The world of sport is already familiar with the athletic product that emanates from the stunning Pacific Islands of New Zealand, and the famous Black tops and Fern leaf is Iconic. Finally, 7 years after their last appearance in the Inline Hockey world of MIHWA back in 2018, we get to see them again after a period of redevelopment.
Todd Velvin, team manager for the Kiwis stated: “It’s a small crew set to arrive in the Legends category. With only seven skaters and two goalies, the task ahead is not an easy one, but they are committed to returning to the tournament. It’s all about getting the ball rolling again for masters hockey in NZ returning to the international stage”.
This team sees five of the 2018 squad returning, and three new players to debut for NZ. Whilst many players across the divisions were unable to commit for the 2025
World Cup, Todd reports the interest and drive are there to field teams in the coming years. “Those of us who have been to this event have always enjoyed the camaraderie and high level of hockey. We want other Kiwis to experience this to, and this could open the door for that”. He could not have stated more clearly there the central mission of MIHWA, to promote and develop our sport, by providing the opportunities for the legends of our game to continue to compete. The challenge ahead for this small team will be tough against the most experienced regular attenders, and especially some of the highest-calibre teams. The legends category is packed with talent that keeps growing, and with the likes of 2 time gold medal winners Canada arriving with a super squad, USA always barking at the door for a triple medal haul, and the likes of perennial favorites like France and Czechia, the task is as mighty as the Alps overlooking the famous Olympic Ice Halle in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Todd asks “If you are looking for a classic underdog team to follow in this competition, keep an eye out for us all in black, and spare a thought for the short-handed bench, and the double-shifting required”. These Kiwi battlers from the South Pacific may have a mighty hill to climb in Garmisch, but if their determination is anything to go by, they should be a real spoiler in the mix, and may just rewrite the script for this category. Welcome back Kiwis!