Hard hits and the school of hard-knocks
NGN chats to Donné Oxenham, captain of the South African ice hockey team, about their chances in Mexico for a qualifying tournament.
THE sport of ice hockey is nothing like the slapstick comedy associated with ‘The Mighty Ducks’ films or the rather scenic tale of pond hockey played on a frozen lake in ‘Mystery Alaska’. For anyone who has watched the sport, the sheer juddering physicality and unremitting style of play shows this is not for the fainthearted. One person who agrees is Durban North resident and current captain of the SA women’s ice hockey team, Donné Oxenham.
Northglen News recently caught up with the versatile 26-year-old who not only plays ice hockey for the national team but also field hockey for KZN. “It’s really hard to juggle the two,” she laughed. “But its complimented my fitness and my hand eye coordination and reflexes.”
If you’re wondering whether the women’s game devolves into an all out punch-up akin to an MMA cage fight like the men’s version, it really doesn’t said Donné. “We’re a lot more chilled, but the hard hits are still part of the game.”
The Riverside Hockey Club member was recently named captain of the national side and leaves for Mexico later this week as the team aims to move up a division. “We have a relatively young and inexperienced team but it’s something that I think could work in our favour. We do have a number of seasoned players (which includes her sister Kirsten) which is always vital. Mexico, undoubtedly will be our toughest game, but I’m confident we can reach our goal and move up a division,” she said.
Quick facts
Was one of the youngest caps for the SA hockey team, achieving it at age 15. The South African Ice Hockey Association had to get special permission to let Donné play.
Despite finishing in last position at a tournament last year in Spain, Donné still walked away with the ‘Player of the Tournament’.
Has been on the receiving end of more big hits than a Super Rugby player but still plays on, even after severe whiplash in a game last year.
Has watched ‘The Mighty Ducks’ and ‘Mystery Alaska’ but prefers ‘Miracle’. “It’s closer to what ice hockey is really like” she said.
