Growth in the Australian Women’s Ice Hockey League (AWIHL) continues as the league has earmarked a seventh team to enter the competition.
Sources have told 6ixdubhockey.com that a team based in Canberra is the next destination on the league expansion wish list.
It follows the Melbourne Ducks, who after multiple exhibition series games, became the leagues sixth team for the 2025/26 AWIHL season.
6ix Dub Hockey understands that representatives from all six teams attended a meeting at the 2026 AWIHL Finals.
Expansion topped the agenda with all teams and representatives from the AWIHL and Ice Hockey Australia (IHA) voting in favour of a seventh team based in Canberra.
However, after this initial vote there has been a scaling back of the bid, with the expected 2027/28 season entry now in doubt.
League officials have yet to announce an official date for a Canberra-based team, as both IHA and the bid continue to gauge interest through player talent availability.
The AWIHL Bid
It is understood that the Canberra bid to become a fully licenced member of the AWIHL was a strong one.
A very well thought out proposal to IHA that ticked all the boxes with the process for inclusion running smoothly.
Sources described the bid as financially sound and well organised when it was presented.
Many involved believe the Canberra bid has all the right ingredients to become a successful AWIHL club.
As a result of the scale back, it will allow the bid to not rush the process, making sure that the new team is a fully sustainable franchise.
Rising ACT talent
Talent within the ACT region is continuing to produce high level hockey players across AWIHL and national teams.
Furthermore, the ACT is becoming a hockey hotbed with the Canberra Brave packing out AIS Arena as Canberrans flock to rinks.
The Canberra Pirates – who have an established local women’s presence, represent the city in the highest level of women’s hockey across NSW.
Competing in the Ice Hockey NSW Women’s League, the Pirates are paving the way for women’s hockey in the nation’s capital.
Across the Sydney Sirens roster in the AWIHL we are seeing multiple ACT players suit up for the three-time Joan McKowen Trophy champions.
In addition, the Australian women’s national team is also seeing an influx of players coming out of the Canberra area.
Lucy York and Ebony Brunt are ACT products who represented Australia at the 2026 Division IIA World Championships in Slovenia.
At the 2025 Stephanie Boxall state championships, ACT took out the bronze medal in a 4-2 win over South Australia.
Canberra entering the AWIHL will provide a clear pathway for local players to play and represent their city and stay within the ACT hockey system.
Community rink connection
A clear advantage that the AWIHL Canberra bid has is an already established facility.
Phillip Ice Skating Centre (PISC) which has been the home of hockey in the ACT since 1980, will be the home base for an expansion team.
The former home of the Canberra Knights (1981-2014) and Brave, it is where the Pirates have called home since 2016.
As a local community hub, PISC has deep roots in both hockey and the broader Canberra community.
In addition, by supporting the Pirates, local beer leagues and inclusive hockey through the Capital Riot and Harbour Lights Ice Hockey Clubs, PISC has built strong grassroots connections.
Uniquely, this connection through the local community will help build a strong fanbase once the AWIHL grants expansion approval.
Stay tuned to 6ix Dub Hockey for any further developments.
