchase and choose a name and number for their black Dunedin Penguins tops should contact Kyle on communications@dunedinicehockey.co.nz. Note that numbers are limited as the club only releases each number once.

Ice hockey season is starting to wind down. Thunder played their last games in Christchurch over the weekend, the Southern U16s have their last games this weekend, U13s, U19s and women all finished their rep season at nationals earlier this month, and practices wind down in a few weeks.

Have no fear, we’re going right through Spring with the DIHL starting in two weeks, and a great way for everyone in the club to get out and play some fun hockey. More information below. The results of our club and rep teams speak to the high quality that we are instilling in our players and the structures and facilities that the club has built up over the past six years, and are very pleasing.

News

Southern League Results

Both Dunedin teams in the Southern league have won their grades. Dunedin U13s finished the season with an 8-1-1 record, Dunedin U16s also won their grade with a 9-1 record, the first time in many years that Dunedin has taken out the midgets trophy. Fantastic effort by our youth players to dominate the region.

Rep Teams

A heap of Dunedin players have made Southern rep teams this year, pulling out strong performances. Southern U19s defended their gold medal at nationals, congrats to Tom Wilson, Regan Wilson, and Tristan Darling for a big effort. Southern U13s and Women, both with a heap of Dunedin players took home silver medals losing out to strong Auckland teams.

In addition Dunedin players Josh Hubbard, Ben Roth, and Geordie Wheeler have been named to the NZ U16 Development Team to tour Australia later this year. Anna Goulding, Kate Strain, Mallory Handcock, Megan Gilchrist, Olivia MacDonald, Steph Patchett, and Jaimee Wood have all been named to NZ Ice Fernz Squad, and are working towards making the team to go to Iceland next year. Regan Wilson and Tom Wilson have been named to the NZ U18 Squad, Regan Bakker-Connell, Regan Wilson, Tom Wilson, Robbie Coslett, Heath Dunlop and Dane Dunlop have been named to the NZ U20 Squad.

Coming Up

Spring Dunedin Ice Hockey League

The club’s end of year social league kicks off in 11 days. Entries need to be in by next Wednesday 1 September. The league will be in two grades – A grade for the better, more competitive players, and B grade for beginners, social players, and those who don’t want to chase the Thunder players up and down the ice!

The league consists of 7 games, costs $80. To sign up simply sign back into club hub and add the subsequent fee ‘Spring DIHL’. If you’re having problems email us back and we can help.
If anyone wants to assist with organising either grade, email dihl@dunedinicehockey.co.nz and let us know.

Please note, any players that owe money to the club won’t be able to play in the DIHL until they’ve paid these debts. An email will be coming out this afternoon detailing old debts. To pay them drop off a cheque at the club gear room or to the scorebox when it’s manned, or make a direct credit to the club bank account:
Dunedin Ice Hockey Association (Inc)

National Bank of NZ, South Dunedin Branch
060911 0025989 00

Upcoming games to Watch

The National League final sadly is an all-Auckland affair, but will be shown on Sky sports: The games will be broadcast on Sky Sport 2 on 14 September 5:00pm, Sky Sport 2 on 16 September 9:00am and Sky Sport 3 – 16th September at 10:30pm. Great to see NZ ice hockey getting on TV more.
Also coming up is the Skate of Origin North vs South clash, which will be in Queenstown on September 18th, 7pm. This all-stars game brings together all the top national league players, playing for the island for which they first played ice hockey and is well worth going to see.

Girl’s and Women’s Ice Hockey Development Sessions

The club is running six sessions for beginners and intermediate female players to learn skills and play games with other female players. A great opportunity to get a female friend or family member involved in ice hockey without having to deal with smelly boys! For more information: http://dunedinicehockey.co.nz/2010/08/girls-and-womens-ice-hockey-development-sessions/

NZIHF U13 and U16 Development Camps 2011

Both these camps will be held in Auckland next year, and are a good opportunity to get intensive hockey education with lots of coaches in a skills based environment. For more information and registration forms: http://dunedinicehockey.co.nz/2010/08/nzihf-u13-u16-development-camps/

2010 Rick Parry Goalie Camp

Thunder/Ice Blacks goaltender, and DIHA goalie coach Rick Parry will be holding a goalie camp in Dunedin 25 – 26 September. For more information: http://dunedinicehockey.co.nz/2010/08/2010-rick-parry-goalie-camp-25-26-september/.

Got Club Gear or Tops?

