premier ice hockey league

The Premier Ice Hockey League fills the second level of ice hockey in New Zealand. Each club has its own league that it operates in alignment with national objectives and guidance set by Ice Hockey New Zealand.

In May each year, the top team from each region comes together to crown a National Champion in a weekend long tournament where passion, skill, and camaraderie come to the forefront.

The atmosphere is intense, the stakes are high, and regional pride is on full display as the country’s best teams face off for national glory.

The PIHL Vision

The Premier Ice Hockey League is designed for players who are ready for more high-level ice time than they currently receive, while still developing toward or sustaining top-tier performance.

This includes emerging players who are on the edge of full-time NZIHL or NZWIHL selection and need consistent minutes against strong opposition to accelerate their development. Rather than sitting outside a game-day roster or playing limited shifts, these players get the chance to play real roles, make decisions under pressure, and grow in a competitive environment that reflects the demands of national-level hockey.

The league also caters to current and former NZIHL and NZWIHL players who want to stay sharp, fit, and connected to high-performance hockey, outside of participation in their national leagues alone. For these athletes, the PIHL provides structured, meaningful competition that maintains standards, skills, and habits, without stepping away from the club game or development pathway.