NZIHL January 12, 2024  46

As an NZIHL veteran with extensive experience since the league’s establishment in 2005, Paris brings valuable insight and a unique outlook to the league. Fans and players alike will undoubtedly appreciate what Paris has to offer.

Photo courtesy of Phoenix Thunder

The New Zealand Ice Hockey Federation has named Paris as the new General Manager, after Andreas Kaisser’s long tenure as General Manager came to an end at the conclusion of the 2023 season. 

Andreas Kaisser leaves an incredible legacy in the league. 

Andreas’s devoted service to the league has left a remarkable impact that will be difficult to surpass. His efforts over the years have elevated the league to unprecedented heights, including the introduction of a new team, Auckland Mako in 2020 – the first since 2008.

Andreas Kaisser (left) pictured with Ben Harford, and NZIHF President Andy Mills (right).
Photo courtesy of Kea Photos/Phoenix Thunder

We caught up with Paris to ask him about his new role and the first order of business.

What are you looking forward to the most about your new role within the NZIHL?

I think working with the teams and clubs to grow the league and the game. The NZIHL, along with the NZWIHL, are the showcases of our sport and a key element to growing awareness and participation in ice hockey in NZ. The intriguing challenge to me is how we leverage the league to achieve these outcomes.

Will it be business as usual for the NZIHL, or should fans expect to see something exciting coming to the league in 2024?

For the most part it is business as usual for now, the league is in a good space which is a testament to the great work Kaisser and others have done beforehand. In saying that, we do have a few ideas we want to explore and there is an exciting announcement coming. We are going to be introducing a new event this year that I believe will be a great experience for both fans and players. Details are still being finalised but watch this space in the coming weeks to find out more.

The schedule for the 2024 season has been released, and it’s time to start counting down to the first game on May 4th!

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