2026 CCM NATIONAL WOMEN’S ICE HOCKEY TOURNAMENT

We're excited to announce that team submissions are now open for the 2026 CCM National Women's Tournament, Australia’s largest women’s ice hockey tournament, returning to iceHQ this November!

With some exciting upgrades and new initiatives planned for 2026, we're looking forward to delivering an even bigger tournament experience this year. Following the success of last year's Rookie Division, we're also pleased to confirm that it will return in 2026, continuing to provide a tournament experience for newer and developing players. 

Tournament Details

  • 19th -22nd November 2026.

  • Games may be scheduled between 6:00am and 10:30pm on any tournament day.

  • Location: iceHQ -  1 Blake St Reservoir, Victoria 3073

Following the finals on Sunday, iceHQ will host an official tournament afterparty, including the presentation of tournament awards and an opportunity for players and teams to celebrate another great weekend of women's hockey.

Tier 2 Division
For higher-level players who are not currently on an AWIHL team.

AWIHL eligibility requirements have changed for 2026. Please see below for full eligibility details.

Submit your team here:
2026 CCM National Women's Tournament - Tier 2 Team Submission

Rookie Division
For newer or developing players who aren’t yet at the Tier 2 level. Players in this division should have 0-3 years experience or equivalent skill from inline hockey or ice hockey. For iceHQ players, this division is suitable for those playing in Divisions 8–10.

Please see below for full eligibility details.

Submit your team here:
2026 CCM National Women's Tournament - Rookie Team Submission

Both divisions are open to female-identifying players aged 14 and over. Players cannot play in two teams or two divisions.

Team Fees
The schedule and fees are impacted by the number of participating teams. For six guaranteed games, the maximum expected cost is $3,180 per team.

The Rookie Division may be scheduled fewer games than the Tier 2 Division depending on team numbers and ice time available. If this happens team fees will be adjusted accordingly. The final tournament format and fees for each division will be communicated once team numbers and Expressions of Interest have been reviewed.

A $500 deposit will be due within one month of team confirmation, with the remaining balance payable by 19 October 2026.

Melbourne-Based Teams:

As an annual event, the CCM National Women's Tournament provides a unique opportunity for players to come together in teams that may not normally compete together during the regular season.

For Melbourne-based entries, we would like to see tournament team submissions. We believe this helps preserve the unique spirit and excitement of the tournament by giving players the opportunity to play alongside and against different teams than they would during a regular season.

Forming new teams, creating new identities, and bringing together players from different hockey communities is a big part of what makes the CCM National Women's Tournament so special. If you're interested in entering a team, we encourage you to get creative with your roster and consider forming a new tournament team. Some of the most memorable teams and experiences from previous tournaments have come from players joining together under a new banner for the weekend.

Please note that if additional ice time is required to accommodate team numbers, Melbourne-based teams may be scheduled to play on the evening of Wednesday 18th November. 

Please Note:

  • Due to limited ice time, we may not be able to offer every team a place in the tournament.

  • All teams must read and agree to division eligibility requirements. Players may be reassigned or removed to ensure competitive balance.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss which division may be the best fit for your team, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Individuals Looking to Join a Team:

The tournament only accepts team entries, and each team is responsible for organising its own roster.

For players who are interested in participating but do not currently have a team, you can fill out an Individual Player EOI form.

This form allows players to provide information that can be shared with team managers who may be looking to add players to their roster. EOI responses will be made available to confirmed teams.

While placement on a team cannot be guaranteed, the EOI provides an opportunity for players to connect with teams seeking additional players.

WATCH LAST YEAR'S TOURNAMENT

2026 Tournament Eligibility

Tier 2 Division

AWIHL Players

  • Players currently rostered in the Australian Women’s Ice Hockey League (AWIHL) are not eligible.

    Definition: For the purposes of this tournament, AWIHL players are defined as players who are listed on the playing roster for an AWIHL team.

AWIHL Development / Training Squad Players

  • Players listed as development/training squad members for an AWIHL team are eligible. Teams must provide proof that the player is not on the regular season player roster.

  • If an eligible development/training squad player is called up to play AWIHL in the weeks leading up to the CCM National Women’s Tournament, they will remain eligible to play in the tournament.

    Definition: AWIHL development/training squad players are defined as players who are currently listed on the development/training squad roster of an AWIHL team and not on the playing roster.

Ex AWIHL Players

  • Players with 40+ AWIHL games* are not eligible to play CCM National Women’s Tournament until they have been out of the AWIHL for 2+ years.
    AWIHL Games*- Elite prospects will be used as a reference for all AWIHL player history.

Additional Information

  • If you’re familiar with iceHQ, this division is suitable for players in Rec League Division 7 and above, or with equivalent skill/experience from other leagues or divisions.

  • Players who have represented a state in ice hockey or inline hockey must play in Tier 2 and are not eligible for the Rookie Division.

  • Open to female-identifying players aged 14 and over.

  • Players cannot play in two teams or divisions.

  • To view the level of Tier 2 from 2025 please visit: https://www.youtube.com/live/B15E-kS0frM?si=mXQO1b0hnDnUUXwW

Team managers are responsible for ensuring that their players meet these eligibility requirements.

Rookie Division

  • Aimed at newer or developing players who aren’t yet at the Tier 2 level.

  • Players in the Rookie Division are generally expected to have 0–3 years of experience in ice hockey or inline hockey, or equivalent skill level.

Years of experience are provided as a guide only. Player placement must be based on current playing ability rather than experience alone.

Team managers are responsible for ensuring their players are of a comparable standard to the example game footage provided below. This applies regardless of playing experience or background.

  • If you’re familiar with iceHQ, this may include players from Division 8 or below.

  • If there is any uncertainty around a player’s suitability for this division, we expect team managers to contact nwt@icehq.com.au with relevant player experience and, where possible, provide footage.

  • The tournament reserves the right to move or remove players who are deemed too skilled for this division in order to maintain fairness and competitive balance. Team rosters will be reviewed prior to the tournament, and player participation may be monitored throughout. 

  • Players who have represented a state in ice hockey or inline hockey are not eligible for the Rookie Division and must play in Tier 2.

  • Open to female-identifying players aged 14 and over.

  • Players cannot play in two teams or divisions.

  • To view the level of Rookie division from 2025 please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_V9kAzFB-M&t=321s