A Warriewood resident will be formally recognised for more than three decades of voluntary service to community-level ice hockey in New South Wales.
Recognition for Ice Hockey Leadership from Warriewood
Warriewood’s Mark Stephenson is set to be honoured by Sport NSW for his extended service to ice hockey at the 2025 Community Sports Awards.
Decades of Voluntary Commitment
Mr Stephenson has been involved in the sport for over 30 years as a coach and administrator. He currently serves as the State Coaching Director for Ice Hockey NSW, a role he has held for two decades. His contributions span across various national and local teams, including the Sydney Ice Dogs and Sydney Sirens.
He has volunteered as a coach for several state and club teams, often travelling interstate to provide mentoring and support to other organisations. His past roles include assistant coach positions with the Australian men’s national team and under-20s, as well as team manager for the Australian under-18 women’s side.
Career Foundations and Family Involvement
Born in Melbourne in 1961, Mr Stephenson began playing ice hockey in the 1970s through junior competitions in Sydney. He later represented New South Wales and was part of the 1984 Goodall Cup-winning team, playing alongside notable international recruits during a peak period for the sport.
He coached in the Australian Ice Hockey League with the Central Coast Rhinos from 2005 to 2006 and the Sydney Ice Dogs from 2007 to 2010, later returning as assistant coach in 2017 and 2018. In the Australian Women’s Ice Hockey League, he led the Sydney Sirens during four seasons including 2009, 2012, 2013, and 2014.
His family has been heavily involved in the sport. His wife, Vicki, held leadership roles across national teams, and their three sons—Todd, Scott, and Alec—played in the national league and were part of the Sydney Ice Dogs’ 2013 Goodall Cup-winning side.
Collaroy Tennis Club Among Finalists
Collaroy Tennis Club has been named a finalist in the Multicultural NSW Inclusion Achievement of the Year category, with Tennis Australia designating it as an Inclusion Development Hub and involving the club in a gender equity pilot initiative.
The club has hosted several Pride events to promote inclusion for LGBTQIA+ participants and was represented at a national diversity forum during the 2024 Australian Open.
Contribution to Statewide Sport
According to Sport NSW, the Honour recipients and the award finalists exemplify the dedication and diversity that sustain grassroots sport across the state. Volunteers carry out most of the work recognised at these awards.
Among 19 individuals being recognised, Mr Stephenson will be presented with the Distinguished Long Service Honour during the 2025 NSW Community Sports Awards at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta.
Published 20-June-2025
