Well, here we are again, standing on the edge of the off-season, and what a spectacular nine weeks of ice hockey we have just witnessed!
It fills me with immense pride to wrap up what has been an exceptional 2025 Juicebox Summer League campaign. This league, running from mid-October right up until this week’s magnificent finale on December 11th, is not just about keeping the legs moving; it’s a focused development programme designed to challenge and improve every single participant, from the newest beginners to our state-level players.
A Summer of Skill and Spirit
The core mission of Juicebox is to increase those vital puck touches and shots on goal, boosting every player’s game sense and skills in a balanced and intense competitive environment—and judging by the feedback, we achieved that and more!
Watermelon League (7U to 11U): The future of our club shone brilliantly in the Watermelon League. These youngsters embraced the fast-paced 3-on-3 Cross-Ice format with one-minute shifts, guaranteeing non-stop action and maximal participation. The skills we have seen developed here will serve our players well for years to come.
Strawberry League (Women’s Division): We had a wonderful influx of newcomers and developing players, many of whom were learning the nuances of full-ice play, including offsides and icing, for the very first time. Crucially, the league format, where players registered individually to create balanced teams, allowed our more experienced players to step up as on-ice leaders.
Pineapple League (Junior & Senior Divisions): Inspired by the famed Banana Coffs Harbour tournament, the 3-on-3 Full-Ice format across our four Pineapple divisions—Junior Silver and Gold, and Senior Tin and Platinum—provided exhilarating hockey. The constant flow, on-the-fly changes, and the intense pressure of the penalty-shot rules ensured every game was a thriller. This setup is the perfect incubator for decision-making under stress. Congratulations to all the division champions who earned their bragging rights!
Beyond the Scoreboard
We must extend our highest praise not only to the players but also to the tireless support staff. Shout-out to Danielle Harris, our tireless scorer; Saul for creating a watermelon-specific scoreboard; and all the referees: JJ, Ash, Henry, William, Charlie H, Harry, Jaimieson and Charlie G.
To our incredible coaches, especially those new parents and mentors who stepped up to gain valuable bench experience, thank you for guiding our teams. Thank You: Tom, Dave, Tomas, Oscar, Chip, Nic, Scott E, Paul, Scott G, Jon, Manns, Marek and Kevin.
The 2025 Juicebox League has reaffirmed the wonderful community spirit we cherish at Ice Zoo. As the summer gets into full swing, we encourage everyone to hold onto that competitive fire and get ready to bring the heat back when the 2026 season rolls around.
Have a safe and restful break, and we look forward to seeing you all back on the centre ice soon!
A few weeks ago, the Ice Zoo Hockey Club celebrated our fantastic community at our annual End-of-Year Awards!
It was excellent to gather the entire club—a proper representation of our global game, from junior development to established senior players.
The evening was dedicated to recognising the dedication shown by all our members. Players from all teams were presented with awards for their performances and commitment, alongside a shared meal and new Club merchandise.
The central moment of the evening was honouring our inaugural Club Player of the Year, Annika Schmitz. Annika’s consistent excellence and influence on the ice throughout the season were undeniable, making her a thoroughly deserving recipient.
Thank you to all our players, coaches, volunteers, and families for a magnificent 2025. The spirit and dedication within the Ice Zoo community are second to none, and we are perfectly positioned to carry this momentum into 2026.
We’re thrilled to welcome you back and excited to begin despite the ongoing challenges of ice scarcity. The board has made every effort to keep costs down and ensure the club’s financial stability. Your support and understanding are truly valued as we embark on this exciting year together.
Below is all the essential information you need to be ready to play ice hockey in 2025.Â
All newcomers who have never registered will need to sign up. Create a family and add your kids.
The new 2025 membership costs are listed below.
Please Note: When registering in ESD, you will pay for the IZHC club membership* and the Team Game Officials Fee** simultaneously.
*The club membership fee enables you to become a member and vote at AGMs. The funds raised from the membership are re-invested into hockey development and club activities.
*IHNSW charges each team with accredited game officials (referees and line officials). This does not apply to U9 players.
b) The 2025 training fees are as follows:
The total training fee covers you for all training sessions for the season and is non-refundable. Women players who train with Foxes and with Seniors will get a 50% discount on the senior fee.
Ice Zoo Hockey Club would like to invite members and their families to our end of season afternoon celebration at Harold Park Community Hall, Forest Lodge. All players will receive a medal or trophy in recognition of the 2024 season.