If you have any club gear or tops that you should have given back, please return these to the club gear room, as we need these for the DIHL and our youth and adult beginners sessions. We’re having a general amnesty, this won’t apply if we find members holding onto gear they’re not supposed to have, so return it now before you get caught. The club puts tremendous effort into raising funds to make ice hockey accessible for all players, but particularly new members who grow our sport, and won’t hesitate to punish anyone who is found holding club gear that they’re not supposed to have. You have been warned!

Upcoming Holiday Break

SNC: no practice next week, Thursday 2 September. Next practice Thursday 9 September.

Adult Beginners: last practice this Sunday (no practice this week). Start up again on 12 September.

Girls/Womens Beginners: Last practice this Sunday 4 July. More practices to be discussed after considering the first five.

Oldtimers League

While DIHL really finishes the season off, Oldtimers will start up again afterwards and play their way right through to Christmas. So don’t hang up your skates yet old fellas!

DIHA AGM

The Annual General Meeting of the club, and prizegiving and dinner will be held in November. More information will come out in October, but now is a good time to think about what you are keen to see in ice hockey in 2011, and how you can help make that happen.

We’re well into the depths of the 2010 season, and often it’s warmer on the ice than outside the rink. Southern tournaments have only one or two rounds to go, rep teams are busy training and playing, and Thunder wind up the last games of the first half of their season this weekend in Auckland.

Most club hockey takes a break over the next couple of weeks with university and school holidays, see below for when things start and finish.

Rep Teams

Congratulations to all the club members who have been selected to Southern rep teams for this season:

Peewee (U13): Alex McMillan, Hadley Johnston, Callum McLaren, Daniel Robertson, Kris Smith, Sam Barclay & Seamus Leahy.

Midget (U16): Geordie Wheeler, Ben Roth, Nick Patchett, Mitchell Keenan, Xavier Wood, Jacob Hurring, Joe Orr, Justin Stevenson, Josh Hubbard & Jaimee Wood.

Juniors held trials in Queenstown over the weekend, and women are hopefully finalising their squad soon.

Congrats to all the players selected, it is a large commitment to the sport and the large numbers from Dunedin show the strength of our club in producing quality ice hockey players.

Southern League Results

Dunedin Peewees continue to be unbeaten through three tournaments this season, but had to come from 5-3 behind in the final period to beat Queenstown in Alexandra. Midgets have finished four tournaments, and look like finishing the season in first place after two solid wins over Queenstown.

Owe money to the club?

The club has had to follow up reminders of players owing money to the club with threats to exclude players from all ice. This has had the desired effect of getting players and their families to pay the bills. We’d ask all members to pay their bills before they take to the ice for practices and leagues.

From the Rink

There have been a spate of thefts from cars outside the rink recently. While the thieves have been caught, you are reminded not to bring anything to the rink that you don’t need to bring. Unfortunately changing rooms are not a safe place to leave cell phones, wallets etc.

Secondly, a reminder that playing with sticks and pucks in any of the viewing areas is not allowed. Sticks should be taken down to the changing rooms. If you wish to play with pucks please use the shooting gallery under the concrete stand.

Coming Up:

A reminder that club members can always get an up-to-date schedule of all practices and games by going to the club web site (www.dunedinicehockey.co.nz) and looking at the calendar on the right hand side. This is kept up-to-date as practices or games are added and draws released.

Club members can also become a fan of Dunedin Ice Hockey on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dunedin-Ice-Hockey/130911841735

Upcoming Holiday Break

There is no club night games again until August, due to holidays and then Thunder games.

Peewees: last practice Thursday 1 July. Next practice Tuesday 20 July. Youth invitational tournament 4 July in Dunedin. Peewee Tournament 11 July in Naseby.

Bantams: last practice Thursday 1 July. Next practice Thursday 22 July. Youth invitational tournament 4 July in Dunedin.

Midgets: last practice Thursday 1 July. Next practice Thursday 22 July. Midget tournament 24 July in Alexandra.

SNC: last practice last Thursday (no practice this week). Next practice Thursday 15 July.

Adult Beginners: last practice last Sunday (no practice this week). Next practice 11 July.

Girls/Womens Beginners: Last practice this Sunday 4 July. More practices to be discussed after considering the first five.

U13 Development Camp

The club is hosting 25 kids from across the region next week for a week long development camp, which also functions as the primary buildup to the nationals for the U13 team. Anyone who wants to help on or off ice email Kyle on president@dunedinicehockey.co.nz.

B Checking League

The club is running a B checking league for the second season. This league is for juniors, seniors on the fringes of, or not getting enough ice time in Thunder, or other players who wish to play checking without playing against top players. To register for the league, log into clubhub (https://www.clubhubssl.com/hubsystem/index.php?&fuseaction=login.login&callclub=DIHA), go to Tasks: Purchase Subsequent Fee. Change ‘B Checking League’ to 1 and click continue.

