Ice hockey is not seen as one of the more prominent sports in South Africa, but the female athletes who play it are among some of the most dedicated sportswomen in the country, and one such player is Dalene Rhode, who has been part of the sport for over a decade.
Rhode has been the assistant captain of the women’s ice hockey team at national level, represented South Africa at international tournaments, and also had the opportunity to play in Italy. But where did the ice hockey journey start for her?
“My mom took me to public skating sessions when I was little, and that’s where someone approached us about trying ice hockey. I first began on the ice as both a figure skater and hockey player, when I was about five.”
“Figure skating played a huge role in shaping my skating technique, which I still benefit from today. What started as fun public sessions quickly turned into a lifelong passion.”
The centre forward is South Africa’s all-time top goal scorer with 40 goals, and counts having been part of the team that won a gold medal win at the IIHF Ice Hockey Women’s World Championship Division III in 2019 as a point of pride. Rhode says that having had the chance to lead the team was a real honour, and that it taught her so much.
“Our current captain is Donne van Doesburg, and both Dominique Botha and I have had the privilege of serving as assistant captains alongside her. During the time Donne was pregnant, I had the honour of stepping in as captain for one season, which was an incredible experience and learning opportunity.”
“Both Donne and Dominique have given birth to beautiful children in the past year. Donne returned to the team this season, and Dominique recently came back after welcoming her son a few months ago. It’s been truly inspiring to see both of them balance motherhood and their love for the game.”
“Together, we’ve built a leadership group that focuses on teamwork, empathy, and consistency. We support each other on and off the ice, and that’s what makes our bond so strong.”
Rhode has been part of the national team since 2011, and as she explains, she has had the privilege of learning from so many different coaches and senior players. “Their guidance shaped the kind of person and player I am today,” she says.
“I also had the opportunity to spend a season abroad playing semi-professional hockey, for the Bolzano Eagles in Italy, which was an incredibly humbling experience.”
“Being exposed to that level of competition and professionalism definitely contributed to my hockey development and how I view the game. Now, to be one of the senior players myself, feels surreal, and it comes with a deep sense of responsibility.”
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“There’s a deep passion behind every effort, and it’s not about ego, but about knowing what we’re capable of together as a team. Over the last few years, we’ve all gone through so much together, rebuilding, learning, and fighting for our spots on the national team,” says Rhode.
“That’s taught me that leadership isn’t about control, it’s about helping others see their own potential.”
“Sometimes passion can come across as being hard or intense, but it really comes from wanting the best for my teammates and for us as a country. I have learned that true leadership means turning that drive into encouragement, helping the team see challenges as motivation rather than criticism. That’s something I’m still learning to communicate better.”
The Cape Town Queens player says her teammates have influenced her leadership in many ways, with the lessons they have taught her.
“They have taught me that leadership isn’t one-way; it’s a constant exchange. Every teammate has taught me something valuable, whether it’s patience, resilience, or the importance of perspective. They remind me that progress takes time and that positivity and trust are powerful tools; our bond is what keeps us strong.”
For inspiration in the game, Rhode looks up to a few American hockey players as female role models in the sport.
“I have always admired Hilary Knight and Kelly Stack; they’ve inspired me for years. Hilary Knight especially stands out for her strength, professionalism, and passion for growing women’s hockey globally. I relate to her intensity, that mix of competitiveness and care for the team. Watching how she channels her energy into leadership has influenced how I try to approach mine.”
Ice hockey might be considered a lesser-known code in South Africa, but Rhode had shared how the sport is growing in prominence, most notably at the grassroots level.
“There is still a lot of growth that needs to happen, but it’s been so encouraging to see how far we have come, especially since moving back to Cape Town. The development here has been amazing! Seeing more females at the Learn to Play (LTP) sessions is truly heart-warming. It reminds us that even small progress matters and that every new player is part of something bigger.”
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She observed that South Africa doesn’t have as many female players as their American and European counterparts, but feels there is some growth in this aspect. Rhode says it’s important to build an inclusive environment to encourage women to take up the sport.
“One of our goals now is not just to attract more women into the sport, but to help them stay. We want to build a lasting, supportive environment where players can grow.
“If you look at how women’s rugby and cricket have grown in South Africa,” she continues, “It’s inspiring these sports have proven what’s possible with the right investment and visibility. I truly believe we can achieve that same success for women’s ice hockey, too.”
“Visibility and accessibility are key. We need more school and community programmes, ‘Come and Try’ sessions, and platforms to share the stories of women in hockey. The more people see it, the more they’ll realise it’s a sport that welcomes everyone, no matter your background or starting point,” she added.
Rhode shared that her biggest career dream is to build on the progress that has been made in recent years, and continue contributing in a positive way to her team.
“Before Covid hit, in 2019, we were promoted to Division II Group B, one of the best performances our Federation has ever had in women’s hockey. That moment really showed what South Africa is capable of on the international stage.
“Then Covid-19 came and changed everything. We lost a lot of good players, and it set us back. But over the last three years, I’ve seen such incredible growth in the younger players; their confidence and strength have been inspiring. After being relegated twice in two years, we had to regroup and rebuild.”
“When we had our Interprovincial Tournament in August, Gauteng vs Western Province, it was so encouraging to see how much young talent is coming through. The hard work from coaches and players is really paying off. My biggest goal now is simply for our team to thrive and show what South Africa can achieve. Whether it’s through playing, mentoring, or officiating, I want to give back and help strengthen the next generation.”
The next big assignment for the South Women’s Ice Hockey team is the 2026 IIHF Women’s World Championship Division IIIB, which takes place in February next year in Estonia. South Africa’s opponents will include taking on the hosts, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Singapore, the Philippines, and Israel.
Main Photo Caption: From five-year-old figure skater to a history-making centre forward, South Africa’s all-time Ice Hockey top goal scorer, Dalene Rhode, reflects on a decade dedicated to the sport she loves. All Photos: Supplied
Photo 2 Caption: Rhode says that Covid-19 hit Ice Hockey hard in South Africa, but that the sports code was making admirable strides in its return to former glory.
Photo 3 Caption: Considering life’s challenges, Rhode says: “That’s taught me that leadership isn’t about control, it’s about helping others see their own potential.”
Photo 4 Caption: SA Women’s Ice Hockey is building towards the 2026 IIHF Women’s World Championship Division IIIB in Estonia, taking on the hosts, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Singapore, the Philippines and Israel.
