Get involved
New players are always welcome. Please visit the following links to find out more about being a member of the Dunedin Ice Hockey Association.
Junior youth grade
This grade is for players of up to 19 year olds.
In this grade, players begin to transition to senior ice hockey. Junior players continue to practice with midget players, but may also attend senior practices suitable to their skill level if they wish.
Body checking may be allowed in this grade. This varies from competition to competition.
Learn more about body-checking in youth ice hockey
Competitions for junior players
There’s no junior Southern Ice Hockey league competition. However junior players may enter senior competitions.
Non-checking senior leagues
Junior players are eligible to play in the Dunedin Ice Hockey League. They may also join teams in the Senior Southern Ice Hockey League.
Both those competitions disallow body checks.
New Zealand Junior Ice Hockey League
This national competition includes teams from the Southern, Canterbury and Auckland regions.
Body checking is allowed in the NZJIHL.
The best players of the NZJIHL may be invited to represent New Zealand at the Under-18 or Under-20 World Championships.
New Zealand Ice Hockey League
The best junior players may be selected to play with the Dunedin Thunder in the New Zealand Ice Hockey League. The NZIHL is New Zealand’s most competitive ice hockey league.
Body checking is allowed in the NZIHL.
Visit the Dunedin Thunder website
