In an electrifying weekend of women’s ice hockey at Queenstown Ice Arena, the Auckland Steel successfully defended their title, clinching the 2024 Goulding Cup. The Steel, who went undefeated throughout the regular season, secured their second consecutive championship after winning the title in 2023.
This year marked a historic moment for the league, with a new championship trophy named the Goulding Cup, in recognition of Jan Goulding’s immense contributions to women’s ice hockey in New Zealand. Fans filled the stands for all four games of playoff hockey, adding to the intensity and excitement of the weekend.
Saturday: Semi-Finals Thrills
The playoff weekend began with two nail-biting semi-finals, both extending into overtime. The first game saw the Auckland Steel face off against the Wakatipu Wild in a fiercely competitive match. Despite the Wild pushing the Steel to the limit, it was Auckland’s Hannah Shields who secured the victory, scoring the game-winning goal two minutes and eight seconds into overtime.
The second semi-final between the Canterbury Inferno and Dunedin Thunder Women followed in similar fashion, with Stephanie Koviessen of the Inferno netting the game winning goal with only 90 seconds remaining in overtime. The Inferno’s hard-fought victory earned them a spot in the gold medal game against the undefeated Steel.
Sunday: Final Showdowns
In the bronze medal match on Sunday, the Wakatipu Wild displayed their strength with a 5-1 victory over the Dunedin Thunder Women. Despite the scoreline, the Thunder Women never relented, challenging the Wild throughout the game and showing great heart in their performance.
The gold medal game between defending champions Auckland Steel and the Canterbury Inferno lived up to its billing. The Steel struck first, with a power play goal from Jasmine Horner-Pascoe, only to see the Inferno’s Nerhys Gordon equalise in thrilling fashion less than a minute later. Canterbury seized the momentum, taking a 2-1 lead with a stunning double shorthanded goal by captain Emma Kloss.
The Inferno held the lead for much of the second period, but the Steel stormed back with two quick goals in the final minutes of the period, regaining a 3-2 advantage heading into the third. Auckland then put the game out of reach in the final period, adding three more goals to seal a 6-2 victory and secure the Goulding Cup.
With their victory over the Canterbury Inferno, the Auckland Steel became back-to-back champions, the first time since the 2016/2017 seasons.
League Awards
The weekend concluded with the presentation of the NZWIHL awards, celebrating individual brilliance across the league.
Jasmine Horner-Pascoe of Auckland Steel took home the 2024 League MVP and Top Points Scorer honours, while Gabriel Guerin of Canterbury Inferno was named Best Forward and Under 18 MVP. Other notable award winners included:
- Canterbury Inferno Team MVP: Megan Gardner
- Wakatipu Wild Team MVP: Kellye Nelson
- Auckland Steel Team MVP: Alex Hefford
- Dunedin Thunder Women Team MVP: Kate Vernal
- Best Defenceman: Brooke Patron (Auckland Steel)
- Top Goaltender: Breane Byck (Dunedin Thunder Women)
- Most Sportswomanlike Player: Lucy Boniface (Wakatipu Wild)
The 2024 NZWIHL season will be remembered for its fierce competition, dramatic finishes, and a fitting tribute to Jan Goulding – the future of women’s ice hockey in New Zealand looks brighter than ever!
Images thanks to James Allan Photography – https://jamesallan.co.nz/