Underwater Hockey

Tuesday, 28th March 2023 at 11:20am

Staff Sporting Success

Did you know that Year 13 Dean, Gabbie Perry, not only teaches sports, but plays sports at an elite level too?

Earlier this month, we proudly shared our talented teacher's news of her successful selection for the elite women's New Zealand Interzone Underwater Hockey Championships. The Interzone Championships is New Zealand’s most prestigious underwater hockey tournament, made up of the country’s top players to compete for their home region: Northern, Central, Southern.

We are pleased to report that Gabbie was part of the winning team - with Northern A taking out Central A 1-0 in the grand finals, held last weekend!

Gabbie, who plays on the defence line as goalie, and wing, was first introduced to the extreme sport at the age of 15 while in high school. Her passion for the game keeps her in good physical fitness - perfect attributes for teaching Physical Education and keeping up with the Year 13 students in her cohort.

So...what is underwater hockey? Underwater hockey combines speed, skill, teamwork - and the ability to hold your breath for a very long time. Combining the disciplines of ice hockey and swimming to create a competitive and fast paced team watersport. Underwater Hockey was invented in the 1950s by the British Navy as a way of keeping divers in shape while improving fitness and efficiency under water. It has continued to become a popular and growing sport worldwide.