The league will run for 6 weeks, the first week will be a trial game to ensure team balance. For more information contact Callan McLaughlin on Macca18@xtra.co.nz.

Erewhon Cup

Two Dunedin teams will be entering in this competition, which is being held in Tekapo this season. Best of luck, we look forward to the trophy leaving Queenstown soon!

Oldtimers League

Oldtimers have been enjoying their hockey so much (or perhaps the after game drinks) that they’ve extended their season two more weeks. They’ll play again on Tuesday 6th at 7.30pm, and Tuesday 13th at 6pm. Pay Kim for the extra games.

Dunedin Ice Hockey League

The club’s end of year social league will kick off in September, with an A and B grade. If anyone wants to assist with organising either grade, please get in touch.

Dunedin Thunder News

Thunder have kicked off their season with three solid wins, two of them in overtime. It’s great to see the team firing this season and a credit to the players, coaches, and off-ice team. They travel up to Auckland this weekend to play the Swarm, next home games are end of July and first weekend of August.

New Club Tops/Socks

Most members should now have their new tops and socks in the new club colours. Some players have had them printed but we haven’t had a chance to catch up with them to hand them out. We are still waiting on smaller sizes to arrive for some of the kids, apologies for the delay on these. Anyone who finds that their socks don’t fit can swap them for a different size.

Thanks to all of the club members for their contribution to date in making the 2010 season develop. The new premier league has finished, DIHL is well underway, and all the practices have started and we’re seeing good numbers at most levels. Club teams are starting to play in the southern league rounds, and the Easton Cup is on here next weekend, so there’s plenty of hockey to go around.

Any feedback/comments on the club activities, please email me on president@dunedinicehockey.co.nz. Thanks,

Kyle

Internationals

Congratulations to the 2010 Ice Blacks, including Dunedin Thunder goaltender Rick Parry, who recently competed in the Division II World Championships in Estonia. The team beat Israel and China and narrowly lost to Iceland, to finish 4th in the tournament and stay in the division. That’s a fantastic result beating two teams that NZ has never beaten before.

The NZ under 20 team were in Turkey earlier this year playing in the third division. The team included Regan Wilson, Heath Dunlop, as well as new Thunder players Paris Heyd and Robbie Coslett.

The NZ under 18 team were in Mexico last month in the third division. The team included Tom Wilson, Regan Wilson (captain), and 2010 Thunder player Dane Dunlop. The team came back with a big last period in the final game against the hosts to take the gold medal and promotion for 2011.

Congratulations to all the club’s national reps who have displayed tremendous commitment to their sport to make these teams and compete.

Nominations

Rick Parry and Dunedin Thunder defenceman Regan Wilson have been nominated for ASB Otago Sportsman and Junior Sportsperson of the year respectively by the club. Both had fantastic seasons in 2009. Rick Parry dominated the Thunder net, facing far more shots than any other goalie in the NZIHL, and won both Ice Black games during the Division III World Champs, including a shutout against Ireland. Regan Wilson not only captained the NZ U18 team, but also played for the NZ U20 team, a fantastic achievement for a player who was still playing U16s in 2008.

Premier League

Congratulations to the Stars, who won the new Dunedin Premier League, beating the Jets in the final 6-4 on Sunday night. The premier league is a new competition that the club has introduced, but thanks to the commitment of the players, coaches, officials, and Richard Sykes it has run reasonably successfully and we’ll be looking at building on it in 2011.

Southern League Results

The club has entered three teams in the southern region competition. Senior open grade have beaten Gore twice, but lost both times to Queenstown. Midgets won their first match before narrowly losing to Queenstown midgets. And over the weekend Dunedin Peewees beat both Gore and Alexandra by convincing scores. Several Dunedin women players also play for the Southern Women who compete in the SNC competition, and they came close to defeating Gore the other weekend and also lost to Alexandra SNC.

The midgets will be in Gore on May 9th, and both the Open and Peewee teams will be in Gore later in May.

Updated Club Night Schedule

The club has made some amendments to its club night schedule for the rest of the season, pulling out a team that hasn’t made the numbers, and adding in some games for those that have good numbers. The new schedule is available at:

http://dunedinicehockey.co.nz/documents/clubNightSchedule2010v2.pdf

This replaces the old version which was on the back of the membership booklet.

Owe money to the club?

A number of players have been sent reminders that they owe money to the club for practices, leagues, registration etc. Thank you to those that have made contact or made payment. If the rest could quickly address this issue and ensure that they are fully paid up, the club does not want to have to deny access to the ice to players.

