Australian Para Ice Hockey National Team will suit up for the 2024 World Para Ice Hockey Championships Pool C tournament.

The World Championships are set to take place in Thailand from November 25-30, 2024, at the Thailand International Ice Hockey Arena in Bangkok.

Australia will play against six teams in this years’ Pool C. Those teams include host nation Thailand and Finland who were relegated from Pool B.

The remaining three other teams to compete alongside Australia, Thailand, and Finland are yet to be announced.

In 2017 the Australian Para Ice Hockey Association was formed, with the national team debuting in 2018 at international level.

Finishing third in Pool C of the World Championships, Australia faced Finland and China in their debut tournament.

World Para Ice Hockey Championships Pool C returned in 2022 after COVID delays. Australia didn’t compete at the tournament which was also held in Bangkok, Thailand.

2024 will be the first time Australia returns to the world stage competing in Pool C once again.

“The team have a big task ahead of them, but no doubt they’re up for the challenge,” former Australian national team representative Xavier Player told Hockey Hype Australia.

“Having nationalised training camps, which we didn’t have in 2018, is going to be a huge boost for the cohesion of the squad.

“I’m really excited to see Team Australia get out on the ice. 2018 was a long time ago, and there won’t be many repeat squad members, so I’m looking forward to seeing how the next generation build on the path we were fortunate enough to start.”

Former captain Jarred Liddicoat, who sadly passed away in February 2022 at age 33, was awarded the Most Valuable Player for the overall World Para Ice Hockey World Championships Pool C in 2018.

Liddicoat left a legacy and path for former future players of the Australian para ice hockey team.

“J [Jarred] is the legacy for the sport in this country,” continued Player.

“I can’t think about 2018 without thinking about the difference he made to the team, and to each individual.

“He was professional in everything he did, he maintained the standards, he kept us accountable, he was the first to give positive feedback.

“Without him on the 2018 team, we wouldn’t be in the position we’re in today.”

According to Ice Hockey News Australia the team is expected to be picked from the 2023 development squad.

Hockey Hype Australia looks to increase our coverage of para ice hockey which can be found here.