The NSW team has been unbeatable these past two years.  Lets hope that the team is equally successful this year.

Good luck girls!

The complete Schedule for the rest of the 2009 season can be found on the IHNSW Womens Winter League page.

The IHNSW Womens Winter League has started for 2009, with seven teams registered (! woot!), and the initial leaderboard is showing that Penrith Phantoms are still the team to beat.  They’re currently on a 20-something win streak.  However, they’re not having it all their way in the initial games - last night against the new Newcastle Northstars, Penrith had to recover from a 0-2 deficit to win the game 3-2.

Usually, a new team takes a few years to gather momentum, work out lines and such, but it looks like the Nortstars have hit the ice running - definitely a team to watch in 2009.

The other team to watch is the Liverpool Saints.  Their new coach, and some great players with State and National talent, are really shaping the team up to vie for premiership.

The leaderboard can be found on the IHNSW website.

An Urgent Call for Players

I’ve been advised that the Penrith Phantoms are in an urgent need for a few extra players.  They currently have only 8 players on the roster (and regularly play with 6) , and they’re finding it hard to play week on week with a short bench.  Yeah yeah, it’s good to play a short bench once or twice (ya get lots of ice time!), but to play week on week is a bit much, even for star players!

So, if you’ve been thinking about registering and playing this season, join up with the Phantoms.  If you’re a player on an existing team which has a full roster, consider transferring.  It doesn’t matter if you’re a star, or developing player.  If we can get two to three players join, that’d be ideal.  Penrith Phantoms train at Penrith Ice Arena every Wednesday evening at 7:30pm.  Kaylee White is the Coach.

If we don’t get some more players with the Phantoms, there’s talk of the Phantoms withdrawing from the competition!  We don’t want to see that happen!

Tonight, I checked the IHNSW website for the schedule, and it’s been published.  Only the first few weeks are up for the moment.

I’m going to try something new this year.  I’m sure the majority of us are using Apple iPods and iPhones, so I’ve created a Calendar containing the details of each game as per the IHNSW Schedule.

You can download an .ICS file, and then “import” it into your favourite calendar program (Outlook, Apple iCal, Google Calendar, Evolution, etc).  Apple iTunes can upload the Calendar to your iPod/iPhone if you have one, so you can view it through the device’s calendar app.

Please Note that the game details are subject to change, so you should ALWAYS confirm your game times with your coach and manager, rather than rely on this Calendar.

I will endeavour to keep the Calendar updated, as games are added or changed. If you find it useful to have, let me know. I may also split the calendar up into one for each team.

- bec

What was interesting was that two new teams have popped up - the Newcastle Northstars (who have reformed after a few inactive years), and the Norwest Emperors (a new team for 2009)!

The Womens League is moving from strength to strength, and growing year on year.

So, welcome to the Newcastle Northstars, and the Norwest Emperors!

The time is upon us, the various Summer Leagues are winding down, and the IHNSW Winter League is starting to ramp up. Various teams have advertised the dates for tryouts:

Sydney Bears

Tryouts are on Tuesdays 3/2, 10/2, and 17/2, between 6:30pm and 7:30pm at Macquarie.  Cost is $60.

At this stage, training would be held on Tuesday nights between 9:30pm and 10:30pm, starting 24/2.  Costs are unknown.

Liverpool Saints

Sunday 1st Feb @ 9pm, and Wed 4th Feb @ 8pm. Both sessions are at the Liverpool Catholic Club rink.

Central Coast Cyclones/Rhinos

Saturday 31st Jan @ 7:15pm (bit late for this notice now - contact the Club if you’re interested).

Norwest Emperors

The Norwest Emperors are trying to form a new Womens Team for the 2009 season! Tryouts on Sun 9th Feb @ 9:15pm, and being held at Norwest. Cost is $15.

Penrith Phantoms

The reigning Champions, the Penrith Phantoms will be holding tryouts on Wed 11th Feb @ 7:30pm at Penrith Ice Arena.  Cost will be $15.

Canterbury Eagles

The Eagles will be holding a tryout session on Tuesday 24th @ 8pm, at Canterbury Ice Rink.

Development League Opportunities

Don’t forget, if you’re a bit rusty from having time off from the sport over summer, or you’re a beginner just about to play this great game, or a whizz just needing to hone some esoteric skills, there are various development league sessions running from the various rinks.  The ones we know about are:

Sydney Ice Arena - Sundays @ 8am to 10am. Cost is $14.

Macquarie Ice Rink - Tuesdays @ 5:30pm to 6:30pm. Cost is $10.

Cheers!

Sami Lai stretching up ice

Click through the photo for more in the Gallery!

• Sydney Sirens
• Adelaide Assassins
• Melbourne Flames
• Brisbane Goannas

The following dates for each round have been released.

If something is broken, let me know!

- bec

Well, the Winter Season for 2008 is over!  The Grand Final was won by the Penrith Phantoms, who defeated the 2007 Premiers Central Coast Cyclones in a classic grand final stoush - Penrith defeated the Cyclones 4-1.

The various Summer League competitions have started (or are about to start up) for 2008/09.  If you’re interested in playing in a league, contact the various ice rinks.

- bec