DALE HARROP - 29.04.1989 - 17.12.2022
On 19th July 2025 at Alpine Ice, prior to the puck drop of the NZIHL game between the West Auckland Admirals and Canterbury Red Devils, we took a few moments to remember Dale Harrop.
The theme of the night was Remembering a Legend. Acknowledging a Legacy. Insight was shared with the crowd about Dale’s achievements with the Red Devils, Admirals, and the New Zealand national team. Each team was gifted a framed print to provide them with a piece to reflect on, keeping Dale’s spirit present for future players.
Dale’s unwavering dedication to the sport, especially to mentoring and supporting young players, inspired his sister Olivia to form The Dale Harrop Foundation in his honour. The Foundation’s vision is to support youth ice hockey players across New Zealand to reach their full potential. To date, it has donated $25,000 in scholarships to young athletes.
The crowd’s attention was then drawn to a wall across the rink, where a countdown began. Dale’s niece Nova McDougall and cousin Chloe Harrop unveiled his 2014 season jersey, gifted by the Harrop family and graciously hung by Alpine Ice Sports.
The ceremony closed with a very special announcement. Former Red Devils and Ice Blacks Manager Graham Tappin stepped forward to officially retire the Red Devils #6 jersey.
“It was an honour and a privilege to honour Dale’s legacy by officially retiring the No. 6 Red Devils jersey. Dale was a remarkable and truly inspirational member of the NZ ice hockey community, and his memory will inspire future generations of players to be the best they can be.” — G. Tappin
Dale Harrop was not just a talented athlete; he was a beloved figure in New Zealand ice hockey who left us far too soon in 2022 at the age of 33.
Dale first fell in love with ice hockey at just five years old and dedicated his life to the game, playing a remarkable 215 games in the New Zealand Ice Hockey League (NZIHL).
From 2006 to 2015, Dale proudly wore the Red Devils jersey. During this time he celebrated four Birgel Cup victories in 2009, 2012, 2013, and 2014. His statistics with the Red Devils underline his contribution:
Games Played (GP): 133 | Goals (G): 29 | Assists (A): 79 | Total Points (TP): 108
In 2016, Dale briefly joined the Perth Thunder in Australia before returning home to New Zealand. Settling in Auckland, he continued his career with the West Auckland Admirals, where he played six seasons between 2017 and 2022. With the Admirals, Dale lifted the Birgel Cup once more in 2018. His Admirals statistics read:
GP: 82 | G: 22 | A: 43 | TP: 65
Overall, his NZIHL numbers tell the story of his passion and commitment:
GP: 215 | G: 51 | A: 122 | TP: 173
Internationally, Dale proudly represented New Zealand on 93 occasions (71 officially), beginning with the U18 and U20 national teams. At just 17, he made his Ice Blacks debut in 2007, going on to compete in 10 world championship tournaments. His Ice Blacks statistics include:
GP: 48 | G: 2 | A: 14 | TP: 16
— highlighted by IIHF gold medals in 2007 and 2009.
Though we mourn his loss, Dale Harrop’s legacy continues to inspire and uplift those who knew him or have been touched by his love for the game.
Established in January 2024, The Dale Harrop Foundation was created to preserve his memory and carry on his passion for ice hockey, ensuring that future generations can benefit from his dedication to the sport — “if not with him, then for him.”
www.thedaleharropfoundation.org