Coming Up:

A reminder that club members can always get an up-to-date schedule of all practices and games by going to the club web site (www.dunedinicehockey.co.nz) and looking at the calendar on the right hand side. This is kept up-to-date as practices or games are added and draws released.

Club members can also become a fan of Dunedin Ice Hockey on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dunedin-Ice-Hockey/130911841735

Easton Cup

The club is hosting the SNC Easton Cup competition on 8 – 9 May in Dunedin. Players 16 years+ are invited to form teams and enter. For more information contact Larry Martin on adult@dunedinicehockey.co.nz, or download the entry form:

http://dunedinicehockey.co.nz/documents/EastonCupEntryForm1.pdf

Oldtimers League

Once the DIHL finishes, the club will be running a 2 team oldtimers series, over seven weeks, starting on Tuesday 18 May at 7pm. Males 35 and older and females 30 and over should log back into club hub and add the subsequent fee for the oldtimers winter league to their account to be put in a team. For more information contact Kim Meredith-Jones on oldtimers@dunedinicehockey.co.nz.

Dunedin Thunder News

Dunedin Thunder is asking for club members to help with the many activities that need to occur to make their home games a success over four weekends – providing music, goal judges, fundraising, selling merchandise, giveaways to the crowd. They will be hosting a meeting for all interested club members on Monday May 24th at 7.30pm at the rink.

The Dunedin Thunder schedule is now available here: http://www.nzihl.com/schedule.aspx. There are also rumblings that all NZIHL games will be televised this season, but the league needs a couple of major sponsors first. If anyone knows of a business that is looking to be associated with such an exciting sport, please get in touch.

New Club Tops/Socks

The club will shortly be sending out details as to how members will be able to order the new playing uniform, and how to indicate the name and number you’d like on your top. Stay tuned!

Welcome to the 2010 season. Over the summer break the DIHA Board of Directors and the various volunteers that make ice hockey happen have been busy preparing for an exciting year of ice hockey. The season kicks off in the first week of March with practices and the beginning of a senior contact premier league, with an Autumn DIHL starting shortly after.

Most importantly, the club will be holding a registration night this Sunday. It is important that all members register and sign up for practices and leagues so that we know where the club stands in terms of numbers for ice time booking and coaches.

While you were sunning yourself…

Hockey never stops, particularly for those playing rep hockey. Dunedin Thunder members Regan Wilson and Heath Dunlop travelled to Turkey to play with the NZ U20 team, coming 4th in their championship. Regan will also be playing in the NZ U18 team, along with Thunder team mate Tom Wilson. Ice Blacks have also has trials and trainings and Thunder goalie Rick Parry will be travelling to Europe in April to compete in the Division II World Champs.

Professional Coaches 2010

The club is pleased to announce its Professional Coaches for the 2010 season. Our 2009 coach, Sophia Leon de la Barra will be returning to coach Kiwihockey, Peewees, and Adult Beginners for the club. And our own Megan Gilchrist will be coaching midgets, juniors, and SNC trainings. Dunedin Thunder goalie Rick Parry will be coaching a new goalie training session.

Coming Up:

Registration

The club will be holding its registration evening this Sunday 21 February, 5.30 – 7pm. The registration evening is an opportunity to register with the club, but also to sign up to play in the various leagues that begin the season – particularly the new premier contact league, and the Autumn DIHL (for all members who are not playing premier).

During registration, we will also be holding a second hand gear sale. Bring any gear you wish to get rid of, with attached prices down at 5.30, and we’ll try and sell them for you. The club will also be selling its collection of gear, so it’s a good opportunity to pick up a bargain.

If you don’t want to come down to the Ice Stadium to sign up, you can also register for the club online. From this weekend, the club will be using a new online system to manage registration and leagues, called Club Hub. It collects your information, signs you up for your practices and games, and tells you how much you have to pay to the club, which you can then do via internet banking. Visit http://dunedinicehockey.co.nz/registration/ from this weekend onwards.

The club has faced some increased costs from our regional and national bodies this year, but has held registrations for all our members to the same level as 2009 – $100 for seniors, $80 for Under 19s.

We are also introducing a new membership level, for people who only play in our local DIHL or oldtimers competitions. This ‘social’ membership makes you a full member of the DIHA, but only has associate membership for Southern Ice Hockey and the New Zealand Ice Hockey Federation. Social members will not be able to play against other teams in the Southern Ice Hockey League, Easton Cup, Erewhon Cup etc. Social membership costs $50.

Adult Beginners begins 28 February

The adult beginners sessions begin again for 2010 at 7pm Sundays, starting next weekend. So turn up this weekend, register and sign up for the DIHL, and then get back on the ice the following week to get some training in.

