Western Province Ice Hockey (WPIHA), a member of the Cape Town District Sport Council, is preparing to host a major international event as the home of ice hockey in the Western Cape. Based at The Ice Station at Grand West Casino, the federation governs the sport across all levels in the province, from junior development to masters leagues. As part of its commitment to the local sporting community, the association continues to provide a professional environment for the fastest team sport on earth.
The federation is currently focusing its efforts on the 2026 IIHF Women’s U18 World Championship (Division 2B), which will be held at GrandWest from January 26 to February 1, 2026. This tournament brings together international teams from Iceland, Belgium, Romania, Mexico, and Chinese Taipei to compete on Cape Town ice. South Africa’s national team, which features a strong core of Western Province talent, will play in the feature 20:00 slot every evening, with the exception of the tournament rest days on Wednesday and Saturday. Entry for all spectators is free, encouraging the local community to support the junior national team.
Performance and participation remain at the heart of WPIHA’s activities. The federation manages a structured league system including U12, U16, U20, Premier, and Masters divisions. The “Learn to Play” (LTP) program continues to be a cornerstone of their development strategy, held every Sunday morning to guide new players through the fundamentals of skating and game sense. This grassroots focus has led to a significant increase in membership, with the Masters league alone growing to over 50 active players in recent years.
The success of the federation’s high-performance pathway is reflected in the achievements of its individual athletes. National team goalie Lisa Kanya, who transitioned from figure skating to ice hockey seven years ago, represents the versatile talent within the province. Coaching leadership is provided by figures such as Nadine Sheffield, a former player now serving as a national coach. These leaders oversee a program that has seen Western Province athletes help set 21 new South African records and contribute significantly to the national team’s international standing.
WPIHA’s role within the Cape Town District Sport Council ensures that ice hockey remains an integrated and recognized part of the Western Cape’s sporting landscape. By hosting world-class events and maintaining accessible development programs, the federation continues to promote growth and excellence for all ice hockey enthusiasts in the region.
U18 Ice Hockey World Cup Preview
This video provides an inside look at the preparations and the national team athletes participating in the upcoming world championship in Cape Town.
