South African Ice Hockey beat Bosnia & Herzegovina in Cape Town, with Ryan Boyd delivering an MVP performance in front of a packed crowd.
Cape Town, South Africa (21 April 2026) – South Africa’s national ice hockey team delivered a moment to remember on home ice, securing a strong win over Bosnia & Herzegovina in front of an energetic Cape Town crowd during the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Division IIIA.
With the tournament taking place at GrandWest Ice Station, the Rhinos have been backed by passionate local support, and it showed as they put in a composed and clinical performance in one of the key fixtures of the campaign.
In what the South African Ice Hockey Federation described as a performance “for South Africa”, the team rose to the occasion, feeding off the atmosphere and delivering when it mattered most.
Goals from Duvan van der Merwe, Stefan Kluyts, Daanyal Kamish and Alex Obery powered the hosts to victory, with each contribution reflecting a collective team effort on the ice.
However, it was Ryan Boyd who stood out on the night, earning MVP honours after an outstanding display between the posts. Boyd finished with an impressive 93.5% save rate, playing a crucial role in keeping the opposition at bay and anchoring South Africa’s performance.
He reflected on his journey.
“I’ve been playing for the Senior Men’s National Team since 2019, and these past years have been an absolute honour and a blessing.”
Looking ahead he added.
“My focus for the 2026 World Championships is to stay present and back the boys as much as I can. Every contribution from the team gives us a chance to succeed, and I want to do my part in that.”
The Edenvale-born shot-stopper also spoke about the role of inspiration and preparation.
“Mental preparation is a big part of my game. It starts hours before puck drop with a nap, some meditation, and spending time with the boys. That helps me get into the right headspace to perform at my best.”
The result adds to a growing sense of momentum for the Rhinos. With the tournament now concluded, the Rhinos’ campaign on home ice will be remembered not only for moments like this, but also for the energy of the Cape Town crowd and the continued growth of ice hockey in South Africa.
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