Auckland Ice Hockey
A streamlined skate system
A streamlined governance system is part of the secret behind strong growth in Auckland’s ice hockey scene, says the Auckland Ice Hockey Association.
Marketing director Bernie Gouldstone says that after 20 years in operation, Auckland’s clubs voted three years ago to amalgamate.
“The big advantage with this structure is the elimination of duplication of effort, with only one board of directors, rather than each club having their own administration,” he says.
“That means all our efforts can be channeled into growing and improving the sport.
“It has reduced the cost of administration and made the leagues more competitive, with a draft system for selecting players for teams, which has resulted in more even competition and a higher quality of games.”
This year the association had 200 junior players – up 26 on last year – from six to 18-year-olds.
Each team has a minimum of an hour’s training on the ice each week, plus an hour-long game and extra training for elite players in representative sides.
“This year we were also able to run special goalie clinics to improve the skills of our goalies for all junior grades,” Bernie says.
A $20,000 ASB Community Trust grant this year subsidised the cost of ice time for junior players.
“This means all players benefit and, by making participation a little more affordable, we are able to attract more players,” Bernie says. “For the players who earn a place in an Auckland or National rep team, reducing the cost means the best players can be selected, rather than those who can afford it.”