South Africa’s women’s ice hockey side showed resilience throughout the tournament, ending their campaign with a strong performance and a well-deserved place on the podium.
Tallinn, Estonia (11 March 2026) – The South African Women’s Ice Hockey Team, affectionately known as the Rhinos will return home with a well-deserved bronze medal, showing true teamwork on the international stage.
From the first whistle to the final buzzer, the Rhinos brought energy and focus to every match, culminating in a standout 3-0 win over Israel. The team fired 36 shots on goal, with Inge Albertyn netting a brace and Michayla Venter adding another, while Soné Geldenhuys stood tall in goal, stopping 20 of 21 attempts for an incredible 95.2% save rate. MVP honours went to Veronica Lechtanski for yet another stellar performance.
Head Coach Jean-Michel praised the squad and reflected on the game.
“That is one of the most fun games that I’ve been on the beach for. There’s only one other one that stands out in my memory, and it was many years ago with the under-18s. And that was really, really, really fun.”
The Rhinos came out firing in their decisive games, showcasing impressive attacking play and solid defence. In their final match, South Africa dominated the ice.
“I thought we were just so solid, period one, period two, period three. Wow… And two wins for the week is amazing.”
The bronze medal marks a significant milestone for the team, highlighting their growth on the international stage.
Adding to the celebration, Kelly Jamieson officially joined the 50 Caps Club, an elite group of players who have proudly represented South Africa at every World Championship over the years. Kelly, who plays her club hockey for the Chelmsford Cobras in the WNIHL 1, is a shining example of dedication and commitment.
The Rhinos’ bronze medal celebrates teamwork and the growing strength of South African women’s ice hockey.
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