Perth Inferno coach Paul Graham with some of the team. Photo: Jon Hewson. d488232 communitypix.com.au
Camera IconPerth Inferno coach Paul Graham with some of the team. Photo: Jon Hewson. d488232 communitypix.com.au Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Perth Inferno ready for inaugural Australian Women’s Ice Hockey League season

Jessica NicoCockburn Gazette

A SURGE in ice hockey’s popularity has seen a WA women’s team entered into the national competition for the first time.

Based at the Cockburn Ice Arena, the Perth Inferno will start their inaugural 12-match Australian women’s Ice Hockey League season with away games against Adelaide on November 10 and 11.

Perth Inferno coach Paul Graham said with 23 talented players including 13-year-old young gun Nikki Sharp and US import Elizabeth Scala, his team had the potential to finish in the top three.

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“Having a team in the national competition gives WA players a clear pathway to the national team for the first time,” he said.

“Every sportsperson dreams of representing their country, and now WA’s female ice hockey players have an opportunity to do that.

“It also opens up other opportunities for players that they have not had before.

“For example, 13-year-old Nikki Sharp, who will compete in the AWIHL in December once she turns 14, is aiming to use this opportunity to access a scholarship into the US high school system.”

Forrestfield scrap metal business C.D Dodd has thrown their support behind both the WA men and women’s ice hockey teams as a major sponsor.

Sash-Maree Irvine, Tonii Larpent, Coach Paul Graham, Hanna Gadd (C.D.Dodd Scrap Metal) & Elizabeth Scala (Boston Import).
Camera IconSash-Maree Irvine, Tonii Larpent, Coach Paul Graham, Hanna Gadd (C.D.Dodd Scrap Metal) & Elizabeth Scala (Boston Import). Credit: Supplied/Jon Hewson

Graham said the support of local businesses was vital to a team like his.

“C.D. Dodd’s support means we can afford luxuries such as a team uniform for travelling,” he said.

“Team members want to be as professional as they can and C.D. Dodd coming on board allows them to do that while also easing their financial burden.”

Perth Inferno’s first home games will be against Sydney on November 24 and 25 at Cockburn Ice Arena.