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“Varsity is an incredible opportunity to showcase our sport and embrace the fierce university rivalry that defines our society. Even though this is only our third official Varsity, we’ve already made a huge impact. In 2024, Leeds Ice Hockey Varsity drew the second-largest crowd after rugby, and we’re expecting an even bigger turnout this year! For students who haven’t been involved in the society yet, Varsity is the perfect chance to witness high-level university ice hockey in an electrifying and fast-paced atmosphere.”

“The experience is unreal. Last year, each player had their own walkout song booming through the arena as they skated out, with team colours lighting up the ice. Stepping onto the rink in front of the season’s biggest crowd gave everyone an adrenaline rush like no other. The energy from the stands makes it an unforgettable moment for every player.”

“Our club is built on inclusivity, welcoming students from any university in Leeds and catering to all skill levels across five teams, including our women’s team. At our give-it-a-go sessions, most attendees had never worn hockey skates before—yet the demand this year was so high that we even formed a new D team!

Since ice hockey isn’t a common sport in the UK, everyone starts at a different level, and we naturally support each other’s growth. Our head coach, Nikita, and president, Karim, both fellow students, have played a huge role in developing players’ confidence by offering coaching from a player’s perspective.”

“Balancing sport and academics is easier in the first couple of years, but the excitement of league games keeps us going. Our training and matches are the highlights of our week, not just for skill development but also for socialising and unwinding. This season, we’ve travelled to northern cities like Nottingham and Sheffield, and our A team even played in St Andrews. The late-night training sessions make balancing responsibilities easier, and Nationals in April is one of the biggest events we train for—though by the end of the weekend, most of us are running on barely any sleep! But it’s not all about competition; I also organise social events like Mischief and quiz nights, through my role as Social Sec, to add to the experience.”

“University sports aren’t just about fitness—they create a strong sense of community. Many of us met our closest friends through the team, forming connections that have lasted throughout our university years. Ice hockey has helped us develop discipline by balancing training, matches, and academics, while the competitive nature of the sport pushes us to improve individually and as a team. Beyond the game, committee roles like Secretary and Treasurer offer leadership experience, and working with other sports and union societies has helped us meet like-minded people across campus.”

This article has been edited for clarity before being published.