Inline hockey teams record best ever results

The Nelson Whalers had a whale of a time at the National Inline Hockey Championships in New Plymouth.

The club dispatched its biggest ever contingent in recent years, five teams, and four of them medalled in the sport which is like ice hockey but on roller blades rather than skates.

Leading the way was the Senior B side which retained its national title by beating the Mt Wellington Panthers in the final. The B’s is almost a mini league of nations outfit as it includes two Canadians, a Scotsman and lone female player Beth Donaldson, who is Hawaiian.

Many of that team, and the Senior A side, also competed in the Masters section at the same time and won silver. The 14U was also runner-up while 12U claimed a bronze medal.

“They were our best results ever and highlight the dedication of our players and coaches who continually have to overcome geographic and financial challenges given our location ,” says Nelson Whalers club president Alethea Stove.

Just getting to New Plymouth in time for the nine day event was worthy of another medal.

“Our ferry crossing was cancelled on the eve of the games so we required quick coordination and calls for assistance. It was challenging,” reveals Alethea.

“That experience showed the obstacles southern teams face when they compete in northern competitions. You have to choose between costly air travel or increasingly unreliable boat trips.”

Despite that, the Nelson Whalers is thriving with 95 players at its Tāhunanui base and a really vocal support group.

“The games were live streamed on YouTube and the cheers from our fans back in Nelson could be heard in the New Plymouth arena,” proudly declares Alethea.