The 2024 NZIHL season has come to a thrilling conclusion, with a weekend packed full of action in the Grand Finals. As the dust settles, it’s time to take a look back at the outstanding performances that made this season so special. From jaw-dropping goals to game-saving plays, these athletes delivered on every front. Let’s dive into the Team of the Year, the North vs South Island Teams, and our Top 5 players from each team.
In assembling these teams, we’ve focused solely on New Zealand-based players, leaving out import players to highlight local talent. However, it’s important to give an honorable mention to the exceptional imports who have significantly elevated the level and excitement of the NZIHL this season. Standout players such as Nolan Ross (Skycity Stampede) with 42 points, Cole Beckstead (Phoenix Thunder) with 31 points, Ethan Esposito (Canterbury Red Devils) with 29 points, and Jett McCullum (Skycity Stampede) with 26 points have been dynamic forces on the ice. Other key contributors like Guy Kunst (West Auckland Admirals), Pim van der Meulen (West Auckland Admirals), and Ryan Wonfor (Phoenix Thunder) have all added their share of flair and skill.
We also can’t overlook players such as Michael Houlihan (Botany Swarm), Chris Hunt (Canterbury Red Devils), and David Ruzicka (Botany Swarm), who’ve been equally vital to their respective teams. These imports have not only elevated the competition but brought new energy and a competitive edge that’s made the NZIHL even more thrilling this season!
Team of the Year 2024
These players shined bright throughout the 2024 season, earning their spots on the coveted NZIHL Team of the Year. Whether they were making plays on offense or locking down the defensive zone, this group showcased why they are the best of the best.
| Player | Team | Games | Goals | Assists | Points | PPG | Penalty Minutes | Plus/Minus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colin McIntosh (F) | Skycity Stampede | 14 | 14 | 25 | 39 | 2.79 | 10 | 17 |
| Lachlan Frear (F) | Skycity Stampede | 16 | 15 | 13 | 28 | 1.75 | 10 | 24 |
| Dylan Devlin (F) | Skycity Stampede | 16 | 6 | 20 | 26 | 1.63 | 18 | 26 |
| Ian Audas (F) | Phoenix Thunder | 16 | 16 | 9 | 25 | 1.56 | 4 | -5 |
| Ivan Dalmatau (F) | Botany Swarm | 16 | 10 | 15 | 25 | 1.56 | 4 | 18 |
| Alex Regan (F) | West Auckland Admirals | 16 | 10 | 12 | 22 | 1.38 | 8 | 5 |
| Liam Dallimore (F) | Canterbury Red Devils | 12 | 8 | 9 | 17 | 1.42 | 2 | -15 |
| Ondrej Kozak (F) | Botany Swarm | 14 | 7 | 11 | 18 | 1.29 | 8 | 14 |
| Connor Harrison (RW/LW) | Skycity Stampede | 14 | 6 | 10 | 16 | 1.14 | 18 | 10 |
| Justin Daigle (D) | West Auckland Admirals | 16 | 9 | 16 | 25 | 1.56 | 8 | 20 |
| Luke Simon (D) | Botany Swarm | 16 | 4 | 10 | 14 | 0.88 | 10 | 9 |
| Callum Burns (D) | Skycity Stampede | 16 | 0 | 13 | 13 | 0.81 | 6 | 15 |
| Stefan Amston (D) | Skycity Stampede | 16 | 4 | 8 | 12 | 0.75 | 8 | 16 |
| Tristan Darling (D) | Phoenix Thunder | 16 | 2 | 10 | 12 | 0.75 | 26 | -5 |
| Ryan MacDonald (D) | Botany Swarm | 16 | 3 | 10 | 13 | 0.81 | 6 | 15 |
| Goalie | Team | GP | GAA | SV% | W | L | SO | TOI | SVS | GA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aston Brookes | Skycity Stampede | 7 | 2.00 | .939 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 420 | 217 | 14 |
| Connor Parr | Botany Swarm | 8 | 2.24 | .926 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 482 | 226 | 18 |
The Battle of North vs South Island Teams
In a battle between the islands, the North and South Island teams have assembled their finest, showcasing the best ice hockey talent New Zealand has to offer. These two squads are packed with skill, grit, and determination, and would give any team a run for their money. Here’s a breakdown of what each team brings to the table:
North Island Team
the North Island team boasts a dangerous lineup. Led by Botany Swarm’s dynamic duo, Ondrej Kozak and Ivan Dalmatau, who have racked up points all season long, the North Island forwards pack a punch. Alex Regan from the West Auckland Admirals adds another level of offensive prowess with his ability to finish plays and find the back of the net.
