It’s been a busy start to 2026 for New Zealand ice hockey, with three national sides stepping onto the international stage across January through to March. The Under 20 Men, Under 18 Men, and Under 18 Women each took on their respective IIHF World Championship campaigns, representing the silver fern with pride while continuing to build experience against some of the world’s emerging hockey nations. While each tournament brought its own challenges, there was a shared sense of growth and learning that continues to shape the future of the game in New Zealand, with every outing adding to the depth and understanding required at this level.
The Under 20 Men’s campaign was one built on effort and learning in a highly competitive Division II B tournament. From the opening puck drop it was clear that every game would demand consistency and composure, with little room for lapses. Coming up against strong opposition, including a well-structured Netherlands side, New Zealand were tested early and often, but continued to show resolve throughout the tournament. They showed encouraging signs with the puck, generating scoring opportunities and finding moments where they were able to apply genuine pressure.
The defining moment of the tournament came in their matchup against Iceland, where the stakes were clear and the response followed. A composed and determined performance saw New Zealand secure a crucial win to remain in the division. Caleb Price delivered a standout performance in goal, turning aside sustained pressure and giving the team a platform to build from. At the other end, Seamus Gallagher played an important role in setting the tone, finding the net early and helping New Zealand establish control in a game that demanded execution. It was a performance that reflected both the character and growth of the group under pressure.
Across the tournament, the fine margins of international hockey were evident. Moments on special teams often proved decisive, reinforcing the importance of capitalising on opportunities and managing key situations. The goaltending group as a whole faced heavy workloads and responded with determination, while the forward unit found ways to contribute offensively across the lineup. Among those, youngest Ice Black Markus MacDonald led the team in scoring, finishing with three points across five games, an encouraging return that highlights both his potential and the opportunity within this group moving forward. It was a campaign that reinforced the demands of the international game, while also providing important periods of growth and learning for a group continuing to develop its identity.
For the Under 18 Men, the Division III A tournament presented an opportunity to test themselves in a competitive and evenly matched environment. This group showed a strong work ethic throughout the campaign, competing hard and demonstrating a level of resilience that kept them in games for long periods. There was a noticeable willingness to play for one another, with contributions coming from across the roster rather than relying on individual performances. At times, New Zealand was able to establish control and create quality scoring chances, reflecting the skill that exists within this age group. Defensively, there were encouraging patches where structure and discipline held firm, though maintaining that level over the full course of games remains an area to build on.
Facing opposition such as Hong Kong and an unbeaten Uzbekistan side, the tournament provided a clear picture of the level required to consistently close out games. While results were tough to come by, New Zealand managed to do enough across the tournament to remain in the division, an outcome that reflects both their competitiveness and resilience across a challenging schedule. Many of the games were closer than the scoreboard suggested, reinforcing how small the margins are at this level and how valuable these experiences are for future development.
From an individual perspective, there were genuine bright spots throughout the campaign. Owen Brown and Jake Hutchins led the way offensively, finishing as joint top scorers for New Zealand with five points each across five games. Both players showed composure with the puck and an ability to step up in key moments, marking them as exciting young talents to watch as they continue to progress through the ranks. More broadly, the tournament provided invaluable exposure for the entire group, with many players experiencing international hockey for the first time. The lessons taken from this campaign will play an important role in shaping the development of this group as they continue through the national pathway, with clear periods of growth and learning evident throughout the tournament.
The Under 18 Women faced a similarly significant challenge in Division II A, competing against a particularly strong field that included the Netherlands, Latvia, Kazakhstan, and an unbeaten South Korea side that set the benchmark across the tournament. Each game presented a step up in pace and execution, with opposition able to apply consistent pressure and capitalise on opportunities. From the outset, the team approached the tournament with determination and a clear commitment to competing in every moment.
While results did not always reflect the effort being put in, there were clear signs of progress in both individual skill and team cohesion. The group showed a willingness to stay engaged in games, continuing to push regardless of the scoreboard and demonstrating a level of character that is essential at this level. Offensively, there were promising passages of play where New Zealand was able to create opportunities and move the puck with confidence, particularly when able to settle into their structure. Defensively, the team was often tested by sustained pressure, but continued to respond with effort and commitment, with the goaltenders playing an important role in keeping the team within reach in difficult stretches.
From an individual standpoint, one of the bright spots came through young forward Nerhys Gordon, who finished as New Zealand’s top scorer with two points across five games. Her performance reflects the emerging talent within the programme and highlights the opportunities being created for younger players to step into key roles at this level.
Competing in this division brings with it the opportunity to measure against higher ranked nations, and that exposure is a key part of the programme’s progression. This tournament represents another important step forward for the women’s pathway, reinforcing the direction in which the group is heading, with valuable periods of growth and learning coming through each game.
When looking across all three campaigns, the common thread is clear. International tournaments provide a level of intensity and expectation that cannot be replicated elsewhere, and with that comes both challenge and opportunity. For New Zealand, these experiences are about building more than just results. They are about developing players who understand the pace and demands of the international game, strengthening depth across all age groups, and continuing to lay the foundation for future success. Each shift, each game, and each tournament contributes to that bigger picture.
There is a quiet confidence in what is being built. Progress at this level is rarely immediate, but it is evident in the way these teams compete, adapt, and grow. As the players return home, they do so with a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed on the world stage. That knowledge, combined with the commitment shown throughout these campaigns, ensures that New Zealand ice hockey continues to move forward with purpose, shaped by the periods of growth and learning that define campaigns like these.