Globally women’s hockey continues to be the growth corridor where return on investment is at its highest for the sport, Australia and the Australian Women’s Ice Hockey League (AWIHL) are no different.
When we think about women’s hockey the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) is first of mind, 20k stadiums selling out, a strong TV product and continued expansion across North America.
The AWIHL has also hit the expansion bug, Melbourne Ducks became the sixth AWIHL team in 2025 entering the competition as a second Melbourne based club.
As more women and girls continue to pick up sticks and play hockey, Canberra is eyeing a spot in Australia’s elite competition harnessing regional growth.
“We believe Canberra is in the strongest position it has ever been to explore this opportunity,” AWIHL Canberra bid spokesperson Tanya Brunt told 6ixdubhockey.com
“The city has talented players, growing participation, experienced volunteers, and a passionate hockey community.
“The trial games and EOI [expression of interest] process will help determine whether all the necessary pieces are in place, but there is certainly a strong sense that Canberra is ready to seriously explore the possibility of an AWIHL team.”
Starting the process
On June 20, 2026, on behalf of the potential Canberra AWIHL bid, the Canberra Pirates released an EOI for any female players in Canberra.
It will allow the group launching the bid the ability to gauge interest in the possible formation of a Canberra based team in the AWIHL.
Furthermore, what the EOI does do is allow players of all ages and locations the opportunity to put their name forward.
Potentially creating an even deeper talent pool of players to pick from if and when a Canberra team hits the ice.
“The response has been encouraging,” said Brunt.
“There has been strong interest from players across different age groups, experience levels, and interstate locations.
“The level of interest suggests there is genuine enthusiasm to explore what a Canberra AWIHL team could become.”
Pirates and hockey connection
So, who are the Pirates?
Established in 2014 the Pirates are a local women’s hockey team competing in the Ice Hockey NSW Women’s League, the premier competition for the state.
Building a legitimate pathway for women and girls across the ACT region, the Pirates provide a high-performance environment for growth and advancement into the AWIHL.
With the potential Canberra AWIHL bid, the Pirates will play a key role in the helping guide player development into the top tier.
Uniquely, for an expansion team it is a green tick to have an already established affiliate club that will open up growing pathways.
“The Pirates have kindly provided the governance structure to allow the EOI process to occur,” continued Brunt.
“It would not be a traditional Pirates team; rather, the intention is for the Canberra AWIHL team to operate as its own entity while being affiliated with the Pirates.
“The focus right now is on building a sustainable Canberra representative team.”
Building a strong AWIHL base
The ACT has in recent years continued to produce strong and talented female hockey players.
Many from the Canberra region have gone on to become prominent AWIHL players and advanced into Australian national team selection.
However, these players who call Canberra home have had to move away to find opportunities at the elite level.
It’s where the initial idea for the bid emerged, trying to establish the viability of a Canberra team.
“Canberra has produced outstanding female ice hockey players for many years, with a number progressing to both the AWIHL and representing Australia,” said Brunt.
“However, those players have traditionally had to leave Canberra to pursue those opportunities.
“The initial thought was to explore whether Canberra now has the player depth, commitment, and community support to provide those opportunities closer to home.
“The Expression of Interest was designed to help answer that question.”
To continue the growth of women’s hockey in the ACT and Australia wide a long-term vision and approach is needed.
Something that the Canberra bid has kept in mind when weighing up all the options towards AWIHL inclusion.
“The immediate goal is to determine whether Canberra can support a competitive and sustainable AWIHL team,” explained Brunt.
“If the player numbers, financial viability, and community support are there, the vision extends beyond simply entering a team.
“A Canberra AWIHL team would create a genuine pathway for female players, inspire younger athletes, and contribute to the continued growth of women’s ice hockey in the ACT.”
Boxall success keeps fire burning
Held yearly the Stephanie Boxall Tournament is a national event which showcases six active state teams for female players 15 years and older.
Highlighting the growth of women’s hockey in the ACT, the Boxall team has secured two bronze medal finishes and a fourth across the past three years.
It brings into focus the rising talent in the region, on ice success a clear indicator that there is a market for women’s hockey in Canberra.
“The success of ACT teams at the Boxall Tournament has certainly demonstrated the quality of female hockey in Canberra,” continued Brunt.
“It has shown that Canberra can compete with the best and has reinforced the belief that there is enough talent to explore the next step.
“It has generated excitement, but the desire for an AWIHL team has existed for many years.”
A sustainable future
Like all organisations and sporting clubs, they are more than just a list of requirements to tick off on a piece of paper.
There are multiple elements that make a team sustainable and successful both on and off the ice.
Canberra locals are excited about the opportunity to see an AWIHL team representing their city, however there are still some hurdles to clear.
Players, financial support, volunteer availability all become part of the process to finally getting the expansion tick of approval.
“Like any new sporting initiative, there are challenges,” said Brunt.
“Financial sustainability, securing a competitive playing roster, volunteer support, access to ice time and ongoing operational requirements all need to be carefully considered.
“That is exactly why we are taking a measured approach through the EOI and trial process to ensure any future team is built on solid foundations and is sustainable over the long term.”
A pillar of community
Ultimately for a successful Canberra bid it comes down to the backing of community.
A life blood for hockey in Australia without local support and community involvement a successful bid is hard to envision.
However, there has been a groundswell of support for an AWIHL team in Canberra for many years.
Growth and visibility are at an all-time high, with the sense that Canberra is ready to become the seventh AWIHL franchise.
“Absolutely,” continued Brunt.
“The response from players, has been positive.
“People recognise the value of creating opportunities for female athletes to compete at the highest domestic level without having to relocate or regularly travel interstate.”