This will be followed by afternoon refreshments.
Tickets are $10 each and include a raffle ticket. Family tickets are $30 and include a raffle ticket for each person. More raffle tickets will be available on the day. Come for a chance to win a fantastic prize.
Sanctioned by IHNSW, Juicebox’s 3rd annual league. Bigger than ever, from 7yo to Adults. There’s something for everyone (Players, Goalies, Officials and coaches) and everylevel.
1- Pre-season, tryouts, and team selections start Wednesday, Jan 31st.
We will run a 5-week pre-season training for players to get back in shape and tryout for a team starting Wednesday, January 31st.
Dates:
Jan 31st
Feb 7th
Feb 14th (Players Evaluation Night)
Feb 21st
Feb 28th
For any team requiring tryouts due to either having too many players or for selecting a second team, a team selection panel, including the coaching staff, will be formed.
Players don’t need to do pre-season training to be selected on a team. However, it is highly recommended, especially if you’re new to the club.
In Week 3, the coaching staff will evaluate players on the ice for the purpose of team selection, player development and goal planning.
Pre-season is a pay-as-you-go and is not included in the season fees.
$30* per week – Pay on POS at the door or buy online.
As always, to join in club activity, you need all the gear, and this year, seniors will also need to wear a neck guard. (This rule was always applied to juniors and is now extended to everyone). See the gear requirement list.
a) Registration is from March 1st to Feb 28th every year. Our 2024 memberships are not open yet, however:
All returning players or players under a development membership are covered for the pre-season training.
All newcomers who never registered will need a temporary free try-out membership[click here to sign up] before getting on the ice. Once you click the link, simply sign up (if you don’t have an account.
Then, on March 1st 2024, the new registration cycle will open, and everyone on a team will need to register for their new membership.
The new 2024 membership costs are not out yet, but below is last year’s cost to give you an idea for budgeting:
b) The 2024 training fees (once pre-season is finished) are as follows:
Explaining the breakdown:
The total training fee covers you for all training sessions for the season and is non-refundable.
It works out at ~$20-22 per week, depending on the team, if you attend every week.
Pay-as-you-go is not available for training because ice is the club’s most significant cost and must be shared across all players.
IHNSW charges each team that has accredited game officials (referee and line officials). Not applicable to all teams.
Club membership fee enables you to become a member and vote at AGMs. The funds raised from the membership get re-invested into hockey development and club activities.
If you choose to pay by 3 instalments, each instalment will be due on the following dates:
March 1st
May 1st
July 1st
c) Game fees are an estimate at this stage since the IHNSW game schedule is not out yet.
Team managers organise and pay rinks on game day.
Some teams choose to collect in bulk.
Teams will play around 15-20 games per season.
The cost is usually around $20-$25 per game.
4- Seniors tryouts and training structure
This year, our senior teams will have training during the season from 10:15 to 11:15 pm.
Seniors’ pre-season training slots will be as follows:
Dates:
Jan 31st – For Wolves div1 and Apes div3 current returning players only
Feb 7th – For Pigeons div2 and Hippos div4 current returning players only
Feb 21st – For Wolves div1 and Apes div3 players only
Feb 28th – For Pigeons div2 and Hippos div4 players only
The open tryout is an opportunity for any players to get selected to join one of our senior teams.
Team management will be present and will be selecting players based on available roster spots.
Once season training starts, it will continue to rotate as above from March 3rd, starting with Wolves Div 1 and Apes Div3 and so on. Please review the year planner for dates.
5- Team coaching crew
Our crews are being assembled as we speak, more will be added to the list but the core is set.
U7/U9/U11
Game day U7/U9 coach: Ash Moore U11 Head coach: Scott Epp
Training and assistant coaches: Ethan Caruso Tomas Krenek Petr Kanak Marek Kapsa Matt Monaghan
U13
Head Coach: Hugh Deraps
Training and assistant coaches: Nik Eberhardt Amanda Sollars Chip Graf Scott Gillies Ethan Caruso Rory Forester
U15
Training and assistant coaches:
Daniel Dornak Ethan Caruso
U18
Head Coach: Matt Adams Manager: Kristen Burton
Arctic Foxes:
Head Coach: Logan Russel Assistant Coach: Gabe Robledo Assistant Coach: Craig Zimmerman Manager: Natalie Caruso
Wolves Div 1
Manager/Coach: Gregor Rozenberg Manager: Ash Moore
