When we think about the Australian Women’s Ice Hockey League (AWIHL) age of players is something that immediately comes to mind.
It’s a unique aspect of the AWIHL as players suit up and become stalwarts of the competition for years but remain under 25 years old.
I thought it would be interesting to look at each team and pick one player that is under 25 and continuing to impress.
Each of the six AWIHL teams are stacked full of talented Australians who are elevating their game and putting up some big numbers.
Here are my top six under 25 players that hit the ice in the 2025/26 AWIHL season, who are yours?
Adelaide Rush
Torie Cybulski
For many people that have followed the AWIHL and a lot of my articles then the selection of Torie Cybulski should be no surprise.
Cybulski is that perfect example of someone who has been in the AWIHL system for years and yet is still very young in age.
The 19-year-old had a big break out season for the Rush putting up 28 points (11 goals, 17 assists) across 20 games played.
Furthermore, it was form that warranted national women’s team selection representing the Aussie Flyers at Division IIA level in Slovenia.
At such a young age and still years away from her prime, Cybulski is a rising star of the AWIHL and could be the face of the league for years to come.
Brisbane Lightning Women’s
Lindsey Kiliwnik
When you think about the Lightning the first player that comes to mind is Lindsey Kiliwnik.
The dynamic Brisbane forward is a fan favourite and someone that will drive ticket sales and have new fans returning for more.
Hitting the 20-goal mark for the first time in her career, 23-year-old Kiliwnik was a driving force as the Lightning reached the AWIHL Final.
Kiliwnik would finish with 36 points (20 goals, 16 assists) in a record-breaking season.
Heading towards her prime years expectations are high for Kiliwnik to continue to elevate her all-round game for the Lightning.
As a result, and off the back of two silver medal seasons, the fire will be there to push the Lightning towards championship glory.
Melbourne Ducks
Olivia Gargano
It’s crazy to think that someone who is only 16 years old could make a top six under 25 but it’s exactly where we find ourselves.
Olivia Gargano stepped into the Ducks first AWIHL season and was impressive from the get-go.
Despite the struggles that were faced by the Ducks, Gargano highlighted what this team could be in the next few years.
Finishing with a .870 save percentage (SV%) from 11 games played, Gargano looked comfortable in net.
Facing just under 36 shots per game, there were times Gargano would make huge saves moving post to post or dropping down into the butterfly.
As the Ducks build their roster for future success, Gargano should be front and centre as a key piece moving forward.
Melbourne Ice Women’s
Emily Davis-Tope
Just sneaking into this spot with only months to spare but shouldn’t surprise anyone, is Ice superstar Emily Davis-Tope.
Since returning from time in Canada EDT has been nothing short of electric for the 9-time Joan McKowen Trophy winners.
Davis-Tope turned into a prolific goal scorer for the Ice throughout the 2025/26 season.
Finishing with 17 goals during the regular season, 10 more than her previous best of seven the year before.
Finals hockey didn’t slow down Davis-Tope who would grab two more goals and a helper to finish with three points from two games played.
24-year-old Davis-Tope is now an established star of the AWIHL on a Melbourne team that always expects excellence.
Perth Inferno
Sasha King
Would you believe me if I told you Sasha King is under 25? Crazy I know, but that is fact.
The best goaltender in the AWIHL and Australia’s national women’s team number one continues to perform at unbelievable levels.
Playing all but one regular season game, King guided the Inferno to championship gold finishing with a .910 SV% and 2.61 goals against average.
King – who is only 22 years old, would grab one shutout against the Ducks which continues the streak of one or more shutouts across each of the past three seasons.
One of the brightest and most talented players to come out of the Australian hockey system, King is an elite goaltender who can carry a team.
What does this mean? The Perth Inferno will always be championship contenders with King in between the pipes.
Sydney Sirens
Ebony Brunt
It was a big step-up year for Ebony Brunt in Sirens colours, the talented forward playing 20 games across the regular season.
Putting up 13 points (four goals, nine assists) it was a career year and a big spike in production.
At 21-years-old Brunt is only scratching the surface on her hockey career but is already an Australian national team representative.
Furthermore, despite the young age Brunt has strong leadership ability, highlighted by being named alternate captain of the Sirens previously.
Dynamic in the offensive zone, Brunt has high hockey IQ and terrific playmaking skill.
One of the brightest prospects to come out of the ACT area that will only see her stocks continue to rise.
If projections are correct, Brunt is set for a big 2026/27 season in the AWIHL.
