The 2010 New Zealand Ice Hockey League season promises to be an
exciting one!Plenty of changes in the off-season have meant that
some of the sides have a new look and the balance of power could
shift again.
Last year the Canterbury Red Devils won the championship and
swept nearly all of the awards.� It may prove very difficult to
knock them off that perch this season.� Returning for the Red
Devils is a strong core of Ice Blacks including Dan Nicholls,
Stefan Speck, Mitchell Oak, Adam Soffer, Chris Eaden, Dale Harrop,
and former Ice Black Hayden Argyle who was last years top
defenseman.�� Throw in a few imports including three from the USA,
and it is certain the Red Devils will be a tough opponent to take
down.� Chris Eaden in particular is a player to watch after his
spectacular 2009 campaign, when he smashed all of the previous
single-season scoring records.� One significant loss from the squad
is their 2010 MVP Paris Heyd, who is now with the Dunedin Thunder.�
New coach Jon Whitehead will be hopeful of repeating the success of
last year.�
The Southern Stampede will be hoping to avenge last years finals
loss to the Red Devils and have the talent to do it.� They are lead
by the NZIHLs all-time leading point scorer Simon Glass and its
all-time leading goal scorer Brett Speirs.� Along with them are 9
other current or former Ice Blacks including Bert Haines, Loren
Nowland, Braden Lee, Daniel Smith, Jaden Skipper, Stacey Rout,
Stephen Reid, Simon Wilson, and Jamie Moore-Carter.� Up and coming
16 year old goaltender Aston Brookes will be relied on to shoulder
the load this season.� There is no question the Stampede have the
depth and skill to be a tough opponent every single week and are
especially dangerous at their home rink in Queenstown.
The Dunedin Thunder will be looking to put last years troubles
behind them and move up the ladder in 2010.� New coach and former
player James Van Leeuwen will be hoping the addition of Heyd and
five quality imports will bolster the teams offense. �A number of
other domestic transfers into the squad including Cam Frear, Regan
Baker-Connell, Dane Dunlop, Robbie Coslett, plus the return of
Damian Watson, should bolster the ranks.� Defensively, the Thunder
lean heavily on Ice Blacks goaltender Rick Parry who last year
faced over 600 shots, almost double the next highest total.� There
is a feeling around the league that this could be the year the
Thunder make some noise.
In Auckland, the Botany Swarm are determined to get back to the
top of the NZIHL after a disappointing season where they failed to
continue the massive success of the previous two seasons.� The
Swarm have a strong contingent of Ice Blacks including top
goaltender Zak Nothling, who has won a number of big games with the
National team over the past 6 months.� The Swarm also boast the
current Ice Blacks captain Corey Down and a contingent of 11 other
Ice Blacks including Sam Boniface, Martin Lee, Lukas Birgel, Ian
Wannamaker, Andrew and Josh Hay, Charlie Huber, Jordan Challis,
Richard and Lyle Idoine, and KC Ball.� The strong team chemistry of
the Swarm and the outstanding coaching of Andy Kaisser will
certainly count in their favour.
Across the city, the West Auckland Admirals are looking at
another tough season, with Blake Jackson being the only current Ice
Black on the team.� Last season the Admirals struggled at both ends
of the ice but are hoping to turn that around this year.� An
exciting crop of imports including 3 players from Finland and an
American defenseman should provide a boost to the squad.� Captain
Robert Chamberlain, team leader Travis McMaster, and new coach
Rodney McMillin will be focusing on hard work and good team play to
give the Admirals the improved results they will need to challenge
for the title.
More information about the NZIHL including game times and ticket
purchases can be found at www.nzihl.com. The League kicks
off on June 5th and 6th when the Admirals
head down to Christchurch and the Dunedin Thunder play host to the
Southern Stampede.� This years rule changes including overtime and
shootout should make the action even more furious.� Get down to
your local rink today!
