WNIHL 2025/26 Season Fixture Announcement

Fixture Release, League Structure, and Key Dates for English Women’s Ice Hockey

England Ice Hockey and the Women’s National Ice Hockey League (WNIHL) are delighted to unveil the complete fixture lists for all WNIHL divisions—spanning both senior and junior levels—for the highly anticipated 2025/26 season. As the leaves begin to turn this autumn, the sound of skates on ice will echo once again, marking the revival of one of the country’s most dynamic and rapidly growing sports communities. The new season officially drops the puck this weekend for a select few matches, while most of the senior and junior leagues will commence their campaigns come September. The action is set to continue through to May 2026, promising months of spirited competition, memorable rivalries, and opportunities for new heroes to emerge.

Season Structure and Divisions

The WNIHL’s structure for 2025/26 remains robust and inclusive, consisting of senior leagues and junior leagues. This comprehensive framework ensures pathways for player development from grassroots to elite levels, fostering a vibrant ecosystem for women’s and girls’ ice hockey in England (and beyond).

·         Senior Leagues: Including the premier WNIHL Elite division, WNIHL 1 North, WNIHL 1 South, WNIHL 2 North Valerie, WNIHL 2 North Elizabeth, WNIHL 2 South Valerie, and WNIHL 2 South Elizabeth.

·         Junior Leagues: U16 North and U16 South, nurturing the next generation of talent.

This season also welcomes several promoted teams and league newcomers, enhancing the competitive diversity and raising expectations for a thrilling campaign.

Key Dates and Season Timeline

The 2025/26 WNIHL season is set to stretch from late August and early September through to the climactic finals in May 2026. The initial fixtures feature a blend of traditional rivalries, debut showings, and intriguing matchups across all divisions.

·         Opening Weekend: Some teams begin as early as August 30, with the majority hitting the ice from September 6 onward.

·         Main Season Window: September 2025 – May 2026, with fixtures scheduled most weekends.

·         WNIHL Finals Weekend: Dates and venue details to be confirmed and released shortly.

·         Frank Wright Conference: Further information on this prestigious event will follow in due course.

Early Fixtures: Highlights from Every Division

As anticipation builds, several fixtures stand out for their historical context, league debuts, or the promise of closely contested encounters. Here is a selection of the most notable early-season matches:

WNIHL Elite Division

·         Bristol Huskies, newly promoted to the top flight, face a baptism of fire as they travel to Streatham Storm on September 7, 2025.

·         Queen Bees, reigning playoff champions, open their campaign on September 13 against Streatham.

·         Solihull Vixens, defending league champions, finally take to the ice on September 27—once again facing Streatham, who will be well prepared by this point for top-level opposition.

Other key fixtures in the Elite calendar include Guildford vs Whitley (September 13), Queen Bees vs Bristol (September 13), Streatham vs Whitley (September 20), Queen Bees vs Guildford (September 28), and Whitley vs Bristol (September 28).

WNIHL 1 North

·         Kingston Diamonds, eager to return to Elite League status, kick off at home against Caledonia Steel Queens on September 14.

·         The division’s first all-Scottish clash arrives on December 14 as Caledonia hosts Solway Sharks.

·         Other early fixtures see Widnes vs Sheffield (September 14), Caledonia vs Widnes (September 20), and Sheffield vs Nottingham (September 20).

WNIHL 1 South

·         Promoted Streatham headline opening day on September 7 against Firebees.

·         Newcomers Cambridge Kodiaks hit the ice away to Firebees (September 28), followed by a home fixture against Streatham a week later.

·         Other early matchups: MK vs Chelmsford (September 14), Swindon vs Firebees (September 14), Firebees vs MK (September 20), Chelmsford vs Streatham (September 21).

WNIHL 2 North Valerie

·         The returning Blackburn Hawks open their league programme on September 6 at home to Whitley Bay Beacons.

·         Yorkshire pride is at stake with Kingston, Sheffield, and Leeds all vying for White Rose honours throughout the season.

·         Other opening fixtures: Leeds vs Kingston (September 6), Sheffield vs Kingston (September 13), Whitley vs Leeds (September 14), Blackburn vs Leeds (September 20), Sheffield vs Telford (September 21), Telford vs Blackburn (September 27), Leeds vs Sheffield (September 27).

WNIHL 2 North Elizabeth

·         The new Manchester Storm women’s team face Caledonia’s second side in their debut on September 14.

·         Leeds Thorns, the Roses’ new second team, start a week later away to Kingston (September 21).

WNIHL 2 South Valerie

·         Oxford Midnight Stars and Chelmsford Pythons open the proceedings on September 6.

·         Haringey Greyhounds, promoted from the Elizabeth division, begin at home to Slough (September 13).

·         Other notable fixtures: Cardiff vs Chelmsford (September 13), Haringey vs Slough (September 13), Oxford vs Solent (September 13), Haringey vs Solent (September 20), Chelmsford vs Slough (September 21), Slough vs Haringey (September 27).

WNIHL 2 South Elizabeth

·         Newcomers Cambridge Kodiaks 2 start their campaign on September 13 at Invicta Dynamics.

·         MK Falcons’ new second team make their league debut on September 14 at home to Coventry Phoenix.

·         Other fixtures: Coventry vs Bristol (September 20), Lee Valley vs Invicta (September 21), Bristol vs Lee Valley (September 28).

Finals Weekend and Special Events

The finishing touches are currently being made to the WNIHL finals weekend, with details to be announced as soon as arrangements are confirmed. This climactic event promises to bring together the season’s best teams for a showcase of skill, passion, and sportsmanship. Information regarding the 2025/26 Frank Wright Conference—a landmark event in the WNIHL calendar—will also follow soon.

Fixture List and Updates

The full fixture lists for all divisions have been released. As always, fixtures are subject to change as the season progresses. All fans and travelling supporters are strongly advised to check with the respective home clubs for the latest schedule updates before planning their journeys to games.

Early Season Talking Points

·         Bristol Huskies’ Elite debut: Will the newly promoted side make a statement against experienced opposition?

·         Yorkshire Rivalries: With Leeds, Sheffield, and Kingston in the same division, local derbies are sure to be fiercely contested.

·         Continued Expansion: New teams like Manchester Storm Women and Cambridge Kodiaks 2 point to the league’s growing footprint and popularity.

Good Luck to All Teams

As the puck drops and another fantastic season of women’s ice hockey begins across England, we wish all teams, players, coaches, officials, and supporters the very best. May the 2025/26 WNIHL season be filled with skilful play, determination, and the spirit of the game grows in this remarkable league.