Premier League

The inaugural Dunedin Ice Hockey League Premier Grade will kick off in the first week of March, with three teams competing in a senior contact competition. The competition will take place on Wednesday evenings (final on Saturday April 24th), include four team training sessions, and involve all senior contact players, plus eligible juniors. Cost is $110/player. Contact Richard Sykes on premiers@dunedinicehockey.co.nz for more information.

Dunedin Ice Hockey League Autumn SNC

Shortly after the prems kick off, the rest of the club will fire up for a 7 week DIHL, with space for four teams. The DIHL will be open to all players, but with the prems playing in their own league, it will have a strong ‘B grade’ flavour. Cost is $84/player for seven games. Email dihl@dunedinicehockey.co.nz for more information.

Club Working Bee

This coming Monday, 22 February, from 7.30 pm, the club will be working in the gear room to try and prepare the gear for the new season. New helmets need to be sized, sticks to be taped, old helmets to be repaired, gear to be put back in their boxes. If anyone can help for an hour (bring a screw driver), please email Kyle on president@dunedinicehockey.co.nz, or turn up on Monday evening.

Volunteers Wanted

The club is still looking for people to volunteer for the following jobs:

DIHL Autumn Coordinator
Kiwihockey Manager
Junior Coach
Adult Beginners Manager
Senior Non-Checking session manager

If you are able to assist with any of these jobs, please let Kyle know, president@dunedinicehockey.co.nz.

New Club Tops/Socks

As part of a rebranding exercise, the club will be making available new tops/socks for members to buy. All Dunedin teams will wear this new uniform in the upcoming season. Players will (except where there is a conflict) be able to choose their own number, and have their name screen printed on their top. A sample of the top will be at the registration desk, or you can see it here:

As the dust settles on another ice hockey season (with Oldtimers dragging it out until Xmas!) it is an appropriate time to look back on the achievements of the club and its members. They are too many to list here, but at the upcoming Annual General Meeting (6pm) and Dinner and Prize-giving (7pm) on 21st November at the rink we will have the opportunity to celebrate many of them. We hope you all can attend and bring friends and family.

While there is only minimal ice hockey taking place over the summer, the next three months are actually the time where many of the decisions are made about the upcoming season. Starting with the election of the new board at the AGM, the club will be making a number of important decisions over the coming months, including the number and nature of practices, the cost of ice hockey and the way that we collect the money. New leagues, such as a Premier contact league are proposed for next season, as well as changes to existing leagues such as the DIHL and High Schools. There are many ways that members can input to this discussion, but the most important one is to complete the members survey. This will close at the AGM, enabling the results to be compiled and given to the board for future planning, so if you have not completed a survey, please do so and return it either to the gear room or AGM. See below for a link.

Lastly, earlier this year the club hosted the Division III World Champs, and the New Zealand Ice Hockey Federation has returned a proportion of the profits from that event to the DIHA. Those club members that volunteered their time to the event have either had their share forwarded to the Dunedin Thunder (where appropriate), or will receive a cheque or credit on money owed to the club soon.

The work of volunteers drives most of the club’s work, and now is the time when we ask for members and their parents to volunteer to help with the coming season. If you are at all available to help in any way please get in contact via email or let me know at the AGM.

Lastly we hope all members enjoy their summer off, and we will see you in late February for the beginning of another season.

Kyle Matthews
President
president@dunedinicehockey.co.nz

News

Dunedin Ice Hockey League

Well done Jets and Superfly, who won the 2009 Spring DIHL A and B grades respectively, in a very competitive competition in both grades. A big thanks to Pete Lamb and the rest of his DIHL team for all their work in making the competition successful.

Congratulations

To all the club members who attended the recent Nationals. Southern Women narrowly missed out on gold on goal differential. Peewee and Midget teams came close third, and Juniors rocked Auckland and Canterbury by bringing home gold – the first gold Southern has won in this grade ever.

End of Season

Sunday night practice will be having its last night on Sunday 22nd November. In addition, there will be no ice hockey on 15 November due to a speed skating camp.

Membership Card Photo Competition

The club will be distributing a membership card to all members for the 2010 season. This card will have associated discounts around town to reward you for your membership and support of Dunedin Ice Hockey. The club is holding a competition for the best ice hockey photo to go on the front of the card. Get entries to Callum Wood by the 21st November, email operations@dunedinicehockey.co.nz.

Coming Up

Annual General Meeting

The AGM for the DIHA will take place on November 21st, 6pm, upstairs at the Dunedin Ice Stadium. The AGM elects the board for the coming season, sets the membership levy, and receives accounts and reports for the year. We will also be calling for volunteers for the many positions that make the club a success – coaches, managers, league coordinators etc. The board will also be presenting draft player codes of conduct for discussion to members.

