RINK WARS TARANAKI

by Arden Phillips

KIHL RiNK WARS TaRANAKI 

KIHL Rink Wars were held during Labour Weekend October 26th to the 28th in Taranaki, the home of the New Plymouth Ravens. 

Rink Wars featured New Zealands newest Alkali Cup Pro Division with the winner set to recieve the Alkali Cup, Gold Medals and a winners Cheque for $1500 NZD.

Other Divisions included

• Division 1 - Open Grade

• Masters - 35+ and 18+ Women

• 21U Division 

All Divisions were tightly contested with multiple draws during round-robin play and multiple overtime goals during playoffs and finals. Spectators were spoiled for loads of high intensity, physical hockey.

Pro Division did not disappoint with teams setting the expectations from the first puck drop. It was clear Pro Teams were here to win and physicality was evident from beginning to end, and it made for amazing hockey. 

The Alkali Cup was contested for by the Capital Penguins and Team Rink Rat. Capital Penguins taking Team Rink Rat in a 3 - 2 Overtime winner by Jaan Turia during a delayed penalty. 

Penguins Paul Jameson was awarded Pro Division Most Valuable Player. Connor Parr awarded Pro Division Most Valuable Goalie. 

Congratulations to the Capital Penguins.

Division 1

1st Wolves - 2nd Next Gen Tour Vipers - Jake Munt MVP - Lucas Mathison MVG

Masters 

1st Usual Suspects - 2nd West Coast Warriors - Harriet Fuller MVP - Scott Eastwood MVG

21U

1st Labeda Frost - 2nd Dez Nutz - Max Fink MVP - Zac Williams MVG