The North Island defense is headlined by Justin Daigle of the Admirals, a defenseman with a knack for not only shutting down the opposition but also generating offense, as shown by his 25 points in 16 games. Alongside Daigle, Ryan MacDonald and Luke Simon from the Botany Swarm provide solid defensive presence and strong transition play, ensuring the team remains balanced.
In net, Connor Parr is a steady force for the North Island, boasting a solid .926 save percentage and a calm, composed presence between the pipes. Csaba Kercso-Magos offers depth and experience, having backstopped the Admirals to crucial victories throughout the season.
| Position | Player | Team | GP | Goals | Assists | Points | PPG | PIM | Plus/Minus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LW | Ondrej Kozak (F) | Botany Swarm | 14 | 7 | 11 | 18 | 1.29 | 8 | 14 |
| C | Ivan Dalmatau (F) | Botany Swarm | 16 | 10 | 15 | 25 | 1.56 | 4 | 18 |
| RW | Jackson Fontaine (RW) | Botany Swarm | 15 | 7 | 7 | 14 | 0.93 | 6 | 4 |
| LW | Robin Vortanov (RW) | Botany Swarm | 16 | 2 | 12 | 14 | 0.88 | 10 | 6 |
| C | Alex Regan | West Auckland Admirals | 16 | 10 | 12 | 22 | 1.38 | 8 | 5 |
| RW | Alexander Polozov (F) | Botany Swarm | 14 | 4 | 11 | 15 | 1.07 | 39 | 18 |
| LW | Vinny Cistrone (F) | West Auckland Admirals | 16 | 7 | 5 | 12 | 0.75 | 4 | 8 |
| C | Kyle Jonsson (C) | Botany Swarm | 16 | 8 | 3 | 11 | 0.69 | 2 | 4 |
| RW | Michael Attwell (C) | Botany Swarm | 15 | 4 | 6 | 10 | 0.67 | 18 | 6 |
| LD | Justin Daigle (D) | West Auckland Admirals | 16 | 9 | 16 | 25 | 1.56 | 8 | 20 |
| RD | Luke Simon (D) | Botany Swarm | 16 | 4 | 10 | 14 | 0.88 | 10 | 9 |
| LD | Ryan MacDonald (D) | Botany Swarm | 16 | 3 | 10 | 13 | 0.81 | 6 | 15 |
| RD | Flynn Hayward-Jones | West Auckland Admirals | 16 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 0.31 | 2 | 22 |
| G | Connor Parr | Botany Swarm | 8 | 2.24 | .926 | 7 | 1 | 0 | |
| G | Csaba Kercso-Magos | West Auckland Admirals | 15 | 3.37 | .894 | 10 | 5 | 1 |
South Island Team
Representing the South Island, the Skycity Stampede, Phoenix Thunder, and Canterbury Red Devils combine their best players to form a powerhouse lineup. Colin McIntosh, a versatile forward for the Stampede, leads the way with a blistering 2.79 points per game. His ability to play both forward and defense adds a unique layer of flexibility to the squad. Alongside him, Dylan Devlin (Skycity Stampede) and Ian Audas (Phoenix Thunder) are top-tier forwards, each contributing high-scoring performances throughout the season.
The depth of the South Island team doesn’t stop there—Lachlan Frear’s deadly offensive threat from the wing and Connor Harrison’s two-way game make this group a nightmare to defend against. Defensively, Callum Burns and Stefan Amston anchor the blue line, with Burns playing a crucial role as a playmaker and Amston chipping in offensively as well.