While the AGM is taking place peewee and midget players will be playing cross ice games, $5 each.

Further information is available at http://dunedinicehockey.co.nz/diha-agm-21-november/.

In addition, the AGM is the last chance for members to complete the survey that the club will use to make changes for the 2010 season. Complete and return to the box in the gear room, or at the AGM. More information and a copy of the survey is available at http://dunedinicehockey.co.nz/survey/.

End of Year Prize Giving

This will immediately follow the Annual General Meeting at 7pm. All members, family, friends and supporters are welcome. The prize giving will include a BBQ dinner, at $5/head, and a cash bar. Grades will also present prizes to players.

Anyone who is available to help with the prize giving dinner (cooking for a hundred people is a major job!) please contact Larry Martin on larry2c@yahoo.co.nz, or 021 272 0079.

Rick Parry’s Summer Goalie Camp

Dunedin Thunder and Ice Blacks goal tender will be running a summer camp focused entirely on goaltenders from 27 – 29 November. The camp includes on and off ice work and goalie specific drills. For more information visit http://dunedinicehockey.co.nz/rick-parrys-summer-goalie-camp/.

Women’s Development Camp, Dunedin, 11 – 13 December

The New Zealand Ice Hockey Federation is holding a development camp for women in the South Island at the Dunedin Ice Stadium next month. The camp includes four on ice sessions and two off ice, for $100. Email Jeff Bonazzo for more information, jeffbonazzo@hotmail.com.

Peewee and Midget Development Camps, Dunedin, January 2010

The New Zealand Ice Hockey Federation is holding development camps open for all players in late January 2010 at the Dunedin Ice Stadium. These camps are run by the Ice Blacks coach, assisted by many Ice Blacks and Ice Fernz. They are a fantastic way to get top level coaching. For more information and registration forms go to http://dunedinicehockey.co.nz/national-u13-u16-development-camps-january-2009/.

New Zealand Masters Games 2010

For all those males 35+ and females 30+ plus, Dunedin Ice Stadium will be hosting the New Zealand Masters Games for the second time in Waitangi Weekend 2010. The competition will include teams from around New Zealand and Australia. To register visit http://dunedin2010.nzmg.com/, for more information contact Steve Jackson on steve.jackson@otago.ac.nz. Earlybird registrations close at the end of November.

As the season comes near to a close, the hockey only gets bigger. Lots of our players will be travelling up to Auckland over the next month to compete in the national finals, the whole club wishes them the best of luck and we hope Southern comes back with a swag of gold medals.

The quality of our ice rink is also seeing us hosting another international event this weekend. Australia, like the Ice Blacks (who just won promotion) will be playing in Division II next year, so they should be great competition for our team in a double header on Saturday and Sunday night.

I am currently distributing a survey around our club members at practices. If you do not attend practices, or do not receive one, please get it from http://dunedinicehockey.co.nz/survey/. This survey will help the 2010 Board of Directors drive the direction and focus of their work, professional coaching, number of games, practices, etc. We would appreciate it if youth players who are financially supported by their parents, complete it together with their parents.

Lastly, below you will find some information on the upcoming DIHL. This will be a great set of games to finish off your hockey season in style, so I encourage you all to sign up.

Kyle Matthews
President
president@dunedinicehockey.co.nz

News

Dunedin Thunder

Dunedin Thunder’s season finished last weekend with a very competitive game against defending champions Botany Swarm. Despite their limited success on the ice this year, I know the Thunder team and the off-ice support crew have worked very hard this year in a tremendously difficult competition.

Later this year DIHA will be talking with Thunder about both organisations having stronger links, particularly given that our goals are about the promotion and playing of the sport of hockey. I hope that Thunder can take a greater involvement in the coaching of up-and-coming ice hockey players, and in return DIHA can help the players out by taking a bigger role in promoting Thunder and our sport. If anyone is keen to be involved in supporting Thunder next year, please let me know.

DIHA Equipment Bonanza

The club has recently been very successful with grant applications, and is spending a considerable amount of money investing in our equipment room and the gear in it. More safety equipment for beginners, particularly Kiwihockey kids, more goalie gear, more sticks, and more storage space to fit it all. One thing we’re becoming aware of it the tendency of members to just wander in and out of the room and take stuff. Unfortunately this situation is not satisfactory, gear is not being returned in a satisfactory state, and our volunteers are tired of cleaning up after members. Members should only be in the room when a manager or coach is there.

The buy up means that we can now equip a full ice load of forty kids in full gear. So encourage your friends to try out kiwihockey (Thursday afternoon, subsidised by the rink), adult beginners (Sunday night) and introduce them to this great game.

