Ice hockey is often described as an ‘underground sport’ in Australia, but it is experiencing a quiet revolution driven by word of mouth, pop culture, and increased visibility of professional leagues. Despite the country’s love for outdoor sports, ice hockey has remained a well-kept secret, played in chilly rinks even during summer. However, that is changing as more children and young adults discover the sport.
Matt Armstrong, who runs the O’Brien Icehouse Hockey Academy in Melbourne, has seen participation soar. The academy now caters to over 1,200 students annually, up from just two classes when it began in 2010. Adult ‘beer leagues’ have also exploded in popularity, with IceHQ in Reservoir now offering more than 10 divisions. Armstrong notes that growth is primarily among young professionals and adults, rather than younger children.
Visibility of overseas professional hockey has played a significant role. The Winter Olympics, particularly the upcoming Milano-Cortina Games, are expected to boost interest. The NHL’s Global Series in Melbourne in 2023 and easy access to games via Disney+ have also helped. Meanwhile, the Professional Women’s Hockey League streams free on YouTube. Pop culture, such as the hit gay hockey romance Heated Rivalry and films like The Mighty Ducks, has further piqued curiosity.
Christina Julien, a player for Melbourne Ice Women in the Australian Women’s Ice Hockey League, has witnessed growing crowds. The first Melbourne derby this season was a sold-out stadium, a sign that regular-season games are attracting spectators who previously only turned out for finals. Despite Melbourne having only three rinks to accommodate all ice sports, the close-knit community fosters strong camaraderie. As Armstrong says, word of mouth remains the sport’s main driver, with many people only discovering it through friends.
