Sharna Godfrey is a name synonymous with the Australian Women’s Ice Hockey League (AWIHL) and women’s hockey in Australia.
A stalwart of the sport, Godfrey has achieved almost everything there is to achieve at every level.
A multiple-time Joan McKowen Trophy champion, Godfrey has also won gold representing Australia at the World Championships, along with collecting numerous individual accolades.
At 38 years old, Godfrey can now add Stephanie Boxall gold to the long list of achievements filling the shelves of her trophy cabinet.
Victoria defeated Queensland 5-4 on their way to claiming their first gold medal since 2022.
“It was a lot of fun,” Victorian forward Sharna Godfrey told 6ixdubhockey.com
“There were a few people in the team I didn’t really know or hadn’t played with before the tournament, but everyone clicked pretty quickly.
“The group worked really well together, and it made the whole week a lot of fun.”
Leadership and Trust
Not much will surprise Godfrey in hockey these days, given her multi-decade career in the sport and arm-long list of achievements.
However, getting the opportunity to serve as alternate captain behind Melbourne Ice Women’s teammate Danielle Butler was a special occasion.
It doesn’t change the way Godfrey approaches hockey, but it highlights the respect the talented forward has garnered over the years.
“Yeah, it was definitely an honour,” continued Godfrey.
“I don’t think having a letter changes the way I approach things.
“I try to lead and support the team regardless.
“But it’s always nice to have that trust and recognition from the coaches and your teammates.”
Getting better with age
There is no slowing down for Godfrey, with the veteran sensational across the entire Boxall Tournament for Victoria.
Finishing with 13 points (eight goals, five assists) from five games, Godfrey was in electrifying form.
Furthermore, with the 2026/27 AWIHL season due to kick off in November, there are still plenty of miles left in her legs.
Forever the humble hockey player, Godfrey knows that individual rewards come through a team effort.
“I’ll keep playing for as long as my body allows me to,” said Godfrey.
“But honestly, that sort of thing is never an individual effort.
“The whole team created opportunities and did all the little things that don’t always show up on a score sheet.
“I’m just happy I could contribute.”
Passing the torch
As a veteran, Godfrey carriers so many aspects of hockey with her, looking to pass the torch to the next generation of hungry Victorian hockey players looking to burst onto the Australian women’s hockey scene and establish themselves.
It’s here that Godfrey can leave her biggest legacy, helping guide the next generation of women’s hockey players.
Additionally, the annual Stephanie Boxall Tournament gives young female hockey players a chance to showcase themselves on the big stage.
“There are honestly too many to name,” continued Godfrey.
“Our younger players really stepped up when needed, and they showed they’ve got a huge future ahead of them.
“There’s a lot of depth coming through in Victorian women’s ice hockey, which is really exciting to see.”
A talented future awaits
As the Stephanie Boxall Tournament continues to grow, alongside other state tournaments held by Ice Hockey Australia, so too does its prestige.
Slowly building each year, the tournament continues to elevate the level of play, its rosters and its coaching staffs.
Furthermore, it has become a tournament held in the highest regard among hockey players in Australia.
For the 2026 gold medal Victorian team, it highlights the talent emerging from the state.
Player development thrives on best-on-best hockey, something that the Boxall Tournament is starting to provide.
“Hopefully, this result shows people that this tournament is bigger than it has sometimes been perceived,” said Godfrey.
“The tournament has taken a big step forward compared to a few years ago, and I’d love to see even more of our top players get involved.
“The stronger the competition becomes, the better it is for everyone, and I think this result is a really positive sign for where women’s hockey in Victoria is heading.”
