August 4, 2026
The future of ISA Boys Hockey is looking increasingly promising after a spirited showing at the 2026 NSWCIS Hockey Trials, with a young and determined squad demonstrating significant growth, resilience and potential throughout the tournament.
Despite a smaller-than-usual player pool, the 2026 representative program proved to be an important step forward for ISA hockey. Six member schools were represented at the selection trials, including a first-ever nomination from Snowy Mountains Grammar School, highlighting the continued expansion and reach of the representative pathway.
NSWCIS Trials
The 2026 NSWCIS Hockey Trials were held at Ern Smith Reserve Sports Complex, Moorebank on 21 April, bringing together representative teams from ISA, AICES, CSSA and a North Coast Barbarians team. The event also served as the primary selection process for the NSWCIS Opens team that will compete in the annual All Schools Tri-Series later in the year.
ISA opened the day against the North Coast Barbarians, producing an energetic and free-flowing performance. Although the team created several scoring opportunities and executed its game plan effectively, it was unable to convert chances into goals and fell 3–0.
The second match against CSSA tested the squad’s depth and endurance. With only one substitute available throughout the tournament, the ISA players displayed tremendous determination and work ethic. Despite the mounting fatigue, the team remained highly competitive before eventually going down.
A final clash with eventual champions AICES provided another valuable learning opportunity. ISA started strongly and generated numerous attacking opportunities, but AICES capitalised on their chances more effectively to secure victory. While overall performances were not reflected on the scoreboard, the competitiveness, structure and commitment shown by the ISA players under difficult circumstances earned widespread praise.
NSWCIS Selection
NSWCIS Opens Team:
- Spencer C – St Stanislaus’ College
- Benjamin B – Oxley College
- Felix F – St Andrew’s Cathedral School
These selections recognise both individual excellence and the growing competitiveness of ISA hockey within the broader school sport landscape. The selected players will represent NSWCIS in the All Schools Tri-Series against Combined Catholic Colleges (CCC) and Combined High Schools (CHS).
The 2026 team demonstrated that ISA can compete strongly with larger associations and that a talented next generation of players is emerging through the pathway.
The ISA community extends its thanks to team manager Mrs. Corrine Phillips from Chevalier College, whose dedication and support contributed greatly to the positive experience for players throughout the campaign. Appreciation is also extended to the ISA office staff and school sports personnel who continue to champion representative hockey opportunities for students across the association
With valuable experience gained, emerging talent developing and three players progressing to NSWCIS honours, the foundations have been laid for an exciting 2027 season as ISA continues its pursuit of representative hockey success.
News
2026 ISA Representative – Boys Hockey
ISA Winter Season – Finals Series Week 2
