The South African U18 Women’s Ice Hockey team, affectionately known as the Rhinos, is set to make their mark at the 2025 IIHF U18 Women’s World Championship in Istanbul, Turkey. Competing in Division II, Group B, the Rhinos are prepared to face international competition with determination and pride.
The championship features five teams—South Africa, Iceland, Mexico, Turkey, and Belgium—all vying for top honors in Group B. With the promotion-relegation format of the tournament, the stakes are high. The top team will advance to Group A next year, while the last-placed team will face relegation to Division III Group A.
Building Momentum Through Preparation
The Rhinos recently concluded a rigorous training camp at the Forest Hill Ice Rink in Centurion, Gauteng, where they focused on sharpening their skills and building team cohesion. Under the banner of their campaign motto, “It starts with us,” the squad has worked hard to prepare for this significant international event.
Their schedule begins on January 18 against Iceland at 3:00 PM South African time, followed by matches against Mexico on January 19, host nation Turkey on January 21, and Belgium on January 22. Each game represents an opportunity to compete, gain experience, and showcase their growth as a team.
A Balanced Squad Taking the Ice
The Rhinos’ roster includes a mix of talented forwards, determined defenders, and skilled goalkeepers. Each player has earned their place on the team and will be looking to make a meaningful contribution during the tournament.
The team includes:
Forwards: Alicia Pinkhard, Cailin Vlotman, Carla Olivier, Hailey Desai, Inge Albertyn, Jade Taboton, Kiana Labuschagne, Michayla Venter, Mikayla Minnaar, Rebecca Eybers, Taegyn Potgieter, Ziya Birrell
Defenders: Alice Rossouw, Anneme Janse Van Rensburg, Jeni Rose Rodgers, Kallen Grant, Keira Retief, Karin Siebert
Goalkeepers: Hayley Chrissopoulos, Sone Geldenhuys
Aiming for Growth and Representation
The Rhinos’ participation at this level is about more than just competing—it’s an opportunity to represent South Africa on an international stage and contribute to the development of ice hockey in the country. The experience gained during the championship will be invaluable for both individual players and the team as a whole.
Fans are encouraged to support the team by following the matches, which will be live-streamed on YouTube. The Rhinos are set to face every challenge with a spirit of determination, knowing that their performance will not only reflect their hard work but also inspire future generations of players looking to take on Ice Hockey as a sport in South Africa.
Match Schedule (SA Time):
- January 18: South Africa vs. Iceland – 3:00 PM
- January 19: South Africa vs. Mexico – 3:00 PM
- January 21: South Africa vs. Turkey – 6:00 PM
- January 22: South Africa vs. Belgium – 3:00 PM
For More South African Ice Hockey News: South Africa’s Ice Hockey Teams Gear Up for Action-Packed 2025 Season
For More South African Sport News: Sport South Africa Home Page
