AIHL hockey returns to Sydney as Macquarie re-opens

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AIHL hockey will officially return to Sydney in 2026, as the Macquarie Ice Rink re-opens to the public on Saturday, 10^th December.

The facility had been shut for most of 2025 as it underwent extensive renovations and upgrades. It’s closure severely impacted NSW’s already highly strained ice sports infrastructure, as the rink was overhauled from top to bottom. Canterbury is also still closed as it also undergoes a much-needed modernisation project.

"The Ice Dogs community (players, fans and sponsors) are extremely excited to return to Macquarie Ice Rink, "Sydney's Home of Ice Sports!" The new arena rivals those used in the hockey-crazed Northern Hemisphere," Ice Dogs' Governor Dan Hogan said.

"The Dogs greatly appreciate the investment in time & money, hard work and foresight of Macquarie management, Board of Directors and especially the Executive General Manager & Engineer Renzo Antonio Munster whose efforts and dedication to excellence has made this venue possible. Finally, I'd encourage all Ice Dogs fans to come to the Grand Opening wearing their Ice Dogs jerseys, jumpers and other gear."

“Reopening Macquarie Ice Rink is a huge moment for hockey in Sydney. Renzo and the entire rink team have put in an extraordinary amount of work to transform the facility into a truly state of the art home for the sport and the results speak for themselves," Bears' Governor Bianca Musico said.

"This rink has been the heart of our hockey community since 1982 and it's set up now for the next era of Bears hockey. On Saturday, fans can celebrate with Bears Captain Ryan Annesley and other players, reconnect with the club and lock in their 2026 membership as we look ahead to an exciting season on the ice.”

“There’s no better way to start the new season than on a Friday night with the Bears and Dogs at Macquarie,” AIHL Media Manager Stephen White said.

“We’re already looking forward to a full house and all the action live and exclusive on AIHL TV.”

The new-look Macquarie boasts many new features including new chillers, pipes, lighting upgrades, changeroom updates, seating capacity expansion and brand-new boards and glass. Macquarie was first opened in 1982 and is one of the oldest ice rinks still in use in Australia.

Both the Sydney Bears and Sydney Ice Dogs were forced to sit out the 2025 AIHL season due to the venue closure, with other rinks and alternatives unable to accommodate the two Sydney teams.

As the Bears and Ice Dogs rejoin the chase for the Goodall Cup, the league will return to a 10-team, 30-game season format. The two Sydney teams will meet each other four times in 2026, as part of their 15 home games at Macquarie each.

The 2026 AIHL season fittingly kicks off with the first Battle of Sydney in two years, as the Ice Dogs and Bears do battle on Friday, 17^th April 2026.

Season memberships for both the Ice Dogs and Bears are already on sale, with single game tickets to go on sale at a later date.