Ice hockey is a fast, fluid and exciting team sport featuring two teams of six players (a goaltender and five skaters) on ice. It draws big crowds at the Olympic Games thanks to the drama and tension of the matches.
Ice hockey originated in Canada in the early 19th century, based on several similar sports played in Europe, although the word “hockey” comes from the old French word “hocquet”, meaning “stick”. It was only a few decades later that Australia recorded its first bona fide game of ice hockey in 1906 when a Victorian representative side took on a team of visiting American sailors from the USS Baltimore at the Melbourne Glaciarium.
In Queensland, the sport is led and administered by Ice Hockey Queensland, who are recognised by the Queensland Government as the State Sporting Organisation for Ice Hockey, and are a Member State of Ice Hockey Australia.
3 Steps to Playing Hockey
Learn to Skate
Playing ice hockey without knowing how to skate is like trying to play water polo without knowing how to swim! So, join Iceworld™’s Aussie Skate™ School followed by an Aussie Skate™ Ice Hockey Skills lesson or self-learn at public skate sessions available daily.
Come & Try (or Watch!)
The Hockey Clubs based at Iceworld™ venues typically host a “Come & Try” event every February for 5 to 18yr olds.
You can also get a great feel for the game by going to one of the semi-pro matches. Iceworld™ Boondall is proudly the home of the Brisbane Lightning Men’s and Women’s Teams that compete in the Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL) and the Australian Women’s Ice Hockey League (AWIHL).
Visit Upcoming Events for all home matches.
Join a Club
Get playing by joining one of the local Clubs. Make sure any program you sign up for is endorsed by Ice Hockey Queensland, who are the governing body for the sport as recognised by Queensland Government.
Home to Brisbane Lightning Men’s Team
The Brisbane Lightning are a semi-professional men’s ice hockey team competing in the Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL), Australia’s top-level ice hockey league. Established in 2000, the AIHL is sanctioned by Ice Hockey Australia (a member of the International Ice Hockey Federation). The league consists of a 30-game schedule from mid-April through the end of August, followed by a finals weekend for the top six teams.
The Lightning are supported by a passionate squad of volunteers and hosts open try-outs for players in February. They are committed to continuous growth both on and off the ice. After an impressive exhibition season in 2022, the Brisbane Lightning became a fully licensed team in 2023 and successfully progressed to the AIHL finals in both 2023 & 2024.
Get Connected!
Visit Upcoming Events for Brisbane Lightning men’s home matches at Iceworld Boondall and links to purchase tickets.
Home to Brisbane Lightning Women’s Ice Hockey Team
The Brisbane Lightning Women’s Ice Hockey Team compete in the Australian Women’s Ice Hockey League (AWIHL). The AWIHL is the National League offering the highest level of regular competition for female ice hockey athletes in Australia, and enjoys a summer season that typically runs from November through to the end of February.
As a team and women’s league, we are committed to promoting women in sports and fostering a greater understanding of female ice hockey players within the community. Our goal is to empower younger females by showcasing pathways to success in sports and continually elevating the elite level of women’s ice hockey in Australia.
Get Connected!
facebook.com/brisbanelightningwomens
Visit Upcoming Events for Brisbane Lightning Women’s home matches at Iceworld Boondall and links to purchase tickets.
Club Hockey at Boondall
Brisbane Buccaneers Ice Hockey Club Inc. is an association run by its members as volunteers, all passionate about promoting and playing ice hockey. The Club was founded in 1996 and delivers ice hockey activities across junior and senior levels throughout the year.
The Club’s objective is to provide a safe, positive and supportive community environment where all members and their families can enjoy ice hockey and interact socially. The Club wishes to support the development of all playing members on a fair and equitable basis from six year olds to our senior players, to help them achieve their ice hockey goals.
Sign up!
If you have played ice hockey before or completed the 3 Steps to Playing Hockey, complete the form to sign up here: https://www.brisbanebuccaneers.com.au/play-hockey/
Get Connected!
Club Hockey at Acacia Ridge
Southern Stars Ice Hockey Club is a vibrant, member-driven organisation fuelled by a deep passion for the game.
Established in 1993, our club is run by dedicated volunteers who are committed to growing and promoting ice hockey.
Based at Iceworld™ Acacia Ridge, we offer opportunities for players of all ages and skill levels, managing both junior and senior hockey programs year-round and are affiliated with Ice Hockey Queensland (IHQ) and Ice Hockey Australia (IHA).
Sign up!
If you have played ice hockey before or completed the 3 Steps to Playing Hockey, complete the form to sign up here: https://www.starsicehockey.com.au/play-hockey