New Zealand’s U16 Ice Hockey Team Prepares for Pan-Pacific Tournament

A group of young athletes from Queenstown, New Zealand, has made history by being selected for the country’s inaugural U16 national ice hockey team. Conor Graham, Moby Haysmith, Harry Carian, along with teammates Liam Sangster from Cromwell and Luke Ferland from Alexandra, will travel to Melbourne next month. The team is set to compete in the first-ever Youth Pan-Pacific Tournament, scheduled for October 10 to 13, 2023.

While the exact match schedule is still being finalized, the team is expected to play at least five games against various Australian sides and a representative from the Hong Kong, China Ice Hockey Association. The athletes are being coached by Sam Hutchins, who serves as the assistant coach for the U18 Junior Stampede.

Coaches Emphasize Growth and Preparedness

Head coach Daniel Van Sickle, who also oversees the U16 Junior Stampede, expressed his enthusiasm about the team’s representation from Queenstown. He believes this experience will greatly benefit the players, particularly as they adapt to the physicality of full-contact hockey. Van Sickle noted that the tournament aims to “fill a gap in the learning curve” regarding when to introduce full-contact play, a topic that has sparked much debate.

According to Van Sickle, at the U16 level, physicality is a significant component of the game, especially in corners and along the boards. However, certain restrictions are in place to protect young players. For example, open-ice hits are not permitted to prevent serious injuries. He emphasized the importance of maintaining safety while allowing players to learn the competitive aspects of the sport.

The U16 Junior Stampede competes in a national league that includes two teams from Auckland, along with representatives from Dunedin and Christchurch. Van Sickle acknowledged that Auckland teams tend to be better prepared for the physical demands of the game. He pointed out that Australian players have been exposed to this level of physicality from a younger age, making the upcoming tournament a valuable opportunity for his team to gauge their skills against international competitors.

Recent Success for Junior Stampede

In addition to preparing for the Pan-Pacific Tournament, the U18 Junior Stampede had a triumphant weekend, dominating the Junior Thunder in their first home games in six years. The team secured a remarkable 10-0 victory on Saturday, followed by a 6-1 win on Sunday. This success has energized the local ice hockey community, showcasing the talent emerging from Queenstown.

The next rounds for the U18 Junior Stampede will take place in Dunedin at the end of this month. Following those matches, the team will advance to the finals series, continuing their promising season. As the young players prepare for their international debut, they carry the hopes of their community and the sport as they venture into this exciting new chapter in their ice hockey careers.