It’s one of the biggest off-season moves we have seen in the Australian Women’s Ice Hockey League (AWIHL), a transfer that strengthened a champion and put the league on notice.
Torie Cybulski, one of Australia’s brightest young stars, has moved to defending Joan McKowen Trophy champions Perth Inferno.
Cybulski has spent four seasons in the AWIHL, improving her production each year, with the 2025/26 season proving to be a breakout campaign.
Cybulski finished second for points with the Adelaide Rush, scoring 11 goals and picking up 17 assists.
“I’ve definitely grown a lot as a player from my first season with the Rush to where I finished off with them last season and I am very grateful for everyone over in Adelaide,” Cybulski told 6ixdubhockey.com
“In saying that I’m very excited to be starting a new chapter with Perth Inferno and I can’t wait to wear the purple and orange this season.”
A New Chapter in Western Australia
A move to Western Australia is something Cybulski had been considering for several years.
AWIHL players are not paid to play, meaning each season can involve significant personal costs, often offset through sponsorship.
For Cybulski, it was a juggling act to make the move, waiting for the right time to move away from Adelaide and into the city of Perth.
“I’ve actually been looking into moving from Adelaide for a few years now because of stuff outside of hockey and the rink,” continued Cybulski.
“Kat Krings who sings the anthem and MCs at the Inferno games also used to live in Adelaide before she moved to Perth and she’s been trying to get me to move over since my first AWIHL season.
“Fast forward four seasons and now I’m here and loving it.”
Fitting into a new locker room, training facility and ice hockey program can bring with it its own challenges.
Stepping into a championship team that is defending their crown elevates that even further.
However, Cybulski is finding consistency in her game, something the forward believes will translate to life as an Inferno player.
“I’m confident in my ability to elevate my game and take it to that next level this season alongside the Inferno girls,” said Cybulski.
A New Weapon for the Inferno
Her confidence will be welcomed by Inferno head coach John Kennedy Jr.
Taking over mid-season, Kennedy Jr guided the Inferno to their first AWIHL championship.
Now, he has another weapon as Perth looks to defend its crown.
On the ice, Cybulski brings a strong two-way game, combining her skating ability and defensive work with an ability to find the back of the net.
Kennedy Jr. is already excited about what she can bring to the defending champions.
“Ecstatic to have a top-tier player in the league join us this season,” Kennedy Jr told 6ixdubhockey.com
“When I got the news the gears in my head started turning on all the ways Torie can bolster our line-up.
“Having a shifty, heads-up, cerebral player that competes hard every shift is a coach’s dream.
“Torie’s personality will gel with the core team in the locker room and on the ice.
“Perth is welcoming Torie with open arms and can’t wait to see her competing for the Inferno.”
Leaving Adelaide With Plenty of Memories
Cybulski has grown up in front of the Rush’s passionate and dedicated fans, becoming a crowd favourite while establishing herself as one of Adelaide’s standout young talents.
For Cybulski, there have been plenty of moments to savour wearing the Adelaide blue and red.
But there is one memory that sticks out the most when looking back at her time with the Rush: the opportunity to play with club legend and former captain Natasha Farrier.
“My favourite memory wearing the Rush jersey was getting to play with Tash Farrier,” continued Cybulski.
“Who is someone I’ve known and looked up to since I was about three years old.”
Ready to Bring the Heat
While the memories of years gone by will stick with Cybulski on her next hockey chapter, all eyes are on the 2026/27 AWIHL season.
It is a fresh opportunity for Cybulski to make her mark in front of a new fanbase that bleeds purple and orange.
With a strong desire to become the best hockey player she can be, Cybulski’s goals for the upcoming season are simple.
She wants to take the Inferno back to the gold medal game and chase back-to-back championships.
“The goal this season will be to defend the championship and go back-to-back,” said Cybulski.
“Doing that will require a championship-winning mentality and a hunger to do whatever it takes to win.
“Which is something I know all the Inferno girls want to do again and a job I want to get done for the first time in my AWIHL career.”
Cockburn Ice Arena, home of the Inferno, is a venue that lifts and elevates their team when they need it most.
A loud fanbase that packs the stands each home game as they escape the Perth summer heat.
While the rink might be frozen and the cooling system running, the temperature around this Inferno team continues to rise.
For Cybulski, there is only one message for the Inferno fans as she begins her new chapter.
“Get ready to bring the heat.”
