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New
Zealand Ice Hockey Federation
Homepage: http://www.nzicehockey.co.nz/
History:
Ice hockey made a debut
in New Zealand about 60 years ago as a game
played among farmers and farm workers on
frozen ponds and lakes in the South Island
high country. Year 1937 was when the first
formal ice hockey tournament was held in
Albury, South Canterbury – which led
to the conceptualization and realization
of the New Zealand Ice Skating Association
to manage the increasing demand for the
sport. The current governing body, the New
Zealand Ice Hockey Federation was formed
only in 1986 during a meeting at Lake Tekapo
to streamline all efforts in promoting and
developing further interest among New Zealanders
on ice hockey.
New Zealand was one of
the very few countries to achieve a medal
in its debut international competition –
New Zealand won the bronze medal at the
1987 IIHF World Championships in West Australia.
New Zealand national teams continue to reap
international acclaim to this day in games
held in Asia and Oceania. |
