Southern River Hockey Club 20th Anniversary Season Update
As we move into our 20th year, there are a number of significant initiatives underway that will shape the future of Southern River Hockey Club. While much of this work has been happening behind the scenes to meet key deadlines, it is important that all members are kept informed on where the club is heading.

Uniforms and Rebrand
For the 2026 season, the club will launch a completely new playing kit for all members, along with a new top side kit.

As part of our commitment to becoming more professional within the hockey landscape, we have transitioned from Dynamic to a new partnership with Republic of Hockey. Dynamic has been outstanding for our club over many years and we sincerely thank them for their support. However, this change reflects the direction we are taking as a growing and ambitious club.

By partnering with Republic of Hockey, the club receives the following:

1. Gryphon hockey specific apparel designed specifically for the sport.
2. An online pre order portal where Republic of Hockey manages the sale of
   premium items, removing financial burden from the club.
3. Club sponsorship, with a set annual allocation to spend in store on
   equipment.
4. Player sponsorship opportunities for nominated top side players.
5. Member discounts at Republic of Hockey retail stores.

In an effort to increase the value and prestige of our club designs, the previous top team design has been handed down to members, while our top sides will now wear a new, professional and refined design that highlights our club colours, logo and sponsors. This will be formally unveiled at Open Day during shirt presentations.

For 2026 only, all apparel will feature our 20th Anniversary logo. This commemorative branding will be removed for the 2027 season, making this year’s range unique to our milestone celebration.

Alternative Uniform and Masters
In 2026 we will also introduce an alternative strip. This is not an away strip. It will only be used in the event of a uniform clash. This requirement is enforced by Hockey WA and not by the club. Teams that wear the incorrect uniform will be fined, and those fines will be passed on to the relevant team.

We understand that our Masters teams have traditionally worn the white uniform as their playing shirt and that the men have used the Silver Hawks shirt. These uniforms were never formally approved by Hockey WA and will not be permitted moving forward.

From 2026 onward, all teams will wear the same approved club uniform, with the exception of our designated top team kits. This ensures we present as one united club, showing pride in our colours and identity.

We acknowledge that this represents a significant purchase year for members. Hockey WA has granted the club a transition period through to the 2027 season for all players to be in the new shirts. However, the alternative socks are mandatory for the 2026 season.

2026 Apparel Release
Pre orders are expected to open late February to early March through Republic of Hockey.

The following apparel will be available:

1. Training apparel
   A full line of custom designed training shirts including unisex short sleeve and long
   sleeve options, as well as female singlets. These will be customisable with player
   names on the back.
2. Beanies and scarves
   New vibrant designs that clearly represent the Hawks identity while improving on
   quality and durability compared to previous versions.
3. Rugby jumper
   A high quality club rugby jumper designed specifically for SRHC members. Due to
   production costs, there will be one, possibly two, pre order windows per year.
4. Padded jackets
   Premium padded jackets in our club blue rather than black. These will also be
   limited to one or two pre order windows per year. Members will be able to customise
   their jacket with initials positioned under the 20th Anniversary logo.

Club Colours and Logo Modernisation
Our club logo has been modernised for 2026. While the core design remains true to our identity, it has been refined to reflect a contemporary and professional standard. We have also formalised our brand assets into an official brand file that includes approved club
colours, logo variations and fonts. This ensures brand consistency moving forward and provides future committees with clear guidance to maintain a strong and unified identity.

Live Streaming and Facility Modernisation
Modernising the club extends beyond uniforms and branding. Last year, discussions began with Sportsway regarding the installation of an AI live streaming camera system. These cameras integrate directly with LiveHockey, enabling games to be streamed live from participating
venues.

With the support of Sportsway, we are aiming to have the camera installed prior to the start of the season, meaning all matches played on our turf will be live streamed. 

This initiative would not have been possible without the support of key contributors:

• WA Sparkies, who upgraded our lines and modem connection to enable NBN access, which was
  critical for the camera system.
• Vaughan and Zac from Toro Engineering, who prepared drawings for the mast structure required
  for installation.
• Rawfab, who are currently reviewing fabrication of the mast post.
• The sponsors who have contributed to covering installation costs.
• Sponsorship Growth and Top Team Investment

This has been the strongest year in club history for securing sponsorship. The impact of this growth is significant.

We now have three shirt sponsors supporting the top men’s program and one supporting the women’s program. This means our top team programs are substantially funded by sponsors rather than being fully reliant on club funds. This directly benefits the broader membership by reducing financial strain on general club operations while elevating our high performance programs.

Looking Ahead
There is much more planned for our 20th anniversary year. The initiatives outlined above represent the key priorities before the season begins and reflect the direction we are taking as a club.

Thank you to all members, volunteers and sponsors who continue to support the growth of Southern River Hockey Club.