Celebrating Excellence: The First-Ever Scholarship Awards for New Zealand’s Hockey Players
We are thrilled to announce the first-ever scholarship awards presented to eight exceptional individuals from around New Zealand! These scholarships, totaling an impressive $10,000, aim to recognize and support the outstanding talent, commitment, and community involvement within the world of ice hockey. This year’s recipients were chosen based on a point system that evaluated their level of playing, their dedication to the sport, and the positive impact they have on their local hockey communities.
Recognising Excellence On and Off the Ice
The scholarship awards were created to empower athletes who show not only remarkable skills on the rink but also a passion for the game and a dedication to making a difference in the wider ice hockey community. Each of the awardees demonstrated excellence in three key areas:
Level of Play: We looked for players who displayed exceptional skill and performance on the ice, whether in competitive leagues, training, or tournaments.
Commitment to Hockey: The players’ dedication to improving their skills, participating in hockey events, and embracing the spirit of the game was a vital part of the selection process.
Community Involvement: Giving back to the community is essential. The recipients of the scholarships have shown how they contribute to the growth of the sport in their local areas—whether through coaching, mentoring younger players, or volunteering in various hockey-related activities.
The 2025 Scholarship Recipients
We are proud to award scholarships to these eight talented athletes who embody the values of hard work, community spirit, and a love for the game of ice hockey:
Indi Lewis, Canterbury ($1900) -
Jack Lewis, Dunedin ($1900) -
Ian Audas, Dunedin ($1900) -
Mana Keefe, Auckland ($1100) -
William Bary, Dunedin ($1100) -
Ivan Dalmatau, Auckland ($1100) -
Neve Spooner, Dunedin ($500) - “Receiving this funding means a lot as balancing full time study, ice hockey and part time work can be hard with knowing what to prioritise at different times. This funding will allow me to focus on hockey and study with less worry about picking up extra shifts to cover my hockey fees and living costs. I feel honoured to have received this opportunity to have financial support in my 2025 hockey journey.
Thank you once again for the opportunity.”
Jacob Carey, Christchurch ($500) -
These athletes come from a variety of backgrounds and regions across New Zealand, yet they all share a common thread: a deep commitment to ice hockey and the desire to help elevate the sport in their communities. The scholarship will help them take their game to the next level, whether it's through higher-level training, competition, or educational opportunities related to the sport.
The Future of Ice Hockey in New Zealand
The scholarship program is a testament to the growing potential of ice hockey in New Zealand. It’s exciting to see the next generation of players rising up, not just for their impressive skills but for their roles as ambassadors of the sport. These scholarships are designed to support the athletes as they continue their journey and, in turn, inspire others to get involved in the game.
This is only the beginning. We look forward to seeing how these incredible players will use their opportunities to achieve even greater success and continue making a difference in their communities. The future of New Zealand ice hockey is bright, and with the help of these scholarships, we are confident it will continue to thrive.
A Huge Congratulations!
We want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to each of the eight scholarship recipients. Your hard work, dedication, and passion for ice hockey have earned you this recognition, and we are so excited to support your journey. Keep pushing the boundaries, on and off the ice. We are cheering for you every step of the way!
Stay tuned for more updates on the scholarship program and the inspiring journeys of these talented individuals.