It is said that the game of ice hockey originated on the frozen
lakes of Canada in 1877. From there the game has spread around the
world and has become extremely popular in North America and many
European countries such as Sweden, Russia and the Czech Republic.
Professional leagues are now played throughout these countries,
with North Americas NHL being the pinnacle. The sport has also been
part of the Winter Olympics since 1920
Erewhon Cup Tournament 1948 Albury, South Island, New
Zealand.
Thank you to the Glass family for the use of this photo - The
house in the background is the Opawa homestead at Albury in South
Canterbury. It was in a caravan in front of the home stead where
the inaurgural meeting of the New Zealand Ice Skating Association
was held during the first Erewhon Cup Tounament 1937.
The first recorded game of ice hockey in New Zealand was in 1937
when sheep farmers in the South Island played on the frozen lakes
in winter. It has been played more or less continuously since
then.
Today there are over 1600 registered players in New Zealand, in
age group competitions from Under 13 to Senior Mens and Womens
teams.
New Zealand Ice Blacks 2009 in Dunedin Div III world champs
The NZIHL teams are predominantly made up of New Zealand
players, but each team is able to import players from outside of
New Zealand although only 5 may be dressed any one game. the league
has been lucky enough to secure players from Canada, USA, Italy,
France, Sweden, Russia, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Hungary, Germany
and Finland. Being from the southern hemisphere our league goes
from June to September in our winter. If your in the northern
Hemisphere and looking to play in your off season please contact us as
foreign players are always welcome.