Between the pipes, Aston Brookes of the Skycity Stampede stands tall as the primary goaltender with an incredible 93.9% save percentage, making him nearly impenetrable. Backup goalie Joel Hasselman also provides superior support, rounding out a formidable South Island roster.
| Position | Player | Team | GP | Goals | Assists | Points | PPG | PIM | Plus/Minus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LW | Colin McIntosh (F/D) | Skycity Stampede | 14 | 14 | 25 | 39 | 2.79 | 10 | 17 |
| C | Dylan Devlin (F) | Skycity Stampede | 16 | 6 | 20 | 26 | 1.63 | 18 | 26 |
| RW | Lachlan Frear (D/F) | Skycity Stampede | 16 | 15 | 13 | 28 | 1.75 | 10 | 24 |
| LW | Connor Harrison (RW/LW) | Skycity Stampede | 14 | 6 | 10 | 16 | 1.14 | 18 | 10 |
| C | Ian Audas (D/F) | Phoenix Thunder | 16 | 16 | 9 | 25 | 1.56 | 4 | -5 |
| RW | Jordan Challis (RW/LW) | Skycity Stampede | 14 | 2 | 11 | 13 | 0.93 | 4 | 5 |
| LW | Joe Orr (LW) | Canterbury Red Devils | 11 | 6 | 7 | 13 | 1.18 | 2 | -2 |
| C | Liam Dallimore (F) | Canterbury Red Devils | 12 | 8 | 9 | 17 | 1.42 | 2 | -15 |
| RW | Matt Enright (F) | Phoenix Thunder | 12 | 5 | 6 | 11 | 0.92 | 2 | -7 |
| LD | Callum Burns (D) | Skycity Stampede | 16 | 0 | 13 | 13 | 0.81 | 6 | 15 |
| RD | Stefan Amston (D) | Skycity Stampede | 16 | 4 | 8 | 12 | 0.75 | 8 | 16 |
| LD | Tristan Darling (D) | Phoenix Thunder | 16 | 2 | 10 | 12 | 0.75 | 26 | -5 |
| RD | Mitchell Frear (D) | Skycity Stampede | 14 | 1 | 9 | 10 | 0.71 | 4 | 22 |
| G | Aston Brookes | Skycity Stampede | 7 | 2.00 | .939 | 7 | 0 | 0 | |
| G | Joel Hasselman | Skycity Stampede | 9 | 2.85 | .915 | 6 | 3 | 0 |
NZIHL Top 5 : The Best from Each Team
Every team in the NZIHL had their heroes, and these five players were the undisputed stars of their respective squads:
-
Skycity Stampede – Colin McIntosh
McIntosh’s leadership on the ice was unmatched, making him the top dog for the Stampede. His goal-scoring prowess and ability to create opportunities made him a game-changer throughout the season. -
West Auckland Admirals – Justin Daigle
Daigle is the heart of the Admirals, making plays at both ends of the rink. His knack for clutch performances in critical moments set him apart. -
Botany Swarm – Ivan Dalmatau
Dalmatau was an offensive powerhouse for the Swarm, finishing among the top point-scorers in the league. His vision and determination made him a key figure for his team. -
Canterbury Red Devils – Liam Dallimore
Dallimore’s ability to rise to the occasion, despite a challenging season for the Red Devils. His offensive skillset was a bright spot in the team’s season. -
Phoenix Thunder – Ian Audas
Audas was the driving force for the Thunder, leading by example with his all-around play. Whether it was scoring goals or creating opportunities for his teammates, he was the team’s go-to guy.
A Season to Remember
The 2024 NZIHL season will go down as one of the most competitive and thrilling seasons in recent memory. With the Skycity Stampede once again proving their dominance, the performances of import players, local heroes, and young talent have all contributed to an unforgettable year. As the NZIHL Team of the Year is crowned and the dust settles, fans will be counting down the days until the puck drops again next season!
The NZIHL continues to grow in stature and excitement, with the 2024 season providing everything fans could ask for. Whether it was the intense rivalries between the North and South Islands or the individual brilliance that shone through, this season reminded us all why we love this game. Congratulations to all the players who made the Team of the Year and to the fans who supported their squads every step of the way!