Congratulations

To the DIHL Juniors team who beat the PE team to win the Autumn 2009 DIHL in a shootout. A tremendous effort from the Juniors to step up and beat the senior teams.

To the Dunedin Peewees who have again been unbeaten this season, and are Southern Ice Hockey League Champions for the third year running. The team has a 48-0-0 record over that three years, and are graduating tremendous young ice hockey players up the age grades.

To all the DIHA members that have been selected by the Southern Ice Hockey League to represent the region at nationals in Auckland. Dunedin continues to provide a healthy number of players who form strong Southern teams. Last year we brought home two gold medals (U16s and Women) and a silver (U13s), we hope for a similarly strong showing this year from the teams.

End of Season

Practices for all grades should be finished by 17 September, except for Kiwihockey and Adult beginners which continue on.

Peewees and Midgets are fully paid up for the year. Juniors and SNC will have a second half bill for their practices which you should receive soon.

Costs for practices are kept down by the club applying for grants to help cover the cost of ice time. For all grades this year the club has successfully received grants of between $1000 and $1500. This is directly funneled into the grades to keep members’ costs down.

There will also be an end of season function in late September or early October, to which all members are invited.

Coming Up

Australia vs Ice Blacks

As part of the New Zealand Winter Games, the Australian Ice Hockey team is here this weekend to take on the New Zealand Ice Blacks. Games are 7pm Saturday, 5pm Sunday, tickets available from the door from between $10 (children) and $25 (adults).

This is a terrific chance to get see top level ice hockey again in Dunedin. There should be a decent crowd so we recommend getting there half an hour early to make sure that you can get in on time.

Both games are also being shown on Sky Sport 3 on Sunday (game one delayed at noon, game two live). Encourage your family and friends to tune in and watch, it’s a fantastic opportunity to promote our great sport.

Dunedin Ice Hockey League Spring 2009

The next round of the Dunedin Ice Hockey League will be starting in mid-September. The competition will be run in two grades, with the better players in an A grade, and the B grade having a more relaxed social element to it. For more information, including registration forms, see http://www.dunedinicehockey.co.nz/dihl/.

Southern Cross Womens Tournament 12 – 13 September Tekapo

All female players of all levels are invited to participate in this tournament. For more information contact Megan Gilchrist, megan.gilchrist@hotmail.com.

Annual General Meeting

The AGM for the DIHA will take place in November. All board positions will be up for election, and we are always looking for people to stand for the board or help organise the many tasks that is involved in running a successful hockey club. All members will be emailed with further details closer to the time.

After a very busy time for ice hockey in Dunedin with the World Champs, there was a bizarre break when curling took over the rink and no hockey was played at all. It’s all picking up again now with Easton Cup last weekend, two Sundays of Southern Ice Hockey League games, and Thunder starting their campaign next month. I wish all the players and teams representing Dunedin the best.

The club has recently appointed a new Professional Coach for the 2009 season and we are very excited to be able to continue to offer great coaching on the ice for all players. Sophia has just finished her first week of coaching and as she learns more about the players and their abilities she’ll be pushing them higher levels of hockey.

Appreciate your feedback on any of the items below.

Kyle Matthews
DIHA President
president@dunedinicehockey.co.nz

New Professional Coach

The club is pleased to announce Sophia Leon de la Barra as our new Professional Coach for the 2009 season. Sophia will be working with our amateur coaches at practices, and running SNC, Kiwihockey, and Adult Beginner practices. Sophia has previously played and coached ice hockey in America, Italy, and Australia, and we’re very lucky to have such a well-qualified coach to take up the work of raising the skill level of all our ice hockey players.

Free ‘Try Hockey’ sessions Saturday 16 May

The club will be hosting two free sessions for people to try out ice hockey with some of our new coaches on Saturday 16th May.

Aged 13 and under – 4pm
Aged over 13 – 5pm

Turn up half an hour early to ensure you can be fitted for gear.

All club members are encouraged to tell their friends and family members to turn up and help grow the sport.

World Champs

A big thank you to all the club members and parents who committed their time and expertise to help with the recent Division III World Champs. We not only pulled it together to put on a great tournament, but hopefully soon the club will learn of some financial returns which we’ll be distributed to members as ice time credits.

Tournament Director, Graeme Glass has asked me to pass onto all who were involved how well the event came together and how impressed the teams and the IIHF were with the professional way that the event was run. The DIHA will consider bidding for this event again in a couple of years.

Lastly, a big congratulations to the Ice Blacks and particularly the two Dunedin-based members, Damion Watson and Rick Parry for their efforts over the past months which led to them being awarded the gold medal and promotion to Division II.

