With the Australian Women’s Ice Hockey League (AWIHL) regular season now complete, it has arguably been the most competitive and talented season since the competition began.

Amongst all the import signings and veteran performances across each weekend, the AWIHL is filled with young rising stars.

Hockey Hype Australia looks back at each team and selects one player who they think will play important roles for the team’s future success.

Adelaide Rush – Grace Kalambokas

With Adelaide, a squad that is blessed with young talent, it’s difficult to pick just one player, however, Kalambokas is the defender on the rise.

The U18 Australian international continued to go from strength to strength throughout the 2023/24 AWIHL season. A steady influence on the blueline with great positioning, Kalambokas has been an important piece for Joey MacDougall and the Rush.

Paired up with Kirsty Venus – one of the best blueliners in the AWIHL, Kalambokas’ stay at home style allows Venus to push forward and jump up into the rush.

At 15-years-old, Kalambokas looks to be a star of the future for both the Rush and Australian national teams.

Brisbane Lightning – Georgia Watts

Watts is a young forward with a massive future in the game and has had a career season in the AWIHL, putting up 11 points (seven goals, four assists) throughout the regular season. That total includes a highlight reel goal on the backhand against the Melbourne Ice early in the season.

At 15-years-old and already representing Australia at the U18 level, Watts continues to impress with every shift out on the ice. With strong shooting skills and smart skating, Watts is a player that can make something from nothing by scoring from limited opportunities.

As the Lightning continue to build their roster, Watts will play a major role in the direction of the organisation to become a key player in club success.

Melbourne Ice – Amelia Grigaliunas

Grigaliunas is someone that you notice on the ice with every shift she plays – strong defensively and a good back-checker – doing a lot of the hard work to free up the top scoring lines.

A versatile player Grigaliunas has represented Australia three times at U18 level, and at 17-years-old has built a strong early resume with plenty of experience despite her youth.

With 14 appearances in 2023/24 – the most she has played, Grigaliunas looks to be finding her feet at AWIHL level and will be someone the Ice are keen to take the next step once the roster remolds after veteran players filter out.

Perth Inferno – Zoey Webb

When I think about rising stars of the AWIHL, Webb automatically comes to mind, the Inferno defender has been a standout on the blueline for the Gower Memorial Shield winners.

The 16-year-old has patience beyond her years, a brilliant skater and terrific with her body along the boards, never being out of a contest. Paired alongside Georgia McLellan, the Inferno have both offensive firepower and a steady defensive defender in Webb.

Playing all 16 games this season in the AWIHL, Webb is clearly highly regarded by the Perth club and is a star of the future in Australian hockey.

Sydney Sirens – Lily Roberts

Roberts is one of the most exciting players in the AWIHL, the Sirens defender can do it on both sides of the puck. Strong defensively and a brilliant offensive defender, highlight by the nine-point (four goals, five assists) season for the Sirens from 14 games played.

Already representing the Australian U18 team, Roberts’ 2023/24 season has seen her gain selection for the Australian senior women’s team for the first time. An amazing accomplishment for someone only 16-years-old.

As the Sirens continue to rebuild their roster Roberts will play a significant role in the direction of the Sydney club, becoming a key pillar on a blueline that is already looking very positive.