Friendship Games

A big congratulations to the Dunedin members of the Southern Friendship Games team that recently returned from Hachinohe Japan. DIHA members who made the massive commitment to the trip included Mitchell Keenan, Tom Offen, Joe Orr, Nick Patchett, Ben Roth, Justin Stevenson, Geordie Wheeler, Jaimee Wood and coach Larry Wheeler. We will have some photos from their trip up on the web site soon. [now available here]

Easton Cup Results

Congratulations to the Dunedin Penguins, who pulled off an incredible reversal from 4-0 down to beat the Dunedin Thunder in overtime 5-4 in the Easton Cup final last weekend. A fantastic weekend of hockey was had by all teams.

DIHL Underway

The Dunedin Ice Hockey League began on Tuesday, and will run for seven weeks with four teams competing. The Beasts and the Juniors started the tournament off in a winning mood, beating Oldtimers and Physed respectively.

All players who missed out on a spot on this competition this time around keep your eyes open for a second DIHL starting in August/September, and be sure to get your entry forms in early. For more information visit http://dunedinicehockey.co.nz/dihl/.

Upcoming referee course

The New Zealand Ice Hockey Federation will be holding a Level 1 referee course in Dunedin on 20 June. This qualification makes able to line and referee games. Referees are crucial in our sport and we are always looking for more. It is also a great source of income to play for your ice hockey, referees get paid for their work. This course will also be free. Contact Michael Mitchell on referees@dunedinicehockey.co.nz to sign up.

Upcoming scorers course

We will also be hosting a scorers course on 21 June. This will run over some of the issues that scorers face, help them understand the rules better, and work with referees. Contact Joyce Miller on secretary@dunedinicehockey.co.nz to sign up.

Replacement VP Communications

Due to a resignation on the DIHA Board of Directors, the club is looking for a new Vice-President of Communications. This person takes the lead on promoting the sport of ice hockey and trying to get more people playing in our various grades, particularly Kiwihockey and Adult Beginner.

If you think you might be able to help fill this position, please contact Kyle on president@dunedinicehockey.co.nz by 29 May.

Recent SIHL results

Congratulations to the various Dunedin teams that have already had Southern Ice Hockey League Games.

The Open Grade have played two tournaments, beating Gore twice, and splitting their two games against Queenstown. The final games in this grade are Sunday 24th May, here in Dunedin, so the Dunedin-Queenstown game should be great to watch.

The Midgets travelled to Queenstown in early April and lost to Queenstown, but beat Alexandra/Gore. They’ll play again here in Dunedin this Sunday.

The Peewees had their first tournament a couple of weeks ago in Gore, and beat Gore 22-0 and Maniototo 20-1. This team continues to have fantastic results and plays again here in Dunedin on 24 May.

Upcoming SIHL trials

SIHL Peewee trials we be taken place on the weekend of 23 – 24 May, in Dunedin. For more information contact the SIHL Manager Janine Hurring at practice.

DIHA taking over Kiwihockey, adopting Learn to Play

The DIHA has officially taken over responsibility for Kiwihockey, which is our introduction to ice hockey for younger kids. We will be running this with the support of the rink. As well as taking over the session, we have switched to the Learn to Play programme, developed in Canada and used internationally to teach kids to play hockey using lots of small area games and ensuring that hockey is fun.

Any members that have younger siblings or other family members or friends who want to take up hockey, Kiwihockey is fantastically cheap ($5/session) and great fun.

Know your Coach/Manager

Kiwihockey (Thursday 5pm)
Coach: Sophia Leon de la Barra
Assistant Coaches: Mike Wesseling and Ashleigh Rose-Black
Manager: Managed by Kyle Matthews in conjunction with the rink.

Peewees (Tuesdays 6pm)
Coaches: Kyle Matthews and Callum Wood, with Sophia Leon de la Barra
Manager: Pete Wallis

Midgets (Thursdays 6pm)
Coaches: Al O’Connor (about to take an extended holiday to North America), Larry Wheeler, Larry Martin, David Patchett, with Sophia Leon de la Barra
Managers: Larry Martin and Krissi Wood.

Juniors (Thursdays 7pm)
Coaches: Blake Sinclair and Stefan King, with Sophia Leon de la Barra
Managers: Jackie and Warren Teasdale

Senior Non-Checking (Mondays 9pm)
Coach: Sophia Leon de la Barra
Manager: Callan McLaughlin

Adult Beginners (Sundays 6pm)
Coach: Sophia Leon de la Barra
Manager: Karen Nicholas

Old Timers Newsletter

Thanks to Karen and Alan O’Connor for passing on the newsletter